Scuba diving with sea turtles is a popular activity, but poorly managed interactions cause stress, injury, and behavioural disruption to habituated animals.
Sea turtles persistently followed by divers expend energy evading contact that should be spent on essential life activities. Repeated disturbance during resting periods prevents the sleep that marine reptiles require. Physical touching transmits pathogens to skin and removes mucus protection. Turtles grabbed for photos or rides experience acute fear and physical injury. Behavioural habituation to human presence may reduce natural predator avoidance, increasing vulnerability. Responsible dive tourism with proper guidelines can minimise these welfare costs while providing conservation benefits.