5 Things to Know About Turtle Nesting Season in St. Augustine
Each year in St. Augustine, sea turtles come to our shores for safe places to nest. Turtle nesting season takes place between May 1 and October 31, and during this time there are several things to take into account while out on our beaches. Sea turtles are very endangered and interaction from humans both direct and indirect can make them even more endangered.
When visiting St. Augustine, it's important that you help out and do your part to protect the species. Whether you're lucky enough to see a sea turtle lay eggs or you just care about them from afar, here are a few things to keep in mind during the turtle nesting season in St. Augustine.
- Sea turtles lay their eggs at night so you can normally find them on the beach for a very early morning stroll.
- Turtles find their way back to the ocean by the moonlight. Be sure to turn off any outside lights at 10 pm. The lights from condos can trick baby sea turtles into thinking it's the moon so they get lost on their way to the ocean.
- Help sea turtles by knocking down and sandcastles and filling any holes you made before you leave the beach, so they don’t get stuck in the sand.
- One turtle can lay up to 7 nests with 100 eggs each. The nests get marked with poles and tape, so people do not disturb them. Touching or tampering with sea turtle nests is a serious crime punishable by large fines or up to a year in jail.
- Turtle nesting season is from March to October. The warm sand acts as an incubator so if you want your chance to see a sea turtle, that's the best time to visit.
See our full guide to sea turtle nesting season here.
Protect and Admire the Sea Turtles and Book Your St. Augustine Vacation Rental Today
Beach & Tennis Resort is located right on the ocean so you'll get the chance to catch some sea turtles on your morning walks on the sand or see some marked nests where future babies will appear. Come experience the joy of St. Augustine and find out why sea turtles and humans alike love this area so much. Book your vacation rental today!
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