Sea Turtle Hatchling Releases

In an effort to help save endangered sea turtles from the brink of extinction, the National Seashore incubates most of the sea turtle eggs found along the Texas coast and releases the hatchlings into the Gulf of Mexico. This protects the baby sea turtles from predators that would eat them in the nest or on the beach and interrupts the turtles’ life cycle as little as possible. Although viewing the turtles in the incubation facility is not permitted, the public is invited to attend most of the hatchling releases at no charge.

To attend a release, take Park Road 22 to the National Seashore and take the last left before the entrance station. This road leads about a quarter mile to the beach, where releases are held. Park on the beach at the end of the road. Rangers will provide information and guidance on the do’s and dont's of attending a hatchling release. To help ensure safe passage of the hatchlings down the beach and into the surf, white clothing, flash photography, smoking, and entering the water with the hatchlings are prohibited at the releases.

Releases occur sporadically during the summer. Hatchlings are released after they emerge from the eggs and become active.  Hatchlings from each nest will likely be released during one or two days within their projected range of release dates. For the date of the next release, contact the Hatchling Hotline at (361) 949-7163.   The hotline is updated as soon as a change in the hatchlings' progress occurs.

Be aware that, depending on the species and activity of the turtles, sometimes the hatchlings must be released earlier or later than expected or the public release may have to be cancelled. If traveling from out of town to attend a release, it is best to come during a projected release period when hatchlings from a few nests may be released and be prepared to stay for a few days during that period. It is wise to call the hotline daily starting about a week before the release you plan to attend and to call it again before going to bed on the night before the release and once again on the following morning before departing for the release. Because depending upon the species and activity level of the turtles, the releases may take as little as 15 minutes, it is best to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 am.

For information on this season's releases, go to the News and Special Events sections of the main website.  Follow this link to go to the Special Events section.