Hawksbill vs green turtle: it is one of the most common questions our divers ask after a dive on Koh Tao. Both sea turtles live in the Gulf of Thailand, and you can meet either one on the same reef. At first glance, they look alike. However, a few key features make them easy to tell apart once you know where to look. In this guide, you will learn the five differences that matter most underwater, plus where to find each turtle around Koh Tao.
1. The Shape of the Beak
The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the turtle’s mouth.
Hawksbill Turtle
- Has a sharp, curved beak resembling a hawk’s bill.
- The pointed beak helps it reach into coral reef crevices to feed on sponges and other invertebrates.
Green Turtle
- Has a shorter, rounder snout.
- Its mouth is designed for grazing on seagrass and algae.
2. Shell Appearance
The shell provides another reliable identification feature.
Hawksbill Turtle
- Shell edges are serrated or saw-like.
- Shell scutes (plates) overlap each other, giving the shell a layered appearance.
Green Turtle
- Shell edges are smooth and rounded.
- Scutes lie flat and do not overlap.
3. Diet and Feeding Habits
Although both species are omnivorous when young, their diets differ significantly as adults.
Hawksbill Turtle
- Primarily feeds on sponges.
- Also eats jellyfish, sea anemones, and other invertebrates.
- Plays a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.
Green Turtle
- Mostly herbivorous as an adult.
- Feeds primarily on seagrass and algae.
- Helps maintain healthy seagrass meadows through grazing.
4. Habitat Preferences
Hawksbill Turtle
- Commonly found around coral reefs.
- Often seen weaving through reef structures while searching for food.
Green Turtle
- Frequently found in seagrass beds, lagoons, and coastal waters.
- Often spotted resting on sandy bottoms or slowly grazing.
5. Size
Hawksbill Turtle
- Generally smaller and lighter.
- Adults typically reach 70-90 cm in shell length.
Green Turtle
- One of the largest hard-shelled sea turtles.
- Can exceed 1 meter in shell length and weigh over 300 kg
Both Hawksbill and Green Turtles are important indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. Hawksbills help protect coral reefs by controlling sponge populations, while Green Turtles maintain productive seagrass habitats. Unfortunately, both species face threats from habitat loss, marine debris, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change. Protecting these beautiful animals helps ensure the long-term health of our oceans.
Keep in mind that size alone is not enough. A young green turtle can be smaller than an adult hawksbill. That is why size is the least reliable hawksbill vs green turtle clue, so always check the beak and shell too.
Where to Spot a Hawksbill or Green Turtle on Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the best places in Thailand to see sea turtles. Hawksbills are the species divers meet most often here, because the island is ringed by coral reefs. Green turtles are less common, yet they do appear, usually in calmer, sandy bays. So, your own hawksbill vs green turtle test could happen on your very first dive.
Reef sites such as Shark Island and Hin Wong Bay are good places to look. For the best chance, join one of our guided fun dives. Our guides know the local reefs well and can point turtles out before you swim past them.
New to diving? You can still meet a turtle. Try a Discover Scuba Diving session, or get certified on our PADI Open Water Diver course. Then, step up to the Advanced Open Water course to explore deeper reefs. If you love marine life, take a look at our PADI Specialty courses as well.
How to Dive Responsibly Around Sea Turtles
Turtles are calm and curious, so it is easy to get close. Even so, a few simple rules keep them safe and relaxed.
- Keep a distance of at least 3 metres.
- Never touch, chase or ride a turtle.
- Do not block its path to the surface, because turtles need to breathe air.
- Avoid flash photography close to the face.
- Keep good buoyancy so you do not damage the reef they feed on.
The same ideas apply to other big animals too. For more tips, read our guide to responsible diving with whale sharks on Koh Tao.
Why Both Turtles Matter
Both turtles are important signs of a healthy ocean. Hawksbills protect coral reefs by controlling sponge growth. Meanwhile, green turtles keep seagrass habitats productive, and those meadows shelter young fish.
Sadly, the Hawksbill Turtle is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Green Turtle moved from Endangered to Least Concern in 2025, thanks to decades of conservation work. Even so, many regional green turtle populations are still under pressure. Both species face habitat loss, marine debris, fishing gear and climate change. Every diver who follows good turtle etiquette helps protect them.
Hawksbill vs Green Turtle FAQ
What is the easiest way to tell a hawksbill from a green turtle?
Look at the beak first. A hawksbill has a sharp, hooked beak, whereas a green turtle has a short, round snout. Then check the shell: serrated and overlapping means hawksbill, smooth and flat means green turtle.
Which is rarer, the hawksbill or the green turtle?
Globally, the hawksbill is far rarer. It is listed as Critically Endangered, while the green turtle is now listed as Least Concern. On Koh Tao, however, divers usually see hawksbills more often, because the island has so much coral reef.
Can you see sea turtles while diving on Koh Tao?
Yes. Hawksbill turtles are seen regularly on Koh Tao reefs, and green turtles appear from time to time. A guided fun dive gives you the best chance of an encounter.
Do I need a diving certificate to see turtles?
No. A Discover Scuba Diving session lets you dive with an instructor without a certificate. Snorkelers can also spot turtles in shallow bays.
Is it safe to swim near sea turtles?
Yes, sea turtles are gentle and not dangerous to people. Simply keep at least 3 metres away, never touch them and let them reach the surface freely.
Spot the Difference on Your Next Dive
Next time you dive or snorkel, take a closer look at the turtle in front of you. A sharp, hooked beak and a serrated shell mean hawksbill. A round face and a smooth shell mean green turtle. Learning the hawksbill vs green turtle differences makes every dive more rewarding and helps you appreciate why ocean conservation matters.
Ready to meet them in person? Contact Bigbubble Dive Resort to book your Koh Tao dive today.
