Sea turtles are fascinating. Ocean Isle Beach is home to one of nature's most remarkable seasonal events: sea turtle nesting season! Every summer, loggerhead sea turtles make their way to the shores of Ocean Isle Beach to lay their eggs, and by late summer into fall, those eggs hatch and tiny turtles make their journey to the ocean. It's a special experience to witness, and one that comes with an important responsibility for visitors and residents.
The Nesting and Hatching Timeline
Sea turtle nesting season at Ocean Isle Beach runs through the summer months. Once a female turtle comes ashore and lays her eggs, they incubate in the sand for approximately 60 days. Hatchlings typically begin emerging and making their way to the ocean from late July through October. It is so exciting to see it.
The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization exists to help keep this process safe. Their volunteers actively patrol the shoreline, document nesting activity, and stake off protected nest zones to shield the eggs from predators and foot traffic. If you spot nest markers on the beach, that’s your sign to keep your distance.
How to Protect Sea Turtles During Your Visit
Sea turtles are a threatened species protected under federal law. Whether you encounter an adult turtle coming ashore, a marked nest, or hatchlings making their way to the water, here's how you can help.
Give them space. If you see an adult sea turtle coming up on the beach, stay quiet and keep your distance. Any disturbance can frighten them and cause them to return to the ocean without nesting. Never touch the eggs or handle the hatchlings.
Turn off all lights. Baby turtles navigate to the ocean using the natural light of the moon and stars. Artificial light from flashlights, porch lights, pool lights, and indoor lighting can disorient them and send them in the wrong direction. Turn off all exterior lights at sunset and close curtains or blinds at night to prevent indoor lighting from affecting them.
Never carry a hatchling to the water. It may be tempting to help, but it is critical that hatchlings crawl to the ocean on their own. That journey is an important part of their development.
Fill in holes before you leave. Any holes dug in the sand should be filled in before you leave the beach for the day. Open holes can trap hatchlings. Plus, they’re also a safety hazard for people. 😉
Remove all personal items from the beach. Chairs, umbrellas, bags, and other equipment left on the beach overnight can entangle turtles and cause injury. Everything should be cleared from the beach each evening.
Keep the beach clean. Sea turtles can mistake plastic bags and other litter for jellyfish, which is part of their natural diet. Dispose of trash properly and pick up anything you see left behind.
Stay off the sand dunes. Dunes provide critical nesting habitat for sea turtles and help protect the shoreline during storms and high tides. Foot traffic damages the vegetation that holds the dunes together. Violations carry a $100 fine per offense.
Keep dogs leashed. Dogs must always be on a leash on Ocean Isle Beach. Additionally, dogs are not permitted on the beach strand between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, regardless of whether they are leashed.
Avoid fireworks near the beach. Fireworks can frighten nesting turtles and leave behind debris that marine wildlife may mistake for food. Fireworks are also prohibited under North Carolina state law.
Report What You See
If you spot a nesting turtle, hatchlings, an unmarked nest, or turtle tracks that look like a bulldozer came out of the water, please report it to the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization right away. Early reporting helps protect nests not marked yet and helps the organization to respond quickly to keep turtles safe. Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization Contact: Deb Allen Phone: 910-880-8715.
A Shared Responsibility
Sea turtle nesting season is one of the most meaningful things Ocean Isle Beach has to offer. By following these guidelines, visitors and residents alike can play a direct role in protecting a threatened species and preserving this natural wonder for future generations. Plus, if you’re fortunate enough to witness any stage of the turtle nesting season, you will take with you a special memory to last forever.