Sea Turtle Snorkelling in Port Barton: A Complete Guide to Turtle Point
Turtle Point in Port Barton, Palawan is a designated turtle-watching zone where wild green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) feed and surface to breathe year-round. Sightings are most consistent December to May when water clarity peaks at 10–15 metres. Tour Z visits Turtle Point as part of the full-day island hopping circuit (₱1,700 all-inclusive). Observation is passive only — no touching, chasing, or riding. Most Tour Z groups see at least one turtle during peak season.
Turtle Point is Port Barton's most memorable wildlife encounter. A dedicated snorkelling zone where wild green sea turtles surface and feed in clear, shallow water — often close enough to observe their individual markings without approaching. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Where Is Turtle Point?
Turtle Point is located in the waters surrounding Port Barton Bay, accessible only by bangka boat — approximately 20–30 minutes from Itaytay Beach. It is a designated wildlife watching zone visited as part of the island hopping circuit. There is no independent access by swimming from shore — a boat tour is required.
Which Species Are Found Here?
The primary species at Turtle Point is the green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas) — one of the largest sea turtle species, reaching up to 1.5 metres in length and 200kg. Green sea turtles are primarily herbivores, grazing on seagrass in shallow water — which is why Turtle Point is so productive for sightings. The seagrass beds here are healthy and well-established.
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are occasionally sighted at Turtle Point, identifiable by their distinctive narrow beak and patterned shell. Both species are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Best Time for Turtle Sightings
Wild sea turtles are present at Turtle Point year-round — but sighting frequency and visibility conditions vary significantly by season:
- December to May (peak): Calm seas, visibility 10–15 metres, most consistent sightings. January to March is peak of peak.
- June to September (low season): Turtles still present but visibility is reduced by plankton blooms and some rough water days. Fewer boats means more relaxed encounters when conditions are good.
- October to November (shoulder): Improving visibility, fewer crowds, still good sighting rates.
What the Encounter Is Like
Your guide will stop the engine and let the boat drift quietly as you scan the surface. When a turtle surfaces to breathe — every 5–7 minutes typically — you slip silently into the water with your snorkel mask and observe from a respectful distance. The water at Turtle Point is typically 3–6 metres deep over the seagrass beds.
Green sea turtles are generally unbothered by calm, quiet snorkellers. A turtle feeding on seagrass will often continue feeding even when snorkellers are nearby, as long as no one approaches or disturbs it. This passive observation is what makes Turtle Point's encounters feel genuinely wild — not staged.
Responsible Turtle Watching Rules
- Never touch, chase, or attempt to ride a sea turtle — this causes serious stress
- Never position yourself directly above a turtle surfacing to breathe — blocking access to air is dangerous for the animal
- No flash photography underwater — sudden light causes disorientation
- Stay horizontal in the water — vertical kicking creates more disturbance
- If a turtle swims toward you, stay still — let it decide the distance
Turtle Point vs Other Philippine Turtle Sites
| Site | Species | Type | Ethical Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Point, Port Barton | Green, Hawksbill | Wild encounter, seagrass feeding | ✓ Fully ethical |
| Apo Island, Negros | Green, Hawksbill | Protected marine sanctuary | ✓ Fully ethical |
| Moalboal, Cebu | Green | Wild, sometimes crowded | Good — variable |
| Some El Nido stops | Green | Variable — operator dependent | Variable |
Visit Turtle Point on Port Barton's Best Island Hopping Tour
₱1,700 all-inclusive · Turtle Point + 5 other named stops · Max 18 guests · Departs 9:00 AM
🐢 Check Availability 💬 Ask About Turtle SeasonFrequently Asked Questions
Sightings are very common but not guaranteed — these are wild animals following natural feeding patterns. Tour Z's guides know the timing and conditions that maximise your chances. Most groups see at least one turtle during peak season (December–May).
No — touching sea turtles is harmful and prohibited. Tour Z enforces passive observation only. Turtles are observed from a respectful distance without approaching, chasing, or blocking their path to the surface.
The primary species is the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), which feeds on the seagrass beds at Turtle Point. Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are occasionally sighted. Both species are IUCN-listed as Endangered.
Feeding activity on seagrass is most visible in the morning. Tour Z arrives at Turtle Point early in the tour — before 11:00 AM — specifically to take advantage of morning conditions and calmer water before afternoon boat activity increases.