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For those looking for a different sort of attraction while in Georgia, consider visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The center is ideal for families and offers an entertaining and educational experience in the conservation of stunning sea turtles. Next time in Georgia, add this great family experience to one's bucket list.
There are plenty of places where visitors can have guided tours to see sea turtles in the United States, the Caribbean, and beyond. One of the famous places in Costa Rica is Tortuguero National Park (which is named after the sheer number of turtles that inhabit the park). One of the most rewarding experiences in the Caribbean is to watch the massive leatherback sea turtles haul themselves up onto the beach to nest.
Jekyll Island And The Georgia Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island, just off the coast of Georgia. It is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Georgia barrier islands. The island is owned by the state of Georgia and has become a major tourist destination. The island has beaches, sandbars, bike trails, historic attractions, wildlife, inland salt marshes, and more.
- Founded: 2007
- Focus: Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Education
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center was founded in 2007 and is focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles in the area. Not only do they care for the sick and injured turtles, but they also have an educational mission. They offer daily programs, field trips, guided tours, and beach walks.
Some of their programs are for participants aged six and over, but they also have some programs for all ages.
The Center's Sunrise Turtle Walk
One of the activities they offer is the Sunrise Turtle Walk (activities vary by season). This beach walk discovers the wonders of Jekyll's beach ecology. The guide introduced guests to the basics of sea turtle nesting and hatching as well as the ecological history of the island.
It is even possible to see an excavation of a recently hatched sea turtle nest. The tour is not limited to sea turtles but will also explain any wildlife the tour may come across.
- Group Size: Limited to 20 People
- Transportation: Participants Must Provide Their Own Transport To The Turtle Center
- Includes: Access To The Turtle Center
- Meeting Time: 6.50 am
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Cost: $32
This tour is not suitable for families with young children as there is an age limit of 6 years and older.
The Center's Ride With Dawn Patrol
Another activity offered by the sea turtle center is their Ride with Dawn Patrol. This tour offers the participants the chance to see what it is like to be a sea turtle field biologist in charge of daily nest monitoring. See the biologist's tasks of protecting the nests, checking for signs of predation, and observing nest inventories.
The tour spends the morning patrolling with the sea turtle patrol team, walking on foot, and riding in utility vehicles. Participants will have practical knowledge of the efforts taken to protect the sea turtle population on Jekyll Island.
- Transportation: Participants Must Provide Their Own Transport To The Turtle Center
- Includes: Access To The Turtle Center
- Meeting Time: 6.45 am
- Duration: 3.5 Hours
- Cost: $175
This tour is a 3.5-hour tour, and participants need to walk at least one mile and up to 4 miles along the beach. As with the other tour, there are restrictions on small children with an age limit of at least six years old.
Planning A Visit To The Georgia Sea Turtle Center
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is Georgia's only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility. At the facility, visitors see conservation and rehabilitation in action with a mixture of interactive exhibits and experiences.
They offer year-round indoor and outdoor programs for guests of all ages.
- Open: Daily 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Admission:
- Aged 4-12: $8.00
- Aged 13-61: $10.00
- Aged 62+: $9.00
In addition to the daily admission, one can also become a member for $45.00 or have a family membership for $140.
If one is not in Georgia, there are other places to see the sea turtles. In Florida, there are also a number of beaches where visitors can witness sea turtles nesting on the beach.