Sea Turtle Nesting Season Guide for Central Florida

Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season in Central Florida runs from May through October, with peak nesting in June and July. Three species nest on Florida's Atlantic coast: loggerhead (most common), green, and leatherback turtles. Female turtles come ashore at night to dig nests and lay eggs. Hatchlings emerge about 60 days later and make their way to the ocean.

Where to See Turtles

The Space Coast is one of the most important sea turtle nesting areas in the world. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge near Melbourne Beach hosts the highest density of loggerhead nesting in the Western Hemisphere. Canaveral National Seashore, Sebastian Inlet State Park, and Brevard County beaches are all active nesting areas.

Guided Turtle Walks

Several organizations offer guided turtle walks during nesting season. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society in Indialantic, the Brevard Zoo, and Canaveral National Seashore all conduct ranger or volunteer-led walks. Walks typically begin at 9 PM and last until a turtle is found or until approximately midnight. Reservations are required and sell out quickly.

Group Turtle Walks

BusBrother provides evening group transportation from Orlando to Space Coast turtle walk locations. The charter bus departs late afternoon, arriving at the beach in time for the walk, and returns the group to Orlando afterward. This eliminates the need for group members to drive home tired after a late-night beach experience.

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