Every May, Green, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, and even rare Leatherback sea turtles head to Pensacola beaches for nesting. Secluded Gulf Islands National Seashore, from Santa Rosa Island to Fort Pickens, and Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches are perfect spots for the turtles' secret lairs. The turtles appear during the night, dig nests at the foot of the sand dunes, lay their eggs, and disappear back into the sea. About two months later, tiny baby turtles hatch, finding their way out of the dunes and into the water. Their only guide is the moonlight over the Gulf of Mexico. This is the time for trained volunteers to patrol the dunes and offer a helping hand to turtles when needed. Volunteers assist hatchlings in case they get disoriented. They also monitor nests with stethoscopes and mark the nests where turtles have hatched. Special workshops are held at Fort Pickens to train volunteers. If you happen to spot a turtle disoriented in the dunes, contact Gulf Islands National Seashore. Also, do not use artificial light on the beach, as it may confuse the hatchlings.
Best time for sea turtle viewing in Pensacola
The turtle nesting season in the Pensacola area usually starts in May. The hatching season starts two months later, in July, and lasts through October. Hatching typically peaks in August.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Pensacola for sea turtle nesting?
Sea turtles in Pensacola start nesting from May and continue till October. Their hatching season begins two months post-nesting, hitting the peak in August. The period between May and October is recommended to witness sea turtle nesting in Pensacola. Show more
Where are the best spots in Pensacola to see the sea turtles nesting?
Sea turtles generally nest at the isolated beaches of Pensacola. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key Beach are few of the best spots to observe them. The turtles are usually spotted at the base of sand dunes where they create nests and lay their eggs. Show more
What is the role of trained volunteers during the sea turtle nesting season in Pensacola?
Volunteers, dedicatedly trained, play an important role in helping sea turtles during their nesting season in Pensacola. They monitor nests at night using stethoscopes, aid hatchlings in case of disorientation or similar issues, mark already hatched nests and patrol the dunes. To train efficiently, special workshops are organized at Fort Pickens. Visitors spotting a disoriented turtle on the beach should contact Gulf Islands National Seashore for assistance. Show more
How long do baby turtles stay on the Pensacola beaches after hatching?
Baby turtles tend to stay on Pensacola beaches for a maximum of two days after hatching before they begin their journey towards the water. Once they reach the water, they swim towards the open sea, leaving the beaches behind. Therefore, baby turtles do not have an extended stay at the beach. Show more
What precautions should visitors take to avoid disturbing the sea turtles in Pensacola?
To ensure sea turtles are not disturbed while nesting or while the hatchlings are migrating towards the water, it is essential to avoid using artificial light on the beach as it can confuse the hatchlings. Visitors are also advised to avoid littering as garbage can harm turtles and damage their habitat. For timely assistance, it is recommended to contact Gulf Islands National Seashore in case visitors spot any disoriented/ injured turtle on the beach. Show more
