Species Reptiles & AmphibiansLeatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

RareReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The Leatherback is the largest turtle on Earth, reaching 7 feet and 2,000 pounds. Unlike other sea turtles, its shell is soft and leathery. It dives to extraordinary depths and ranges into cold northern waters.

Habitat
Open ocean worldwide, nesting on tropical beaches
Diet
Jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Leatherback Sea Turtle

The best time to see a Leatherback Sea Turtle is May–August, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 190 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Leatherback Sea Turtle sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Leatherback Sea Turtle? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Leatherback Sea Turtle is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Lesser Earless Lizard
Lesser Earless Lizard
Holbrookia maculata
Lesser Siren
Lesser Siren
Siren intermedia
Lined Snake
Lined Snake
Tropidoclonion lineatum
Little Brown Skink
Little Brown Skink
Scincella lateralis
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Caretta caretta
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard
Gambelia wislizenii
Long-nosed Snake
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Long-tailed Salamander
Long-tailed Salamander
Eurycea longicauda