JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Summer is peak sea turtle season in South Florida, and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is offering two experiences that let you connect with these endangered creatures — while helping to protect them.
Hatchling Release – Evenings on the Beach
From now through the end of the nesting season, the Hatchling Release program gives guests a two-hour adventure starting with an educational presentation about sea turtles and their nesting habits.
The evening ends with a walk to the shoreline at Juno Beach, where staff release hatchlings that have emerged from nests earlier that day.
There’s no guarantee of hatchlings every night — nature is unpredictable — but all proceeds support the Center’s sea turtle hospital and conservation programs.
Important notes:
- Children must be 10 years or older.
- No touching turtles — only permitted staff may handle them.
- No flashlights or photography to protect the turtles.
- Wear dark clothing, bug spray, and comfortable walking shoes.
Sunrise Nest Excavation - Mornings in Nature
If you prefer mornings, the Sunrise Nest Excavation runs from August to September on Juno, Jupiter, or Tequesta beaches.
With a state research permit, trained staff dig into a recently hatched nest to gather important data — counting shells, studying unhatched eggs, and sometimes discovering hatchlings still in the sand.
What to expect:
- A 1.5-hour program starting with a turtle talk at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
- Guests join staff on the beach to watch the excavation process and learn about conservation.
- Photography is allowed at this event.
Why it matters:
Both experiences allow the public to witness critical moments in a sea turtle’s life while supporting research that helps protect the species worldwide.
For tickets, schedules, and details, visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center's website here.
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