A Guide to Turtle Season In Fort Myers Beach
The white sand beaches of South Florida are much more than a dreamy vacation destination. From April through October, these gorgeous sandy shores are also nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is proud to be certified Sea Turtle Friendly by conservation nonprofit Coastal Connections Inc. During these magical months, our turtle neighbors get just as much attention and care as our human guests. Here are all the special steps we take to prepare for the arrival of the beach’s cutest commuters, and how you can help us ensure that their summer is just as safe and relaxing as yours is.
How Pink Shell Beach Resort Keeps Sea Turtles Safe During Nesting Season
1. Turning on the Red Lights
Those red bulbs on our buildings do more than set the mood. Hatchlings find their way to the ocean by heading toward the brightest light, usually the moon. To keep them on track, we use red lighting that is gentle on their eyes but still bright enough to light your stroll across the sand.
2. Dimming Flashlights after Sunset
We also kindly ask our guests to avoid using flashlights or phone lights on the beach after dark. Tiny as those beams might seem, the light can still confuse our flippered friends. Help us protect these incredible creatures by enjoying the natural glow of the night. Take the opportunity to soak in the starlight!
3. Skipping the Firepits
As cozy as a beach bonfire sounds, we do not want to spook our soon-to-be turtle parents with smoke or noise. Too much activity can keep mama turtles from nesting, and those flickering flames can throw off the babies. That is why fire pits take a break from April through October—but don’t worry, the resort is still packed with fun from sunrise to moonlight!
4. Be Good Table Neighbors During Beachside Dining
Turtle couples do not always find beach dinners quite as romantic as we do. Keep in mind that beachside dining ends before sunset each day to give our shelled friends the calm, dark shores they need to nest in peace. Luckily, there are still plenty of spots around Pink Shell to enjoy a tasty meal with great ambiance.
5. Collecting Trash Daily
Keeping our beaches beautiful is important year-round, but especially during turtle nesting season. Our team sweeps the shores for rubbish regularly, and we remind our guests to take all of their belongings when they leave the beach for the night. Let’s leave only footprints behind, so baby turtles have a clear path to the sea.
6. Admiring Wildlife From Afar
We know it is pretty magical to see a sea turtle up close! But if you spot one nesting, please give her plenty of space and enjoy the moment from a distance. A calm, quiet beach helps her feel safe enough to carry on with her amazing moonlit mission.
7. Demolishing Sand Castles
Before heading home for the day, smooth out any sandcastles you built and fill in beach holes. These small acts go a long way in keeping our nesting sea turtles (and their hatchlings!) safe on their journeys.
8. Tracking the Turtles’ Journey
Join the fun and follow along as our tiny travelers make their way to the sea. Swing by the Sea Turtle Nest Board on the main pool deck. Ranger Rob, our resident nature expert, updates the board daily with nest counts, fun facts, and the latest turtle happenings!