Nest Quest: Sea Turtle Nest Investigation
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A Pop-Up Conservation Experience
Become a Sea Turtle Nest Investigator! Sea turtles are wild animals, and every nest tells a unique story. Because each excavation depends on natural hatch timing, every Nest Quest is a little different—and that's part of the adventure.
Join our biologists for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the final stages of a sea turtle nesting season. Together you'll uncover a naturally hatched nest and learn how scientists measure nesting success. If we're lucky, you may even have the chance to photograph one of nature's most remarkable moments as any remaining hatchlings make their way to the ocean. This program was possible through collaboration with the team of dedicated biologists at Ecological Associates, Inc.
Every Nest Quest directly supports sea turtle conservation through education, wildlife monitoring, and habitat protection. Your participation helps inspire future conservationists while supporting the work of Hobe Sound Nature Center and its research partners.
All work conducted under MTP - 25 - 112B.
This pop-up event is a behind-the-scenes look at a real sea turtle nest excavation approximately 72-hours after hatchlings emerge to evaluate its success and collect valuable scientific data.
Please note: This program will take place at Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach. Admission to the beach for the day is included with the registration of a Nest Quest experience. Nest excavations occur on very short notice and are dependent on natural hatch dates and weather conditions. Tickets are released only when an excavation is confirmed, and space is limited.
Before you register, please note:
Nest Quest events are scheduled approximately three days after a sea turtle nest naturally hatches, following guidelines established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Because the timing depends entirely on when a nest hatches, all programs operate on nature's schedule.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration includes admission to the Refuge beach for the day.
Nest Quest takes place entirely on the beach, so please be prepared to walk up to one mile on the sand and spend time outdoors in the Florida sun and heat.
The program occurs rain or shine. Expect the program to proceed regardless of weather unless you receive a call prior to the event.
Discover eggshells, unhatched eggs, and other clues scientists use
Assist stranded hatchlings to the ocean if any remain in the nest
Ask questions and act as Citizen Scientists throughout the experience
Learn about Florida's nesting sea turtles
Observe a real post-hatch nest excavation
Help biologists count and document nest contents
During a Nest Quest registrants will:
FAQs
This program will take place at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach.
Admission to the beach for the day is included with the registration of a Nest Quest experience. Otherwise, it is $5 a day to access the refuge beach. Alternatively, an annual pass for $25 may be purchased at the fee booth, or by visiting the Nature Center Building located along US 1.
Where does this pop-up event take place?
1
Hatchlings are not guaranteed. Most hatchlings leave the nest naturally before the excavation. However, some nests contain hatchlings that were delayed underground, and participants may have the opportunity to observe and photograph them reaching the ocean.
2
Will I see hatchlings?
Yes! This experience is family-friendly and recommended for curious nature lovers of all ages. Children should be accompanied by an adult and those ages 4 and up need to have a paid registration.
3
Is this appropriate for children?
How long is the program and how far are participants expected to walk?
4
The program is expected to run 1 hour (7:30 am - 8:30 am) and guests typically walk less than one mile, round trip, across soft sand.
By counting eggshells, unhatched eggs, live hatchlings, and other contents, researchers can estimate hatch success and collect valuable information that helps monitor Florida's sea turtle populations.