Fort Walton Beach is a stunning coastal destination loved by locals and tourists alike. With its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters, it provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. However, this beautiful shoreline is also home to an incredible yet vulnerable species—the sea turtle. Every year, these ancient marine creatures return to our beaches to nest, and they need our help to stay safe. By following a few simple beach best practices, we can all play a role in protecting sea turtles and ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Understanding Sea Turtles in Fort Walton Beach

Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, and Fort Walton Beach serves as a crucial nesting ground for species such as loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles. These magnificent animals come ashore during nesting season, which typically runs from May through October. Female sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand, and about two months later, tiny hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean.

Unfortunately, human activity can pose serious threats to sea turtles. Bright lights, beach litter, and even the way we set up our beach gear can make it difficult for turtles to nest and for hatchlings to reach the water safely. By making small adjustments to how we enjoy the beach, we can help protect these incredible creatures.

Best Practices to Protect Sea Turtles

1. Keep Lights Low at Night

One of the biggest dangers to nesting turtles and hatchlings is artificial lighting. Sea turtles rely on the natural glow of the moon to navigate back to the ocean. Bright lights from hotels, streetlamps, or even cell phones can disorient them, causing them to head in the wrong direction and increasing their risk of dehydration or predation.

Here’s how you can help:

• Turn off or dim beach-facing lights at night.

• Use turtle-safe red or amber lights if lighting is necessary.

• Avoid using flashlights, flash photography, or cell phone lights on the beach at night.

• If staying at a beachfront property, close curtains and blinds to prevent indoor lighting from shining onto the beach.

2. Keep the Beach Clean

Trash and debris on the beach can be hazardous to sea turtles. Plastic bags, food wrappers, and discarded fishing lines can be mistaken for food, causing harm to turtles that ingest them. Additionally, litter can obstruct the path of hatchlings trying to reach the water.

You can make a difference by:

• Picking up all trash before leaving the beach.

• Bringing a reusable bag to collect extra litter—even if it’s not yours!

• Using reusable containers and bottles instead of single-use plastics.

• Disposing of fishing lines and hooks properly in designated recycling bins.

3. Flatten Sandcastles and Fill in Holes

Building sandcastles and digging holes can be a fun beach activity, but they can also become major obstacles for sea turtles. A deep hole can trap hatchlings and even pose a risk to nesting females. Sand structures can also create barriers that make it harder for turtles to move freely.

Before leaving the beach:

• Fill in any holes you dig so turtles don’t get stuck. This is also good for humans, so they don't fall in and hurt themselves- it is hard to see these in the dark, for that late night stroll along the beach.

• Knock down sandcastles and smooth out the sand to keep the beach safe.

• Avoid using beach furniture at night since it can block the path of nesting turtles.

4. Keep Your Distance from Nesting Turtles

If you’re lucky enough to spot a sea turtle on the beach, it’s important to give her plenty of space. Loud noises and close contact can scare turtles away before they’ve had a chance to lay their eggs.

If you see a nesting turtle:

• Stay at least 30 feet away and watch quietly.

• Avoid shining lights or taking flash photos.

• Do not attempt to touch or disturb the turtle.

• Report any disturbances or stranded turtles to local wildlife authorities.

5. Watch Where You Walk

Sea turtle nests are often marked with wooden stakes and signs, but sometimes they can be hard to spot. It’s important to stay on designated paths and avoid walking in dunes or areas where nests may be hidden.

To help protect turtle nests:

• Stay on marked paths and avoid stepping over marked nests.

• Keep pets on a leash to prevent them from digging up nests.

• Never remove or tamper with nest markers.

6. Reduce Noise on the Beach at Night

Loud noises can disturb nesting turtles, making them abandon their nesting attempts. Even hatchlings can be affected by noise as they emerge from their nests and head toward the ocean.

To minimize noise impact:

• Keep voices low and avoid loud music at night.

• Avoid large gatherings near nesting areas.

• Encourage others to respect quiet beach time after sunset.

7. Be Mindful with Beach Chairs and Umbrellas

Leaving beach chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment out overnight can block nesting turtles or trap hatchlings trying to reach the water. Always remove beach gear when you leave for the day.

• Take all beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents home.

• Stack lounge chairs away from nesting areas.

• Avoid setting up gear close to marked nests.

What to Do If You See a Stranded or Injured Turtle

Sometimes, sea turtles may get stranded or injured due to natural or human-related causes. If you find a turtle in distress:

• Do not touch or try to move the turtle.

• Call local wildlife rescue or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

• Keep a safe distance and prevent others from disturbing the turtle.

Join the Effort: Get Involved in Turtle Conservation

If you’re passionate about protecting sea turtles, consider volunteering with local conservation groups, like the one in Navarre. Many organizations offer opportunities to help monitor nests, educate the public, and clean up beaches.

Do Your Part To Help the Sea Turtles

Fort Walton Beach is a treasure not just for us, but for the incredible wildlife that calls it home. By following these simple best practices, we can ensure that sea turtles continue to nest on our shores for years to come. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor enjoying our beautiful coastline, every small action makes a big difference. So next time you hit the beach, remember to keep it clean, keep it dark, and keep it safe—for the turtles!

Let’s work together to protect these amazing creatures and make Fort Walton Beach a welcoming place for sea turtles and beach lovers alike.