Lights Out For Sea Turtles in Florida! What to Know and How to See Them

Have you dreamed of seeing sea turtles in Florida on your vacation? This essential guide to Florida sea turtles has what you need to see and enjoy them in the wild, how you can help protect their journey!

We call this our essential guide to Florida sea turtles because it’s what we refer to every year during sea turtle nesting season in Florida from March through October when they start coming ashore.

Did you know more sea turtles nest in Florida than anywhere else in the country?

Here in Naples and Marco Island in southwest Florida, we look forward to this time of year when the snowbirds fly back north and locals welcome a slower pace of life for the summer.

We know the rising temps, afternoon rains, and humidity bring their own rewards, like filling up the Everglades, more manatee sightings at the Naples Pier, and turtle nesting season in Florida!

It’s good timing on the part of Mother Nature really, that allows these Florida turtles to arrive and nest at the same time that many tourists leave, and the returning turtles benefit from the lack of foot traffic and sand-digging from tourists.

And did you know that Florida sea turtles usually return to the same spot just feet away from their nesting spot from the previous year?

How awesome is that!

Locals also breathe a sigh of relief for this bit of good fortune since we’re pretty protective of our Florida turtles — they’re such amazing creatures.

There are several species of sea turtles in Florida, and we cover each one here with info and pictures to help you identify those that you see.

We also include where and how to responsibly engage with sea turtles — Florida has several facilities that offer nature programs and volunteer opportunities to interact with them.

If you’re looking for the perfect turtle beach, Florida has many, and this guide will help with good information so you can maximize your chances of seeing them.

So turn out the lights and let’s dive in — if you’re a nature lover and want to see Florida sea turtles, plan to visit during the summer for sea turtle nesting season, and add seeing turtles to your bucket list!

What’s in this Article?

When is Florida Turtle Season?

Turtle Nesting Season and Hatching Season in Florida

Sea Turtles in Florida: 5 Native Species

Endangered Florida Sea Turtles

The Journey From Sand to Sea

Where to See Florida Sea Turtles

Sea Turtle Cams in Florida

Florida Sea Turtle Conservation: How Can You Help?

When is Florida Turtle Season?

First things first — when is turtle season in Florida? Give or take a week or so on either end, Florida turtle season is March through October, with most of the activity when the waters around the Florida peninsula are at their warmest.

In Southwest Florida, you’ll see the most turtle nesting activity in the warmest summer months of June, July, and August.

Turtle Nesting and Hatching Season in Florida

When it comes to large migrating turtles, your first thoughts may go to places like Costa Rica or places in the Caribbean and Pacific, but each year from March through October between 40,000 and 84,000 nests are dug in the sand along Florida beaches.

This means that nearly 90% of sea turtle nesting in the US occurs in Florida.

Most sea turtles migrate between foraging and nesting grounds.

For nesting migration, females don’t just migrate to lay their eggs.

Both males and females will migrate to nesting areas to breed, generally in the area where they were born.

Researchers believe a number of factors such as ocean currents, water chemistry, and the earth’s magnetic field may influence the turtle’s ability to pinpoint their birth place.

Living close to the beautiful beaches in Naples, we love getting to the beach and seeing a new sea turtle nest or two taped off with bright yellow caution tape.

It’s a good reminder to fill in our beach trenches, demolish our sandcastles, and turn off the lights on the beach.

Because of its secluded nature, Keewaydin Island is always a good spot to see turtle nests during Florida’s turtle season — sometimes hundreds of them are cordoned off to protect them from predators.

Local businesses in Naples and elsewhere in southwest Florida do a great job at turning off beach lights overlooking the sand, but if they don’t, please remind them!

We do all we can to not disturb or distract sea turtles and help make their path to the beach as smooth as possible.

Female sea turtles return at night to the beaches where they hatched, and come ashore to dig their nests and lay their eggs in the soft sand.

If the ocean begins to warm early, those giant ancient mariners, leatherback turtles, sometimes arrive as early as February.

Hauling their weight by paddling up the beach with their flippers beyond the high tide mark is a laborious task.

It’s hard to imagine how they manage. But they do.

SEA TURTLES IN FLORIDA: 5 NATIVE SPECIES

Along Florida’s 1,200 miles of coastline you’ll find five species of sea turtles all varying in weight and size.

From smallest to largest, these species of sea turtles in Florida are the most common turtles to nest on its shores — Kemp’s Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback turtles.

In southwest Florida, the most common species of sea turtles you might see are Green Turtles, Leatherbacks, and Loggerheads.

Kemp’s Ridley

The endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtles are the smallest measuring about 2 feet in length and weighing in at 75-100 pounds (34-45 kgs).

The Kemp’s Ridley is unique to the Gulf of Mexico so you’ll generally not see them anywhere else.

Hawksbill

The Hawksbill turtle, also an endangered species, is next in size reaching a shell length of 2.5-3 feet and weighing 100-200 pounds (45.4-90.7 kgs).

The Hawksbill is the rarest sea turtle that regularly occurs in Florida waters and is known for its beautifully patterned tortoise-colored shell.

Populations were decimated when it was hunted to use its shell to make hair combs, jewelry, and other decorative trinkets.

Thankfully, using its shell is banned in most of the world.

In your travels, if you should see items made with turtleshell, please do not buy them.

Loggerhead

Named for their large head, loggerhead sea turtles nest in only two areas of the world with one being on Florida’s southern Atlantic coast.

Sadly, loggerhead populations are listed as either endangered or threatened through loss of nesting habitat and entanglement in fishing nets and marine debris.

Loggerheads weigh on average up to 250 pounds (113.4 kgs) in the southeastern US and reach 3 feet in length.

They lay an incredible amount  of eggs, about 100 eggs in each nest  and on average will dig 2 to 3 nests per season.

Green

The larger Green sea turtle is found worldwide and can grow to over 3 feet in length and weigh up to 400 pounds (181.4 kgs).

Another endangered species, it is in danger of extinction throughout its range.

Like most sea turtles they migrate long distances from the shore where they were hatched to far off feeding grounds and then back to that same shore to dig their nests.

Their biggest threats are from being hunted, the over-harvesting of eggs in some countries, loss of habitat, and entanglement in fishing nets.

It takes Green sea turtles 20-30 years to reach sexual maturity, and they can live to be 80 years old.

Leatherback

Leatherback turtles are the really big guys among the sea turtles of Florida.

They are the largest sea turtles on earth, and these behemoths grow up to 8 feet in length and can crush the scale at 2000 pounds (907 kgs).

Other than their size, they are easily distinguished from other sea turtles by the vertical ribs down their back, and the lack of a hard shell.

Instead they have a dark blue/black leathery sort of carapace, which although a bit flexible, makes them vulnerable to predation.

When it comes to animals migrating for food, leatherbacks are among the most highly mobile, traveling as much as 10,000 miles each year or more in search of jellyfish.

With their populations decreasing especially in the Pacific, Leatherbacks are on the endangered species list.

Their lifespan is short by turtle standards, believed to be about 30 years.

These giant seafarers have the longest migration of any sea turtle, up to 3700 miles, and have been shown to dive to a depth of 4200 feet.

ENDANGERED FLORIDA SEA TURTLES

That most Florida sea turtles make it onto the list of endangered species can be attributed to human activity.

Fishing practices, hunting, predation, loss of nesting sites from overdevelopment, pollution of the seas, and in some countries over-harvesting of eggs all add pressure to survival of any species.

Nests are dug up and the ping-pong sized eggs are eaten by raccoons, a big problem where we live in southwest Florida.

If the nests aren’t disturbed, seabirds, alligators, crows, and crabs all take a toll on hatchlings before they can make it to the water.

Those that can’t find their way into the ocean will die of dehydration from the intense daytime sun.

Those that reach the ocean face a new set of problems — most will be eaten by predatory fish and still more by seabirds.

Only about 25% of hatchlings will survive their first few days at sea and even less will make it to their first birthday.

Only 1 in 1000 will reach maturity, but that is why they lay such a large number of eggs and often nest more than once in a nesting season.

THE JOURNEY FROM SAND TO SEA

The hatchlings begin to emerge from their nest after about 60 days, usually late in the day as the sun begins to set and the warm sand begins to cool a bit (the nest temperature determines a hatchling’s sex).

The process of digging their way to the surface can take several days, but when they begin to simultaneously emerge from multiple nests their numbers are incredible.

Of course this is what sets off the feeding frenzy for predators.

Many will make it into the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean, instinctively looking for any bit of natural light reflecting off the water to orient themselves.

But the trip to the sea is often the hardest part of their journey.

For those that can avoid being eaten, this first trek into the water “imprints” the location of their home beach, and they’ll return to these same beaches as adults to make their nests.

When we first moved to southwest Florida and ventured out to a casual beachfront restaurant, we quickly were given an important lesson about nesting turtles in Florida.

The setting on the beach near the water was perfect, but it was getting dark, and I noticed twinkle lights wrapped around the palm tree next to our table, I asked our waiter if he could turn them on for an even nicer ambience.

As we sat at our table in the dark, he explained why it wasn’t allowed.

We had no idea. And it was fine with us.

Turtles come ashore at night in the dark.

Any bright lights along the shoreline from condos, restaurants, homes, or even walking along the beach with a bright flashlight discourages them from coming ashore, and sometimes attracts them to places that are a danger to them.

Hatchlings can get disoriented as well from bright lights along the shore often wandering inland instead of toward the sea.

If a female becomes discouraged after multiple attempts, she will nest in a far less desirable spot or sometimes deposit her eggs in the ocean making hatchling survival pretty grim.

WHERE TO SEE SEA TURTLES IN FLORIDA

Florida has several animal eco-tourism encounters you can enjoy only in Florida but seeing Florida sea turtles is a unique way to see Florida wildlife in the wild.

But there’s no such thing as a perfect turtle beach — Florida has so many good beaches on both coasts where you may see a sea turtle or a nest.

And there’s no guarantee you’ll see a turtle nesting on the night you walk the beach or hatchlings finding their way back to the sea.

So, the big question on your mind is probably…where can you see sea turtles in Florida?

Along the Florida coast where turtle nesting is most common, for a small fee (some are free) you can participate in nighttime sea turtle walks organized by environmental groups along with local hotels and in state parks.

Reservations are required and by state regulations, night turtle walks can only be done in June and July.

Guides know the law and will tell you what is allowed and what is not. Bring insect repellent along with a water bottle and maybe a windbreaker too.

The Turtle Hospital, Marathon

If a nighttime walk for a mile or so on the sand is not for you, head for one of the best places to see turtles up close, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon at mile marker 48.5 on US 1 / A1A.

The hospital rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles and has tours year round for people to see the species of sea turtles found on Florida’s coasts.

It’s a fun and interesting stop.

And if this is your first time to Key West, be sure and take a day trip to Marathon to visit the hospital.

• FEE: Adults $35, ages 4-12 $17.50, under 4, Free (reservations recommended)
  

Mote Marine Laboratory And Aquarium, Sarasota

This world renowned facility provides education and interaction through touch pools, viewable research labs, and interactive exhibits.

Visit the aquarium to view sharks, manatees, and sea turtles, as well as more than 100 other species of marine life.

• FEE: Adult (13 and over) $24, ages 3-12 $18. Members are free.

Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Navarre Beach

NBSTCC is a mostly volunteer run conservation and education center open to the public on Navarre Beach on Florida’s panhandle.

Their mission is to conserve and protect threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education and partnered research.

The facility is open to the public year-round including the 15,000 gallon saltwater pool.

Here you can see Sweet Pea, a Green sea turtle that due to unfortunate circumstances can not be released back into the wild.

• FEE: $10 per person, $9 Military & Seniors (65+), $7 Children 4-12 years, Children under 4 years are free.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach

This modern sea turtle hospital is located right at the ocean on Florida’s East coast.

Their mission is to rehabilitate injured and diseased sea turtles with a focus on conservation though turtle protection and awareness.

Sign-up for the guided tour. It’s a worthwhile and educational 1 hour experience.

A guide will lead a small group through the campus and explain current conservation efforts and the condition of the rehabilitating turtles.

• FEE: Public guided tours: $10 Adults, $5 for children under 8. After Hours Evening Tours (ages 8 and over only): $20 per person
  
  

Archie Carr National Wildlife Rescue, Melbourne

Occupying a 20.5 mile stretch of beach between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast, the refuge protects habitat for the largest concentration of loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world.

The refuge is also the site of the largest number of green turtle nestings in North America.

Guided tours are run only in June and July from 9pm-1am, and are conducted by state permitted guides.

If you’re lucky you will be able to view a sea turtle nesting on the beach. The night walk lasts about 3 hours.

• FEE: $15 per person in advance (reservations required)
  
  
  

SEA TURTLE CAMS IN FLORIDA

If you didn’t get to see sea turtles nesting on vacation or didn’t make it one of Florida’s sea turtle facilities, don’t despair.

There are a number of sea turtle cams in Florida that you can watch from time to time and hopefully spot some good hatching action!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL - Mavis Rescue Hideaway Cam

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL - Sea Turtle Rehab Cam

Florida Keys Turtle Cam, Florida Keys

Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach FL

The Turtle Hospital, Marathon, FL

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION: HOW CAN YOU HELP?

If you’ll be visiting one of the coastal towns of Florida during nesting season, you just might see a turtle or two.

Here in southwest Florida we’ve seen turtles swimming close to shore in the early morning when the water of the Gulf is as smooth as glass.

They can really move along.

If you don’t have any luck seeing one, you’ll always see where they’ve nested on their nocturnal visit.

Researchers place bright yellow caution tape on wooden stakes around freshly laid nests from the night before reminding us to not disturb the site.

In other places where nighttime foragers are a problem, wire mesh ‘baskets’ are put in place over a nest to keep raccoons from digging up the eggs.

Fortunately, local residents and establishments are happy to comply by not turning on bright lights or properly shielding them so that they can’t be seen from the beach.

It’s The Law

It is illegal to harass, harm, or kill any sea turtles, hatchlings, or take eggs. It’s also illegal to import, sell, or transport turtles or products made from turtles.

Again, we ask that you don’t purchase any products made from sea turtles.


Beyond not breaking the law, familiarize yourself with these simple rules of turtle etiquette:


Lights and Flashlights  —  To enjoy a stroll on the beach after sunset use “turtle safe lighting”.

Turtles are not bothered by red light so by using a red lens cover on your flashlight, the light is less intrusive and disorienting to nesting females and hatchlings.

Should you be fortunate enough to witness a female coming ashore and digging her nest, take care not to shine the light in her eyes and keep far enough away so as not to disturb.

Trust us, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Help Keep Beaches as Natural as Possible  — Before you leave the beach for the day, fill in any holes that the kids, yours and anyone else’s, have dug and flatten out those sandcastles.

Turtles can get stuck in holes or become disoriented if they encounter a pile of sand.

Take your beach chairs and anything else you brought with you when you leave.

Remember, they’re finning up the beach so they usually will head nearly straight in and then straight out.

Don’t Touch! — Should you witness a hatching, PLEASE resist the temptation to pick them up!

Take only pictures (without flash!), leave only footprints, and by all means enjoy the beautiful beaches of Florida.

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We hope this guide to Florida sea turtles brings a new and unique adventure to your Florida trip and most importantly, you learned more about these amazing animals.