Florida’s coastline serves as an important natural event: the nesting and hatching of sea turtles. These ancient mariners, including loggerheads, green turtles, and leatherbacks, return to the state’s sandy shores annually, transforming them into important reproductive grounds. The journey from egg to hatchling represents a natural spectacle.
Florida’s Sea Turtle Hatching Timeline
Sea turtle nesting season in Florida spans from March through October. The most common species—loggerheads, green turtles, and leatherbacks—use these beaches. Nesting peaks from May through August. After a female sea turtle lays around 100 eggs per nest, incubation lasts approximately 45 to 70 days.
Hatching occurs from mid-June through October, peaking from August to October. Environmental factors, particularly sand temperature, play a role in incubation duration and determine the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer sand temperatures produce more female turtles, while cooler temperatures result in more males.
The Hatching Journey
Sea turtle hatchlings break free from their shells using a temporary egg tooth, called a caruncle. They begin a collective climb through the sand, a process that can take several days as they work together to reach the surface. This synchronized emergence, often called a “boil,” happens at night, helping them avoid daytime predators and scorching heat.
Upon emerging from the nest, hatchlings instinctively orient themselves towards the brightest horizon, which is the reflection of the moon and stars on the ocean. This natural light cue guides their scramble towards the water. The journey across the sand is dangerous, exposing them to predators like ghost crabs, raccoons, and birds.
Once they reach the surf, hatchlings begin a “swim frenzy,” a period of continuous swimming that can last for several days. This activity helps them move quickly into deeper offshore waters, away from nearshore predators. After this initial swim, hatchlings enter a phase called the “lost years,” where they are rarely seen for one to three years as they grow in oceanic currents.
Ensuring a Safe Experience for Hatchlings
Observing sea turtle hatching is a privilege, and respecting these vulnerable creatures is important. It is against the law to disturb or interfere with nesting sea turtles, their nests, or hatchlings in Florida. This includes avoiding direct contact, shining lights, or using flash photography; artificial light can disorient hatchlings and deter nesting females.
Beachgoers can contribute to hatchling survival by removing all furniture, tents, and other equipment from the beach each evening. Filling in any holes dug during the day and knocking down sandcastles helps, as these can become obstacles for nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings. Disposing of trash properly prevents marine debris from harming turtles.
Maintaining a respectful distance and remaining quiet if you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings allows them to follow their natural instincts without human interference. If hatchlings move away from the ocean, or a stranded turtle is found, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rather than intervening.