Turtle Trackers
Turtle Trackers are a dedicated group of more than 500 volunteers who gather from May through October—before and during sea turtle nesting season—to help protect the Loggerhead Sea Turtles that nest along Hilton Head Island’s 12 miles of shoreline.
Beach Ambassadors—easily recognized in their white and green Turtle Trackers T-shirts—patrol the shoreline each day, sharing vital information on how to protect sea turtle nests, nesting mothers, and emerging hatchlings.
During nesting season, Turtle Trackers also “put the beach to bed” each evening. They carefully flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, remove litter, and smooth the sand to create a safe, unobstructed path for turtles. To help keep the beach dark—essential for successful nesting and hatchling survival—they distribute red flashlight filters and report lighting violations from nearby homes and buildings.
Turtle Backers
Turtle Backers include visitors to Hilton Head, children who have participated in Turtle Trackers Educational Programs, local residents, and anyone else who wants to help protect and preserve the island’s sea turtles.
Ways you can help!
Be a Turtle Tracker.
Be a Turtle Backer.
Be a Turtle Tracker. Be a Turtle Backer.
Join us in protecting our shoreline for sea turtles. By keeping our beaches flat, clean, and dark at night, you help create a safe and welcoming habitat for nesting mothers and their hatchlings. Visit a Learning Station to discover how you can make a difference, and please be mindful of clearly marked nests during your time on the beach. Together, we can help ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive.
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
