Experiencing the miracle of life while on your Sarasota vacation is one of the many reasons vacationers enjoy coming during sea turtle nesting season. The white sandy shores along Sarasota provide the perfect place for sea turtles to nest and await the hatching of their young.
Whether you love sea turtles or enjoy learning more about marine life, you’ll be part of a unique experience when you witness sea turtles nesting in Sarasota.
When dealing with a delicate situation such as this, it’s helpful to know the dos and don’ts. Read on to learn more about the sea turtle nesting season in Sarasota and the local community’s conservation efforts!
When Is Sea Turtle Nesting Season?
Sea turtle nesting season runs between May 1st and October 31st. Occasionally, sea turtles will nest a bit earlier or later, so it’s important to remain vigilant when strolling on the beach around these months. The first nest of the 2022 Sarasota sea turtles was recorded on April 24th.
Most sea turtles nest more than once per season. Loggerheads, which have more nests in Sarasota than anywhere else in the Gulf of Mexico, will nest two to three times per season, whereas green sea turtles often nest three to four times per season. Both types of sea turtles often nest in two to three week intervals. Most sea turtles don’t nest yearly but once every other or three years.
What Should You Do?
When you’re on the beach, give any sea turtles or hatchlings plenty of space. Observe from a distance, but don’t approach them or shine any lights at them. In fact, all lights should be turned off or shielded from the beach from May through October. If you’re walking along the shore and see holes that could trap hatchlings on their way to the water, fill them in with plenty of sand.
If you’re vacationing along the beach, make sure to close your drapes after dark and move any furniture away from the beach. Vacationers who enjoy spending time on the water must be extra vigilant during these months to avoid hitting sea turtles. Wearing polarized sunglasses will help you spot marine life more efficiently. Our Sarasota beachfront homes also offer specialized sea turtle lighting so as not to confuse the hatchlings!
Plan Your Sarasota Vacation
Ready to reserve your spot in Sarasota during sea turtle nesting season? Book a beach getaway with Vunique Vacations and see all the fun activities Sarasota has to offer!
What To Avoid?
Along with moving furniture away from the beach and avoiding shining lights on the beach, there are several other things you’ll want to steer clear of. It’s best to give the sea turtles and hatchlings space, and you should never approach them or pick them up.
This is not the time of year for a flashy event on the beach, so don’t bring any fireworks, flashlights, or other bright sources of light to the beach. Pack up all your garbage and take it back with you when you’re on the water. Leaving even the tiniest piece of garbage in the water can seriously harm sea turtles.
Local Efforts
Sea turtle conservation is a big topic in Sarasota, and the local community takes responsibility for these reptiles seriously. Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program has studied Sarasota sea turtle hatching and nesting for over 30 years along 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches.
This program provides the community with multiple sources of information and research to help locals understand the nesting process and how to protect them during this time. The Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program is another local effort that provides 24/7 service to rescue injured sea turtles and other marine life in Sarasota County.
When you come to Sarasota to experience the sea turtle nesting season, you’ll need a luxurious play to stay that’s close to the beaches, tours and cruises, shopping, and more! At Vunique Vacations, we have the best Sarasota vacation homes to offer our loyal guests. Each home has stunning views and amenities guaranteed to make your stay memorable.
Contact us today to plan your dream getaway.
