2024 Nest Excavation Program

Sea Turtle Nest Excavations are a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the conservation work that sea turtle biologists are committed to on our local beaches. During this nest excavation, we will discuss the life history of sea turtles and the process of nesting on our beaches. We will walk with your group to a qualifying nest, which is determined in advance by our biologists, and will observe a sea turtle nest excavation. This entails documenting the contents of the nest and conducting an inventory 3 days following a nest hatch out. In the event there are live sea turtle hatchlings in the nest that did not make it out with the others, guests will assist in guiding the hatchlings to the water by creating a runway. Please note: we cannot guarantee that you will see live hatchlings, but it is a likely possibility.

Programs begin promptly at 7:30am and will run for approximately 1 hour. Meeting points for these walks will vary depending on the location of the sea turtle nest that our biologists determine is ready for inventory. You will be notified via email in advance of your meeting point, which will be a beach access in Jensen Beach or Fort Pierce. Possible beach accesses are Herman’s Bay Beach, Walton Rocks Beach, Little Mud Creek Boat Ramp, and Middle Cove Beach.

*Additional dates will be added as nests become available for inventory.*

• A charge of $10/ticket (includes ticketing fee) will be applied to secure your spot(s).*
• This charge can be either refunded upon your arrival to the event or donated to Inwater Research Group's (501c3 non profit) sea turtle conservation programs. Ticketing fees cannot be refunded.
• I n the event that you cannot attend the program, your ticket charges will automatically be donated.
• You may only reserve up to 6 tickets.
• Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests must be able to walk up to a mile on the beach.
• Program occurs rain or shine. Participants should expect that the program is being offered regardless of weather unless they have received a call prior to the program.
• You must receive an email confirmation to be registered.
• Please look at the number of tickets available for each program. Please do not register as part of your group in hopes that more will be available upon request.
• You will receive an email confirmation with detailed directions and what to expect for the morning of your walk 48 hours prior to your program. If you do not receive this email, please let us know right away as you may not be registered.

• Additional tickets when all the tickets are reserved for the event (we are limited by our state permit).
• Participants who are not ambulatory or those who cannot walk up to a mile on the beach.
• Group reservations for parties larger than 6.

For other questions about the program or your reservation, please email Yasmeen Bruno at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Inwater Research Group