Turtle Walk & Hatchling Release Programs

2023 Turtle Walks

During this program, participants will learn about the life cycle, behaviors, and threats to the three species of protected sea turtles that nest in South Florida during a presentation in Gumbo Limbo’s classroom.  Our conservation team will be on the beach scouting for a nesting loggerhead sea turtle.  When one is spotted, we will head to the beach to observe this fascinating and ancient process of nesting together (seeing a sea turtle is not guaranteed since nesting is unpredictable).  No refunds if a turtle is not seen.

Dates & Time

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, May 30- July 6 (no program July 4)
  • 8:45 pm-12:00 am (or after a nesting turtle is seen, whichever happens first)
  • The following dates are sold out: 
    • May 30, June 1

Ages

  • Ages 8 and up; children under 18 must attend with an adult.   

Cost

  • Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Member or City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident: $15 each
  • All others: $20 each 

Reservations

  • Due to popularity of this programs, there is a limit of 6 reservations per household
  • Online reservations are required through WebTrac.
  • If you do not have a WebTrac account, please follow these instructions.  
    • We strongly suggest you create your account in advance of reservations sales.

Online Reservations Begin

  • Tuesday, April 18, 9:00 am - for City of Boca Raton and Beach and Park District residents and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards members.
  • Tuesday, April 25, 9:00 am - for all others.

2023 Hatchling Releases


Join our Sea Turtle Conservation staff as we release rescued hatchlings back to the ocean under the cover of darkness. This hour-long program begins with a presentation in the classroom where participants learn about the life cycles, behaviors, and threats to the sea turtles that nest in South Florida. Then we drive to the beach, where staff place the hatchlings on the wet sand by the water, and we watch as the tiny turtles make their way down to the waves and head off into the surf.

Dates & Times

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Evenings
  • July 17 - August 10 from 8:00 pm- 9:30 pm
  • August 14 - August 31 from 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
  • The following dates are sold out: 
    • July 17, 18, 19, 20
    • July 25, 26, 27, 31

Ages

  • All ages: children under 18 must attend with an adult

Cost

  • Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Member or City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident: $10 each
  • All others: $15 each
  • A paid reservation is required for anyone over 12 months of age.

Reservations

  • Due to popularity of this programs, there is a limit of 6 reservations per household
  • Online reservations are required through WebTrac.
  • If you do not have a WebTrac account, please follow these instructions.  
    • We strongly suggest you create your account in advance of reservations sales.

Online Reservations Begin

  • Tuesday, May 9 at 9:00 am - for City of Boca Raton and Beach and Park District residents and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards members.
  • Tuesday, May 16 at 9:00 am - all others.

Sea turtle hatchlings in the sand