Florida’s Gulf Coast has beautiful beaches, warm weather, and wildlife. But did you know it’s also sea turtle nesting season?
May through October, our beaches in St. Pete-Clearwater are a nesting ground for these amazing creatures. If you visit during this time, you might just get to see the start of a sea turtle’s journey.
Here’s everything you need to know about turtle laying season in Florida, the types of sea turtles, and how you can help.
When is Sea Turtle Nesting Season in St. Pete-Clearwater?
Female sea turtles start laying on St. Pete-Clearwater’s beaches around May 1. But this year, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that nesting started earlier, around April 15.
Nesting continues through the summer, and most nests hatch by October 31, the end of the season. If you’re wondering when sea turtles hatch in Florida, it’s usually mid-June to October, and the tiny hatchlings make their way to the sea under the cover of night.
Types of Sea Turtles in Florida and How They Nest
Four of the seven global sea turtle species nest on St. Pete-Clearwater’s beaches. The loggerhead is the most common, up to 3.5 feet long and 300 pounds. Green turtles, known for their large shells, are also common on our beaches.
Kemps Ridley, the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species, occasionally nests here. The leatherback, a giant up to 7 feet and 2,000 pounds, visits our shores but less often.
How Do They Nest?
They come ashore at night, using their flippers to slowly make their way to soft sand away from the waterline. It takes an hour or more for a mother to dig a nest with her flippers. She’ll lay 70 to 100 Ping-Pong-sized eggs and then cover them with sand. This process under the stars is a labor of love to give the next generation a chance to survive.
When Do the Sea Turtles Hatch?
After 45 to 70 days of incubation, the hatchlings start their journey. When do turtles hatch in Florida?
It’s usually mid-June to October. Hatchlings emerge from the nest, often at night, to avoid predators and the day’s heat. They instinctively go to the ocean, guided by the moon’s natural light.
Unfortunately, only about 1 in 1,000 will survive to adulthood and face many threats along the way.
The Dangers Facing Sea Turtles
Sea turtles face dangers from the moment they hatch. On their journey from the nest to the sea, they are vulnerable to predators like birds and crabs. They face threats like sharks and larger marine animals, even in the ocean.
Beyond natural predators, human activities pose a significant risk. Sea turtles can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish—a favorite food—and get injured or killed. The bright lights from beachfront properties can disorient hatchlings and make them swim away from the sea instead of toward it.
Adult turtles are also at risk. Beachgoers leave obstacles like lawn chairs, fishing gear, and even sandcastles that can impede a turtle’s path to the nesting site. Debris in the water and on the beach can entangle or harm turtles, so beach management and conservation are crucial.
How Can You Help Protect Sea Turtles?
Protecting sea turtles is a team effort from locals and visitors. Here’s how you can help:
- Keep Beaches Clean: Our local waterways and beaches are free of plastic and other pollution. Discard trash responsibly at the shoreline, and anytime you’re outside. Remove monofilament fishing lines from trees and water to prevent entanglement.
- Respect Nesting Sites: Before you leave for the night, remove all obstacles on the beach, fill in holes, and level sand structures. If you’re staying at a Gulf-front hotel or vacation rental, close your curtains to prevent lights from disorienting turtles. Don’t use flashlights or flash photography if you’re walking on the beach at night.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Learn about sea turtle conservation by visiting places like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). Attend programs that teach visitors of all ages about sea turtles and support local organizations like Sea Turtle Trackers, which work hard to protect nests and rescue hatchlings. Your help makes a big difference.
- Report Injured Sea Turtles: Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922 if you see an injured or stranded sea turtle. Your quick action could save a turtle’s life.
Where Does Beach Ride Rental Fit Into All This?
When you visit St. Pete-Clearwater during sea turtle nesting season, you want to enjoy the area in a fun and responsible way. This is where Beach Ride Rental comes in.
Our golf carts are the perfect way to get around without disturbing the nesting turtles or adding to the pollution. By renting a golf cart, you can visit all the beaches and local attractions and do your part to protect the environment and the wildlife that lives here.
Furthermore, they are perfect for sea turtle nesting season. You can park in smaller, more eco-friendly spaces and easily navigate the beachside areas. Our carts get you closer to nature without the footprint of a larger vehicle. This keeps the beaches clear of unnecessary congestion, making them safer for turtles and humans.
Our Fleet
You can rent the following from Beach Ride Rental:
4-Seater Golf Carts
These carts offer comfortable seating and are easy to maneuver in tight spaces. They’re perfect for small groups or families who want to take a quick trip to the beach or visit local attractions without the hassle.
6-Seater Golf Carts
Our 6-seater golf carts are the way to go if you have a larger group. They have plenty of room for everyone and are compact enough to get through the busy beach areas and find parking.
6-Seater Electric Golf Carts
For the eco-conscious traveler, our 6-seater electric carts are the best option. They are quite smooth and minimize your environmental impact.
8-Seater Golf Carts
For larger groups, our 8-seater golf carts are spacious and comfortable, so everyone can travel together. They are a comfortable and friendly choice that helps preserve the natural beauty of St. Pete-Clearwater.
FAQs
When is turtle season in Florida?
Sea turtle nesting season in Florida is May 1 to October 31. But it can start earlier, around mid-April, as we saw this year in St. Pete-Clearwater.
When do the sea turtles hatch in Florida?
Hatchlings start to emerge from the nests in mid-June and continue through October. The best time to see sea turtles hatch is at night, as the cooler temperatures and reduced light help protect them from predators.
What kind of sea turtles nest in Florida?
Four species of sea turtles nest on the beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater: loggerhead, green, Kemps Ridley, and leatherback.
Do turtles come out at night?
Yes, both nesting and hatching turtles are nocturnal. This helps them avoid predators and the heat of the day.
How long does it take for sea turtles to hatch?
45-70 days for the eggs to incubate before the hatchlings emerge and head to the ocean.
Book A Golf Cart Today!
Sea turtle nesting season is the most magical time to visit St. Pete-Clearwater. Seeing these incredible animals start their journey is an experience you will never forget. But we all have a responsibility to protect them.
By respecting nesting sites, supporting conservation, and making eco-friendly choices like renting a golf cart, you can help sea turtles continue to thrive on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
So, if you’re planning to visit Florida during sea turtle hatching season, book your golf cart with Beach Ride Rental today. Explore St. Pete-Clearwater in a fun, easy, and eco-friendly way. Together, we can make a difference for these amazing animals!