Nighttime Sea Turtle Walks

turtle walks

Photo taken in accordance with marine turtle permit #MTP-20-099

Nighttime Sea Turtle Walks

Registration begins on May 6th!

Experience the magic of sea turtle nesting season—responsibly.
Our guided Sea Turtle Walks, conducted under a special permit from the State of Florida, offer a rare and legal opportunity to possibly witness a nesting loggerhead sea turtle in her natural habitat. Each evening begins with an educational program in our classroom, where you’ll learn about sea turtle biology and conservation. Then, if nature cooperates, the conditions are right, we’ll head to the beach in hopes of observing this unforgettable wildlife event.

To ensure an enjoyable experience, space is extremely limited. Please review all the details below before registering.

These guided walks are conducted under a special permit from the State of Florida. Please remember: approaching or disturbing sea turtles on your own is illegal. During nesting season, no lights of any kind (including red lights, flashlights, phones, or cameras) should be used on the beach. Always keep a respectful distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings.

Program Details

  • Location: Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
    890 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996

  • Time: Begins at 9:00 PM (Please arrive no later than 8:45 pm, and wait outside of the employee gate at the south end of our parking lot. A staff member will walk all attendees to our classroom as one group.). The gate will lock promptly at 9:00 PM—late arrivals cannot be accommodated).
    The gate will lock promptly at 9:00 PM—late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

  • Cost: $35 per participant

  • Ages: 10 and older only. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Single-Family Walks

Looking for a more personalized experience? Join us for a Single-Family Sea Turtle Walk on select Monday or Wednesday nights in June and July. During this very unique turtle walk experience, your family will spend the entire evening on the beach, guided by an expert staff member. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable night as we search for a nesting sea turtle under the stars!

  • Maximum capacity – Up to 5 participants per night

  • Participants must be able to walk 3 miles in soft, wet sand

  • Limited availability – Contact Dr. Zack Jud at zjud@floridaocean.org for more information or to book

What to Expect

  • Participants must be able to walk in soft or wet sand for up to 1 mile to/from the nesting site. Boardwalks and stairs will also be used for crossing the dunes.

  • Turtle walks are physically demanding. For your safety, please realistically assess your health and physical abilities before registering.

  • A walk may run until midnight or later depending on when a turtle is found and how long it nests

  • Guests stay at the Coastal Center for a mandatory educational program and wait for beach scouts to locate a nesting turtle

  • Cutoff time to find a turtle: 11:30 PM

  • Please note: Turtle sightings are not guaranteed, and we do not offer refunds if no turtle is observed

  • Participants must provide their own transportation from the Coastal Center to the nearby beach access

  • Be prepared for rain, humidity, bugs, and soft sand—this is a true Florida adventure!

  • The program will proceed rain or shine (lightning may delay or cancel the event)

What to Bring (and Not to Bring)

  • Wear black or dark-colored clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended for bug protection)

  • Closed-toe shoes that can get sandy/wet (no bare feet)

  • Raincoat or poncho (no umbrellas)

  • Bug spray (please apply in the parking lot before entering)

  • A drink/snack while waiting at the Coastal Center (no food allowed on the beach)

  • Absolutely NO flashlights, phones, personal night vision, or cameras on the beach

  • No smoking, vaping, or alcohol at any time

Important Notes

  • Participation includes being in close contact with other guests, staff, and volunteers—indoor classroom attendance is required

  • If you’re uncomfortable with this level of proximity, this may not be the right program for you

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Cancellations made 7+ days in advance will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee

  • No refunds or date changes within 7 days of your scheduled walk (your program fees will be used to support sea turtle education at the Coastal Center)

  • If we cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued (rescheduling is not guaranteed)

Registration Info

  • Space is limited to 16 guests per night

  • Registration closes when spots are filled—no unregistered guests allowed

  • During registration, your group size will be limited by the number of available spots remaining in the pull-down menu

  • Please use the same email address for everyone in your party when signing up

  • For information about booking a single-family sea turtle walk for 5 or less guests, please contact Dr. Zack Jud, Director of Education, at zjud@floridaocean.org

Thank you for supporting sea turtle conservation! Your participation helps fund Florida Oceanographic Society’s mission to inspire environmental stewardship and protect our precious coastal ecosystems.