The Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program aims to protect sea turtle nests, facilitate research projects, and spread awareness of sea turtle conservation in Virgin Islands National Park and its surrounding waters including the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. The program is funded and managed by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park with the invaluable support of 80 volunteers. Work encompasses:
Nest Protection - Nests are protected and monitored throughout incubation and excavated upon emergence. Hatchlings found during excavations are released to the ocean.
Volunteer Beach Monitoring - Volunteers walk assigned beaches from June to November looking for signs of sea turtle nesting activity.
Research - Independent research as well as collaborations with other programs and institutions help us gain a better understanding of the sea turtles utilizing the waters and beaches of the Virgin Islands.
By The Numbers
The sea turtle program had a great 2024 nesting season with 3,221 hatchlings making it to the sea (the highest number recorded), 38 nests (second highest year), and 1,887 volunteer hours logged from 95 volunteers!
Meet The Turtle Team
Cinnamon Campground Chats Turtle Talk | Mondays 6PM to 7PM | Nov 11 to June
Sea Turtle Week | June 8 to 16
Turtle Trivia | Thurs June 12 | 7:30pm | The Tap Room in Mongoose Junction.
Toast To Turtles Fundraiser | Mon June 16 | 4-6pm | St. John Brewers donating a percentage of draft beer sales to the Sea Turtle Protection Program. At the same time, a Turtle Table will be set up outside of North Shore Deli.
Be A Turtle Friend
Do wear rash guards and reef safe sunscreen.
Don't touch a sea turtle! Aside from harming them, it's the law!
Keep six feet away when snorkeling and don't chase them.
Turtle Hotlines
Report mistreatment of turtles in the Park to NPS Park Rangers: (866) 995-8467
Report turtle tracks and nesting activity on St. John to vinpturtles@friendsvinp.org or (760) 470-8995 Do not disturb the area or walk on the crawl. Take photos.
Report turtles in distress or stranded throughout the USVI to the STAR network: (340) 690-0474
Turtle Resource Library
Learn more about the species that live here, how to snorkel with them, how to identify tracks, and more! Please use these resources to educate yourself and others!
School Kids In The Park
Schedule a trip to the Park or a classroom Turtle Talk and learn more about our School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program.
Online Seminars
Sea Turtle Research In the VI | Recorded October 16, 2023 | Watch Here
Lets Talk Turtles Virtual Seminar | Recorded May 25, 2023 | Watch Here
Shop Turtle Gear
Stop by the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay or shop online for tees, rash guards, stickers, magnets, and more turtle-y awesome things. Proceeds help protect and preserve natural and cultural resources!
Adopt A Turtle Or Donate Today!
Help protect and preserve the Park we all love! Together we are Virgin Islands National Park’s best friends!