The Palm Beaches The Sea Turtle Capital™

“Shell-ebrate” Sea Turtles In The Palm Beaches

Each year, thousands of sea turtles nest along our shores — making The Palm Beaches the Sea Turtle Capital of the World. Palm Beach County is a vital hub for sea turtle conservation, hosting densely nested beaches for loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles. Our county excels in sea turtle conservation efforts, habitat restoration, research. It boasts two rehabilitation facilities and offers numerous educational and outreach programs to promote sea turtle conservation, making it the Sea Turtle Capital™. You can play a vital role in protecting them during nesting and hatching season (March–October).

Sea Turtle Walks & Programs

Sea turtle walks and educational programs in The Palm Beaches offer a rare opportunity to learn about sea turtles while observing nesting activity responsibly and from a safe distance. Led by trained guides and conservation experts, these programs share insights into sea turtle biology, nesting behavior, and the importance of protecting dark, debris‑free beaches. Programs are typically offered during nesting season, which runs from March through October, with most turtle walks taking place between May and July. Walks and programs are available through partners including Loggerhead Marinelife Center, the the City of Boca Raton’s Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, and Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, each providing unique educational experiences that promote conservation and responsible wildlife viewing.

Sea Turtle Resources

Sea turtle rescues in Palm Beach County are coordinated through a network of authorized responders operating under state and federal wildlife protections. Reports made to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are routed to trained rescue partners who assess, transport, and care for injured or stranded sea turtles. Local organizations, including Loggerhead Marinelife Center, provide rehabilitation and medical treatment for sea turtles in need. Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management provides sea turtle information and conservation guidance through public education, habitat management, and outreach on nesting season practices, lighting regulations, and responsible beach behavior — helping protect one of the nation’s most important nesting areas.

How you can help sea turtles: 

Small actions have a big impact. By following these guidelines, you help ensure future generations can experience the magic of sea turtle nesting season in The Palm Beaches. Together, we can make a difference!

🌙 Keep Beaches Dark at Night

Artificial light can disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings.

• Turn off or dim lights visible from the beach
• Close curtains and blinds after dark
• Use turtle-friendly (amber or red) lighting
• Avoid flashlights, phone lights, and flash photography

🏖️ Leave No Trace

A clean, flat beach helps turtles safely nest and hatch.

• Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles
• Remove chairs, umbrellas, and gear overnight
• Properly dispose of all trash
• Do not disturb nest markers to allow permitted organizations to actively monitor

🚫 Give Turtles Space

Observe from a distance and never interfere.

• Do not disturb sea turtles, nests, or eggs — it’s the law
• If you encounter a nesting turtle, stay at least 50 feet away, keep lights off, remain still, and keep your distance
• Respect marked nesting areas and never touch turtles or nests
• Never shine lights directly on sea turtles or hatchlings

🐕 Stay Paw-sitive

• Follow local beach regulations for pet-friendly beaches
• Keep dogs leashed where allowed
• Prevent digging near dunes or nests

♻️ Reduce Litter & Marine Debris

• Properly dispose of all trash
• Avoid single-use plastics
• Pick up fishing line and debris that can entangle turtles

🚤 Practice Safe Boating

Sea turtles swim in both inshore and offshore waters year-round.

• Be alert—turtles frequently surface to breathe
• Slow down in areas where turtles are known to be present
• Keep a safe distance and never approach or harass wildlife
• Watch for floating turtles, especially in calm conditions

🌿 Protect Natural Habitats

• Stay on designated walkovers
• Avoid trampling dunes and vegetation
• Watch for turtle tracks and new, unmarked nests. Eggs may be only 1–3 feet below the surface.
  

🌊 Experience Sea Turtles Responsibly

Join an approved sea turtle walk with a licensed guide:

• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (Boca Raton)
• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (North Palm Beach)
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Juno Beach)
• Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) – Adventure Awaits Series

All Places To Stay in The Palm Beaches

Haven’t booked your hotel stay yet, now’s your chance! Please use the below search option for hotels in The Palm Beaches.