Sea Turtle Program

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.

Education Outreach - Fostering awareness for sea turtle conservation through outreach programs including visitors, residents, and schools.
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By The Numbers

The 2023/24 season counted 29 hawksbill and green nests hatched with 2,491 hatchlings making it to the ocean! 

Help us Protect Them

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.

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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

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Turtle Talks & Seminars

Maho Turtle Info Table | Tuesdays 9AM to 11AM | Dec 3 to end May

Cinnamon Campground Chats Turtle Talk | Mondays 6PM to 7PM | Nov to June

Unique Boat & Snorkel Trip | Second Fridays of the month | Dec 13 to May

Sea Turtle Research In the VI | Recorded October 16, 2023 | Watch Here

Lets Talk Turtles Virtual Seminar | Recorded May 25, 2023 | Watch Here

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Hatchling

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!

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Teacher Resources

Schedule a trip to the Park or a classroom Turtle Talk and utilize the resources in our library for lesson planning. 

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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! 

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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!