If you live in Florida, you have seen a sea turtle at some point. Did you know that we have five distinct species of Sea Turtles that inhabit our waters during certain months of the year? We have two types of nesting turtles here: the loggerhead, which is the most common. We also have the less common leatherback.
There may be as many as 50,000 sea turtles here during the summer months. Sea Turtles come to nest on the beaches in May, and hatching usually proceeds through October. Once a mama Sea Turtle lays her eggs, she swims back out to sea, never to return to the nest.
The Miracle of the Sea Turtle
When the baby hatchlings are ready to come out of their shells, they move around until the nest breaks. Then they climb out of the sand by the hundreds and make a mad dash for the Gulf. It is imperative to note that baby sea turtles go towards natural light cast from the moon and crest of the waves when venturing into the water. Artificial lights from porches, docks, boats, and flashlights can confuse. Lights leave many of the babies vulnerable and moving the wrong way. Please leave your lights off if it is nesting or hatching time on our beaches.
Join Us on a Sailing Adventure
Sea Turtles have been around for over one hundred million years. So, it is a phenomenal sight when you can catch a glimpse of one of these fantastic reptiles while you are on a sailing charter with Smile N Wave Sailing Adventures. Do you love sea creatures as much as we do? Book with us and witness the lively nature of some of the Gulf's most amazing marine life.
