Turtle Walks are a unique program that allows our visitors to learn about and observe the nesting and egg-laying process of loggerhead sea turtles.
Duration
- Approximately 3 Hours
- There’s no way to know the exact duration of the program from night to night, although the program is officially scheduled from 9pm – 12am. The length of the program depends on when we spot a loggerhead sea turtle and her behavior. If we do spot one, it could be at any point in the evening. If no turtle has been spotted by midnight, the program concludes.
About
With the approval of state issued permits, experienced Loggerhead Marinelife Center scouts will patrol our designated section of Juno Beach searching for sea turtles while visitors enjoy an informative presentation on the plight of sea turtles and engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. Once a loggerhead sea turtle emerges and begins her egg-laying process, the group is then led down to the beach to witness this unforgettable experience.
What happens if I don’t see a sea turtle?
We cannot guarantee that a loggerhead sea turtle will carry out her nesting process on the evening of your scheduled program. Though we cannot offer refunds, all ticket sales directly benefit Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s mission and the care of our sea turtle patients.
What are my chances to see a turtle?
There is absolutely NO way to predict the successful nesting of a sea turtle on the night of your scheduled walk. Sea turtles never RSVP, and we have no way of knowing what the likelihood of seeing a sea turtle will be from night to night. Juno Beach, however, is one of the densest nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles in the world.
How does the program work?
Nesting is highest for loggerhead sea turtles in June and July. During these months, we offer turtle walks to the public Tuesday-Saturday under a required permit issued by the state of Florida. Once registered for an evening, visitors come to the center and receive a presentation, at which time our scouts are on the beach in search of activity. If the scouts spot a loggerhead sea turtle carrying out her nesting process, they will radio to bring the group down to watch.
How long is the program?
There’s no way to know the exact duration of the program from night to night, although the program is officially scheduled from 9pm – 12am. The length of the program depends entirely on when and if we spot a sea turtle. If we do spot one, it could be at any point in the evening. If no turtle has been spotted by midnight, the program concludes.
Can I bring a flashlight?
Sorry, flashlights are not permitted.
Can I take pictures?
We do not permit photography of any form throughout the program.
More Info
- Children must be 10 years or older to attend the walks, and all participants must be able to walk up to half a mile on the beach.
- Due to our State issued permit requirements, we can only accommodate a small number of people per night and dates fill up quickly. There is no relationship between sea turtle nesting activity and the phase of the moon, the weather, or the tides. All scheduled Turtle Walk nights have the same odds of the group seeing a sea turtle nesting. There are no refunds on tickets if a sea turtle is not spotted.
What to Wear
- Dark clothing is preferred to minimize the impact on nesting sea turtles. Bug spray and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- What if it’s raining? We run our program rain or shine and only stay off the beach in the event of lightning. During this waiting period, guests will be onsite enjoying our presentation. We do not cancel the program due to inclement weather. If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend guests wear raincoats or ponchos. No umbrellas please.