Diving With Sea Turtles

Since 1989 we have been spending our summers with the same group of Hawaiian green sea turtles. Considering how large their ocean is, it is no small miracle that we can fly from Toronto to Maui and count on the same individuals being in the very same place year after year.

We are, of course, grateful for this. It would not be possible for us to dive over large portions of ocean searching for them. All we need do is go to the Turtle House. Each day they are simply there--the same animals year after year.

Basically, our dive begins with the 20 minutes it takes getting to the Turtle House from shore. We then spend 30-40 minutes at the site, observing. We finish with the 20 minute swim back to the beach.

This photo essay shows you what happens during a typical dive at the Turtle House.

Videotaping Goofyfoot, a turtle we have known since 1992. 60K JPEG

Usually, when we arrive at the Turtle House, the same cast of regulars is already hanging about, resting on the bottom and being cleaned by various fishes. We start by taking photos and video as a record of which animals are present for the day. Here, Peter is videotaping Goofyfoot, a turtle we have known since 1992.

Often we just run the video in anticipation of something happening. 42K JPEG

We record a lot of fish cleaning behaviour throughout the dive. Often we just run the video in anticipation of something happening. For the most part, a dive with these turtles is a quiet affair. Sometimes, the only action is a leisurely swim to the surface and back again.

For whatever reason, this turtle spends each day with her head tucked in the hole in this outcropping. 69K JPEG

A fixture at our dive site is Zaphod, named after the character in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who wears peril-sensitive sunglasses whenever he anticipates danger. The premise is that when the sunglasses turn completely black, danger is at maximum--but you don't have to see it. For whatever reason, this turtle spends each day with her head tucked in the hole in this outcropping. For example, from the first of July in 1995 right through August, from early morning to afternoon, we found Zaphod in this place, surrounded by her red soldierfish friends.

Peter can usually be found in this position when he isn't with any turtles. 17K JPEG

Peter can usually be found in this position when he isn't with any turtles. He hovers at about 25 feet and tucks his feet up. To conserve air, he quietly maintains his location and waits for turtles to arrive or return from the surface.

Here Goofyfoot is at the surface, gulping air. 23K JPEG

Here Goofyfoot is at the surface, gulping air. A close inspection of the left hind flipper helps to explain why we called him Goofyfoot. He is the only turtle that we can identify from his silhouette at the surface. His flipper looks like it has chew marks on it.

Goofyfoot, lungs filled with a fresh air supply, now gets ready to return to the serious job of relaxing. 36K JPEG

Goofyfoot, lungs filled with a fresh air supply, now gets ready to return to the serious job of relaxing. He glances down and begins his orientation to get him back to his favourite resting spot.

Goofyfoot as he levels off on the final leg of his return from getting air. 39K JPEG

While on the surface, the turtles drift downcurrent. To return to the Turtle House, they usually dive almost to the bottom, then swim into the current. This picture shows Goofyfoot as he levels off on the final leg of his return from getting air.

He ignores his preferred place to take the opportunity to bug another turtle, Hilu. 45K JPEG

Here he is coming in for a landing. He ignores his preferred place to take the opportunity to bug another turtle, Hilu. This is common sport for any of the turtles, who find an occupied spot more desirable than even a favourite one. Eventually, Goofyfoot returns to his usual spot of choice and Hilu is left with some peace and quiet.

Goofyfoot once again is the focus of Peter's attention. 57K JPEG

Goofyfoot once again is the focus of Peter's attention as he settles in to his favourite spot on the reef.

This photo series is quite typical. Turtles come and go, swim up for air, come back down again, and for reasons that are completely unclear, a few prefer to land on us!

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Last modified 01/03/24
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