This small sea turtle has a heart shaped carapace like the Kemp's Ridley. The Olive Sea Turtle has a thinner shell and smaller skull. The skin is olive gray in color. Like the Kemp's this turtle may weigh up to 45kg (100 lbs) and grow up to 75cm (30 in). The males have a longer and thick tail which extends past the carapace. The tail of the female does not extend past the shell.

The distribution of the adult turtle is from the Pacific shores of the American tropics and smaller numbers in tropical West Africa. This turtle may be found nesting off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The nesting season is generally during the spring and early summer. However, nesting is known to occur year round in warm tropical areas.

Both the Kemp's Ridley and the Olive Ridley nest in huge arribadas (spanish for arrival). Many females will lay their eggs in one area of the beach. Having a large population in a small area is not always good for the eggs. There may not be enough food or shelter for so many animals. Olive Ridleys are carnivorous and will eat fish, crabs, snails, oysters and jellyfish. Unfortunately, they will also eat any trash like plastic bags, styrofoam and balloons.