Size
Largest living turtle, up to 2.7 metres in length and about 500 kilograms in weight.
![Scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea Common name Spanish: Tinglar Photo by Claudia Lombard, USFWS Location, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, US Virgin Islands More information: [1]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscccpsqeuaphhrqmepmb.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fimages-public%2Fclean%2Fcontent%2Fce079739-416f-4696-b477-a5113ebfaec1%2Fmaster.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Species Guide
What to know about leatherback turtles
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching lengths up to 2.7 metres and weights up to 500 kilograms. It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and the family Dermochelyidae. Leatherbacks differ from other modern sea turtles by lacking a bony shell; their carapace is covered by oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin. The species has a global range with multiple distinct subpopulations.
The species is assessed as vulnerable overall, with some distinct subpopulations listed as critically endangered.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Hawaii Island Big Island Usa and countries such as United States of America for divers building trips around leatherback turtles.
Identification
How to identify leatherback turtles
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Carapace
Lacks a bony shell; carapace covered by oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin.
Taxonomy
Only living species in the genus Dermochelys and family Dermochelyidae.
Conservation
What is happening with Leatherback Turtles
Status, pressure, and protection context grounded in cited sources rather than filler.
The species is assessed as vulnerable overall, with some distinct subpopulations listed as critically endangered.
Responsible Encounters
How to dive with leatherback turtles
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give leatherback turtle space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with turtles.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
Field notes
Unique family member
Leatherbacks are the only living species in their genus and family.
Heaviest non-crocodilian reptile
They are the heaviest non-crocodilian reptiles, reaching weights around 500 kilograms.
Top Destinations
Top destinations to see leatherback turtles
Destinations surfaced from the linked dive spots associated with this species.
Top Countries
Top countries for leatherback turtles
The strongest country-level starting points currently linked to this species.
Top Dive Spots
Top dive spots for leatherback turtles
Directly linked dive spots where this species already shows up in the planning data.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear planning and conservation answers written for search visibility and AI retrieval.
Research Sources
Leatherback Turtle information sources
Primary and credible references behind the field-guide and conservation claims on this page.
Sources 2Last Updated
Leatherback sea turtle · Encyclopedia · Wikipedia
Primary wildlife guide source.
Dermochelys coriacea · Taxonomy · WoRMS
Taxonomy reference.
Related Species
More in Turtles
Related species guides in the same encounter family.
