Dauphin Island’s strategic Gulf Coast location makes it a popular stopping point not only for people, but animals as well. You’ll find more than just humans on the island’s 17 miles of pristine beach – sea turtles frequent these beaches, as well.
About Sea Turtles
Turtles have been around as long as dinosaurs, originating more than 110 million years ago. There are seven species still in existence, three of which can be found on Dauphin Island: green, Kemp’s Ridley, and loggerhead. The smallest of the three, Kemp’s Ridley, can weight up to 100 pounds whereas the green and loggerhead can weigh up to 440 and 500 pounds, respectively. They also have lifespans of between 30 and 50 years.
As their name implies, sea turtles dwell in water, particularly temperate and warm waters, and they eat sea creatures such as shrimp, algae, mollusks, and crabs. What they are most famous for is their nesting habits. Sea turtles return to lay their eggs exactly where they hatched, meaning they will migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to nest. As a result, generations of turtles have hatched and nested on the very same beaches.
Dauphin Island Rentals
We invite you to explore our full range of beachfront rentals and start planning your Dauphin Island vacation today. Witnessing wild sea turtles is an experience you’ll never forget!
Where to See Turtles on Dauphin Island
While you might not consider Alabama as a good place to see sea turtles, it’s actually a great place, particularly during nesting season. Thousands of sea turtles flock to Dauphin Island’s beaches between the months of May and November. You can catch sight of them on any beach and watch them nest and hatch from afar.
At any time of the year, you can visit the Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab, which engages in research and conservation and has exhibits featuring sea turtles. During the summer, they offer excursions into Dauphin Island habitats, where you may catch a glimpse of nesting turtles in the wild.
Watching nesting sea turtles is an incredible experience, but humans must be careful not to interfere.
Do’s & Don’ts
If you are watching sea turtles lay their eggs or baby turtles hatching, watch from afar. DO NOT approach them or interfere. Nesting turtles are also very sensitive to light and tend to lay their eggs at night. DO NOT startle them with flashlights or phone lights. DO NOT attempt to pick baby turtles up. If you want to be more involved in helping baby sea turtles make it to sea, DO volunteer with conservation programs.
Conservation & Study
While sea turtles may have outlived the dinosaurs, all three species found on Dauphin Island are on the Endangered Species List. Fortunately, they are protected by the Endangered Species Act, and there are multiple conservation efforts in place to protect them.
Share the Beach volunteers actively protect nests as they see them and guide hatchlings to the ocean. A “Leave Only Footprints” initiative keeps beaches safe and clean for all wildlife by mandating that all beach equipment must be collected each night and that trash must be removed.
Dauphin Island Estuarium and Sea Lab works to study sea turtles and protect them. There are many ongoing programs, activities, and excursions where you will have the opportunity to speak with experts and learn more about conservation efforts. You can visit them daily at 102 Bienville Boulevard.
Beachfront Dauphin Island Rentals
If you’re determined to see nesting or hatching sea turtles, then there’s no better place to stay than Dauphin Island rentals on the beach.
Not only will you have incredible Gulf views and direct access to pristine beaches, but you may be lucky enough to witness sea turtles in your very own yard! Beachfront rentals are spacious, comfortable, and provide a wide variety of amenities to meet your needs.