Sea turtle nesting season in Pensacola Beach is here again! This beautiful time of the year draws in locals and tourists alike as our community witnesses the dozens of sea turtles emerge from their shells. These tiny creatures make a treacherous journey along our shores to the vast Gulf of Mexico. It’s a wonderful sight to behold during the spring and summer. 

At Portofino Island Resort, we are committed to preserving the natural environment in and around our resort, including the flora and fauna that call our shores home. We want to help our guests be good sea turtle stewards during their nesting season. During your spring and summer vacation at Portofino Island, make way for the Pensacola Beach sea turtles! Keep reading for more information for our top eco-friendly tips—

Vacation Alongside the Sea Turtles in Pensacola Beach 

Every spring, expectant sea turtles journey to Pensacola Beach at night and lay their eggs. Nesting season usually occurs during the start of May. Our sandy shores welcome the endangered Loggerhead, Green, Kemp’s Ridley (and rarely Leatherback) sea turtles. Around 45 to 60 days after an egg is laid, the baby sea turtles are ready to hatch! Hatling season runs through October, with August being the busiest month.

Baby sea turtles face a perilous journey to the sea, so follow these tips to ensure your actions do not harm their chance of survival. It’s important to respect these incredible creatures so future generations can also enjoy this great Pensacola Beach season! 

• Go Dark: sea turtles can be disoriented by synthetic light, as they are usually guided by moonlight—consider using a red flashlight 

• “Fill It In/ Knock It Down:” fill large holes or knock down sandcastles to keep the beach flat

• Leave Turtles Alone: do not touch or harass a nesting or hatchling sea turtle; keep a reasonable distance away from all suspected nest

• No Trace Behind: remove all belongings, furniture, and other obstacles to clear space for the turtles

• See Something, Say Something: if you see a sea turtle or hatchling that is sick, injured, in distress, or deceased, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 24/7 hotline at 888-404-3922

Let’s all work together to keep this endangered species healthy and safe. We want sea turtles to return to Pensacola Beach year after year! 

Portofino Island is excited to enjoy this year’s sea turtle season alongside all our guests. Our Mediterranean-style luxury condo towers will place you directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Book your warm-weather stay with us online today!