Juno Beach, Fla. (May 2, 2023) – “Seas” the day this summer! Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is offering an array of recreational and educational events and activities for locals to enjoy from May to August.
Both adults and children can engage in fun activities to learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and ocean conservation. Each year, the Center’s team and volunteers treat nearly 100 sea turtles and 1,000 hatchlings at their ocean-side facility. The summer’s active turtle nesting season offers guests the opportunity to encounter sea turtles through experiences only available at LMC.
Not only is the Center one of Florida’s top sea turtle rescue hospitals, but also a research and educational facility with engaging experiences. Some of LMC’s summer activities include:
Sunrise Nest Excavation Program – Guests may have the opportunity to witness a live nest excavation and create their research data. The program begins with a brief beach walk and ecology introduction to educate guests on sea turtle crawl identification, nesting, and the hatchling process. If a nest is located, guests will witness trained staff excavate a sea turtle nest. Registration begins May 1. (Available Thursdays-Mondays; age 10 and up.)
Rescue to Release Virtual Reality Show – This guided experience takes place in the Center’s auditorium theater. This digital program allows guests to follow a sea turtle’s narrated journey from rescue to release. With the use of virtual reality headsets, viewers are transported into real action scenes from the beach rescue to the sea turtle hospital, then to one of LMC’s turtle releases. (Available Tuesdays-Saturdays; $5 per person; all ages.)
Guided Turtle Walk – Watch and take part in the nesting and egg-laying process of loggerhead sea turtles in June and July when nesting is highest. When a loggerhead sea turtle emerges and begins the egg-laying process, the group is then led down to the beach by the Center’s authorized scouts to witness this unforgettable experience. Registration begins May 1. (Available Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.; age 10 and up; participants must be able to walk at least half a mile on the beach.)
Evening Guided Tours – Join LMC after hours for an exclusive tour to meet the Center’s current sea turtle patients. With an experienced guide, guests will learn about sea turtles’ incredible nesting behavior on our local beaches. This tour is a perfect pairing to the Guided Turtle Walk. (Available Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $25 per person; age 10 and up.)
Youth Ocean Leaders – The Youth Ocean Leaders (YOLs) program allows high school students to work alongside LMC’s Camp Counselors to deliver fun and educational activities to their Jr. Marine Biologist campers during summer break! YOLs will develop their understanding of marine science and local ecosystems through hands-on learning and teaching. Volunteers will also be able to explore and refine their leadership skills. The Center is now accepting applications. Please email [email protected] for more information. (Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; age 15 to 18.) Adults can also enjoy after-hour events − from educational seminars to fun on the Sky Deck!
By-The-Sea Lecture Series – Join LMC after hours for a lecture series featuring local scientists, conservationists, and photographers, and includes some local brews. The lecture series has been expanded to run year-round at the Center. Each event registration includes one beer (or nonalcoholic drink), an entry ticket, and access to the Center’s Sky Deck for an engaging presentation by the beer garden. Hosted once a month. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; series runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $20 for adults age 21 and over, and $18 for seniors.)
Sunrise Yoga at the Sky Deck − LMC has partnered with local yoga studios for sunrise and full moon yoga classes on the Sky Deck overlooking the ocean. Studios include YogaSix, Tula Yoga School, Native Yoga Center, and Breathe Salt & Yoga. Guests are required to bring their own yoga mat. Gratitude Tea kindly donates tea to all participants in the class. Registration is required and opens three weeks in advance. (May 18 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., June 2 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.; $10 per person; space is limited.)
For more information on LMC’s activities, please visit marinelife.org/experiences