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Meet the Sea Turtles on Longboat Key

One of the best parts of a vacation on the Florida Gulf Coast? The natural wildlife!

As you may know, sea turtle nesting season is May 1 to October 31. To preserve turtle nests, beach restrictions are enforced. For example, any lights that can be seen be from the beach must be turned off or shielded at night. (For all turtle safety measures, you can read here.)

We love sea turtles here on the Gulf Coast. If you also love these incredible creatures, and are visiting during the month of July, you’re in luck!

During June and July, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers Free Public Turtle Walks! There are three dates left.

Free Public Turtle Walks

When: Saturdays in June and July at 6:45 a.m. Remaining dates are July 13, July 20, and July 27

Where: 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL

What: From the Facebook Event Page:

Join us on a walk led by Mote-trained volunteers participating in Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol via the Longboat Key Turtle Watch! The volunteers will bring you along as they scout for signs of a turtle nesting as part of an effort to conserve sea turtles! They will also discuss sea turtle life history and talk about other local wildlife and natural habitats. Walks begin at 6:45 a.m. every Saturday in June & July. The walk may be up to a mile and a half in the sand!

Sea Turtle Facts

#1 There are seven types of sea turtles.

#2 Leatherbacks are the largest type of sea turtle.

#3 Unlike land turtles, sea turtles cannot pull their head and legs into their shells.

#4 Sea turtles lay 4 – 6 nests during the season

#5 As soon as a sea turtle hatches, they are ready to crawl and swim!

You can learn even more about sea turtles on the Longboat Key Turtle Watch website.

Visit the Sea Turtles this July!

Ready to see a sea turtle nest? Maybe even a hatchling?

Schedule a trip to the Florida Gulf Coast for this month! We still have a few properties open for July. Call us at 941-730-8193 and ask us about last-minute reservations!

And if you don’t catch a sea turtle in the wild, you can always visit the rescued sea turtles at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium!

Happy turtle watching!