Turtle nests

[beachdreaming]

Hi all
I am a long time S. Walton visitor and we are looking forward to our fall break next week.
One thing we have never seen during our visits is a turtle nests. We will have two 8 y.o. Old
Girls who would be beyond thrilled to experience a turtle hatching. Does anyone know if the
Local sea turtle organization would be willing to allow tourists along for a hatching? Is it too late
In the season

 

[beachdreaming]

Excuse the poor formatting! Phone isn't playing nice!
Thanks for any info! Sarah

 

[Zebraspots]

It is very rare to see. You can try contacting South Walton turtle watch, but I don't know if they would be able to help you. Maybe they could tell you when they are releasing hatchlings?

There have been a lot of problems this year with people harassing the turtles when they hatch, as well as certain beach vendors and communities engaging in very anti-turtle practices.

Hope you can figure something out, it is really amazing and inspiring to see!

 

[Beach Runner]

beachdreaming, one day I was lucky enough to be sitting on Seagrove Beach and saw a group of people running toward a taped-off nest. I started running behind them and watched the whole thing. Unfortunately it appeared that there were a only a few that had escaped from the nest. They dug deeply and found a bunch of eggs with hatchlings that didn't make it.

I made sure that I stood back so as not to be in the way. They were very friendly to me and encouraged me to get closer. What a wonderful event to experience, despite so many hatchlings not making it!

Go to http://southwaltonturtlewatch.org/new-nests/ and scroll to the bottom to see the most recent nests. I'd contact them so see if you could be informed of a dig. It would be so special for your daughters. Obviously don't let them get near a taped off area.

Good luck!

 

[Matt J]

It's pretty rare, but the main ingredient is a full moon. Good luck!

Stop by one of the vendors that carries turtle safe lights or turtle safe light covers. I know Raw & Juicy in Seaside carries them.