Few experiences in Florida rival the sight of tiny sea turtles breaking free from the sand and racing toward the ocean under the moonlight. Every year from spring through fall, South Florida’s beaches transform into nesting grounds for loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles. September is peak hatchling season, offering travelers a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of nature’s resilience.
But with this privilege comes responsibility. Sea turtles are protected, and how we watch them matters. Here’s your guide to enjoying turtle season responsibly — where to go, what to expect, and how to keep your footprint light.
When & Where to See Hatchlings
Loggerheads: Florida’s most common nester, with hatchlings emerging July–September.
Greens: Nest June–September, often hatching well into October.
Leatherbacks: Rare giants that nest early (March–June) but may still have late hatchlings in September.
👉 The best time to see hatchlings is after dusk or before dawn, when sand cools and moonlight guides them to the sea.
South Florida’s Protected Beaches
Florida is home to 90% of U.S. sea turtle nesting, and South Florida is at its heart. Key locations include:
- Miami-Dade: Miami Beach, Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
- Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Hillsboro Beach, all under active conservation patrols.
- Palm Beach: Juno Beach and Boca Raton, home to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
- Martin County: Hobe Sound NWR and Hutchinson Island — in 2024, these beaches hosted 16,000+ nests.
- Florida Keys: Bahia Honda State Park and Smathers Beach (Key West). Rare, but special, sightings happen here.
Guided Walks & Hatchling Releases
The best way to see turtles is with licensed programs led by trained naturalists. These tours protect turtles while giving guests an unforgettable experience.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Juno Beach): Hatchling releases and dawn nest excavations.
Gumbo Limbo (Boca Raton): August–September evening hatchling release programs.
Broward Sea Turtle Conservation Program: Public releases in Hollywood and Dania Beach.
Miami-Dade Parks: Hatchling releases at Crandon and Haulover.
Hobe Sound Nature Center: Guided walks near Jupiter Island.
Florida Keys: Turtle Hospital (Marathon) offers educational tours and periodic rehab releases.
Tip: Programs fill quickly — reserve in advance!
How to Watch Responsibly
- Lights out: No white flashlights, phone lights, or flash photography. Use red-filter flashlights only.
- Hands off: Never touch turtles, hatchlings, or nests. It’s illegal and harmful.
- Keep distance: Stay low, quiet, and at least 30 feet away.
- Clear the beach: Remove chairs, toys, and fill in holes before sunset.
- Follow signs: Respect marked nests and restricted zones.
The Laws that Protect Turtles
Sea turtles are safeguarded by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act. Local counties enforce strict “lights out” ordinances from May–October. Disturbing turtles or nests can bring heavy fines — and, more importantly, threatens the survival of these species.
Turtle-Friendly Tourism Tips
- Stay in rentals with turtle-safe lighting (amber/red bulbs, curtains drawn at night).
- Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming.
- Pick up trash and consider joining a beach cleanup.
- Visit and support local centers like Loggerhead Marinelife, Gumbo Limbo, or the Turtle Hospital.
- Leave no trace: flatten sandcastles and fill holes before dusk.
For STR Hosts: Preparing Guests
Property managers can help by:
- Adding a Sea Turtle Season guide to welcome packets.
- Providing red flashlights for beach walks.
- Reminding guests to close curtains and turn off balcony lights at night.
- Highlighting local turtle walks and conservation centers.
A small reminder can make a big difference — and often delights eco-conscious guests.
Beyond the Beach: Eco-Adventures
Pair turtle season with other South Florida nature escapes:
- Mangrove kayaking in Biscayne Bay or the Keys.
- Snorkeling reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Wildlife tours in the Everglades.
- Visits to rehab centers like the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
Witnessing sea turtles hatch in Florida is a memory guests treasure forever. By following guidelines and supporting conservation, you’ll not only see nature’s magic but help ensure these creatures thrive for generations.
September is the season of beginnings — for hatchlings heading to the ocean, and for travelers embracing responsible Florida adventures.
