The World’s Largest Aggregation of Sea Turtles
Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Year after year a record-breaking number of people travel to Florida, many of which already carry the tradition of an annual Florida vacation. Similarly, tradition is the major driver for approximately 50,000 loggerhead sea turtles to travel thousands miles for the subtropical climes that Florida beaches provide.
The migration of nesting loggerhead sea turtles is one of the ocean’s most captivating phenomena. Here, we follow the sea turtles on their journey, explore why Florida beaches are such a popular sea turtle nesting site, and offer tips for sighting sea turtles.
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Fun facts on loggerhead sea turtles
- Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common sea turtle in the US. They can grow up to three feet in length and weigh between 200-350 pounds.
- While many of the loggerhead sea turtles are Floridian natives, many migrate from all over the world including Japan, China, Greece, and Libya.
- Big Bertha is the largest nesting sea turtle in the world. She is 85-91 years old and lives in Georgia.
The loggerhead’s journey
Many factors contribute to wildlife migration including seeking food, warmer waters, or a safe environment away from predators; a major driver for nesting sea turtles nesting migration is due to natal homing, an internal compass in the female that guides her back to the location of their birth to mate and lay eggs.
From the Caribbean Sea to the coastal waters of Japan and China, sea turtles make their journey to natal beaches around the world including Brazil, Cape Verde, Australia; and, in the US, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida, which holds the largest nesting population in the country.
Why Florida? A subtropical climate, proximity to major ocean currents, and coastline on both the Atlantic and Gulf side are all right answers. But, a major reason 90% of nesting loggerhead sea turtles end up on Florida beaches has something to do with this little thing us humans call “tradition.” Florida beaches have been a major nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles for thousands of years. Natal homing reinforces this pattern over generations.
READ MORE: 11 Most Beautiful Bodies of Water in the U.S.
How to see loggerhead sea turtles
While the nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles occurs from May through October, the best time of year to see sea turtles is July, when hatchlings begin to emerge. Increase the likelihood of seeing sea turtles by planning a nighttime beach trip at any one of these Florida beaches.
Top destinations to see loggerhead sea turtles
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- Cayo Costa State Park
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
- Jupiter Beach
- Melbourne Beach
- Sanibel Island
Following conservation guidelines is crucial for protecting sea turtles, as human disturbances can deter nesting females and disorient hatchlings, significantly impacting their survival rates. By respecting nesting sites, minimizing artificial lighting, and maintaining a safe distance, we can help ensure these ancient mariners continue to thrive for generations to come.
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