All About Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts — especially during sea turtle season! From May through October, you have the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close as they nest and hatch on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Anna Maria Island during sea turtle season!
Sea Turtle Season on Anna Maria Island
From May through October, Anna Maria Island and the surrounding beaches transform into nesting grounds for sea turtles, offering visitors a chance to witness nature at its finest. Five sea turtle species swim and feed around Anna Maria Island, but the most common in the area are Loggerheads and Green Sea Turtles.
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring
The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch was created in 1983 to help conserve the ecosystem of Anna Maria Island. The AMITW monitors shoreline habitat and trends to preserve the sea turtle population, primarily the loggerheads and green sea turtles. You can get involved with AMITW in various ways, such as volunteering, donating, or adopting a nest.
Sea Turtle Season Experiences
Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts
Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts, held every Tuesday from May to August, is a fun way for kids and adults of all ages to learn about the sea turtles and shorebirds of Anna Maria Island. Volunteers of AMITW share interesting information, handouts, activity books, and even tattoos, discussing the day in the life of surveying nesting turtles and shorebirds. Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts is a free event, and no reservations are needed.
Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday
The Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. You’ll enjoy live music while participating in silent and live auctions and raffles to support a great cause. Admission is free to the event, but VIP packages are available for purchase.
Hatchling Releases
Though not always guaranteed, visitors might get the rare chance to observe a hatchling release. Watching baby turtles make their way to the ocean is a heartwarming experience and a highlight for many travelers. Please remember to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from turtles and their nests.
Learn More About Anna Maria Island Marine Life
If you want to learn more about the marine life that makes up the Anna Maria Island ecosystem, plan an afternoon or day at one of the many museums in the area. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton features exhibits like The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe, and various other exhibits. While the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat focuses on the manatees, a sea turtle exhibit highlights the importance of sea turtles to the Anna Maria Island ecosystem and how to keep these federally protected species safe.
Two other fantastic museums/aquariums to check out on your Anna Maria Island vacation are The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez and the Mote’s Marine Science Education & Outreach Center on Anna Maria Island. At the time of this post, both locations are temporarily closed for renovation.
Things to Consider During Sea Turtle Season
Lights Out for Turtles – Sea turtles rely on natural light to navigate, and artificial lighting can disorient them. Many local ordinances require beachfront properties to turn off or dim outdoor lights during nesting season. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, be mindful of this and draw curtains or blinds at night.
Keep the Beaches Clean – Litter poses a significant threat to sea turtles. Leave no trace behind and always pick up after yourself after a beach day.
Stay Back and Observe – While it’s exciting to spot a nesting turtle or hatchlings, it’s crucial to give them space. Observing from a distance ensures that the turtles can complete their journey without stress or disruption.
Educate Yourself and Others – Take time to learn about sea turtle conservation efforts and share this knowledge with fellow travelers. The more people understand the importance of protecting these creatures, the better their chances of survival.
Plan Your Visit to Anna Maria Island
From turtle watch walks to educational museum visits, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in sea turtle season on Anna Maria Island. By respecting the turtles and supporting conservation efforts, you can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy this remarkable experience. Ready to plan your trip? Book a stay at one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and join us in celebrating sea turtle nesting season!
