Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
May marks the start of loggerhead sea turtle nesting season along South Carolina's coast, including Myrtle Beach. From May through October, female loggerheads emerge from the Atlantic, crawl across the beach to the dunes, excavate nests, and lay about 120 eggs. These eggs incubate for 55-60 days before hatchlings emerge and race back to the ocean. Dedicated volunteer groups along the Grand Strand patrol beaches daily to protect nests, eggs, and hatchlings from disturbances.
Loggerhead sightings, though still rare, are the most common among South Carolina's sea turtles. Unlike endangered species such as leatherbacks, loggerheads are classified as "threatened." Witnessing hatchlings' frantic dash from nest to sea is a profound experience. Even if you're not a trained volunteer, beachgoers can play a vital role in their conservation:
- Turn off all outdoor lights visible from the beach between dusk and dawn during nesting season
- Close window shades or curtains to block indoor lights seen from the ocean
- Never shine lights on sea turtles or use flash photography
- Observe nesting turtles from a safe distance without disturbing them
- Fill in any holes dug in the sand before leaving the beach
- Remove tents, chairs, umbrellas, and gear from beaches and dunes at day's end
Local patrols in Grand Strand communities have already spotted early nests this season. A paddleboarder offshore recently reported an unprecedented number of turtles near the coast—a promising sign for abundant hatchlings in the coming months.
For sea turtle enthusiasts, visit Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, home to Gabby the green sea turtle and educational exhibits on local species. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park host turtle programs and often protect nests on-site. If you witness nesting, report it to South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (S.C.U.T.E.) on Facebook, which tracks nests throughout the season.
