Evening Turtle Walks
Guided Turtle Walks . . . Experience and Discover!
Join our turtle scouts and wildlife educators at the Hobe Sound Nature Center for FWC-permitted, guided turtle walks. This educational experience is offered Thursday and Friday evenings during the months of June and July. Our turtle walks begin at the Hobe Sound Nature Center. The museum and gift shop opens at 8:00 p.m. for registered guests, followed by a short, engaging presentation in our classroom at 8:30 p.m. After the presentation, everyone convenes at the Hobe Sound Public Beach.
Spaces are limited! Online registration and a non-refundable a fee of $20* is required for each participant over the age of 2. *Fees are used to support HSNC Environmental education and interpretive programs.
What to Bring
We recommend that participants bring bug spray and water for the turtle walk. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (i.e., for walking the beach). Although we are typically off the beach by 10:30 p.m., some walks last until midnight.
2024 Turtle Walks
Mark your calendar for April 1st, 2024, which is when we start taking reservations for the 2024 season. Our FWC-permitted, guided walks are offered Thursday and Friday evenings through June and July.
Reservations are required and must be made in advance by clicking on the reservation link below.
Once your reservation is booked, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours. Please note that requests made on weekends may take longer to process. Spaces are limited, but we will do our best to accommodate large groups. A confirmed reservation is required to attend a turtle walk.
If you have further questions you may contact us by e-mail (info@hobesoundnaturecenter.org) or phone: (772) 546-2067.
Turtle Nesting
What happens during turtle nesting season?
From February - September, 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 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.*
This event can run late into the evening, depending on when a nesting turtle is identified. Once a turtle is located, the nesting process takes about one hour.
FAQs
What species of sea turtle will 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 sea turtle?
There is NO GUARANTEE that you will be able to witness a nesting sea turtle on your walk.
What age range is recommended?
This is a late evening activity that typically takes a few hours, possibly lasting until midnight. Please take this into consideration when making reservations.
How many sea turtles will I get to see nest?
One. All participants will be able to witness one nesting turtle, assuming a loggerhead female is identified by our turtle scouts.
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.