Turtle season in Boca Raton

Every year from March 1 to October 31, sea turtles crawl up onto Boca Raton’s beaches at night to lay their eggs. It’s one of the best things about living here, and most of it happens while the city is asleep.

Who nests here

Three species nest on Boca’s five miles of city beach: loggerheads, by far the most common; green turtles; and leatherbacks, the giants of the group. Every morning in season, the city’s sea turtle conservation team surveys the beach and records each new nest.

2026 was a big year. The city counted 879 loggerhead nests, 61 green turtle nests and a record 43 leatherback nests.

How to see them

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, on A1A across from the beach, runs guided turtle walks in early summer, usually from late May to early July on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Spots are limited and need a reservation. Later in the summer it holds hatchling releases. Check Gumbo Limbo’s website in spring for dates.

How to help

• Lights out. Hatchlings head for the brightest horizon, which should be the ocean. Turn off or shield lights that face the beach at night.
• Leave the nests alone. Marked nests are protected, so give the stakes and tape plenty of room.
• Fill your holes and take your stuff. Holes and beach chairs left overnight can trap nesting turtles and hatchlings.
• Never touch a turtle, and don’t use flash photography on the beach at night.

Our Turtle Season designs say it simply: March to October.