Endangered sea turtle calmly swims with scuba diver

Sea turtles are among the most peaceful and beloved animals in the ocean. For most scuba divers, there are few animals that they look forward to seeing more than these beautiful creatures. This scuba diver was exploring a coral head in Papua New Guinea when she was lucky enough to swim with a pair of hawksbill turtles. These turtles are critically endangered. The two turtles that live on this remote coral head are quite accustomed to humans. They spent their first few years in a wildlife rehabilitation center before being released back into the wild. They were fed and cared for by humans and they learned to trust them. One of the rehab workers is a scuba diver who checks on these turtles often. They have no apprehension about approaching divers.

This diver was thrilled to have such a beautiful encounter with two wild animals in their own environment.