Sea Turtle nesting season in Miami occurs between April 1st and October 31st.

Where to See Sea Turtles in Miami

Sea Turtle season in Miami starts earlier than most places in Florida and runs from April 1 to October 31st to account for the arrival of the leatherback-turtle nesting.

It is important to protect the safety of sea turtles and their hatchlings. According to sunny.org, “nearly 90% of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. occurs in Florida. From March through October the turtles return to their home beaches to nest, and only one in 1000 hatchlings will survive to live past 2 years. Florida laws protect all sea turtles. It is illegal to touch the sea turtles, hatchlings or their nests. Be sure to stay mind the pink ribbons along the beaches that mark of the nesting areas. If you want to experience this incredible phenomenon in person, we have some handy tips below to ensure the safety of these fragile animals while having a great time.

Types of Florida Sea Turtles

There are five species of sea turtles:

1. Kemp’s Ridley (Rarest sea turtle in the world, can be found in Mexico, Texas, Southwest Florida)
2. Hawksbill (Critically Endangered, common the Florida Keys)
3. Leatherback (Common in South Florida; largest sea turtle, can grow up to 1,300 lbs)
4. Green (Common in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii)
5. Loggerhead turtles (Common in Southwest Florida)

Safety Tips for Viewing Sea Turtles

• Never Touch the Turtles: Never disturb or disrupt the path of a sea turtle, and NEVER pick up hatchlings.
• Lights Out: If you live on the beach, turn off outdoor lights at night when not needed.
• No Camera Flash: Don’t take pictures of sea turtles with a flash. Take pics without a flash, and leave only footprints.
• Clean Up Trash: Nesting turtles and hatchling can get trapped or confused by beach trash. Be sure to clean up when you leave.  
• Turn on on the Red…Flash Light that is: with “turtle safe flashlights”– like red lights that emit a very narrow stream of visible light. Or shield your flashlight with paper or tape so the strong light does not disorient turtles.

Where Can I see Sea Turtles in Florida?

There are many parks in Florida that offer nighttime sea turtle walks in June and July. You can see them anytime too with by walking the beach at night along Miami and Fort Lauderdale. However, if you want to see a Florida sea turtle in action it will take some careful planning. As you can wait up to 3+ hours, and sometimes never see one at all. Here are some places to see the magical turtles:

• Along Miami Beach
• Along Fort Lauderdale Beach
• Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
• Sebastian Inlet State Park Fishing Museum
• Barrier Island Sanctuary
• Sea Turtle Preservation Society
• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

For more information contact us at 786-728-9988 or click here…