Turtle lovers across the city are having a very exciting April so far, as nesting season is currently underway. To celebrate, the City of Miami Beach is calling on the community to join its 4th annual Turtle Fest this weekend!
Taking place Saturday, April 25 at Altos Del Mar Park, the free “shell-a-bration” will offer a fun-filled afternoon of guided beach cleanups, interactive learning stations, crafts, games and bounce houses for the little ones. With the goal of protecting the beloved marine reptiles, the festival will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and feature delicious offerings from local vendors at 76 Street and Collins Avenue.
Live music is also to be expected, featuring instruments made from recycled materials. The annual event is part of the city’s broader Earth Month celebrations, highlighting local environmental resources and sustainability efforts.
“Flip the Switch” for sea turtles
Beyond beach cleanups and bounce houses, the event marks the start of the city’s annual Flip the Switch campaign to reduce the use of artificial lighting along the beachfront during nesting season. Because bright lights can disorient nesting adult turtles and newly hatched babies, the initiative educates beachfront property owners, managers, residents and visitors about the impact.
Instead of following the natural moonlight reflecting off the ocean, confused turtle hatchlings often crawl toward artificial city lights, increasing their vulnerability to predators, human-made obstacles and disease. By flipping the switch and dimming the lights, the community can help vulnerable hatchlings safely navigate their journey from sandy nests to the sea.
When is sea turtle nesting season?
Nesting season in Miami-Dade and on many Florida beaches runs from April 1 through October 31, with the first nest of 2026 already being spotted. Miami Beach’s shores are a vital habitat for three sea turtle species: loggerheads, leatherbacks and green turtles.
How else can sea turtles be protected?
Reducing beachfront lighting is a major help, but there are other ways individuals can help maintain a safe environment for these federally protected animals:
- Knock down sandcastles and fill holes
- Keep obstacles off the beach, like chairs, tents and umbrellas
- Keep your distance from sea turtles that may be nesting or hatching
- Never use flash photography or shine flashlights at the turtles, and especially do not attempt to touch or guide them to the ocean
- Reduce plastic and marine debris
- Avoid single-use plastic during your beach day
If you spot a sea turtle that is injured, dead or in danger, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 24-hour hotline immediately at 1-888-404-3922.
🐢 Learn more about Turtle Fest and nesting season at MBRisingAbove.com/SeaTurtles.
