Sea Turtle Nesting Season! May - Oct

[Abby E]

Read all about SoWal Sea Turtles:

South Walton Sea Turtle Season Begins May 1st And Spans The Summer

Listen up, beach lovers! It's that special time of year again in South Walton – Sea Turtle Season is officially underway, running from May 1st all the way through October 31st. These ancient mariners, our flippered friends who've been gracing our shores for millions of years, need our extra TLC...

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They’re back and they’ve traveled literal oceans for this moment!

Sea turtle nesting season starts MAY 1—if it glows, goes, or stays… it better be turtle-friendly!

You know the drill. #CleanDarkFlat. We want nests, not excuses!

See a nesting mama, hatchlings, or a turtle in trouble, catch the hotline!

850.865.4503

Save it. Use it. Be better.

 

[Abby E]

Sea Turtles You May See Nesting in Our Area:​

• Loggerhead Sea Turtles – The most common nester in our area, known for their large heads and strong jaws.
• Green Sea Turtles – Known for their green skin from eating sea-grass! Their populations are increasing thanks to conservation efforts!
• Leatherback Sea Turtles – The largest of all sea turtles and a rare but amazing sight.
• Kemps Ridley - Less common to see - are day nesters, and the smallest of the sea turtle species.

Did You Know?​

• A single nest can contain 50–120 eggs.
• Hatchlings emerge about 45–70 days after being laid.
• Only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood.
• Artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings, causing them to move away from the ocean.

How You Can HELP!

• Keep Beaches Clean
• Lights out at Night
• Leave no Trace
• Respect Marked Nests
• Give Turtle Space

Every beach clean brings us one step closer to a stronger sea turtle population. Thank you for helping us keep our beaches safe for these incredible animals.

 

[Teresa]

Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles:
Headed to the beach this Fourth of July? Help protect nesting sea turtles!

️ We're in the heart of sea turtle nesting season, and every evening, simple actions can make a big difference for nesting moms and hatchlings.

Remember to #CleanDarkFlat before you leave the beach:

️ CLEAN – Remove all beach gear, toys, chairs, tents, and trash.

DARK – Turn off or shield beachfront lights at night. Artificial light can disorient nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.

FLAT – Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles so sea turtles can safely crawl across the beach.

Together, we can enjoy a memorable holiday while helping protect the incredible sea turtles that call our beaches home.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!