Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Ocean waters off Montauk

The largest turtle on Earth — up to 2,000 pounds — follows jellyfish blooms into New York's ocean waters every summer. Seen from whale-watch boats and by offshore anglers off Montauk; endangered, and a frequent victim of vertical fishing lines.

Best time of day

Offshore day trips

How to see

Offshore whale-watch or fishing trips out of Montauk; sightings are luck, jellyfish blooms improve the odds.

Operator

CRESLI (whale watch sightings)

Cost

Whale-watch fare

Age

All ages

Accessibility

Varies by vessel

Responsible viewing

Endangered under the ESA — vessels keep distance and never approach head-on.

Weather / sea state

Offshore sea state — calm days only.