Living Blue With Big Blue Diving Khao Lak
Turtle Conservation
Shell Yeah! Protecting Sea Turtles in the Andaman Sea
Join Big Blue and Andaman Turtle Watch in Thailand’s first sea turtle photo-ID citizen science project
Meet Our Shell-mates
The Andaman Sea is home to five endangered sea turtle species, yet this biodiversity hotspot remains critically understudied. That’s why Big Blue Diving Khao Lak proudly supports Andaman Turtle Watch – Thailand’s pioneering citizen science initiative using photo identification to protect sea turtles through data, education, and community action.
Together, we’re turning every dive into an opportunity for conservation. From turtle sightings to educational workshops, underwater clean-ups to research expeditions – we’re building a movement where tourism becomes a force for marine protection.
What is Andaman Turtle Watch?
Andaman Turtle Watch is a grassroots citizen science initiative dedicated to sea turtle conservation in the Andaman Sea. Using photo identification – like fingerprinting for turtles – they track individual animals to understand their movements, behaviour, and habitat use.
- First-ever sea turtle photo-ID database for the Andaman Sea
- Non-invasive research using unique facial scale patterns
- Community-powered conservation involving divers, guides, and tourists
- Critical data collection in an understudied but biodiverse region
- Collaboration with government agencies, dive centers, and local communities
Big Blue's Conservation Impact
turtle sightings submitted
0
new turtles first identified by Big Blue team
0
of top 10 observers were Big Blue staff members
0
of Surin Islands sightings came from Big Blue trips
0
%
Partnership since Andaman Turtle Watch's launch in October 2024
As Andaman Turtle Watch’s number one contributing partner, Big Blue has helped launch the region’s first long-term sea turtle monitoring project. Our experienced dive team doesn’t just spot turtles – we’re trained citizen scientists collecting valuable data that directly supports conservation research.
From documenting feeding behaviours to tracking individual movements, our contributions help fill critical knowledge gaps about sea turtle populations in Thai waters.
The Five Turtle Species of the Andaman Sea
Olive Ridley
Smaller wide-ranging species that nest on Thai beaches.
Leatherback
World’s largest sea turtle, now extremely rare in the region.
Loggerhead
Recorded as extinct in Thai waters since 192. Spotted by ATW in 2023 sighting.
How We Protect Turtles
Ethical Encounters
- Never feed, touch, or chase turtles
- Maintain respectful distance during encounters
- Follow ATW's Sea Turtle Code of Conduct
- Train all staff in responsible wildlife interactions
Citizen Science
- Photo-ID data collection on every turtle encounter
- Behavior and habitat documentation
- Contribution to regional research database
- Guest education and involvement
Habitat Protection
- Underwater cleanup participation
- Marine debris removal
- Sustainable diving practices
- Community outreach and education
Spot, Share, Save! Get the Turtle Guidelines
Follow Andaman Turtle Watch’s Code of Conduct for safe, respectful sea turtle encounters. Perfect for dive briefings and marine education.
Shell Yeah !!
Join a Turtle Conservation Trip on our Similan Liveaboard
Experience diving with purpose on our exclusive Turtle Conservation Liveaboards – developed in partnership with Andaman Turtle Watch. These aren’t your typical Similan liveaboard dive trips – they’re immersive marine conservation experiences.
What Makes These Trips Special
- Led by sea turtle specialist from Andaman Turtle Watch
- Hands-on citizen science training and data collection
- Educational workshops on turtle biology and conservation
- Research-focused dive site selection
- Contributing to real scientific database
- Post-trip impact reports for all participants
Important Note: These are field research experiences, not wildlife tourism. Turtle sightings are possible but not guaranteed – what we guarantee is meaningful conservation education and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Check-out Our 2025 - 2027 Turtle Trips
TRIP:
BB2622 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
21 February 2026
RETURNS:
25 February 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2622 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
21 February 2026
RETURNS:
25 February 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2628 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
28 March 2026
RETURNS:
1 April 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2628 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
28 March 2026
RETURNS:
1 April 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2603 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
27 October 2026
RETURNS:
31 October 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2603 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
27 October 2026
RETURNS:
31 October 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2608 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
26 November 2026
RETURNS:
30 November 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2608 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
26 November 2026
RETURNS:
30 November 2026
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2719 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
28 January 2027
RETURNS:
1 February 2027
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2719 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
28 January 2027
RETURNS:
1 February 2027
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2729 Turtle Conservation Special
ROUTE:
Similans – Surin – Richelieu Rock
DIVES:
14
DEPARTS:
29 March 2027
RETURNS:
2 April 2027
BOOK THIS TRIP
TRIP:
BB2729 Turtle Conservation Special
DEPARTS:
29 March 2027
RETURNS:
2 April 2027
BOOK THIS TRIP
Get Involved
How You Can Help
For Divers
- Submit your turtle photos to ATW database
- Follow ethical wildlife interaction guidelines
- Join our turtle conservation trips
- Share conservation messages with fellow divers
For Everyone
- Learn about sea turtle conservation threats
- Support sustainable marine tourism
- Participate in beach cleanups and marine events
- Follow Big Blue and ATW on social media
Why This Matters
The Andaman Sea’s incredible biodiversity is under threat from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable tourism. By supporting science-based conservation and choosing operators committed to marine protection, you’re helping ensure these ancient mariners continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.
When you dive with Big Blue, you’re not just exploring – you’re contributing to the future of sea turtle conservation in Southeast Asia.
Our Turtle Database
Meet the individual turtles we’ve encountered and tracked through our partnership with Andaman Turtle Watch. Each turtle in our database represents a unique story of discovery, conservation, and scientific contribution. From first sightings to ongoing monitoring, these detailed profiles showcase the real impact of citizen science in action.
Every turtle we encounter receives comprehensive documentation including identification photos, behavioural observations, location data, and ongoing sighting updates. This growing database not only helps researchers understand turtle movements and habitat use in the Andaman Sea but also creates personal connections between our diving community and these remarkable marine reptiles.
Andaman Turtle Watch continues to update and expand these profiles with each new encounter, building one of the most comprehensive turtle monitoring databases in Southeast Asia. Browse through our featured turtles below to discover their individual stories, or explore the complete database to see the full scope of our conservation efforts.
