Turtle Nesting Season

Sea Turtle Nesting Season (May 1-Oct 31)

This area of the Florida coastline is an important nesting area for loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles. Sea turtle nesting season is May 1 through October 31. By local statute, all oceanfront buildings must keep curtains and balcony blinds closed at night during this period because lights from them can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and to almost certain death.

To chance upon a large turtle lumbering ashore at night, digging a hole with her flippers and laying a hundred or so eggs the size of ping-pong balls ia treat that rivals a Discovery Channel or National Geographic program. Approach the mother turtle quietly from behind, remain silent and keep your flashlight out of the turtle’s eyes so she isn’t spooked.

It is also equally intriguing to witness hatchlings breaking out of their eggs and making their way to the ocean. Turtle nests are staked off with tape. Do no disturb these nests.