Quick facts
| Thrill | 1 of 5: |
|---|---|
| Can you do it too? | 2 of 5: |
| Family-friendly | – |
| Guy's verdict | – |
Guy hasn't said yetIUCN Red List Map: Saving sea turtles Enquire / book More episodes Related: mangrove planting abu dhabi
From the beach UAE waters can look empty. Underneath they are busy, and under pressure. Paris meets Ali Al Suwaidi of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, whose love of the sea started with his grandfather's pearl-diving stories and grew after he met Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s.
Hawksbill turtles, Paris learns, protect reefs by eating the algae and sponges that would otherwise smother coral, yet they are critically endangered. He helps check a turtle's shell for cracks before release. Barnacles stay on, because removing them can damage the shell and may hide health problems.
The turtle goes back to the sea, with a plea to respect the environment.
Do it yourself
Wildlife experiences sit in our adventure hub; ask Guy in Dubai about responsible eco tours.
Paris's verdict
Placeholder: Paris will add his own first-person verdict here. We do not write it for him.
Related
FAQ
Why do hawksbill turtles matter?
They eat algae and sponges that would crowd out coral, helping reefs survive.
Should barnacles be removed from turtles?
No, according to the episode, removing them can damage the shell.
Sources
Facts checked October 2026. Opening times, age limits and seasons change, so confirm with the operator before you go.
Ask Guy in Dubai