Green Sea Turtle in Florida: what to know before you start looking

Green sea turtles are most likely found in Florida's coastal waters, especially around seagrass beds, reefs, and near inlets from March to October. Largest nesting aggregations occur on the east coast, from Brevard County south to Palm Beach. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is a critical nesting site. For spotting in the water, try the Florida Keys or the Gulf Coast near Crystal River. Learn more about the species on the green sea turtle page.

The best time to spot green sea turtles is during nesting season, which runs from June through September. Nesting usually occurs at night, but you can see turtles in the water year-round. For hatchlings, peak emergence is August through October. If you want to see them feeding, early morning or late afternoon in shallow seagrass areas offers the best odds. For more on Florida wildlife, visit the Florida wildlife guide.

Green sea turtles have a smooth, heart-shaped shell (carapace) that is olive to brown with radiating streaks. They have four large scutes on each side of the shell, a single pair of prefrontal scales between the eyes, and a beak-like mouth with serrated edges. Unlike hawksbills, the shell edges are not overlapping. Adults can weigh 240-420 pounds.

Start by visiting known nesting beaches during nesting season, such as those in the Archie Carr Refuge or John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Go at night with a red flashlight and keep a safe distance. For in-water viewing, take a guided snorkel tour at sites like the Crystal River or in the Florida Keys. Always stay at least 10 feet away and never touch a sea turtle.

See our tour planning ideas for the next step.

Green sea turtles differ from loggerheads by having a heart-shaped shell and a smaller head. Unlike the hawksbill, greens have a smooth shell without overlapping scutes. They are the only herbivorous sea turtle as adults, feeding on seagrass and algae. Their name comes from the green color of their fat, not their shell.