Sea Turtle Season is Here

Meet The Turtles

Seven different species of sea turtles live across the world’s oceans: 

• Leatherback
• Loggerhead
• Green
• Kemp's Ridley
• Olive Ridley
• Hawksbill
• Flatback 

Of these seven, you may spot four types of sea turtle species in Lowcountry waters during their nesting and laying season. 

Loggerhead Sea Turtle 

• The most common nester on Hilton Head Island
• Recognizable for its larger head and powerful jaws 

Leatherback Sea Turtle 

• Known for a leathery shell with ridges (not a hard shell)
• The largest sea turtle species
• Seen in the region’s waters during the season 

Green Sea Turtle 

• Often spotted in coastal waters and marshy areas
• Mostly plant-eating compared to loggerheads
• Nesting on Hilton Head Island is uncommon, but you may see them while kayaking 

Kemp’s Ridley 

• The smallest sea turtle species and rare to spot
• May pass through local waters, though nesting on Hilton Head Island is not typical 

Remember: Sea turtles are protected wildlife. Giving them space helps them conserve energy and nest successfully.

Turtle-Friendly Beach Habits

Protecting the environment and sea turtles today is important so we can ensure that present and future generations can appreciate them. As a visitor or temporary resident of Hilton Head Island, you can do a few things to help ensure that sea turtles and their habitat are cared for and remain healthy. 

Leave the Beach Better Than You Found It 

When you visit our beautiful beaches: 

• Pack up everything you bring
• Toss trash and recyclables properly (and pick up what you see) 

Fill Holes and Smooth Sand 

Before you head back to your bike, beach chair, or boardwalk: 

• Fill in holes
• Flatten sandcastles 

This helps prevent obstacles for nesting turtles and hatchlings. 

Respect Tracks and Marked Areas 

If you see tracks, keep your feet out of them. 

• Tracks help conservation teams monitor nesting activity
• Avoid walking through the path between the dunes and the waterline 

Keep it Dark at Night 

If you’re staying oceanfront, closing blinds at night can make a bigger difference than people realize. Artificial light can confuse nesting turtles and hatchlings. 

• Turn off outdoor lights or close blinds facing the beach
• Store beach gear (chairs, boards, kayaks) so the shoreline stays clear
• If you need a flashlight, use a red light option

If You See a Turtle, Tracks, or a Nest

Here’s what to do in the moment: 

1. Stop and give space. Don’t approach or surround the turtle.
2. Stay quiet and keep the lights off. No flash photos.
3. Don’t touch anything. No handling hatchlings or “helping” them to the water.
4. Look for markings. Many nesting areas are roped off or signed.
5. If you’re concerned, contact local resources (see below) rather than intervening on your own.

Learn and See More on the Island

Want to learn more while you’re here? Hilton Head Island partners closely with local organizations and programs focused on sea turtle conservation and education. 

• Sea Turtle Patrol HHI monitors nesting and hatching activity during the season and offers education and outreach.
• Turtle Trackers of Hilton Head Island volunteers help clear beach obstacles in the evenings, filling holes and smoothing sand so hatchlings have a safer path.
• Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn offers seasonal programming that helps visitors of all ages learn about loggerheads and local conservation. 

You can also explore guided eco-tours — from calm boat rides to kayaking through the salt marsh — for a closer look at the Island’s wildlife in a responsible way.

Promise to be IslandKind

Whether you’re here for a brief getaway, a seasonal vacation, or you’re making America's Favorite Island® your new home, we encourage and request that you do your part to protect this beautiful ecosystem and promise to be IslandKind. 

Request the Official Vacation Planner and start planning your unforgettable Hilton Head Island getaway today!