Green Turtles vs Hawksbill Turtles in Koh Tao: How to Tell Them Apart

If you see a sea turtle while snorkeling or diving in Koh Tao, you may wonder whether it is a green turtle or a hawksbill turtle.

Both species are reported around Koh Tao by the Koh Tao Tourism Association. A sighting on any particular trip is never guaranteed.

The easiest place to start is the head and beak. You can look for other details if you have a clear view, but there is no reason to move closer or disturb the animal just to identify it.

Green Turtle vs Hawksbill Turtle: Quick Comparison

Feature	Green turtle	Hawksbill turtle
Head	More rounded	Narrower, with a pointed shape
Beak	Less sharply projecting	Narrow, pointed, hawk-like beak
Scales between the eyes	Two large scales	Four scales
Shell edge	Usually appears smoother	Often appears serrated
Shell plates	Meet edge to edge	Often overlap

These features are described by NOAA Fisheries for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Young green turtles can sometimes look similar to hawksbills, so use more than one feature when possible.

1. Start With the Head and Beak

A hawksbill usually has a narrow, pointed beak that looks somewhat like a bird's beak. A green turtle has a more rounded-looking head.

This is a useful first clue when you see a turtle from the side. Still, a brief or distant view may not be enough to identify it with confidence.

2. Look at the Scales Between the Eyes

If you have a clear photograph, you may be able to see the scales on top of the head:

• Green turtle: Two large scales between the eyes

• Hawksbill turtle: Four scales between the eyes

You do not need to get close enough to count them in the water. Check your photograph later if the detail is visible. NOAA describes this difference in its species profiles.

3. Use the Shell as a Second Clue

A hawksbill's shell often has overlapping plates and a serrated edge. A green turtle's shell plates meet alongside one another, and its edge generally looks smoother.

Do not identify a turtle by color alone. A green turtle does not always have a green shell. Young green turtles can also have patterns that resemble those of hawksbills.

Can Their Feeding Behavior Help?

It can offer another clue, but a short sighting is rarely enough to judge. Adult green turtles mainly eat algae and seagrasses. Hawksbills often feed around reefs, and sea sponges are an important food in many areas.

For visitors, visible head features are more useful than guessing a species from the place where the turtle appeared or what it seemed to be eating.

What Should You Do If You See a Turtle?

Give the turtle room to move naturally. Do not chase it, block its route to the surface, touch it or feed it. If you take a photograph, do so without changing its behavior.

NOAA Fisheries' marine life viewing guidance advises people not to touch, chase or try to interact with wild sea turtles.

For more on possible sighting areas and respectful wildlife viewing, read Where to See Turtles in Koh Tao: A Responsible Wildlife Guide. Wild turtles choose where to swim, rest and feed, so no location can promise an encounter.

What Should You Bring Into the Water?

Use equipment that fits properly and listen to your activity provider's guidance. Check the day's weather and sea conditions. If you are not a confident swimmer, choose a suitable activity and flotation equipment.

Enjoying the underwater environment safely matters more than getting close to a turtle.

FAQ

Are all turtles seen in Koh Tao green turtles or hawksbills?

These are the two species noted by the Koh Tao Tourism Association. If your view is unclear, it is better to say “sea turtle” than to make an uncertain identification.

Do green turtles have green shells?

Not necessarily. Their shells may look brown, gray or olive, so shell color alone is not a reliable way to identify one.

Can I take a close-up photograph?

You can photograph a turtle without disturbing it. Do not chase, touch or block the animal to get a closer picture.

Is there a guaranteed place to see turtles?

No. They are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

To tell a green turtle from a hawksbill, start with the shape of its head and beak. Use the scales between its eyes and shell features if you have a clear view. If you are unsure, simply enjoy the encounter from a respectful distance.