Sea Turtle Watching Certification
Keeping minimum distances and limiting disturbance during swimming, nesting and hatching encounters. Controlling lighting and visitor behaviour, training guides and respecting workers’ rights.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea assesses how turtle watching activities are conducted in marine and beach settings. Different practices apply to swimming encounters, nesting females and hatchlings.
Operators identify the activities they offer so the assessment matches their service. Guests receive clear guidance about how to observe turtles without touching them or obstructing their movement.
What can be certified
Defined sea turtle watching services, including swimming, nesting or hatching observation where offered, and the associated locations and vessels.
What the standard covers
In-water groups are limited to eight participants plus a trained guide, with a maximum five-minute interaction per turtle. Touching, feeding and flash photography are prohibited.
Stay at least five metres away, leave the turtle’s path open and minimise noise. Only red lighting is allowed; it must not be directed at the turtle. Notify authorities of egg-laying locations.
Keep five metres away and do not block hatchlings. Natural hatching must not be altered except for necessary professional intervention. Visitors must not handle hatchlings.
Guides receive activity-specific training. Vessel authorisation, waste management and workers’ rights are also assessed.
Assessment and certification
The assessment checks evidence for the service or facility being proposed. Agree the scope and audit arrangements before work begins, including the locations, activities and records to be reviewed.
Certification fees
Request a quotation for the proposed scope. Confirm assessment charges and any logo-use royalties before proceeding; submitting an enquiry does not commit you to certification.
Check certification status
Check the listed facility or service and its scope before making a booking or using a certification claim. If the listing is unclear, contact the team for confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, where those activities are included in the assessed service. Separate conduct rules apply on the beach and in the water.
No. Guests must leave hatchlings untouched and keep their route clear. Any necessary intervention is for professionals.
That depends on the operator’s programme, location and season. Check the itinerary and the activities included in the certification scope before booking.
No. Confirm certification approval, the permitted scope of the claim and the applicable logo-use agreement before adding the logo to your website or promotional materials.
Request a quotation based on the facilities or services to be assessed. Ask for assessment charges and logo-use royalties to be identified so you can review the full cost.
Use the application link below and describe the activities and locations you want assessed. The team will confirm the appropriate route and next steps.
Apply for certification
Provide your contact details, operating locations and a description of the service. For boat-based excursions, include vessel details and the activities offered.
Complete the application form and email it to quality@friendofthesea.org.