Despite being one of the smaller US states, Massachusetts is home to freshwater and seawater turtles. These aquatic reptiles can be seen in Cape Cod, Boston Harbor, and Massachusetts Bay. Some notable turtles include the Kemp Ridley’s Sea Turtle, the Spotted Turtle, and the Blanding’s Turtle.
Types of Turtles Found in Massachusetts
Sea Turtles (Cheloniidae)
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae)
Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelyidae)
Emydid Turtles (Emydidae)
Painted Turtles
Terrapins
Spotted Turtles
Blanding’s Turtles
Cooters
Box Turtles
Glyptemys Turtles
Sliders
Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternidae)
- Eastern Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)
Softshell Turtles (Trionychidae)
FAQ
Are there any endangered turtles in Massachusetts? Except for the Eastern Musk Turtle, the Eastern Painted Turtle, and the Common Snapping Turtle, all turtle species in the state are protected so they do not go extinct.
Where to see sea turtles in Massachusetts? While rare, thanks to rising water temperatures, sea turtles are spotted more frequently in Cape Cod.