Registration is Required: Register Here
Wednesday Mornings 8:30-9:30am – On the Beach at the Sea Pines Beach Club
Rates: $22 Adult/ $16 Child
Discover the incredible lives of the sea turtles that nest on our beautiful island beaches from one of the Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island staff experts. Learn about their nesting rituals and how you can help protect this 80-million-year-old reptile as it continues the life-cycle of its ancient ancestors. If you are uncomfortable sitting or standing on the beach, you are encouraged to bring your own blanket or chair. This is an entertaining and educational family presentation; a sea turtle will not be making an appearance. Program is recommended for children ages 6 and up.
Turtle Talks will be held on Wednesday mornings June 19-August 14 on the beach at the Sea Pines Beach Club.
The program is designed for both visitors and residents.
Cost to attend is $22 for adults and $16 for children ages 12 and under. All children under the age of 12 must book with an adult.
Online registration is required!
Event Notes: You will need to be able to walk out on the beach, so those with mobility challenges might have difficulty. If you have problems standing for a long period of time or sitting in the sand, please bring a chair or blanket.
Want to learn more about how you can help the sea turtles visiting Hilton Head Island? Join our mailing list and receive up-to-date information on nesting and our Patrol activities throughout the year.
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A green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) encountered around Hilton Head Island represents one of the world’s largest hard‑shelled marine reptiles, known for their herbivorous diet and reliance on warm, shallow coastal habitats. Although loggerheads dominate South Carolina nesting activity, juvenile green turtles forage in the region’s estuaries, where seagrass and algae provide essential nutrition. Like all reptiles, green turtles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on the surrounding water. When sudden winter cold fronts push water temperatures below roughly 50°F (10°C), turtles can experience cold‑stunning, a hypothermic state in which they become lethargic, lose the ability to swim, and may float to the surface or wash ashore. Cold‑stunned turtles are vulnerable to drowning, boat strikes, and predation, and require rapid rescue to prevent secondary complications such as pneumonia or shock. Conservation groups along the Southeast coast monitor for these events, as even a single cold snap can impact multiple species—including green turtles—within the island’s interconnected marshes and tidal creeks. Understanding cold‑stunning helps highlight how sensitive sea turtles are to temperature shifts and why protecting their habitats is essential for long‑term survival.
