JUNO BEACH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
In the Wake of Hatchlings: Witness a Sea Turtle Nest Excavation on Juno Beach
A 90-minute guided program from Loggerhead Marinelife Center that explains nesting and hatching, may include a live nest excavation, and lets participants create data sheets for conservation research.
In the Wake of Hatchlings: Witness a Sea Turtle Nest Excavation on Juno Beach.
Experience the urgency and quiet wonder of sea turtle conservation on Juno Beach with a guided program led by Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff: an introduction to nesting and hatching followed, when conditions allow, by a permitted live nest excavation and an opportunity to compile your own data sheets that contribute to ongoing research.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Permitted Data Collection
Loggerhead Marinelife Center holds special permits to collect nest data—counts of hatched and unhatched eggs—that help scientists evaluate reproductive success on local beaches and inform conservation management.
Staff-Led Beach Ecology Talk
A permitted staff member leads guests down onto Juno, Jupiter, or Tequesta beaches for a brief beach walk and an ecology talk covering crawl identification and the nesting and hatchling processes.
Witness a Nest Excavation
When a nest is located and the timing permits, guests may observe trained staff excavate a sea turtle nest and document the findings—an inside look at how researchers confirm hatch success and collect field data.
What the day feels like
What the program feels like
The program begins on campus with an introduction to sea turtle nesting and hatching. Participants then walk onto the beach for a short ecology talk and, if a nest is scheduled for excavation, they will sit to observe trained staff excavate the nest and record data; guests leave having created their own data sheets as a keepsake and contribution to research.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs 90 minutes and meets at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Pre-apply sunscreen and bug spray, wear comfortable walking shoes for soft, loose sand, and bring a hat for sun protection; towels are provided but you may bring your own.
Programs run rain or shine and only stay off the beach in the event of lightning; if rain is forecast, wear a raincoat or poncho and do not bring umbrellas.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if there are no nests to excavate on the day of my program?
If there is no nest needing excavation, guests will enjoy a beach ecology talk to learn about nesting and hatchling processes.
What are my chances to witness an excavation or see live hatchlings?
There is no way to predict whether a nest will be ready to excavate on any given day; the program always includes a beach walk and ecology talk, and while hatchlings are often found during excavations, finding a hatchling cannot be guaranteed.
Have these nests already hatched before they are excavated?
LMC waits three days after the first signs of natural hatchling activity before collecting data from a marked nest to allow hatchlings time to emerge undisturbed.
Can I take pictures?
Yes; guests are welcome to take pictures of their experience.
What if it’s raining?
The program runs rain or shine and only stays off the beach in the event of lightning; wear a raincoat or poncho if rain is expected and do not bring umbrellas.