This is not just a quick swim with turtles. It is a guided encounter with wild marine life in São Pedro, shaped by the local history, fishing traditions and natural relationship between turtles and the ocean community.

Before entering the water, your local guide will explain how the São Pedro turtle encounter developed, why turtles are often seen in this area, and how travellers should behave around wild animals. The briefing is an important part of the experience, because our priority is not only to help you enjoy the moment, but also to make sure it is done with respect.

For generations, fishermen from São Pedro have gone out to sea every day. As part of their traditional fishing activity, small fish scraps would sometimes end up in the water. Over time, wild turtles naturally started associating this area with the possibility of finding food. This relationship was not created as a tourism attraction. It developed gradually through the daily life of the fishing community.

Our owner’s family is originally from São Pedro, with deep roots in this same community. The fishermen who work in these waters are also the people who often help turtles when they are injured, stranded or in difficulty, supporting their recovery before they are released back into the ocean.

During our tours, we follow a strict ethical approach:

• We, SPLORA' TOURS, do not feed the turtles.
• We do not allow touching, chasing or disturbing them.
• We keep a respectful distance.
• We focus on observation only.
• We always prioritise safety, sea conditions and animal welfare.

The turtles are COMPLETELY wild and free. Their presence is not guaranteed and the encounter always depends on sea, weather and wildlife conditions. They can approach, swim away or not appear at all, because this is their natural habitat not a controlled attraction.

It is also important to be transparent: the area is shared with local fishermen and independent boats, and it is not a fully regulated marine reserve. Because of this, standards may vary depending on who else is in the water at the same time. Our goal is to offer the most respectful and responsible experience possible within this local context.

Unlike some destinations where turtles are kept in enclosed spaces and used specifically for tourism, this experience takes place in the open ocean. Here, the turtles are not captive. They are not trapped. They are not forced to interact. They remain wild animals, free to move naturally in their own environment.

The experience includes transport to São Pedro, a boat transfer when required, snorkelling equipment and guidance in the water.

This is an opportunity to observe wild turtles respectfully, while also learning about the local fishing community connected to these waters.