A summer adventure is waiting.

Last updated June 1, 2018
PictureTurtle Release at 2018 Turtle Fest.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 2018 Turtle Fest last month! If you weren't able to attend, or if you were and want to play "Where's Waldo" to try to find yourself, click here to see photos of the event.  We were fortunate enough to release not one, but two, rehabilitated turtles (see photo to the left)!

Looking for something fun to do on your summer evenings? Consider participating in our Hands-On Adoption program... you'll be supporting a good cause and getting some fresh air & exercise to boot! Click the How Can I Help? tab for more info. 
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​Have fun out there & let's keep our turtles safe!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol ​​​​

June Fact of the Month...

Have you ever walked along the beach at night, peering off into the shoreline, hoping to see a turtle coming to shore to nest? We see evidence that they've been here... namely their tracks and nests. But what about the turtles themselves? We are fortunate enough to live in an area where opportunities to see sea turtles abound. There are many aquariums, nature parks, and science centers rehabilitating sea turtles that are open to the public. There are also guided nighttime Sea Turtle Watches where visitors are accompanied by trained personnel on a beach walk in search of nesting sea turtles. (Note: If, while walking on the beach on your own, you spot a sea turtle nesting, keep your distance and do not approach or she may return to the ocean before laying her eggs!) 

​So, start planning your next summer adventure! Click here for a list of facilities* that allow you to view sea turtles up close or offer guided Sea Turtle Watches.

(*Sea turtles are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Act. All facilities listed on the link above are permitted by the State of Florida to interact with sea turtles. Possessing sea turtles (or their eggs) without a permit or disturbing/harassing sea turtles in the wild is illegal!)
If you come across a nesting sea turtle on our beaches, please keep your distance and do not disturb her.
​She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.

If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.

FLORIDA SEA TURTLES
There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped. 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.