Hawksbill sea turtle pair near Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Hawksbill sea turtle pair, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Sea turtles have been navigating Earth's oceans for more than 100 million years. Imagine crossing vast stretches of open water and returning to the same beach decades later. Long migrations between feeding and nesting grounds are central to their lives, with some travelling thousands of kilometres across the oceans. They also play an important role in marine ecosystems by maintaining seagrass beds and helping to keep coral reefs healthy. Despite their resilience, all sea turtle species face threats including habitat loss, plastic pollution, climate change and accidental capture in fishing gear.

Pictured here near the Cayman Islands, a pair of hawksbill sea turtles glide through clear Caribbean waters. Known for their patterned shells and narrow, hawk-like beaks, hawksbills help maintain reef balance by feeding mainly on sponges, which prevents sponges from overtaking corals. Their beautifully patterned shells once fuelled the global tortoiseshell trade. Critically endangered, they are among the rarest sea turtle species, making encounters like this even more remarkable.