Turtle

Sea turtles are ancient, highly migratory marine reptiles that have inhabited the global oceans for over 100 million years. Because Raja Ampat was designated an official sea turtle sanctuary, its strictly protected coral reefs, sandy beaches, and vast seagrass meadows serve as vital feeding and nesting grounds. While traveling through the Dampier Strait, you will easily encounter them gliding along deep walls or resting on the seafloor.

Common Species In the Area

• Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): The most common giant turtle seen around Kri Island. They are the only strictly vegetarian sea turtles, using their serrated jaws to graze on local seagrass beds and soft corals, which stimulates healthy new reef growth.

• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Easily identified by their narrow, hawk-like beaks and beautifully patterned, overlapping shell scutes. They prefer steep coral drop-offs where they pick at toxic reef sponges, helping to keep fast-growing sponges from suffocating delicate hard corals.

• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): The world's largest sea turtle, capable of growing over 2 meters long. While rarely seen on a standard daytime reef dive, they migrate directly through Raja Ampat to access massive, critical nesting beaches on the northern beaches of Waigeo and nearby West Papua shores.

Unique Identification & Biology

• Facial Fingerprints: Much like human fingerprints, the precise shape and arrangement of the scales (scutes) on the side of a sea turtle's head are completely unique to each individual. Researchers use these facial photo profiles to track resident turtle populations over decades without using invasive physical tags.

• No Reversing: Their specialized, wing-like flippers are flawlessly adapted for long-distance ocean cruising but lack the flexibility to swim backward. If a turtle accidentally wedges itself deep inside a narrow coral cave while sleeping, it can easily become trapped and drown.

Best Turtle Encounters Around Kri Island & Dampier Strait

• Sauwandarek Jetty: Located on Mansuar Island (just across the strait from Kri), this shallow slope is legendary for its resident population of remarkably relaxed, giant green sea turtles that comfortably tolerate divers and snorkelers.

• Kri Island House Reefs: The shallow reef flats on the south side of Kri Island (running past spots like Turtle Homestay) host hawksbills and green turtles feeding in just a few meters of water.

• Cape Kri Drop-off: As you drift past the point of Cape Kri, look along the deep sponge-covered vertical walls where hawksbill turtles can often be spotted wedged into crevices or munching on encrusting sponges