Nesting & hatchling season is an exciting time for us at Sea Turtle, Inc. Below you will find resources to explain our role in nesting season, information on public hatchling releases, and our record breaking 2022 season has ended. We are so excited for 2023!
Chief Conservation Officer, Dr. Amy Bonka, explains our role in nesting season on South Padre Island
Hatchling Season & Public Release FAQs
Our number one priority is to make sure sea turtle hatchlings make it to the Gulf of Mexico as soon as they hatch. Generally, it happens right in the middle of the night. However, sometimes hatchlings emerge as the sun is rising, and we are able to hold a public release. Your chance of seeing a public hatchling release increases when a lot of nests are expected to hatch at the same time.
June through to August.
A post will be made on our social accounts the morning of a release at 6:00am for a 6:45am release.
It’s free, although spots are limited. Plan to arrive early.
In the best interest of the hatchlings, we release as soon as nests hatch. The unpredictable timing of nature means we cannot predetermine release days and times.
No. Sea turtles are state and federally are protected. Only permitted individuals are allowed to handle sea turtles by law.