Your Guide to the Sea Turtles in Fort Lauderdale

Sea turtles may be cute, but they are one of the oldest creatures on Earth and have been around since the dinosaurs. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is among the best places worldwide to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. The Florida Coast is the world’s second most popular nesting site for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. See them for yourself by booking your stay today with Latitude Key Vacations. 

Latitude Key Vacations has a plush selection of Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals in some of the best neighborhoods on the alluring Florida Gold Coast. Experience a trip beyond your wildest dreams in a luxurious vacation home with a gourmet kitchen, heated pool, and plenty of space.

The Fort Lauderdale Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Fort Lauderdale’s sea turtle nesting season is between March 1 and October 31. The peak nesting season for the Fort Lauderdale sea turtles is late June and early July. The Broward County’s Natural Resources Division keeps track of every sea turtle nest.

• Leatherback Turtles are the first species of sea turtles to begin nesting in the Fort Lauderdale area in March. 
• Loggerhead Turtles will start nesting in April. 
• Green Turtles are the last of the Fort Lauderdale sea turtles to begin nesting around May/June. 

When Do Sea Turtles Hatch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

After the sea turtle eggs have been nested in the Fort Lauderdale beaches, they need two months to incubate. After the Fort Lauderdale baby sea turtles hatch, they quickly make their way into the ocean. 

Sea turtles face many threats and obstacles during their existence, such as environmental threats, stolen eggs, natural predators, artificial light, pollution, hunters, coastal development, littering, and natural erosion. 

Because of this, sea turtles are a protected species under the Florida Statutes Chapter 370.12 and the United States Endangered Species Act. You can learn more about the sea turtle conservancy efforts on the City of Fort Lauderdale website.

Watch the Baby Sea Turtles Make Their Way Into the Ocean

• Start out with a presentation, then walk along the Fort Lauderdale beach with The Museum of Discovery and Science.
• You can also enjoy guided sea turtle walks at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.
• Head to Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center or Anne Kolb Nature Center to watch rescued baby sea turtles be released into the ocean.

If you see baby sea turtle hatchlings on your own it’s important to leave them be and turn off any distracting lights. If they seem in distress you can call the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922.

Book your stay today with Latitude Key Vacations to immerse yourself in the Florida Gold Coast!