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. Sea turtle nesting grounds are limited exclusively to the Southeast region of the U.S. They extend from the Florida Keys to Virginia on the Atlantic Coast; to a lesser extent from Florida to Texas.
An amazing 80 percent of the sea turtle nests laid on
the U.S. East Coast occur between New Smyrna Beach and
Boca Raton. Most nesting turtles made loggerheads
but four other species also nest in the area.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 on its own grounds, without the slightest
danger, is remarkable.
To watch the creature when nesting is extraordinary. (See Nesting Sea Turtle Photos)
Join A Guided Turtle Walk
Loggerhead sea
turtle depositing 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 watches are held in June
and July, most reservations are taken
in May, some in April. Spaces fill
quickly, so call as early as possible.
The number of people allowed to participate on any one
night is quite limited. 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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