Ciara

Ciara is a special turtle, named by Big Blue’s own Will Nesset in honour of the turtle legend herself – another Big Blue instructor, and Will’s partner! Fittingly, turtle Ciara has been sighted three times around Turtle Ledge and Ao Tao (which translates from Thai as Turtle Bay) on Koh Surin Tai, in the Surin Islands National Park.

It seems Ciara (the turtle, not the instructor!) could use a quick refresher on reef etiquette. On more than one occasion, this hawksbill has been spotted lounging right on top of coral without a care in the world. Luckily, the rest of the Big Blue team lead by example and never touch the reef – setting the standard for sustainable diving.

Even with just three sightings, we’re beginning to piece together Ciara’s story. Could she be a resident turtle of Ao Tao? With Big Blue’s ongoing commitment to reporting turtle encounters, the team will be keeping an eye out for Ciara and her friends. Every submission helps Andaman Turtle Watch learn more, share knowledge with guests, and transform sightings into real conservation action for sea turtles in the Andaman Sea.