How You Can Help Protect Turtles on Beaches This Summer

Summer beach seasons bring millions of visitors to coastlines worldwide, but these same beautiful shores are critical habitats for several threatened and endangered sea turtle species. As humans flock to beaches for vacation, sea turtles return to their natal beaches to nest and lay eggs. This overlap creates both challenges and opportunities for conservation. From May through October, female turtles emerge from the ocean under the cover of darkness to dig nests and deposit their precious eggs in the sand—a ritual that has continued for over 100 million years. Unfortunately, human activities have dramatically reduced sea turtle populations globally, with all seven species now listed as threatened or endangered. The good news is that each beachgoer can make a significant difference in protecting these ancient mariners. This article outlines practical steps anyone can take to help protect sea turtles during summer beach visits.

Understanding Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season varies by region but generally occurs during the warmer months. In the United States, nesting typically occurs from May through October, with peak activity in June and July. During this time, female turtles that hatched decades ago return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. After digging a nest chamber in the dry sand above the high tide line, a female turtle will deposit between 80-120 eggs, depending on the species. The entire process can take several hours, during which the turtle is vulnerable to disturbance. Understanding this critical life cycle stage helps beachgoers recognize why certain precautions are necessary during summer visits to coastal areas where turtles nest.

Steer Clear of Nesting Turtles and Marked Nests

If you’re fortunate enough to witness a sea turtle coming ashore to nest, consider it a rare privilege—but maintain your distance. Experts recommend staying at least 50 feet away and avoiding any noise, movement, or light that might disturb the nesting process. Never touch or attempt to assist a nesting turtle, as this may cause her to abandon her nesting attempt and return to the sea without laying eggs. Many beaches mark turtle nests with stakes, ribbon, or small signs to protect them from accidental disturbance. These markers indicate the presence of developing eggs beneath the sand and should never be removed or disturbed. Always walk around marked nests and explain their importance to children or other beachgoers who may not understand their significance.

Keep Beaches Dark at Night

Artificial lighting is one of the greatest threats to nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Adult females may avoid brightly lit beaches entirely, and if they do nest, the lights can disorient them as they attempt to return to the ocean. For hatchlings, the consequences can be fatal. Newly emerged turtles instinctively move toward the brightest horizon, which naturally would be the ocean reflecting moonlight and starlight. Artificial lights from beachfront properties, flashlights, bonfires, or even cell phones can lead hatchlings away from the water and toward roads, predators, or dehydration. If you’re on the beach after dark during turtle season, use red LED flashlights, which are less disruptive to turtles. Keep beachfront property lights turned off or shielded, and close curtains after dark to prevent indoor lighting from reaching the beach.

Fill in Holes and Flatten Sand Castles

Beach activities like digging holes and building sand castles are beloved pastimes, but they can create hazardous obstacles for nesting turtles and hatchlings. Deep holes can trap nesting females—who weigh between 80-2,000 pounds depending on species—preventing them from reaching suitable nesting sites or returning to the ocean. For tiny hatchlings, even small ruts or depressions can become insurmountable barriers during their critical journey to the sea. Before leaving the beach each day, fill in any holes you’ve dug, knock down sand castles, and smooth out the sand. This simple action requires minimal effort but can save numerous turtle lives. Consider bringing tools like small shovels not just for building, but also for properly restoring the beach before departure.

Remove All Trash and Belongings

Marine debris poses serious threats to sea turtles at all life stages. Adult turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey, leading to ingestion and potentially fatal blockages. Hatchlings can become entangled in abandoned fishing line, plastic rings, or kite strings. Even seemingly harmless items like beach chairs or umbrellas can block a turtle’s path or create obstacles that exhaust valuable energy reserves needed for successful nesting or reaching the ocean. Commit to “leave no trace” principles by thoroughly cleaning up your area before departing. Bring reusable containers for snacks and drinks to minimize potential waste, and consider participating in organized beach clean-ups, which remove existing debris that could harm wildlife. Research shows that beaches frequented by responsible visitors actually maintain higher nesting success rates than completely abandoned shores.

Avoid Beach Driving

Driving vehicles on beaches can be devastating for sea turtle conservation efforts. Tire ruts create obstacles for hatchlings, while the weight of vehicles can crush developing eggs hidden beneath the sand. In some areas, beach driving is permitted with special permits, but nesting beaches typically restrict or prohibit this activity during turtle season. If you must drive on beaches where it’s legally permitted, stay on designated paths, observe posted speed limits, and never drive above the high tide line where nests might be located. Vehicles can also compact sand, making it more difficult for females to dig adequate nest chambers. Instead of driving on beaches, use designated parking areas and boardwalks to access the shore, even if this means carrying your belongings a slightly longer distance.

Choose Turtle-Safe Beach Equipment

The equipment you bring to the beach can significantly impact sea turtle safety. Beach furniture left overnight can block nesting females or create obstacles for hatchlings. Similarly, beach toys, floats, and water sports equipment abandoned on the shore become potentially deadly debris. Some communities have implemented “Leave No Trace” ordinances requiring all items to be removed from beaches nightly during nesting season. Consider investing in lightweight, portable beach gear that you can easily carry with you upon leaving. If you’re staying at beachfront accommodations, properly store all equipment in designated areas away from the beach after each use. Some rental companies now offer “turtle-friendly” equipment designed to minimize wildlife impact while still enhancing your beach experience.

Report Turtle Sightings and Strandings

Your observations can provide valuable data for conservation efforts and potentially save turtle lives. If you spot a nesting turtle, hatchlings emerging, or a stranded or injured turtle, contact local wildlife authorities immediately. Most coastal states have dedicated sea turtle hotlines, and many beach communities post these numbers on signs at access points. Save these contacts in your phone before your beach trip to ensure quick reporting. When reporting a sighting, note the exact location (using landmarks or GPS coordinates if possible), the turtle’s condition, and whether it appears to be nesting, injured, or otherwise in distress. Never attempt to push a stranded turtle back into the water, as it may have underlying health issues requiring professional attention. Taking photos from a respectful distance can help authorities identify the species and assess the situation before arrival.

Support Turtle-Friendly Accommodations

Where you stay during your beach vacation can make a significant difference for sea turtles. Many coastal properties now participate in voluntary certification programs that implement turtle-friendly lighting, furniture removal policies, and educational initiatives for guests. Before booking accommodations, research whether the property has turtle-friendly certifications or practices. Ask specific questions about their lighting policies during nesting season and whether they provide information to guests about responsible beach behavior. Some properties go above and beyond by offering guided turtle walks with permitted organizations, hosting educational presentations, or contributing financially to local conservation efforts. By choosing these accommodations, you’re voting with your dollars for businesses that prioritize sea turtle conservation while still providing excellent vacation experiences.

Respect Protected Areas and Follow Regulations

Many important nesting beaches have designated protected areas where human access is restricted during the nesting season. These areas are carefully selected based on historical nesting data and are critical for species recovery. Always observe posted signs, respect rope barriers, and follow the guidance of beach patrol or wildlife officers. In the United States, sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to harm, harass, or collect turtles, their eggs, or any parts. Violations can result in significant fines and even criminal charges. Different beaches may have additional local ordinances regarding lights, equipment, and access hours during nesting season. Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for your destination beach to ensure you’re contributing positively to conservation efforts.

Educate Others and Spread Awareness

One of the most powerful actions you can take is sharing your knowledge with others. Many beach visitors are simply unaware of how their actions might impact sea turtles. If you observe someone unknowingly engaging in harmful behavior—such as shining lights on a nesting turtle or disturbing a marked nest—politely share information about why these actions are problematic. Social media provides an excellent platform for spreading awareness about sea turtle conservation. Consider sharing your turtle-friendly beach practices, along with the reasons behind them, to your online networks. Teaching children about sea turtle conservation instills a conservation ethic that can last a lifetime. Many coastal communities offer educational programs specifically designed for young beachgoers, including organized nest excavations after hatching events where biologists document nest success and sometimes release stragglers.

Volunteer with Local Conservation Organizations

If you’re spending extended time in a coastal area during nesting season, consider volunteering with local sea turtle conservation groups. Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers to monitor beaches, mark nests, conduct morning nest checks, and assist with public education. Volunteering provides hands-on conservation experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges sea turtles face. Requirements vary by organization, but many provide training and can accommodate various commitment levels, from one-time participation to regular involvement. Even on a brief vacation, you might be able to join a beach clean-up event specifically focused on removing debris dangerous to marine life. Before your trip, research local organizations at your destination and reach out about volunteer opportunities that might align with your visit.

The future of sea turtles depends largely on the collective actions of coastal visitors and residents during the critical nesting months. By implementing the simple practices outlined in this article—keeping beaches dark, clean, and obstacle-free—beachgoers can significantly improve the odds for these ancient reptiles that have navigated Earth’s oceans for millions of years. Conservation success stories, including the recovery of some turtle populations in protected areas, demonstrate that human awareness and action truly make a difference. As you enjoy beaches this summer, remember that you’re sharing this special environment with remarkable creatures fighting for survival, and your responsible choices can help ensure that future generations will continue to witness the miracle of sea turtle nesting for years to come.