Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Here on Anna Maria Island
Sea Turtle Nesting Season is Here on Anna Maria Island! 🌊🐢
May marks the beginning of one of the most magical times of year on Anna Maria Island—sea turtle nesting season! From now through October, our beaches become the seasonal home to sea turtles who return to lay their eggs in the soft sands of the Gulf coast. It's an incredible natural event, and the team at Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is already out on the beach every day making sure nests are safe and turtle tracks are protected.
But it’s not just up to the professionals—everyone who visits or lives here plays an important role in helping these amazing creatures thrive.
🐢 Be a Turtle-Friendly Beachgoer
Want to help out? It’s easy to #LoveItLikeaLocal during turtle season by following a few simple guidelines:
✅ Things You Should Do:
- Take everything with you when you leave the beach—chairs, toys, and especially trash.
- Flatten sandcastles and fill in holes that can trap or mislead hatchlings.
- Keep your curtains closed at night if your home or rental faces the beach.
- Use red flashlights instead of bright white lights when walking the beach after dark.
- Admire from a distance—never get too close to nesting turtles or clearly marked nests.
🚫 Things to Avoid:
- Don’t leave bright lights on that shine toward the beach—this can confuse hatchlings.
- Skip the flash photography or regular flashlights—lights can scare or disorient turtles.
- Never leave items behind that could block or entangle a turtle.
- Do not disturb turtles if you see them nesting—just watch quietly from afar.
And remember: If you see a turtle in trouble, call Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch at 941-301-8434 or reach out to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
🐦 Learn More: Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts
Looking to get up close with island wildlife (in a respectful and educational way)? Don’t miss the Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts sessions happening all summer long!
📍 Location: Holmes Beach City Hall
🗓️ When: Mondays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, May through August
💰 Cost: Totally FREE
👨👩👧👦 Who should go? Everyone!
These fun, family-friendly sessions are hosted by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring and offer a great opportunity to learn how you can support local wildlife, whether you're here for a week or call AMI home.
For more info, visit www.islandturtlewatch.com
So next time you’re out enjoying the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island, take a moment to look around. You just might spot tiny turtle tracks in the sand or even witness the awe-inspiring sight of a mama turtle coming ashore. Together, we can make sure that this island remains a safe haven for sea turtles for generations to come. 💚🐢
Plan your stay during nesting season with Island Real Estate Vacations and experience this natural wonder for yourself.
