May 1 - October 31

Turtle Season on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is one of Florida's most active sea turtle nesting beaches, and we take that seriously. Each season, loggerhead sea turtles return to these shores to nest and as a beachfront resort, we do our part to make sure they can.

If you spot a sea turtle in distress, contact AMI Turtle Watch immediately:
Phone: 941-301-8434
Website: www.islandturtlewatch.com

 

How You Can Help Sea Turtles

Turn Off Your Lights

Lights visible from the beach deter nesting females and disorient hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean. Please close blinds and turn off exterior lights facing the beach from dusk to dawn.

Fill Beach Holes

Holes left in the sand can trap sea turtles as they travel to and from the water. Please fill in any holes before leaving the beach each evening.

Remove Beach Items

Chairs, umbrellas, and toys left overnight can entangle turtles and block their path to the water. Please clear all items from the beach by sunset.

What Our Hotel Does

  • Beach chairs and equipment are cleared from the sand each evening before sunset, keeping the shoreline open for nesting females and hatchlings
  • Outdoor lighting near the beach is dimmed to low-intensity, turtle-safe levels after dark -- artificial light visible from the beach can disorient hatchlings and deter nesting