Last Updated on February 13, 2024
As Florida Sea Turtle nesting season begins, find out where to join a Turtle Walk.
Observing a nesting loggerhead sea turtle is an amazing, authentic, and not-to-be-missed Florida experience.
We want to help you thoroughly enjoy the 2023 Florida Sea Turtle Season.
What is a Sea Turtle Walk Experience?
The following is a recap of what you could expect from an Authentic Florida Sea Turtle Walk experience (based on our personal experience):
On a pitch-dark, warm evening, a small crowd gathered at the beach, the designated meeting point for this Authentic Florida adventure.
A Sea Turtle Preservation Society volunteer cheerfully greeted us and gave us an idea of what to expect for the evening.
Be forewarned — You are about to experience one of the most magical wonders of Florida – a giant loggerhead sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach.
What Happens on a Sea Turtle Walk?
Before the walk, you most likely will hear a presentation on Florida sea turtles as volunteer “advance” scouts might just spot one emerging onto the beach to dig her nest.
If you see a sea turtle, you are instructed to walk quietly, single file, along the water’s edge, following the lead volunteer. Remember that flashlights or flash photography are strictly prohibited.
Infrared lights are used to lead you and to illuminate the hole in which the mama turtle dutifully lays her eggs. She sits in a trance-like state, oblivious to all around her.
Before your arrival, she trekked from the water’s edge across the beach towards the sand dunes, fastidiously scooping out a deep cavity with her flippers.
Situating her 200-350 pound body over the pit, she slowly drops her eggs.
For almost an hour, you may have the chance to watch in amazement while the mother turtle drops around 100 ping-pong-sized leathery eggs into a cylindrical sandy hole.
Following her egg deposit, she carefully covers her nest with the sand. Upon regaining her energy, she’ll slowly crawl back to the water’s edge and into the ocean, disappearing into the darkness of the vast ocean.
When is Sea Turtle Season in Florida
From May through October, while you’re fast asleep, these magical moments quietly occur along Florida’s coastline.
Overnight, Florida beaches and barrier islands become North America’s #1 sea turtle nesting grounds.
Mother loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles lumber onto Florida beaches depositing eggs into sandy, camouflaged nests.
What Species of Sea Turtles Are Found in Florida?
There are three primary species of nesting turtles found along Florida’s coasts.
The loggerhead sea turtle, the most predominant species, derives its name from its extra-large head, weighing between 200-350 pounds and measuring three to four feet long.
The endangered green turtle is round and distinctive with a smaller head. Its name is derived from the greenish fat in its upper and lower shell.
The third species, the leatherback turtle, gets its name from its tough, leathery skin, and weighs between 500-1300 pounds.
Both the green and leatherback turtles are less common than the loggerhead, which averages four to seven nests annually.
How Do Volunteers Protect Sea Turtles?
To protect these endangered species and their nesting grounds, the turtle patrol volunteer rises before dawn to monitor long stretches of beach for signs of activity.
Individuals search for fresh tracks, resembling tiny tractor treads, that signal the formation of a new nest. From the water’s edge, the tracks lead to higher ground and softer sand.
Sometimes, the flipper tracks create a semi-circle from the water up the beach and back to the water, called a “false crawl.” This indicates the turtle has decided to return to the water.
This also could mean the turtle has been disturbed or did not find a suitable nesting site.
What is the Meaning of the Stakes on the Beach?
Volunteers often measure the distance from the water to the nest and sketch a diagram of the turtle’s path.
Next, the turtle patrol carefully digs into the sand, looking for the eggs in a chamber below the surface.
Once documented, the hole is filled, and the nest is staked with neon-colored tape and an explanatory sign warning against disturbance.
The turtle patrol’s tireless dedication protects the nests and provides essential data for scientists to study and monitor sea turtle activity.
How Long Do Sea Turtle Eggs Take to Hatch?
Incubation lasts approximately sixty days, and as the nursery “due date” inches closer (which can vary 4 to 5 days), a depression forms in the sand, indicating hatchling movements.
Soon, the babies begin digging out “en masse” to start their journey to the water’s edge. The reflection of the moonlight on the water inspires their pathway to the sea.
Once in the water, they face marine predators, however, the greatest threat is the human one — through commercial fishing gear, artificial lighting, litter, and development.
Join a Turtle Walk
Volunteer-led beach walks can be daytime or at night, which allows participants to see new and fresh nests. They also see live loggerheads nesting, depositing the eggs, covering the nest, and returning to the water.
On Florida’s east coast, they are usually held in the evenings after 8:00 pm. Tours are limited to small groups and preceded by an educational overview and discussion of sea turtles.
A few programs include “turtle hatchling” evenings, where participants can see the newly hatched babies crawl from the nest down to the water’s edge.
Where in Florida Can You Go on a Sea Turtle Walk?
Most organized turtle walks are on Florida’s Atlantic coast, with 80% found between New Smyrna Beach and Boca Raton.
The intense geographical density of the nesting activity creates more opportunities to see a turtle making a nest.
Most walks are held June through July and all require advance reservations that fill quickly.
Most walks will charge a donation or fee. Also, there tend to be age limits if you are taking young children.
Many organizations that host sea turtle walks are small and volunteer-driven. It is best to call by phone to discuss availability.
If a Florida Turtle Walk is on your Authentic Florida Bucket List, consider calling immediately to reserve your space.
Locations for Florida Sea Turtle Walks (North-South)
Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville
- Turtle watch groups are limited to 25-30 people per watch.
- Watches are typically held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
- There is a small fee, around $15 per person. The minimum age is 8.
Canaveral National Seashore Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Sea Turtle Preservation Society, Melbourne/Satellite Beach
- STC conducts walks on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights in June and July.
- Space is limited to 20 people per night.
- The cost is $20 per person, paid in advance, to reserve a space.
- Days vary at select locations (Melbourne & Satellite Beach)
- Children must be at least seven years old.
- Sign up for a June Sea Turtle Watch or sign up for a July Sea Turtle Watch.
Sea Turtle Preservation Society Address: 111 S Miramar Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903
Barrier Island Sanctuary, Melbourne Beach
- To make a reservation, go online to the website.
- Sign-ups are open now.
- Walks are conducted on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights between June 1 and July 27.
- The cost is $20 per person, paid in advance, to reserve your space.
- This is considered the largest and best nesting habitat for Loggerheads in the western hemisphere. Green and Leatherback turtles also nest here.
Barrier Island Sanctuary Address: 8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach
- The 2023 Walks are Wednesdays through Fridays in June and July.
- Reservations are open now and are already filling up. Sign up online.
- The cost is a $15.00 donation per person, paid in advance, to reserve your space.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Address: 9700 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Florida Oceanographic Society, Stuart
- Turtle Walks are Monday & Wednesday nights from May 27th – August 5th at 9 pm (doors open at 8:45 pm for sign-in)
- Register online only.
- $30 per participant (adult or child). Participants must be at least eight years of age.
- An adult must accompany children or teens under 18.
- NOTE: Nighttime sea turtle walks have sold out. Single-family sea turtle walks are still available.
Florida Oceanographic Society Address: 890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
Hobe Sound Nature Center, Hobe Sound Public Beach
- Call or book online for Thursday & Friday walks from May 25th through July 21st.
- For more information, call (772)546.2067.
- $5 donation for a walk.
Hobe Sound Nature Center Address: 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach
- Reservations are available online.
- June 1st – July 31st, on select days, at 9 pm.
- Turtle walks are $40 per person.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Address: 14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
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John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach
- Registration begins online on the day after Memorial Day.
- (561) 624-6950 for more information.
- Cost is $5 per person.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Address: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
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Museum of Discovery and Science, Ft. Lauderdale
- Make a reservation online.
- Walks happen on June 6th and 7th from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
- Cosr is $30 for members; $40 for non-members
- Check out the turtle displays and a visible live nest with incubating eggs (during summer).
Museum of Discovery and Science Address: 6767 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
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What to Take on a Turtle Walk
- Dark clothes
- Long sleeve shirts
- Bug repellant
- Comfortable shoes.
- No camera equipment allowed.
- Expect to walk up to ½ – 1 mile in soft sand.
- Water to stay hydrated (avoid plastic bottles, please)
How Can You Help Florida’s Sea Turtles?
Tips for safeguarding our sea turtles:
- If you come upon a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
- Do not shine a flashlight or lamp.
- From May through October, if you are residing on/near the beach, turn off all lights visible from the beach.
- Pull drapes/blinds in the evening to dim the light cast upon the beach. (Turtles/hatchlings are oriented towards the light of the horizon and can be disoriented by artificial lights.)
- Pull all beach furniture away from the beach. (Turtles can get trapped in the furniture.)
- Fill in obvious beach holes where small hatchlings can fall and won’t be able to climb out.
- Knock down sand castles.
- Pick up all trash from the beach
- Avoid fireworks on the beach (especially where sea turtles are nesting)
- Do not pick up turtle hatchlings
- Become a volunteer and help our future sea turtle population.
Funded by a portion of revenues from Florida’s Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate, the Sea Turtle Grants Program distributes funds each year to support sea turtle research, conservation, and education programs that benefit the Florida sea turtles.
Thanks to the efforts of the non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy and other Florida sea turtle groups, in 1997, the Florida Legislature (Statute 320.08058 (19)) authorized the creation of a Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate.
Its purpose is to promote the conservation and protection of Florida’s sea turtles by providing a permanent funding source for the state’s Marine Turtle Protection Program.
Learn more about the Sea Turtle License Plate.
Florida Sea Turtle Conservation Centers
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center: 8740 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL 32566
- Sea Turtle Conservancy: 4581 NW 6th St, Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32609
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center: 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
- The Florida Aquarium: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- The Turtle Hospital: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
- Mote Marine Laboratory: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center: 1001 10th St, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456
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