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Everything You Should Know About Turtle Nesting on AMI

For many vacationers, finding the perfect getaway spot is about sun, sand, and sea. And if you’re eyeing our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals for your next retreat, you’re in for an added treat – a chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: turtle nesting season.

This article covers everything you should know about Anna Maria Island sea turtles and their magical nesting process.

When Is Turtle Nesting Season?

As spring blossoms into summer, Anna Maria Island comes alive every year. From the beginning of May until October, the island’s pristine shores transform into a safe haven for sea turtles during their nesting season. While some early risers might begin in April or late bloomers might stretch into November, most of the action occurs during these core months.

The most frequent visitors are the Loggerhead turtles, distinguished by their broad and slightly heart-shaped shells. Alongside them, the island also welcomes the slightly rarer green sea turtles each season. Despite their formidable size, these magnificent creatures move with quiet grace, especially during their nightly ventures onto the beach. With its tranquil ambiance at the northern end of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point stands out as a popular hub of activity. The secluded nature of this beach makes it a prime location for these creatures to nest and lay their eggs.

Although spotting a sea turtle might be a rare occurrence due to their nocturnal nesting habits, the signs of their visit are evident in the oval-shaped depressions on the beach. As dawn breaks, local volunteers passionately scout the shores for these nests. Their dedication ensures that these nests are appropriately flagged, alerting visitors and locals to tread carefully, thereby preserving the next generation of Anna Maria Island’s sea turtles.

baby sea turtle
Photo from Shutterstock

How to Protect the Sea Turtles

Anna Maria Island’s beaches are more than just picturesque vacation spots; they are critical nesting grounds for sea turtles. As visitors and residents, we play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and survival of these ancient creatures. Here’s how you can help.

Lights Out

Turtles, especially hatchlings, are drawn to the moon’s reflection on the water. Avoid using flashlights or bright outdoor lighting near the beach. If you’re staying in our beachfront Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, ensure your lights don’t shine onto the beach at night.

Clean Up

After a day on the beach, clean up your area. Items like beach furniture, toys, or trash can become obstacles for nesting mothers and hatchlings, making their journey to the sea difficult.

Maintain Distance

If you’re lucky enough to spot a turtle, observe from afar. Disturbing or touching them can cause mothers to abandon their nests.

Avoid Nest Disturbance

Those flagged areas indicate turtle nests. Always respect these boundaries, and never attempt to touch or move eggs.

Educate Others

Share your knowledge about turtle conservation with other visitors. The more people know the better equipped we are to protect these magnificent creatures during their vulnerable nesting phase on Anna Maria Island.

Turtle Watch Event on Anna Maria Island

The annual Turtle Watch Event at Hurricane Hank’s has become a must-attend occasion for locals and tourists alike. Originating in 2008, this celebration aims to raise funds and awareness for sea turtle conservation. Attendees get the heartwarming experience of watching baby turtles hatch and journey towards the Gulf of Mexico, all while enjoying live local music.

With the support of many sponsors, the event also features delightful appetizers, a variety of drinks, a 50/50 raffle, and exclusive merchandise whose sales benefit the sea turtles. Generous past gatherings have seen over 300 attendees and raised impressive amounts for conservation. Each year promises a grander celebration than the last, so expect a memorable experience at the upcoming event!

Plan Your Visit

Your ideal Anna Maria Island experience awaits at BeachRentals.Mobi. Come immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this island paradise.

Types of Sea Turtles on Anna Maria Island

With its serene beaches and pristine waters, Anna Maria Island hosts a myriad of marine life, with sea turtles being some of the most revered guests. While vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island offer tourists a glimpse into the natural beauty of the place, the real spectacle is witnessing the circle of life that the turtles bring with them. Here’s a closer look at the types of sea turtles that grace Anna Maria Island with their presence.

Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta Caretta)

The most common visitors to Anna Maria Island, Loggerhead turtles, are easily identifiable by their large heads and powerful jaw muscles. With a reddish-brown shell and a slightly heart-shaped upper shell or carapace, they make up the majority of the nesting population on the island.

Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Though not as abundant as the Loggerheads, Green sea turtles also nest on Anna Maria Island. They derive their name from the greenish hue of their fat due to their herbivorous diet consisting mainly of seagrasses and algae. With a smoother and more rounded shell than the Loggerheads, they add diversity to the island’s turtle populace.

Kemp’s Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)

While they are a rarer sight on the beaches of AMI, Kemp’s Ridley turtles are recognized by their grayish-green color and almost circular carapace. They are the smallest of the sea turtles and are critically endangered.

These majestic creatures, each with distinct features and habits, make Anna Maria Island’s beaches a vibrant and crucial ecosystem. As you enjoy your stay at vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island with BeachRentals.Mobi, remember that you’re sharing this paradise with some of the ocean’s oldest and most cherished inhabitants.

Where To Stay

Anna Maria Island, a gem located along the Gulf Coast, radiates the charm of old Florida heritage. Framed by the scenic locales of Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Sarasota, this island remains a favorite among travelers. Yet, despite its popularity, Anna Maria Island retains a sense of tranquility. Whether gazing at the mesmerizing sunset from Bean Point, casting a line off the renowned pier, or exploring the historic views at Egmont Key State Park, the island ensures every moment is unforgettable.

Imagine a getaway that caters to all – be it sun-soaked family vacations, romantic milestones, or grand events like reunions or celebrations. Our properties are also conveniently located near countless attractions and things to do in Anna Maria Island.

Enter BeachRentals.Mobi – where every property mirrors the unique charm and character of Anna Maria Island. Experience luxurious amenities that range from heated pools for those cooler evenings and master bathrooms that exude luxury to expansive porches that showcase the island’s picturesque views.

Dive deep into our curated selection of vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. We have it all: gulf-front vistas, serene canal-front settings, panoramic water views, or specific accommodations catering to varied group sizes. Whether traveling solo, with a partner, or in a grand entourage, you can select from 1 & 2 bedrooms, 3 & 4 bedrooms, to expansive 5+ bedroom homes. And for those who can’t imagine a vacation without their furry friends, our pet-friendly homes are perfect for you.