TYBEE ISLAND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Turtle Talk on Tybee Island: Up Close with Loggerheads — Ends with a Coastal Gallery Feeding
A one-hour guided program at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center that explores Loggerheads, Kemp's Ridley, Greens and Leatherbacks — and concludes with a loggerhead feeding; this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Turtle Talk on Tybee Island: Up Close with Loggerheads — Ends with a Coastal Gallery Feeding.
On Tybee Island, where coastal Georgia beaches are nesting grounds for several sea turtle species, Turtle Talk invites visitors into the quiet, close-up world of these ancient mariners. In a focused, classroom-style introduction you’ll learn anatomy, natural adaptations, why sea turtles cry, natal beaches and local conservation work, then move into the Coastal Gallery for a feeding with a visiting loggerhead — a concise, hands-on encounter that also includes admission to the marine center.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet four sea turtle species
The program covers Loggerheads, Kemp's Ridley, Greens and Leatherback sea turtles, providing natural-history context that clarifies their life cycles and the challenges they face on Georgia’s coast.
A hands-on feeding at the Coastal Gallery
After the presentation participants proceed to the Coastal Gallery to feed a visiting loggerhead sea turtle — the program’s practical climax and a standout moment for many visitors.
Learning how local conservation works
Turtle Talk ties species biology to Tybee Island’s conservation efforts, covering topics such as natal beaches and protective measures that support nesting and recovery.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The program moves from a short, guided interpretive talk into an intimate gallery visit: expect a compact, informative presentation on anatomy and adaptations followed by a walk to the Coastal Gallery where a loggerhead is fed. The flow is intentionally focused — education first, then the close encounter — and includes admission to the center.
THE SPECIES
Meet four sea turtle species
The program covers Loggerheads, Kemp's Ridley, Greens and Leatherback sea turtles, providing natural-history context that clarifies their life cycles and the challenges they face on Georgia’s coast.
THE EXPERIENCE
A hands-on feeding at the Coastal Gallery
After the presentation participants proceed to the Coastal Gallery to feed a visiting loggerhead sea turtle — the program’s practical climax and a standout moment for many visitors.
CONSERVATION
Learning how local conservation works
Turtle Talk ties species biology to Tybee Island’s conservation efforts, covering topics such as natal beaches and protective measures that support nesting and recovery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should take care
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs approximately 1 hour.
Bring your emailed receipt and present it to the cashier for admission — admission is included with the program.
The operator is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center; your program admission is included when you show the emailed receipt at entry.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is Turtle Talk?
The program lasts approximately 1 hour.
Which sea turtle species are covered?
Turtle Talk covers Loggerheads, Kemp's Ridley, Greens and Leatherback sea turtles.
Is admission to the marine center included?
Yes — the program includes admission; show your emailed receipt to the cashier at entry.
Can children attend Turtle Talk?
The program is recommended for children aged 6 and older; attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult.
Will I be able to feed a sea turtle?
Yes — the experience concludes with feeding a visiting loggerhead sea turtle at the Coastal Gallery.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No printing is required; present your emailed receipt to the cashier for admission.