2025 Sea Turtle Program and Walk

Join us on Wednesday and Thursday nights this June and July on a US FWS led sea turtle walk. The program will start with an educational session to learn about sea turtles that nest on our local beaches. Following the presentation the group will travel in their own vehicles to the beach for a chance to watch a loggerhead lay her eggs!

The program will start at 8 pm at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters location. Following the education session attendees will caravan in their own vehicles out to a coastal habitat area at Playalinda. Rangers and Sea Turtle interns will scout for nesting turtles. If one is spotted, the US FWS guide will take the group down to watch a loggerhead turtle as she digs her nest and lays her eggs.

Please read before purchasing:

• Understand that this event requires walking on the beach at night. Often this means a long walk at a moderate pace through loose sand. Please evaluate your abilities and health before attending.

• Tickets are required for every attendee.
• Minimum age is 5 years old.
• Walks start after the education program and may go as late as 11pm.
• Permit requirements limit the walks to a maximum of 30 total attendees

• Tickets are non- refundable unless the walk is cancelled by US FWS for non-weather reasons.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing (long sleeves & pants are recommended). Closed toed shoes suitable for walking on the beach at night are suggested - NO FLIP FLOPS.
• It will be very dark; there may be mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Bug repellent is suggested.

• Make sure your vehicle is fueled. Participants will be driving their personal vehicles to the beach.

• Cameras, mobile phones, smart devices with screens or video recording, and flashlights are NOT permitted on the beach portion of the program.
• The education program will be held rain or shine unless lightning is present.
• We cannot guarantee a turtle sighting or that all participants will observe the eggs drop.

Thank you for your support of the Merritt Island NWR and for your interest in protection of this federally-designated threatened species.