It’s officially hatchling season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands! As of July 15, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported the emergence of baby sea turtles from their nests — and it’s one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.
Since June 26, an incredible 2,862 loggerhead hatchlings have made their way to the ocean. The islands are home to 798 nests this season, including 14 green sea turtle nests. The rest belong to the beloved loggerhead species.
How Do Sea Turtles Hatch? The Science Explained
Unlike many animals, sea turtles do not provide any parental care. Once a female sea turtle lays her clutch of about 100 eggs, she returns to the ocean — never to see her hatchlings again.
Over the next 60 days, the eggs incubate beneath the sand. As hatching time nears, the tiny turtles begin to “pip” — breaking through their eggs using a special temporary tooth called a caruncle.
According to SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza, this process is followed by a crucial waiting period:
“They stay partially in the egg while absorbing the remaining yolk sac,” Brzoza explains. “This yolk fuels their first big journey — crawling to the sea and swimming to the open ocean.”
Once the yolk is absorbed (over a few days to a week), the hatchlings start their emergence movements, wriggling together in a synchronized climb to the surface. By moving as a group, they compact the sand beneath them, making it easier for all to reach the surface.
Why Do Hatchlings Emerge at Night?
Nighttime emergence is critical to their survival. Cooler sand temperatures stimulate activity, and the darkness shields them from the heat and predators. Emerging together gives them a better shot at survival — there’s safety in numbers.
Once they break through the sand, the hatchlings instinctively crawl toward the ocean. This is where the real journey begins.
“Hatchlings use natural light cues — historically, the moon and stars reflecting off the water — to find their way,” Brzoza says.
The Threat of Artificial Light
Unfortunately, human-made lighting has disrupted this instinctual behavior. Residential lights, streetlights, and skyglow can confuse hatchlings, drawing them away from the water and toward dangerous areas like roads, pools, or storm drains.
How You Can Help Hatchlings Survive
SCCF urges all residents and visitors to protect these vulnerable creatures with a few simple actions:
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Turn off or shield lights visible from the beach
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Close curtains and blinds after 9 p.m.
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Avoid flashlights and never shine lights on hatchlings
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No flash photography or cell phone lights near hatchlings
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️ Fill in holes, flatten sandcastles, and remove beach gear at night
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Give hatchlings space — never touch or pick them up
If you see hatchlings in trouble or spot disoriented ones heading away from the water, call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at (978) 728-3663.
️ Curious to see where Sanibel and Captiva’s sea turtles travel? Check out the SCCF Sea Turtle Tracking Portal for real-time updates.
Let’s all do our part to protect these tiny travelers as they begin their incredible journey.
