Types of Sea Turtle in Washington
Sea turtles are rare but possible visitors to Washington's coastal waters, with leatherbacks being the most likely. Start your search in summer months near jellyfish blooms off the Pacific coast. This guide covers the species you might see and how to identify them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Washington has one main kind of sea turtle. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 2
- species recorded
- February, December
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 2 verified observations on iNaturalist of sea turtle have been logged in Washington, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
Sea turtles are rare but possible visitors to Washington's coastal waters, with leatherbacks being the most likely. Start your search in summer months near jellyfish blooms off the Pacific coast. This guide covers the species you might see and how to identify them.
What are the most common sea turtle species seen in Washington?
The leatherback sea turtle is the most frequently reported species in Washington. Loggerheads and green sea turtles appear less often, typically during warm water events. Leatherbacks follow jellyfish into the region, making them the most expected visitor.
See ourSea Turtles guidefor the next step.
In Washington, sea turtles sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How can you tell a leatherback from other sea turtles?
Leatherbacks are unmistakable with their leathery, ridged shell (carapace) instead of a hard shell. They have seven distinct ridges running lengthwise and a dark body with white spots. Loggerheads have a large head and brownish shell, while greens have a smooth, olive-colored shell.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Washington. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When and where are you most likely to see sea turtles in Washington?
Summer months, especially August and September, offer the best odds. Focus on the outer coast near the Columbia River mouth, Grays Harbor, and the San Juan Islands when jellyfish are abundant. Warm currents like El Niño can increase sightings. CheckWashington sea turtle sightingsfor recent reports.
Are there any sea turtle nesting sites in Washington?
No. Washington's waters are too cold for sea turtle nesting. All turtles seen here are transient visitors, usually foraging or displaced by currents. The nearest nesting beaches are in California and Mexico.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What should you do if you spot a sea turtle in Washington?
Keep your distance (at least 100 feet) and do not approach. Note the location, time, and behavior. Report sightings to NOAA Fisheries at 1-866-767-6114 or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Photographs help confirm the species.
How do sea turtles survive in Washington's cold waters?
Leatherbacks are endothermic, meaning they can generate body heat and maintain a temperature higher than the water. Hard-shelled species like loggerheads rely on warm water currents. Cold water can stress them, so sightings often coincide with warmer ocean conditions.
Sea turtle gear and gifts for your next trip
Show your support for sea turtle conservation with these items from Easy Street Markets.
Sea Turtle Ocean Magnet
A ceramic tile magnet that supports ocean conservation. Perfect for your fridge or locker.Check Price and Availability
Sea Turtle Embroidered Leather Baseball Cap
A trucker cap with an embroidered sea turtle. Portion of proceeds supports ocean conservation.Check Price and Availability
Save the Sea Turtle Sticker
Waterproof vinyl sticker for water bottles and laptops. Portion supports ocean conservation.Check Price and Availability
For a wider selection of sea turtle tote bags, see oursea turtle tote bags.
Frequently asked questions about sea turtles in Washington
**Can you swim with sea turtles in Washington?** Swimming with sea turtles is discouraged. They are protected and easily stressed. Observe from a distance.
**What is the best time of day to see sea turtles?** Midday, when the sun warms the surface, and jellyfish are more visible. Early morning calm can also be good.
**How long do sea turtles stay in Washington?** Most are transient, staying a few days to weeks if food is available. Cold temperatures usually push them south.
**Are sea turtles endangered?** Yes, all species found in Washington are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common sea turtle species seen in Washington?+
The leatherback sea turtle is the most frequently reported species in Washington. Loggerheads and green sea turtles appear less often, typically during warm water events. Leatherbacks follow jellyfish into the region, making them the most expected visitor. See ourSea Turtles guidefor the next step. In Washington, sea turtles sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How can you tell a leatherback from other sea turtles?+
Leatherbacks are unmistakable with their leathery, ridged shell (carapace) instead of a hard shell. They have seven distinct ridges running lengthwise and a dark body with white spots. Loggerheads have a large head and brownish shell, while greens have a smooth, olive-colored shell. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Washington. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When and where are you most likely to see sea turtles in Washington?+
Summer months, especially August and September, offer the best odds. Focus on the outer coast near the Columbia River mouth, Grays Harbor, and the San Juan Islands when jellyfish are abundant. Warm currents like El Niño can increase sightings. CheckWashington sea turtle sightingsfor recent reports.
Are there any sea turtle nesting sites in Washington?+
No. Washington's waters are too cold for sea turtle nesting. All turtles seen here are transient visitors, usually foraging or displaced by currents. The nearest nesting beaches are in California and Mexico. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What should you do if you spot a sea turtle in Washington?+
Keep your distance (at least 100 feet) and do not approach. Note the location, time, and behavior. Report sightings to NOAA Fisheries at 1-866-767-6114 or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Photographs help confirm the species.
How do sea turtles survive in Washington's cold waters?+
Leatherbacks are endothermic, meaning they can generate body heat and maintain a temperature higher than the water. Hard-shelled species like loggerheads rely on warm water currents. Cold water can stress them, so sightings often coincide with warmer ocean conditions.
Keep exploring
More places to see sea turtle
More wildlife in Washington