Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea Turtle nesting season started on May 1^st and goes to October 31^st. Sea Turtles usually nest through September and hatching starts around July and goes through to October. This year, we saw a few nests prior to May 1^st, this is consistent with trends that show that sea turtles are laying their eggs earlier each year.

Nesting has been steadily increasing since its lowest point in 2007. This year, we’re expecting the turtles that hatched in 2012, our biggest year so far, to return, so we’re hoping for another big year!

We ask beachgoers to fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach, and take all their beach furniture with them when they leave the beach. Please remember to keep lights from shining on the beach at night when the turtles are nesting. Sea turtles use lights to find their way back to the ocean and lights on the beach will cause the turtles to go the wrong way.

Mote Marine Laboratory is trying to get their Turtle Patrol volunteers out early, so they can catch new nests. If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, please contact Mote at volunteerinfo@mote.org.