Sea turtle nesting season is officially underway along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and honestly, it’s one of the coolest parts of summer around here.
Every year, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, and Green sea turtles return to these same beaches to nest—often under the cover of darkness while most of us are asleep wondering if it’s too late for another beach snack.
Mama turtles make their way ashore at night, dig nests in the sand, lay more than 100 eggs at a time, and quietly disappear back into the Gulf before sunrise like tiny armored ninjas of the sea.
Then, a couple of months later, the real magic happens.
Dozens of hatchlings emerge together and make their nighttime sprint toward the water, guided only by the moonlight reflecting off the Gulf. It’s one of the most incredible natural events you can witness on the coast—and one locals look forward to every year.
If you happen to spot nesting turtles or hatchlings while enjoying the beach this summer, a few simple things make a huge difference:
- Avoid flashlights at night (or use red filters)
- Turn off or shield bright beach-facing lights
- Give nesting turtles plenty of space
- Leave nests and tracks undisturbed
- Fill in holes before leaving the beach
The Gulf Coast has plenty of beautiful moments, but this one feels especially special. Quiet, peaceful, and a reminder that nature still knows exactly what it’s doing.