Guide to Florida turtle walks
By R. Justin Chan
SouthFlorida.com
April 28 2009
Each May, June and July, sea turtles -- one of the world's oldest living creatures -- begin their ancient ritual of crawling onto Florida's moonlit beaches to nest, from Fort Lauderdale to Juno Beach. You can witness this natural wonder on guided nighttime turtle walks, where you'll get a front-row view of giant endangered loggerheads, as well as leatherback and green turtles, laying their eggs.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Fort Lauderdale
"Moonlight Sea Turtle Walks" begin at the museum at 9 p.m. with an informative, hands-on session about land, fresh-water and salt-water turtles, with an emphasis on sea turtles. Museum staff will answer questions regarding nesting, threats and conservation, and then lead the group to Fort Lauderdale Beach to try and spot nesting turtles. You must provide your own transportation and snacks; be prepared to walk 1-2 miles. Prices: $16 for members, $18 for non-members. Advance reservations required as space is limited. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. to approximately 1 a.m., June 9 through July 15. Call 954-467-6637.
John U. Lloyd State Beach
Dania Beach
Join a park ranger at "Sea Turtle Awareness" to learn about the past, present and future of sea turtles; browse through an assortment of displays, view a slide or power point presentation, followed by a question and answer session. A scout will set out in search of a nesting loggerheads, with a beach walk to follow if conditions permit. Reservations are required. Fridays at 9 p.m. June 5 through July 31. Lectures and walks are also available Wednesdays for groups. Walks last between 1-3 hours, depending on when a nesting turtle is sighted. Normal park admission fees apply. Call 954-923-2833.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Boca Raton
Walks are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9-11:30 p.m. from late May to early July. There will be videos and lectures offered beforehand. Expect to walk a half-mile or less. Cost is $9 for non-members and $6 for members. Tickets go on sale only at the nature center May 16 for non-members and May 9 for members of the nature center. For more info call 561-338-1473.
John D. MacArthur State Park
North Palm Beach
Walks are held in June and July from 8 p.m. - midnight. (Days vary to best catch the full moon). Walks attendees should be 8 or older and be able to walk two miles on the beach with the group and wait quietly. Cost is $5 per person, plus $4 per carload (up to 8 people) to enter park. Credit card payment is accepted with a reservation. Call the nature center for the schedule. Reservations will be taken starting May 26 at 561-624-6952.
Marinelife Center
Juno Beach
Turtle Walks are offered Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays in June and July along Juno Beach. Walks begin at 9 p.m., typically ending at midnight, with roughly a half-mile of walking along the beach. Cost is $10 for non-members; $8 for members. Reservations are required. Call for specific dates, 561-627-8280.
Sebastian Inlet
Participants learn about giant sea turtles and see a nesting loggerhead during ranger-led Sea Turtle Walks at the Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area, on North A1A. The program runs through July 31; walks start at 9 p.m., beginning with a short presentation, and generally run until midnight. Reservations will be taken on May 15 for June turtle walks and on June 15 for July turtle walks. Call 321-984-4852 for reservations and information.
Hutchinson Island
Local experts lead turtle walks Fridays and Saturdays June 5 - July 15 at 9 p.m. Reservations can be made starting May 1. For more info, call 800-334-5483 and leave your name, daytime phone, and the number of people in your party.
Melbourne
Guides will lead discussion and walks June 1 to July 31. In June walks are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In July, walks are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Attendees should arrive at 8: 30 p.m. for the 9 p.m. walks.
Walks on beach are half-a-mile preceded by a 45-minute educational program. Accommodations can be made for those with physical disabilities. A donation of $10 per person is needed to hold your reservation. Reservations by phone or in person at the office can be made starting May 1. Office hours 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - saturday. Donation helps support the research, education, and rescue operations of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Call 321-676-1701 or visit www.seaturtlespacecoast.org.