Fort Walton Beach is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. But did you know it's also an important nesting site for sea turtles? Every year, several species of sea turtles come to our shores to lay their eggs. It’s a special event, and protecting these creatures is something we can all be part of.

Sea turtles are endangered, which means they are at risk of disappearing forever. That’s why many local groups, volunteers, and organizations are working hard to protect them. Even better—there are lots of ways you can help too! Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Fort Walton Beach offers many fun and educational activities to get involved in sea turtle conservation.

Let’s dive into the upcoming workshops, programs, and volunteer opportunities that allow you to learn, connect, and make a difference.

Why Sea Turtle Conservation Matters

Sea turtles are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem. They help keep the ocean healthy by eating jellyfish and grazing on seagrass beds, which supports other marine life. But sea turtles face many dangers—like pollution, boat strikes, plastic waste, and bright lights on beaches that confuse baby turtles trying to reach the ocean.

Because of these threats, local organizations are taking action. And you can be a part of the solution through education and volunteering.

1. Sea Turtle 101: Family-Friendly Educational Workshops

Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Dates: Every Wednesday and Saturday, April–August
Time: 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: Included with admission

These workshops are perfect for families and visitors of all ages. Learn about the different types of sea turtles that nest in Florida, including the Loggerhead, Green, and Kemp’s Ridley turtles. You’ll discover how they live, why they’re endangered, and how scientists track them.

There are hands-on exhibits, real turtle shells to touch, and short videos showing baby turtles hatching and crawling to the sea. Kids can join in on turtle-themed crafts and even take home a coloring book about turtle safety.

Bonus: Workshop attendees get early access to turtle nest watch sign-up for the summer!

2. Turtle Talks on the Beach

Location: The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
Dates: Fridays in June and July
Time: 7 PM – 8 PM
Cost: Free

Join local marine biologists and conservationists for a relaxing, sunset “Turtle Talk” right on the sand. These informal talks cover how beachgoers can reduce harm to nesting turtles—like filling in holes, removing beach chairs, and turning off bright lights.

You’ll also hear fun facts and real-life stories about rescued turtles, nest monitoring, and hatchling success rates. These talks end with a short beach walk to look for tracks or active nests (from a safe distance).

3. Volunteer Nest Watch Program

Location: Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Training Date: April 20, 2025
Volunteer Season: May – October
Time Commitment: 2–3 mornings per month
Age: 16+

Want to be part of a real turtle-saving team? Sign up for the Nest Watch Program! Volunteers get trained to help monitor turtle nests, track hatchlings, and report nest activity to wildlife officials.

You’ll learn how to spot turtle tracks, mark and protect nests, and gently guide confused hatchlings to the sea. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences on the beach—and you get to meet other passionate turtle lovers too.

Note: Spots fill up quickly, so register early by emailing [email protected]

4. Leave No Trace Beach Clean-Ups

Location: Beasley Park and Various Beaches
Dates: First Saturday of each month
Time: 8 AM – 10 AM
Hosted by: Okaloosa Coastal Conservancy

One of the biggest threats to sea turtles is beach litter—especially plastic. That’s why the community comes together monthly to clean up our shores. These clean-ups are open to everyone, and supplies like gloves and trash bags are provided.

While you clean, you’ll also learn about the “Leave No Trace” campaign, which encourages people to leave the beach just as they found it. This includes picking up trash, flattening sandcastles, and removing personal items overnight.

Perfect for families, scout troops, and student volunteer hours!

5. Turtle-Friendly Lighting Workshop

Location: Fort Walton Beach City Hall
Date: May 15, 2025
Time: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Audience: Homeowners, property managers, and business owners

Did you know that lights from buildings near the beach can confuse baby sea turtles? Hatchlings move toward the brightest light, which should be the moon over the ocean. But when they see porch lights or street lamps, they may crawl the wrong way and die.

This special workshop teaches how to install turtle-safe lighting. Learn about shielded lights, amber bulbs, and motion sensors that reduce light pollution. There are even grants and rebates available for businesses that make the switch!

6. Sea Turtle Art & Awareness Fair

Location: Landing Park, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Date: July 6, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Cost: Free entry

This fun, family-friendly event celebrates everything about sea turtles. Enjoy local art inspired by marine life, live music, food trucks, and interactive booths where kids can build turtle habitats in the sand or paint their own wooden sea turtles.

There will be guest speakers, raffles, and a “Turtle Costume Parade” at 2 PM! Conservation groups will also be there handing out educational materials, stickers, and eco-friendly beach gear.

How You Can Help Year-Round

Even if you can’t attend an event or volunteer right now, there are simple things you can do to help sea turtles every day:

• Keep beaches clean: Always take your trash with you.

• Lights out at night: If you're staying on the beach, close curtains and turn off outside lights after dark.

• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles: These can trap baby turtles or block their way to the water.

• Give turtles space: If you see a nesting turtle or hatchlings, stay quiet and far away.

• Spread the word: Tell friends and family what you’ve learned.

Join the Movement

By coming together as a community—locals, visitors, businesses, and families—we can make a big impact on sea turtle conservation. Every effort, no matter how small, helps protect these amazing creatures and ensures that Fort Walton Beach remains a safe and welcoming place for sea turtles to nest. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, there’s a way for you to get involved. Let’s keep our beaches beautiful and our turtles thriving—together.

Sea turtle conservation is a team effort—and everyone can play a part. Whether you attend a Turtle Talk, volunteer for a beach clean-up, or simply share a photo of a turtle-safe beach, you’re helping protect one of Earth’s most amazing animals.

Fort Walton Beach is lucky to be part of the sea turtles’ journey. Let’s all do our part to make sure they keep coming back for generations to come.

To learn more or sign up for events, visit www.FWBturtles.org