Orientation of migrating leatherback turtles in relation to ocean currents

► We estimate ocean currents along the routes of 15 satellite-tracked leatherbacks. ► We assess how individual turtles oriented their movements in relation to currents. ► The turtles swam actively during most of their journeys, even when following currents. ► Their water-related orientation was at random with respect to current directions. ► No indication was found that leatherbacks were able to detect current drift.