Sea turtles are some of the most ancient animals alive on earth. They are reptiles that are adapted to living in the sea. They have flipper-shaped limbs and their carapace is flattened from top to bottom to make swimming easier. Turtles must rise to the surface to breathe air. They are able to hold their breath for long periods of time and, when resting, will often remain motionless as they wedge themselves into a cave or under an overhang. Of the five species of turtles that are found in South African waters, only two nest on the beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal, the loggerhead and the enormous leatherback turtles. The green turtle is a non-breeding migrant, while the other two species, the Olive Ridley and the beautiful hawksbill, occasionally stray into South African waters.
 
In the turtle exhibit, guests have the opportunity to see two species of these remarkable reptiles, the loggerhead and the green turtle. The turtles are often housed together with reef predators such as rockcods (Serranidae) and kingfish (Carangidae). The turtle exhibit has been specially designed to include a beach and it is hoped that, in time, the female turtles may use this beach for nesting. The endangered status of the world's turtles is a result of pollution, over harvesting of adult turtles and eggs for human consumption, destruction and alteration of breeding beaches, gill nets, long line fishing and human ignorance. As turtles are found throughout the world's oceans, international collaboration is essential to ensure the future survival of these amazing animals.