Turtle Trackers
Turtle Trackers are volunteers, now numbering over 500, who meet from May to October, before and during sea turtle nesting season, to promote the protection of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles that nest on Hilton Head Island’s 12 miles of beach.
These Beach Ambassadors, wearing distinctive white and green Turtle Trackers T-shirts, patrol the beaches every day to educate the public about how to protect the nests, turtles, and hatchlings. Turtle Trackers “put the beach to bed” each night during nesting season. They flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, pick up trash, and keep the beach flat, clean, and dark for nesting turtles and hatchlings. They hand out red flashlight filters and report any light violations from nearby homes and structures.
Turtle Backers
Turtle Backers are visitors to Hilton Head, children who have attended Turtle Trackers Educational Programs, residents, and others who want to support the island’s sea turtle protection efforts.
Ways you can help!
Be a Turtle Tracker.
Be a Turtle Backer.
Be a Turtle Tracker. Be a Turtle Backer.
We invite you to join us. Keep the beaches flat, clean, and dark. Visit a Learning Station and look for the marked nests along the beach.
Current Nest Count
Volunteer!
People Are Our Resource.
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![Two women in casual clothing standing on a sandy beach, one holding a rake and the other holding a bag. Trash bins are nearby, and the ocean is in the background.]()
Beach Ambassadors
Spend time at the beach!
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![Person cleaning a beach, wearing a "Turtle Trackers" shirt, shorts, cap, and holding a blue bag with trash, with the ocean in the background.]()
Beach Sweeps
Help keep our beaches clean.
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![Three people standing behind a table at a sea turtle learning station. They are wearing T-shirts with a turtle graphic and text mentioning Hilton Head Island. The table is covered with informational brochures, flyers, and a jar labeled 'How many turtles are in the jar?' indicating an educational or fundraising display. Above them is a banner that reads 'Sea Turtle Learning Station.' The setting appears to be an outdoor event with people and seating visible in the background.]()
Learning Stations
Set up a station a several locations.
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![A group of children sitting on a colorful mat, listening to two adults discussing sea turtles. One adult is holding a book, while the other stands next to a display about saving sea turtles. There are educational materials and a model of a sea turtle shell in the room.]()
Education Programs
Take our learning stations to the classroom
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![Four women smiling and standing in a parking lot, wearing casual summer outfits and sandals, with trees in the background.]()
Retail & Rental Outreach
Help educate the community
