Sea Turtles can be found all over the world. Most species of sea turtles prefer tropical or subtropical waters, although there are some species that can be found in much cooler bodies of water. It is well known that sea turtles lay their eggs on beaches within their known territories. Perhaps a lesser known fact is that most mature sea turtles spend the majority of their time in shallow coastal waters, even venturing into coastal bays and inlets.

Green Sea Turtles can be found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and in the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer shallower coastal waters near continents and islands, but are occasionally seen in open ocean waters.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is found in oceans all over the world. They prefer warmer tropical and subtropical waters close to the coast. These turtles are partial to coastal bays, streams and creeks, but can be seen in open ocean waters as well.

The Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle has a much smaller habitat. They are only commonly seen in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Young Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles can be found in warmer coastal waters along the north western Atlantic Ocean.

The Leatherback Sea Turtle can be found in the largest number of areas. This species of sea turtle can be found in the typical areas such as the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They are also found in much colder bodies of water such as the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, and the Barents Sea.

There are also four other species of sea turtles. The Black Sea Turtles are found only along the west coasts of North and South America. The Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and the Hawksbill Sea Turtles are found in warm coastal tropical waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Flat-back Sea Turtles are found only in the northern coastal areas of Australia.

Although sea turtles can be found all over the world, the type you would like to see may not be in all areas. The place that you choose to look for them will dictate which sea turtle species you are most likely to discover.