We’re proud to be supporting the incredible work of the Antigua & Barbuda Environment Foundation (ABEF), which is helping endangered Hawksbill turtles. For our latest collection, we’ve created our ‘Turtles Chain Reaction’ print as a celebration of these remarkable creatures and the vital conservation work helping to safeguard their future.
To continue our turtle celebrations, we’re diving beneath the surface to discover more about these ancient ocean swimmers, from where they live and nest to some of the best places around the world to spot them in the wild.
What Are the 7 Different Species of Turtles Around Today, and Where Are They Native?
1. Hawksbill Turtle
Named after their pointed, narrow beaks, Hawksbill turtles are found in tropical waters, particularly where there are coral reefs.
This species stands out due to its striking colourful pattern of overlapping scales on its shell. The beautiful pattern has sadly made them a target for poachers, resulting in them becoming critically endangered.
2. Flatback Turtle
Named after their very flat shells, Flatback turtles are the only species endemic to Australia. They have the smallest geographic range of any turtle species, found only in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Flatbacks lay the largest eggs and have the largest hatchlings of any turtle species.
3. Green Turtle
The largest of the hard-shelled turtles, green turtles are unique as they’re the only herbivores in the species, eating mainly seagrass and algae. Their name stems from the greenish colour of their skin, not their shell. They can be found all over the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Leatherback Turtle
Unlike other species, leatherback turtles don’t mind the cold, meaning that on rare occasions you can even spot them in the UK. They don’t have a tough, bony shell like others; instead, their backs are covered by a thick layer of skin, which gives them their name. They can dive as deep as 4,000 feet and live on a jellyfish-based diet.
5. Loggerhead Turtle
Named after its large head, the loggerhead is the most abundant species of turtle in the United States. They can be found all over the world in regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They can be identified by their reddish-brown shell, which is almost heart-shaped.
6. Kemps Ridley Turtle
These turtles live in nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Around 95% of all nesting happens on the Gulf beaches of Tamaulipas, Mexico. They’re unique among other species, as Kemps Ridley turtles come ashore for mass nesting events during the daytime.
7. Olive Ridley Turtle
Found all over the world, Olive Ridley turtles live in tropical and subtropical waters. Like the Kemps Ridley, they have heart-shaped shells but in an olive green colour.
Our Top 3 Places to Visit to See Wild Turtles
1. Antigua and Barbuda
Nesting season in Antigua and Barbuda typically runs from around March 1 to October 31. Local conservation groups such as the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) and the Antigua Sea Turtle Project organise guided ethical excursions to see these fantastic creatures.
A percentage of every Love Brand sale goes to helping environmental charities. This year we’re supporting Antigua & Barbuda Environment Foundation (ABEF), part of the Conservation Collective, to help protect vulnerable Hawksbill turtles in Antigua. The group work tirelessly to relocate vulnerable nests, monitor hatchlings and educate locals to help create safer environments for nesting turtles. If you want to donate directly, you can do so here: antiguaenvironment.org/donate/
2. French Guiana
One of the premier destinations to view turtles in the world, nesting season occurs between February and August. Hatching season begins in July through to October. The species you can spot in the area are the Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley turtles. As always, it's best to view the event with guidance from local environmental groups.
3. The Galapagos Islands
Turtles can be seen year-round on the islands. It’s mainly green turtles who call this area their home. Take a dip at La Loberia on San Cristóbal Island or Turtle Island off Isabela, and you may find yourself swimming alongside one. And, naturally, a pair of Love Brand’s turtle-print swim trunks makes the perfect companion.
