Where to Spot Hatching Sea Turtles in Florida
To see baby sea turtles, head to the beach early in the morning. Walk along the shore, paying attention to both the water’s edge and the sandy areas closer to the dunes, where hatchlings might be emerging. Many coastal communities have volunteer groups that patrol the beaches, looking for new nests (which they rope off for protection) or signs of hatching turtles.
Birds like seagulls diving toward the sand can also indicate hatchlings are nearby.
Important Note: It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. These creatures are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Protection Act.
When a mother turtle is laying her eggs, she enters a trance-like state. You can safely observe her from a respectful distance as she deposits soft, rubbery eggs, about the size of ping-pong balls, into her nest.