The Inside Scoop on Gulf Coast Sea Turtles Releases

Attending a sea turtle hatchling release is one of the most awe inspiring events we have ever attended, giving us a great opportunity to learn about endangered species and the dedicated personnel who are helping them to survive.  We also learned that finding the information to attend the hatchling release was difficult and confusing. You can’t fault the rescue agencies for this information breakdown.  Their primary goal is the rescue and successful release of sea turtles, so accommodations for tourists are a distant afterthought.

After spending a week in hot pursuit of some turtle action, I have learned the secrets to the up to the minute turtle info.   If ever we were to go back to the Gulf Coast, this time I would not need to call the hotline so many times that I memorize the number or get up before the sun to check the reports.   Hopefully, these hard earned tips will help someone else to have a great turtle watching experience.

Let’s start with this very important fact: There are two sea turtle release sites on the Texas Gulf Coast. Releases occur on South Padre Island and in Corpus Christi (175 miles north) at Padre Island National Sea Shore.  See the confusion? Just remember, there are two sites and each site has their own protocol.

South Padre Island Release

Releases on South Padre Island are conducted by Sea Turtle Inc, a fantastic conservation and rehabilitation facility.  Sea Turtle Inc. does a fantastic job of updating their website to show the current nests and their projected hatch dates. If you are planning to travel to see the sea turtles, choose a five day window of dates that coincide with the projected hatch dates on the website.

There are two ways to learn about projected releases in South Padre.  Call (956)761-4511 after 10:00 pm to listen for a pre-recorded message that will tell you the likelihood of a hatch the following day.  If a hatch is likely, you will need to call again at 6:00 am to confirm the release.  If the release is scheduled, you will need to be ready to be at Beach Access #4 by 7:00 am.  If you call and you hear a normal business message with hours and admission info, there is no hatch scheduled for the following day.  The message will change if a hatch is scheduled.

The other way to get information is to visit Sea Turtle Inc and ask questions.   It’s important to know the right question to ask, though.  If you ask if when there will be a release, you will get a fairly vague answer.  Instead ask: “Are there any nests hatching?” The turtles will begin to show signs of hatching 1-3 days before they reach a stage called frenzy and are released.  If hatching has begun, you can know that a release will occur in the next 72 hours or less.

Corpus Christi Release at Padre Island National Seashore

In Corpus Christi, the turtle hotline is (361) 949-7163.  This recording is updated multiple times a day with detailed information about the release.  The date and time of the recording is provided, so that you know that you are receiving the most current information.   Recordings in Corpus Christi are updated at 2:00 am, if there are any changes.   Release occurs at 6:30 am, so be ready for an early morning on the beach.  Releases are held at Malaquite Beach and directions are provided on the recording.

 

Tips for a Great Release Day

Don’t wear white shirts or shoes.  The turtles are attracted to light and you will be asked to stand at the back if you are wearing white.

Take the position in line closest to the water.   Most people will want to stand at the front of the line where the release begins.  Next to the water you will get the best pictures and have the best view of the turtles entering the water.

Ask release personnel to take your camera and take close-up shots of the turtles.  You can’t cross the line, but your camera can and will return with some great shots.

Food and drinks are not allowed on the beach during the release.

Bring sunglasses.  It will be nearly dark when you arrive at the beach, but the sun will come up bright and fierce before you leave.  Sunglasses will make it easier to see the release without having to squint.