Are There Sea Turtles in Myrtle Beach

As one of the top beach destinations in the country, Myrtle Beach is a favourite spot for many reasons. The warm weather, beautiful sandy beaches, and various things to do make it a perfect vacation destination. But did you know that Myrtle Beach is also home to sea turtles? 

That’s right; several species of sea turtles can be found in the waters of Myrtle Beach.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a sea turtle while visiting Myrtle Beach! These gentle giants often come to the shore to lay their eggs. If you see a sea turtle on the beach, give it space and don’t disturb its nest. 

You can help protect these amazing creatures by following the Leave No Trace principles when you visit the beach.

Where Can You See Sea Turtles in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach is a top spot for seeing loggerhead sea turtles! These turtles can be seen nesting on the beaches from May through September each year. During this time, beachgoers are asked to keep their distance from the turtles and not to disturb their nests. 

If you’re lucky enough to see a turtle during your visit to Myrtle Beach, please be respectful and give them space.

Are There Sea Turtles in North Myrtle Beach?

Suppose you’re hoping to see some turtles while on vacation in North Myrtle Beach; you may be disappointed to learn that no sea turtles call this area home. However, a few species of freshwater turtles can be found in the many lakes and ponds throughout the region. So, if you’re interested in seeing some turtles during your stay, your best bet is to head inland. 

Of the several species of freshwater turtles found in North Myrtle Beach, the eastern box turtle may be the most common. These small turtles are easily recognizable thanks to their bright colouring and distinctive patterns. Eastern box turtles are typically shy creatures, so don’t expect them to come up and say hello! 

If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these little guys, be sure not to disturb them as they go about their day. Another type of turtle that can be found in North Myrtle Beach is the eastern painted turtle. As their name suggests, these turtles are brightly coloured, with a yellow or orange stripe running down their length. 

Like eastern box turtles, they prefer to live in quiet areas where they won’t be disturbed. Painted turtles are often seen basking in the sun on logs or rocks near bodies of water, so if you’re keeping an eye out for them, keep an eye on sunny spots near ponds or lakes. So although there aren’t any sea turtles living in North Myrtle Beach, there are still plenty of other types of turtles for you to enjoy spotting during your visit!

Are There Sea Turtle Nests at Myrtle Beach?

Yes, there are loggerhead sea turtle nests at Myrtle Beach! The loggerhead is the most common type of sea turtle found in South Carolina. These turtles usually nest from May to August, with peak nesting seasons in June and July. 

During a typical year, there may be as many as 50-60 loggerhead nests on the beach. However, the number of nests can vary greatly yearly, depending on environmental conditions. For example, Hurricane Matthew caused widespread damage to beaches in 2016, which resulted in very few turtle nests that year. 

Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs in a hole in the sand above the high tide line. After about two months, the baby turtles hatch and make their way into the ocean. Unfortunately, only about 1% of these baby turtles survive to adulthood due to predators and other dangers, such as getting caught in fishing nets. 

If you’re lucky enough to see a sea turtle while you’re at Myrtle Beach, please don’t disturb them! It’s against state law to touch or harass these animals.

What Time of Year Do Sea Turtles Hatch in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, sea turtles hatch between May and August. The majority of nests are laid in June and July.

Myrtle Beach Turtle Hatching 2022

Myrtle Beach is one of the best places in the world to see turtle hatching. Thousands of turtles come ashore every summer to lay their eggs in the sand. And every year, visitors come to witness this amazing natural event. 

This year, turtle hatching season will kick off a little earlier than usual. The first nests will appear on the beach in late May or early June. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town when a nest hatches, you’ll see hundreds of tiny turtles make their way into the ocean for the first time. 

If you want to learn more about Myrtle Beach’s turtle population and what’s being done to protect them, check out the Sea Turtle Preservation Society’s website. They have tons of great information about these amazing creatures and how we can help ensure they continue to thrive for years.

Conclusion

Yes, there are sea turtles in Myrtle Beach! These gentle creatures often come to shore to lay their eggs and can be seen swimming offshore. If you’re lucky, you may even see a hatchling make its way into the water for the first time.