The South Carolina coast, particularly the stretch of shoreline known as the Grand Strand, serves as a significant nesting ground for sea turtles. These marine reptiles return each year to the sandy beaches to nest. Witnessing the nesting or the subsequent emergence of hatchlings is a powerful display of nature. Since these animals are protected under federal and state laws, understanding their reproductive cycle is important for conservation.
The Critical Timeline: Nesting and Hatching Seasons
The sea turtle season along the Myrtle Beach coast begins with the arrival of nesting females in the spring. The nesting season typically runs from early May through mid-August, though activity on the beach lasts until October 31st. During this time, female turtles emerge from the ocean, usually at night, to dig a nest cavity in the dry sand above the high-tide line.
A female will lay an average of 110 to 120 eggs, depositing them into a chamber roughly 18 inches deep, before covering the nest and returning to the sea. The eggs require an incubation period of approximately 55 to 60 days before the hatchlings emerge. Incubation duration is influenced by the warmth of the sand, with warmer temperatures potentially leading to shorter times.
The hatching season begins in July and extends through October. Sand temperature is a primary factor, not only in timing but also in sex determination, as warmer nests tend to produce a higher ratio of female hatchlings. Hatchlings emerge together, typically under the cover of darkness, to begin their journey to the ocean.
Species and Nesting Location
The majority of sea turtles that nest in the Myrtle Beach area are the Loggerhead sea turtle, known scientifically as Caretta caretta. The Loggerhead is the official state reptile of South Carolina and is listed as a threatened species, making its protection a high priority. While other species like the Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Leatherback sea turtles are occasionally spotted nearby, they rarely nest in the area.
Nesting activity occurs along the entire Grand Strand, from North Myrtle Beach down to communities like Pawleys Island. Once a nesting crawl is identified by volunteers, the nest is marked with stakes and protective tape to prevent accidental disturbance. These markings, often accompanied by informational signs, indicate a federally protected nest site located in the dry sand of the upper beach.
Observing the Hatch: Rules and Safety
The law strictly prohibits the disturbance of sea turtles, their nests, or their hatchlings, as they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. A major regulation involves the use of light, which can confuse newly emerged hatchlings. Artificial light visible from the beach, including flashlights, camera flashes, and interior room lights, can disorient hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the ocean and toward danger.
All exterior lights visible from the beach should be turned off or shielded from dusk until dawn throughout the entire nesting season, May through October. If you encounter a hatchling emergence, you must observe from a distance without intervention. Hatchlings must be allowed to crawl to the water unassisted to properly “imprint” on the beach, a process thought to help females return to the same general area decades later to nest.
Any holes dug in the sand must be filled in, and sandcastles should be leveled at the end of each day, as these obstacles can trap or impede the small turtles. If you discover an injured sea turtle, an unmarked nest, or a hatchling in distress, immediately contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) or a local sea turtle patrol organization. Direct human interaction is unlawful and can negatively impact the turtles’ survival.