Sea Turtle Nesting Season Starts Strong in South Walton for 2025

SOUTH WALTON, FL — June 3, 2025 — Sea turtle nesting season is off to a promising start along South Walton’s pristine beaches, with local conservation teams reporting a higher-than-average number of nests in the first few weeks of the 2025 season. The early activity is a hopeful sign for one of the Gulf Coast’s most cherished natural events—and a reminder for residents and visitors to tread carefully along the coast.

Loggerheads, greens, and the occasional Kemp’s ridley are among the species that return to Walton County’s shores each year to lay their eggs, often in the very same spots where they were born decades ago. This timeless ritual typically spans from May through October, and 2025 is already showing signs of being a particularly active year.

“We’re seeing great momentum right out of the gate,” said Chris Harper, Owner of Destin Dreamers. “Protecting these creatures is part of what makes this area so special. It’s a coastal tradition that connects us to something bigger—and it’s part of what draws so many people to vacation here.”

What Locals and Visitors Can Do to Help:

• Keep beaches dark: Turn off outdoor lights at night and avoid flashlights or flash photography near the sand.
• Fill in holes and remove beach gear: Obstacles can prevent turtles from nesting or make it difficult for hatchlings to reach the water.
• Avoid disturbing marked nests: Look for roped-off or flagged areas and give them plenty of space.
• Respect local guidelines: Follow posted signage and work with turtle patrol volunteers to keep nesting zones safe.

South Walton Turtle Watch and other local conservation groups are actively patrolling the beaches each morning to identify new nests and monitor hatchlings later in the season. Education and awareness have played a major role in the area’s conservation success in recent years, and 2025 is shaping up to be another milestone year.

For vacationers renting homes along the beach, property managers like Destin Dreamers provide turtle-safe lighting guidance and ensure homes are compliant with county ordinances designed to protect wildlife.

Sea turtle nesting season is more than just an environmental effort—it’s a beloved part of the Emerald Coast experience. From sunrise nest patrols to the magical moment when hatchlings scurry to the surf, it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between luxury living and natural wonder.