Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Florida's Northeast Coast

The Northeast Coast of Florida is a mesmerizing stretch of coastline where nature's spectacle unfolds every summer during sea turtle nesting season. From May to October, the sandy shores become the stage for one of the most remarkable events in the animal kingdom as mother sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. When you stay with us at the Beach Front Motel, you can experience this annual marine life pilgrimage and witness the wonders of nature up close on Flagler Beach.

During nesting season, Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback sea turtles emerge from the ocean under the moonlit sky, guided by instinct to find the perfect spot to lay their eggs. As they dig their nests and deposit their precious cargo, conservation efforts swing into action to protect these vulnerable creatures and their future offspring. Dedicated teams of volunteers and scientists patrol the beaches, marking and monitoring nests to safeguard them from predators and human disturbances.

One of those groups is the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol. This nonprofit organization works tirelessly to monitor and protect sea turtle nests on the beaches of Flagler and Volusia counties. Armed with knowledge and passion, volunteers patrol the beaches daily looking for turtle crawls, the unique patterns left in the sand by turtles when they come out of the ocean and onto the beach. They stake off the nests and mark them with flags and signs to let beachgoers know not to disturb them. The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol also plays a crucial role in educating the local community about the importance of sea turtle conservation and fostering a culture of respect for these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Another pivotal player in sea turtle conservation efforts along the Northeast Coast of Florida is the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Lab. Situated in St. Augustine, this facility serves as a crucial rehabilitation center for injured and sick sea turtles. Here, skilled veterinarians and staff work tirelessly to treat turtles affected by boat strikes, entanglements in fishing gear, ingestion of marine debris and other human-induced injuries. The hospital is also committed to research and education as part of its mission. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital to learn about its rescue and rehabilitation efforts and witness the rehabilitation process firsthand.

There’s nothing like watching a baby turtle emerge from its nest and crawl its way along the sand down to the ocean for the first time, but there are a few things to be mindful of. Mama sea turtles typically deposit their eggs in the dark of night, so plan your visit during a full moon for the best visibility, as flashlights are prohibited because they startle and distress the turtles. You might also catch a glimpse during pre-dawn and post-sunset hours. If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, observe quietly from a distance and follow the guidance of trained professionals or volunteers, like those with the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol.

Be sure to experience sea turtle nesting season during your summer stay with us at the Beach Front Motel. We suggest an oceanside stroll in the moonlight at Flagler Beach or Gamble Rogers State Park. As you walk along the sandy shores of Florida's coastline, keep an eye out for the telltale tracks of nesting sea turtles and marvel at the wonder of nature's ancient ritual.