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Key West Sea Turtles: Where to Spot Them & When to Catch Nesting Season!


Planning a school science trip to the Florida Keys? With Appleseed Expeditions, your students can embark on an unforgettable marine science adventure that includes the chance to encounter one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures—the sea turtle. Picture this: your students snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral and tropical fish, when suddenly a green sea turtle glides gracefully beside them. It's a moment they’ll treasure forever.

Witness the Magic of Sea Turtle Nesting Season

For an even more awe-inspiring experience, schedule your Florida Keys school trip during sea turtle nesting season. From spring through early summer, female sea turtles return to the very beach where they hatched—sometimes after decades away—to lay their eggs. Watching a sea turtle create her nest is a rare and profound sight that will leave a lasting impression on your students. And if you visit from August to October, you might witness the baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea, a dramatic and touching display of nature's perseverance.

Explore Top Spots for Sea Turtle Sightings

The Florida Keys offer some of the best locations to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Appleseed Expeditions will guide your students to these top spots:

  • Smathers Beach, Key West: A popular location for sea turtle sightings, especially during nesting season.

  • Bahia Honda State Park, Middle Keys: Known for its natural beauty and frequent sea turtle visitors.

  • Dry Tortugas National Park: This remote national park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is a prime destination for observing sea turtles in the wild. Your students will be amazed by the abundance of marine life, including the chance to see sea turtles swimming in the clear blue waters.

Experience the Thrill of Night Kayak Tours

For a unique and thrilling adventure, Appleseed Expeditions offers night kayak tours in Key West. These tours use glass-bottomed kayaks equipped with LED lights, allowing your students to explore the nocturnal marine world in a way that few others have. Imagine paddling through the calm waters, illuminated beneath the kayak, and suddenly spotting a sea turtle swimming by. This experience not only deepens students' connection to marine life but also provides a magical perspective on the underwater ecosystem.

Conservation and Education: A Focus on Sea Turtle Protection

Appleseed Expeditions emphasizes conservation and education throughout the trip. A visit to the Key West Aquarium or The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a must. These facilities offer engaging educational programs that teach students about sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and research. Your students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge that complements their field studies, helping them understand the critical role they play in protecting these endangered species.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, in particular, is an inspiring destination. Here, students can see firsthand the efforts being made to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and learn about the ongoing research and environmental legislation efforts to protect them. It’s an eye-opening experience that will foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship in your students.

Create Lifelong Memories with Appleseed Expeditions

From snorkeling with sea turtles to participating in conservation efforts, an Appleseed Expeditions school marine science trip to the Florida Keys is packed with enriching experiences that will inspire your students. Whether they're spotting a sea turtle in the wild or learning about the vital work being done to protect these incredible creatures, your trip will be filled with moments that encourage a lifelong passion for marine life and environmental preservation.


Book your Appleseed Expeditions school trip today and give your students the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Florida Keys while contributing to the conservation of its unique marine ecosystem.

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