Every spring and summer, something pretty magical unfolds along the shores of South Padre Island. In the quiet early morning hours, tiny tracks in the sand hint at a remarkable journey and a story of hope for one of the world’s most endangered sea turtles.
Welcome to nesting season, when our stretch of beach becomes a safe haven for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the rarest of all sea turtle species. It’s a season of new life, passionate conservation, and island-wide support, with Sea Turtle Inc. at the heart of it all.
A Mission with Heart: Sea Turtle Inc.
Born right here on South Padre Island, Sea Turtle Inc. has grown from a grassroots rescue into a global force for good. Their mission? Simple but mighty:
To protect sea turtles through conservation, medical care, applied research, and education.
During nesting season, the Sea Turtle Inc. team hits the sand daily to scout, secure, and safeguard turtle nests to give each hatchling their best chance at survival. And their efforts are paying off. 2025 has already been a record-breaking nesting season, with over 100 nests protected so far!
Why Nesting Season Matters
From April through August, mama Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles return to our beaches to lay their eggs, sometimes up to 100 in a single nest. About 45-55 days later, the hatchlings emerge and make their wild dash to the water.
It’s one of nature’s most enchanting moments, one South Padre is honored to host for visitors and locals alike.
Be Part of the Journey: Witness a Public Hatchling Release
There’s nothing quite like seeing those tiny turtles shuffle their way toward the surf for the very first time. It’s pure ocean magic, and you’re invited.
🌊 Members of Sea Turtle Inc. get exclusive text alerts for public hatchling releases.
🐢 Not a member? No worries! Check Sea Turtle Inc.’s Facebook or Instagram page daily between 5 AM and 7 AM for any public release announcements.
Want front-row access and a chance to support the cause? Join the crew and become a member, you’ll help protect sea turtles and score VIP turtle time.
What You Can Do to Help
Whether you’re here for a day or a whole week, your actions matter. If you spot a nesting sea turtle, here’s how to be a hero:
📞 Call the nesting hotline: (956) 243-4361
👀 Keep your distance—look, don’t touch!
🧺 Pack it out: trash, chairs, and beach toys
🏖 Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles before you leave
🚗 Drive slow on the beach (turtles don’t yield)
A New Era of Turtle Care
Big news: Sea Turtle Inc. just opened the largest enclosed sea turtle hospital in the world, right here on South Padre Island. This state-of-the-art facility means even more care for injured turtles and more opportunities for visitors to get involved in the mission.
🐢 From South Padre to the world, Sea Turtle Inc. is making a difference, one turtle at a time.
Plan Your Visit
Nesting season is one of the most special times to visit South Padre Island. Come walk the beach, meet the local conservationist crew, and maybe, if you’re lucky, witness the miracle of a hatchling’s first splash.
Because when you visit South Padre Island, you’re not just making memories. You’re helping protect them, too.
