Sea Turtle Nesting Count at the Refuge Beach
Did you know? Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is home to a 3.5-mile stretch of beach that welcomes more than just human visitors each summer — it's also a nesting ground for hundreds of endangered and threatened sea turtles, including Leatherbacks, Loggerheads, and Green sea turtles!
Want to track how many stop by this season? Follow us for weekly updates through the end of nesting season on October 31st!
Sea Turtle Nesting at Nathaniel P. Reed NWR
Greens - 2303 Nests
(Chelonia mydas) - The green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. They are herbivores, eating mostly seagrasses and algae. This diet is what gives their fat a greenish color (not their shells), which is where their name comes from.
Loggerheads - 1732 Nests
(Caretta caretta) - Named for its large head, which supports powerful jaw muscles that enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks and conch. Loggerheads are the most abundant species of sea turtle that nests in the United States.
Leatherbacks - 180 Nests
(Dermochelys coriacea) - The largest turtle in the world. They are the only species of sea turtle that lack scales and a hard shell. They are named for their tough rubbery skin and have existed in their current form since the age of the dinosaurs.
FAQs
What species of sea turtle might I see?
The loggerhead sea turtle is the only species we are permitted (FWC) to view during our guided walks.
How should I dress?
We recommend long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and comfortable, close-toed shoes.
Can I take pictures?
Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Your “turtle scouts” will illuminate the nest with a red light for ideal picture taking.
What if we don't see a nesting sea turtle?
There is no guarantee that you will be able to witness a nesting sea turtle on your walk, as are at the mercy of mother nature and spontaneous, natural events. However, if our expert field guides are unable to identify a nesting turtle during your scheduled walk, you may attend a future turtle walk at no extra cost.
What age range is recommended for this nighttime sea turtle walk?
This is a late evening activity that typically takes a few hours, possibly lasting until midnight or later. Please take this into consideration when making reservations.
How many sea turtles will I get to see nest?
One. All participants, we hope, will be able to witness one nesting loggerhead sea turtle.
Do I need to bring anything?
We recommend bringing bug spray (apply at beach, as needed) and water. Flashlights are strictly prohibited.
What if it rains or there is lighting?
Walks will continue, rain or shine. However, walks will be canceled in the event of lightning within close proximity.
Will restrooms be available at the beach?
Yes, restrooms should be available, as well as drinking fountains. However, the Hobe Sound Public Beach determines closing times, with facilities ideally open during the activity and closed thereafter, though this can vary.
Sea Turtle Nesting
What happens during Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season?
From February - October, female sea turtles return to land to lay eggs, typically at night. The female crawls out of the ocean and carefully chooses a spot to nest. She constructs a "body pit" by digging with her flippers and rotating her body side to side. She will then dig an egg chamber and lay her eggs; the average clutch size ranges from 80 to 120 eggs. When she is finished nesting, she will cover the eggs and return to the ocean. She may return in 2-4 weeks to lay another clutch of eggs during the nesting season.
