Each year, from May through October, the beaches of St. Simons Island become home to one of nature’s most remarkable events—sea turtle nesting season. As the sun sets and the beaches quiet down, threatened loggerhead sea turtles emerge from the Atlantic Ocean to lay their eggs in the soft sand, continuing a migration and nesting cycle that has existed for millions of years.
For visitors staying on St Simons Island, witnessing this incredible season—even if only by seeing protected nests along the beach—is a memorable reminder that St. Simons Island offers much more than beautiful sunsets and sandy shores. It’s a place where conservation and coastal living go hand in hand.
Meet our most famous summer visitors
While several species of sea turtles can be found in Georgia’s coastal waters, loggerhead sea turtles are by far the most common nesters on St. Simons Island. Adult females return to the beaches where they were born, often under the cover of darkness, to dig nests and lay approximately 100 to 150 eggs before making their way back to sea. After an incubation period of about 45 to 70 days, tiny hatchlings emerge and instinctively crawl toward the brightest horizon—the moonlit ocean.
Unfortunately, artificial lights, beach obstacles, and human activity can make that journey much more difficult.
The St Simons Island Sea Turtle Project
One of the reasons sea turtles continue to return to our beaches is the incredible work of the St. Simons Island Sea Turtle Project, a dedicated volunteer organization working in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Throughout nesting season, trained volunteers patrol the beaches at sunrise every morning searching for fresh turtle tracks and newly laid nests. Once discovered, nests are carefully documented, marked, and monitored throughout incubation to help maximize hatchling success. Volunteers also assist with stranded or injured turtles, collect valuable scientific data, educate the public, and promote responsible beach practices through the island’s “Lights Out” initiative.
Their commitment plays a vital role in protecting one of Georgia’s most treasured coastal species for future generations.
How Visitors Can Help
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended beach vacation, everyone can help protect nesting sea turtles.
Turn Off Beachfront Lights
Artificial lighting is one of the greatest threats to nesting females and hatchlings. Bright lights can discourage mothers from nesting and cause baby turtles to crawl away from the ocean instead of toward it.
If you’re staying in an oceanfront vacation rental:
- Turn off exterior beach-facing lights after dark.
- Close blinds and curtains in the evening.
- Use turtle-safe amber or red lighting whenever possible.
Leave Only Footprints
Before leaving the beach each day:
- Remove chairs, umbrellas, toys, and tents.
- Fill in holes dug in the sand.
- Knock down sandcastles.
- Take all trash with you.
Even small obstacles can become major barriers for nesting turtles and newly hatched babies.
Give Sea Turtles Their Space
If you’re lucky enough to encounter a nesting sea turtle:
- Stay at least 50 feet away.
- Never touch or disturb the turtle.
- Avoid flash photography or phone lights.
- Keep noise to a minimum.
- Do not approach marked nests.
Watching quietly from a respectful distance helps ensure these incredible animals can complete their nesting process without interruption.
A Vacation that Makes a Difference
One of the unique experiences of visiting St. Simons Island during the summer is knowing you’re sharing the shoreline with an ancient species that has called Georgia’s coast home for centuries.
Every protected nest represents hope for the future, and every visitor who follows turtle-friendly guidelines becomes part of that conservation story.
At Georgia Coast Realty Vacation Rentals, we’re proud to support responsible tourism and encourage our guests to enjoy the beauty of our beaches while helping preserve them for generations to come.
Whether you’re searching for seashells at sunrise, biking beneath the live oaks, or simply relaxing by the ocean, remember that you may be walking alongside one of nature’s greatest success stories.
This sea turtle season, help us keep St. Simons Island a safe and welcoming home for both our visitors—and our turtles.
Planning Your St Simons Island Vacation?
Browse our collection of vacation rentals and experience the beauty of Georgia’s Golden Isles during one of the most extraordinary times of the year. Together, we can help protect the wildlife that makes our island so special.
