Please be advised that diamondback terrapin nesting season has begun on Jekyll Island. The first sign of terrapin activity was recorded on April 24th.
Upon crossing the causeway, please be alert for diamondback terrapins now through July, as they leave the marsh to nest. Terrapins tend to come up more in the two hours either side of high tide, but they may be seen at any time. Please use caution and follow speed limit signage.
The Jekyll Island Authority Conservation Department staff will be monitoring the causeway daily during nesting season. New this year is a live updating dashboard that will allow anyone interested the opportunity to follow along. View the dashboard at www.jekyllisland.com/terrapins (desktop only). Should you see a terrapin or have a concern, we encourage you to call 912-270-8865.
Please remember that swerving to miss terrapins and/or exiting a vehicle to assist a terrapin are both significant hazards, and you should prioritize your safety on the road.
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Additionally, sea turtle season runs May 1 - October 31, 2025, on Jekyll Island beaches.
Please be alert for sea turtles nesting or hatching and follow these rules and safety tips:
- Do not disturb turtle nests or turtles.
- One simple way to keep our beaches safe for sea turtles is to keep the sand smooth. Please be turtle-safe by knocking down sandcastles and filling in holes before you leave the beach.
- Remove all beach accessories (chairs, umbrellas, tents, toys).
- Use only turtle-safe RED flashlights on the beach at night. Red filters or red cellophane are not turtle-safe.
- Please follow all beach lighting ordinances. Visit jekyllisland.com/ordinances to review the beach lighting ordinance.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff will monitor the beaches daily during nesting and hatching season. Should you see a sea turtle or a sea turtle crawl, please call our
sea turtle hotline at (912) 215-5046.
