Witness Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Florida's Emerald Coast
Every year, one of the most magical natural events unfolds along the pristine white-sand beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast: sea turtle nesting season. From Destin to Rosemary Beach, these gentle marine giants return to our shores to lay the next generation of hatchlings—and you’re invited to witness the wonder.
If you're planning a beach vacation this summer, our Emerald Coast vacation rentals offer a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. But with this beauty comes responsibility. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy turtle season and help protect these endangered creatures.
What is Sea Turtle Nesting Season?
From May through October, female sea turtles—including Loggerheads, Green turtles, and occasionally the rare Kemp’s Ridley—come ashore at night to lay eggs. Most of these turtles were born on the very same beaches and have traveled thousands of miles to return.
Each female can lay several nests per season, and each clutch can hold 100+ eggs. After about 60 days of incubation, usually under the cover of night, hatchlings emerge and begin their race to the Gulf of Mexico, guided only by the light of the moon.
The Emerald Coast is one of the most important nesting areas in the Southeast, and we take that role seriously.
Sea Turtles Are Protected – Here’s How You Can Help
While staying in one of our beachfront vacation homes, you may see marked nests in the sand or even witness a mama turtle making her way ashore. It's a breathtaking moment—but it's crucial to tread lightly.
Keep Your Distance
Whether it's a nesting turtle or hatchlings heading to the water, stay at least 30 feet away, remain quiet, and do not shine flashlights or use flash photography.
Turn Off Lights at Night
Artificial lighting disorients both nesting mothers and hatchlings. If your rental has beach-facing lights, turn them off before sunset, or switch to turtle-safe red lighting.
Leave No Trace
Always remove tents, chairs, and toys from the beach each night, and fill in any holes you dig during the day. These simple steps help prevent obstacles and hazards for turtles.
Clean Up the Coast
Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish—their main food source. Bring a bag for trash when you head to the beach and leave it cleaner than you found it.
Watch for Marked Nests
Local volunteer organizations like the South Walton Turtle Watch and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Turtle Patrol monitor and protect nests all season. If you see a roped-off area marked with signs, stay clear and respect the boundaries—those eggs are federally protected.
Book Your Turtle-Friendly Vacation Rental
Sea turtle nesting season is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and our oceanfront vacation rentals on the Emerald Coast are the perfect basecamp. Whether you’re relaxing in a luxury home on 30A, a cozy condo in Destin, or a family-friendly property in Fort Walton Beach, you’ll be steps away from the action (and the relaxation).
We’re committed to eco-friendly travel, and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to be a respectful guest on our beaches.
Join Us on the Emerald Coast This Summer
Make your summer unforgettable. Stay with us during sea turtle nesting season and create memories that will last a lifetime—while helping protect one of the Gulf’s most incredible residents.
Browse our vacation rentals today and let the Emerald Coast welcome you home!