Sea turtle nesting season has officially started along Palm Beach County’s beaches, running from March 1 through October 31. Each year, thousands of sea turtles come ashore along the county’s 47 miles of coastline, making the area one of the most active nesting regions in the United States.
Palm Beach County is often called the “Sea Turtle Capital of Florida” because of the high number of nests found here each year. The beaches are home to loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles, with loggerheads being the most common species. Millions of hatchlings emerge from nests along the shoreline annually.
Some of the most active nesting areas are nearby and include Juno Beach, Singer Island, and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. A great place to learn more is the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, a well-known facility focused on sea turtle rehabilitation, research, and education.
Because artificial light can disorient hatchlings trying to reach the ocean, oceanfront properties across Palm Beach turn off or shield their lights at night during the season. Beachgoers are also asked to avoid disturbing nests, fill in holes that were dug in the sand before leaving, and remove beach chairs or equipment when leaving. These simple steps help protect one of Palm Beach County’s most unique natural events.
