Turtles are mostly found in shallow coastal waters and near large water bodies. They prefer to live where the water meets the land, as they have a requirement for both water and land. They prefer to bask for long hours when they are on land and retreat into the water only when they have to. Remaining in the water for too long damages their shell; they have to come up to the land to dry themselves and soak in the UV-A and UV-B rays. Estuaries and bays are also common areas to locate them.