Florida is North America's
Sea Turtle Nesting Capital
There is no better place to see nesting sea turtles in the United States than Florida's Atlantic Coast. The majority of sea turtles lay their eggs along the Southeast Atlantic Coast from Virginia to the Florida Keys; to a far lesser extent from Florida to Texas.
An amazing 80 percent of the sea turtle nests are laid on
the Florida East Coast between New Smyrna Beach and
Boca Raton. Most of the turtles are loggerheads
but four other species also nest there, including the giant leatherback. Go to Where To See Nesting Sea Turtles.
Adult sea turtles are sizable; even the smallest weighs between 200 and 300 pounds. The opportunity to closely approach such a large endangered
creature in the wild is remarkable.
To watch the creature when nesting is extraordinary. (See Nesting Sea Turtle Photos)
Join A Guided Turtle Walk
Loggerhead sea
turtle depositing her eggs
Why join a guided turtle watch? Because it's one of Florida's most unforgettable
experiences. Everyone, especially Floridians, should go on a turtle watch at least once.
The majority of turtle watch programs are on Florida's Atlantic
coast, which has the greatest concentration of nests. The beaches
in the Melbourne area are the most heavily visited.
Although turtle walks are held in June
and July, most reservations are taken
in May, some as early as April. Spaces fill
quickly, so call early.
Only about 20 people are allowed to participate in a
group. Most locations have only one group each night. Advance reservations
are mandatory.
So are long pants, long sleeve shirts and insect repellant! No flash photography.
To Where to Join A Nesting Sea Turtle Walk
To Sea Turtle Life Cycle
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