After an introduction to the sea turtle nesting and hatching process, guests may have the opportunity to witness a live nest excavation and create their own data sheets to take home as a memento.
Duration
1.5 Hours
About
With permission from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a permitted staff member will lead guests down onto Juno, Jupiter or Tequesta beaches to discuss the nesting and hatching processes of sea turtles. If a nest is located, guests will witness our trained staff excavate a sea turtle nest.
What happens if there are no nests to excavate on the day of my program?
We cannot control the timing and location of when nests hatch out. If there is no nest that needs excavating on the day of your program, all guests will enjoy a beach ecology talk to learn about the nesting and hatchling processes of sea turtles.
What are my chances to witness an excavation or see live hatchlings?
There is no way to predict if there will be a nest that is ready to excavate on any given day. Each program begins with a brief beach walk and ecology talk that will educate guests on sea turtle crawl identification, nesting and hatchling processes, and the research projects currently underway at LMC. Although hatchlings are often found in nests during excavations, if you do get to witness an excavation, there is no guarantee that a hatchling will be found. We’re just happy they all made it out to sea, naturally!
How does the program work?
Hatching is highest for loggerhead sea turtles in August and September. During these months, we offer this program to the public under a required permit issued by the state of Florida. Once registered for a program, guests come to the center to check in and are led down to the beach to enjoy the program.
Why do you excavate these nests?
Loggerhead Marinelife Center holds special permits that allow us to collect data from sea turtle nests, such as number of hatched and unhatched eggs. This data helps scientists understand how successful sea turtle reproduction is on local beaches and inform management decisions that affect sea turtle conservation.
Have these nests already hatched before they are excavated?
LMC monitors each marked nest along Juno Beach, Jupiter and Tequesta beaches for signs of natural hatchling activity. Before collecting data from any sea turtle nest, LMC waits 3 days after the first signs of natural activity to collect data. This window of time gives sea turtle hatchlings the time they need to emerge undisturbed by data collection activities.
Can I take pictures?
Yes, you are welcome to take pictures of your experience with us!
What to Wear
- The program is held entirely outdoors. We suggest you pre-apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to your arrival to campus to ensure a timely start to the program. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly suggested, as we will be walking in soft, loose sand. If an excavation is held during your program, you will be sitting and observing for 30-45 minutes in the direct sun, so hats are strongly recommended for additional sun protection.
- What if it’s raining? We run our program rain or shine and only stay off the beach in the event of lightning. Though we cannot offer refunds, all ticket sales directly benefit Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s mission and the care of our sea turtle patients.