March is Here: Let’s Talk Shell-ebrities and Sand!
Lori Sauer Mar 01, 2026
Welcome to the official start of Sea Turtle Nesting Season! March 1st marks the day when our sandy backyard transforms into the world’s most exclusive maternity ward. While we’re busy obsessing over dive vis and bottom times, these ancient mariners are gearing up for their own marathon.
Sea turtles have been around for over 110 million years. That means they saw the dinosaurs go extinct and probably thought, "Yikes, glad I have this shell." Out of the seven species worldwide, five are Floridians at heart, and three—the Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback—nest right here on our shores every year.
Why the Space Coast is Kind of a Big Deal
Did you know the stretch from the Space Coast to the Gold Coast is the second most important nesting area in the world for Loggerheads? That’s right. We aren't just a hub for rocket launches; we’re a global powerhouse for turtle toddlers.
The Leatherbacks are usually the early birds, starting their nesting rituals right now in March, followed by the Loggerheads and Greens as the water warms up.
How to Not Be "That Guy" on the Beach
We love our turtles, but they are surprisingly picky about their real estate. Here’s how you can help them (and avoid being the person everyone side-eyes at the beach):
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Lights Out! Turtles navigate by the light of the moon. If you’ve got high-powered porch lights or are wandering the beach with a massive flashlight, you’re basically a giant, confusing disco ball to a hatchling. If you must use a light, make sure it’s FWC-approved red or amber LED.
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Flatten the Obstacle Course: If you spend the day building a sand-fortress, knock it down before you leave. What looks like a masterpiece to you looks like Mount Everest to a 2-inch hatchling.
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Fill the Pitfalls: Digging holes is fun until a 300lb mama turtle falls in and can’t get out. Fill ‘em in!
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Leave No Trace: Trash isn't just ugly; it’s dangerous. Pick up your fishing lines, plastics, and snack wrappers. Turtles can’t tell the difference between a jelly and a grocery bag.
Diving into Turtle Season
As we head out on our charters this month, keep your eyes peeled! We often see these beauties resting on the reefs or heading up for a breath. Remember: Look, don’t touch. They’ve got enough to worry about without a diver trying to hitch a ride.
Whether you're prepping for our Turks & Caicos trip this August or just hitting the local springs, let’s keep our oceans (and beaches) turtle-friendly.
Stop by the shop this month to grab some turtle-safe gear or just to brag about your latest underwater sighting. We’ve got the coffee on and the sarcastic comments ready to go!