Hatchling releases are a unique opportunity to observe sea turtle hatchlings take their first crawl to the ocean under the cover of darkness. Loggerhead Marinelife Center provides night vision technology to guests to ensure minimal impact on sea turtles and a guilt-free wildlife viewing experience to remember!

• See Bolivar Point Lighthouse, a historical site, from the sky in a biplane
• This Galveston private experience can be booked for up to two people
• A retro flying cap and goggles are provided for you
• Choose from take-off times from morning until evening

What To Expect

The program begins with an educational lesson about sea turtles and their nesting behavior and concludes with a walk to Juno Beach to view hatchlings being released by LMC staff.

Will we see a nest hatch?
We cannot predict when nests will hatch. We will be releasing hatchlings that have recently hatched and been excavated by our research staff.

Are we guaranteed to see hatchlings being released?
The number of nests being excavated, species of the nests and number of hatchlings found in the nest varies by day, so we cannot guarantee hatchlings every single night.

Will we get to touch a sea turtle?
No, only staff on our permit are allowed to touch the sea turtle hatchlings.

Can I take pictures?
We do not allow the use of flash photography or any photography (cell phones or digital cameras) that utilizes a lighted LCD screen.

What to Wear
Dark clothing is preferred to minimize the impact on nesting sea turtles. Bug spray and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
If there is lightning at the conclusion of the program, we will not go to the beach.