Sea Turtle Watch
Sea Turtle Watch in the Brunswick Islands is a seasonal look at loggerhead sea turtle nests and hatchings on the beaches of Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Bald Head Island in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It suits families, beachgoers and nature visitors who want to see or learn about nesting. The one thing to know is that the official tourism site says hatchings begin in July and may continue into October, so check before you go for current nest status, since the season is ending.
Should you go to Sea Turtle Watch today?
Good day to go
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Mon 19Dry daytime forecast
- Tue 20Dry daytime forecast
- Wed 21Dry daytime forecast
- Thu 22Dry daytime forecast
- Fri 23Dry daytime forecast
Weather at Sea Turtle Watch, today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 51°F | N 20 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 56°F | N 23 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 62°F | N 23 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 65°F | N 22 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 67°F | N 21 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Mostly Clear | 66°F | N 20 mph | 0% |
Beach and surf
| Rip Current Risk | High |
|---|---|
| Surf Height | 2 to 3 feet |
| Water Temperature | In the lower 70s |
| UV Index | Moderate |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:25 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:43 pm |
| Question visitors ask | When do sea turtles hatch on Brunswick County beaches? |
|---|---|
| County | Brunswick County |
When do sea turtles hatch on Brunswick Islands beaches?
According to the Brunswick Islands tourism site, loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on the Brunswick Islands beaches from May to August, and sea turtle hatchings begin in July and may continue into October. Check before you go, because nest counts and hatching dates change each season.
The volunteer turtle watch groups on each island monitor nests and keep counts of current nests, known eggs and hatchlings that have reached the ocean. Each island's sea turtle program has its own website with current information.
What should visitors do to help sea turtles?
The Brunswick Islands tourism site asks visitors not to disturb a sea turtle on its way to or from the ocean, and not to disturb a marked nest. Nests are usually numbered and surrounded by fencing. Visitors should avoid shining lights at turtles, turn off lights near the beach during nesting season, avoid flash photography, and never pick up a sea turtle.
Visitors should also pick up litter, fill in holes they dig on the beach and remove their beach equipment before leaving.
Sea Turtle Watch: questions visitors ask
When do sea turtles hatch on Brunswick Islands beaches?
The Brunswick Islands tourism site says loggerhead nests are laid from May to August, and hatchings begin in July and may continue into October. Check before you go, because the season is ending and dates vary from year to year.
Are there free sea turtle talks?
The Brunswick Islands tourism site says several beaches offer free "Turtle Talks" during the summer to teach visitors about sea turtles and how to protect them. The site directs visitors to its calendar of events for dates and details, so check that calendar before you go.
Can I take flash photos of sea turtles?
The Brunswick Islands tourism site advises against using flash photography when photographing a sea turtle. Visitors should also keep their distance and never pick one up.
Should I turn off my lights at night near the beach?
Yes, according to the Brunswick Islands tourism site, artificial lights can confuse sea turtles and keep them from reaching the ocean. Visitors should turn off all lights near the beach during nesting season.
Which beaches have sea turtle nests?
The Brunswick Islands tourism site says loggerhead nests are found on the beaches of Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Bald Head Island. Each island has its own sea turtle protection group with a website, and the site lists those groups for visitors who want current nest information.
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