Sea turtle season is a special time to visit St. George Island. Each year, female turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the sand, and later in the season, tiny hatchlings make their way toward the Gulf of Mexico. St. George Island and Little St. George Island provide important nesting habitat for loggerhead and green sea turtles, with leatherbacks nesting locally on occasion.
Guests staying in our St. George Island vacation rentals can help protect these animals by following a few simple beach guidelines. Knowing when turtles nest, where they may be found, and how to behave around them helps keep the island’s shoreline safe for wildlife.
When Is Sea Turtle Season on St. George Island?
Sea turtle nesting season in this part of Florida generally runs from May through October. Florida regulations recognize May 1 through October 31 as nesting season for most counties, and St. George Island and Little St. George Island are monitored for nests during these months.
Nesting usually takes place at night. Hatchlings emerge later, often after dark, and head toward the Gulf. Visitors should remember that nesting activity may continue even when few turtles are visible from the beach.
What Types of Sea Turtles Visit St. George Island?
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Loggerheads are the primary nesting species on St. George Island. They are also the most common nesting sea turtle throughout Florida. The species is federally listed as threatened.
Green Sea Turtles
Green turtles also nest on St. George Island. In Florida, their nesting activity occurs primarily from June through late September. Despite their name, their shells are generally olive-brown.
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Leatherbacks are much less common locally, but they have occasionally nested on beaches in the St. George Island area. They are the largest sea turtle species and can weigh well over 1,000 pounds.
Where Can You See Sea Turtles on St. George Island?
Sea turtles may nest along sandy Gulf beaches across the island, including areas within Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Loggerhead and green turtles are known to come ashore at night during nesting season.
Seeing a turtle is never guaranteed. Instead of actively approaching turtles, watch for marked nests and turtle tracks while walking the beach. Exploring the shoreline and observing wildlife responsibly can be one of the most memorable things to do on St. George Island.
How Can You Help Protect Nesting Sea Turtles?
Keep the Beach Dark at Night
Artificial lights can confuse both nesting females and hatchlings. After dark, turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, close curtains, and avoid flash photography, flashlights, and phone lights on the beach.
Remove Beach Gear and Fill in Holes
Before leaving the beach, remove chairs, toys, umbrellas, and other equipment. Fill in holes and dispose of trash properly. These simple actions remove obstacles that could block nesting turtles or hatchlings traveling toward the water.
What Should You Do If You See a Sea Turtle or Nest?
Stay well back and remain quiet. FWC advises staying more than 50 feet from nesting turtles because getting too close can interrupt nesting behavior. Never touch a turtle, hatchling, eggs, or marked nest.
If you see hatchlings, allow them to reach the water on their own. Sick, injured, stranded, or harassed sea turtles should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC or *FWC from a cell phone.
Enjoy St. George Island During Sea Turtle Season
A summer or early fall trip gives families a chance to enjoy warm Gulf waters, long beach days, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing while sea turtle nesting season is underway.
When staying in our St. George Island rentals, make turtle-friendly habits part of your daily beach routine. Clearing your belongings, reducing nighttime lighting, and respecting marked nests can make a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
Sea turtle season on St. George Island typically extends from May through October, with loggerheads and green turtles providing most local nesting activity and leatherbacks appearing occasionally. Visitors can help by keeping their distance, reducing artificial light, removing beach equipment, filling holes, and leaving nests undisturbed.
Planning a trip during turtle season is also a great opportunity to experience the island’s beaches and wildlife as a family. Book your stay with Suncoast Vacation Rentals and enjoy the Gulf Coast while helping protect the animals that share it.
Book Your St. George Island Vacation Rental with Suncoast Vacation Rentals
Suncoast Vacation Rentals offers vacation homes in the East End, Gulf Beaches, and St. George Plantation areas. Our family-operated team provides hands-on service to help you find a property that works for your group.
Browse our vacation rentals and start planning a St. George Island getaway filled with beach time, family activities, and opportunities to appreciate the island’s coastal wildlife.