The Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) both belong to the family Cheloniidae and both can be found in Caribbean waters.

The Green Turtle is classed as an endangered species. The Hawksbill Turtle on the other hand is critically endangered. A species on the brink of extinction. So you can only imagine what a thrill it has been to see several of them at different locations while out diving.

On four occasions now James and I have had the distinct privilege to swim with these lovely animals in the wild and this week we found number five!

Smaller than some of their cousins the Hawksbill has a beak that looks, well, like a hawks bill. Hence the name. The back of their shell has a jagged appearance almost like feathers or a saw blade and the sections of their shells are less defined and smoother than other species. A feature of age.

They are a very placid and curious breed who don’t seem to mind the presence of divers and tolerate our intrusion with gentle good humour. Much like their green cousins in this. Making encounters with either species a pure pleasure and thrill.