2026 Sea Turtle Program and Walk

Step into the night with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a guided sea turtle walk—an unforgettable chance to experience one of Florida’s most remarkable natural events. Guests will learn about the nesting habits, habitats, and conservation of loggerhead sea turtles that return to our local beaches each summer.

Following an educational session focused on sea turtle conservation, nesting behavior, and coastal habitats, participants will caravan in their own vehicles to Playalinda Beach. Dedicated scouts will search for nesting sea turtles. If conditions align and a nesting turtle is located the group will be invited down to the beach for a respectful observation once a turtle begins laying her eggs,.

Sea turtle walks are offered Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout June and July, beginning at 8:00 PM. Advance tickets are required.

• Understand that this event requires walking on the beach at night. Often this means a long walk at a moderate pace through loose sand. Please evaluate your abilities and health before attending.

• Tickets are required for every attendee. ($25 Adults, $10 Ages 8 – 15)
• Minimum age is 8 years old.
• Walks start after the education program and may go as late as 11pm.
• Permit requirements limit the walks to a maximum of 30 total attendees

• Tickets are non- refundable unless the walk is cancelled by US FWS for non-weather reasons.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing (long sleeves & pants are recommended). Closed toed shoes suitable for walking on the beach at night are suggested - NO FLIP FLOPS.
• It will be very dark; there may be mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Bug repellent is suggested.

• Make sure your vehicle is fueled. Participants will be driving their personal vehicles to the beach.

• Cameras, mobile phones, smart devices with screens or video recording, and flashlights are NOT permitted on the beach portion of the program.
• The classroom program will be held rain or shine unless lightning is present.
• We cannot guarantee a turtle sighting or that all participants will observe the eggs drop.

Thank you for supporting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and for being part of the effort to protect this federally listed threatened species.

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Host or Publisher Merritt Island Wildlife Association