Turtle hatching season on the Florida Gulf Coast lasts from May through October

At the beautiful Sea Oats Motel, the original beachfront vacation haven on the Emerald Coast, our guests are in the perfect location to enjoy, right on the shore.

While four species nest in Florida, only loggerhead turtles nest commonly on the Gulf Coast. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, turtles create 3-8 nests per kilometer on the shores of Destin, and the surrounding areas.

Sea turtles do not return to land once hatched. Only the females will pull themselves ashore to lay eggs. The life cycle of sea turtles keeps the young ones in shallows or in areas with growth where they can take cover. When larger they move to the shallows, and then later, into open water. Females will mate every two to three years, laying an average of four nests.

Florida has groups that help to protect the sea turtles, volunteers locating nests and marking them off so that beach-goers to not dig or set up umbrellas or towels on top of the nests. When walking the beach, be on the lookout for stakes bearing orange or pink tape. Disturbing the nests is illegal. Many nests have cameras trained on them to deter anyone from vandalizing them.

If your family is interested in seeing the sea turtles that call our warm waters home, head over to the Gulfarium, the area’s most beloved aquarium, to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, and more, of the Gulf of Mexico.

Your family can take in a dolphin show or laugh at the wacky antics of the resident sea lion. Be sure to swing by the petting pools to check out sea stars and sting rays or many of the other exhibits on display. There’s something for the whole family!

For more ideas, make your next reservation at the beautiful Sea Oats Motel, which specializes in affordable beachfront luxury, right on the beach in sunny Destin, Florida, to relax and unwind.

Ideal for the more laidback traveler, the Sea Oats Motel is perfectly situated on Old Highway 98, away from the crowds, yet only a moment away from all the outstanding shopping, dining, and attractions that make our home so amazing.

Each of our suites are designed to be your home away from home while visiting our beautiful beaches. Fine furnishings, spacious living areas, sumptuous beds dressed in fresh linens, and large, modern bathrooms will ease your mind and your body.

Not only is the Sea Oats Motel conveniently located just steps from the beach or all the great dining, shopping and entertainment the city offers, but our amenities and service are so outstanding that you may never want to leave.

Your family will love lounging around our beautiful, heated pools, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and fragrant blooms, all overlooking endless stretches of private beaches.

Our beach services are sure to delight everyone as we arrange time for your family to enjoy our jet skis, paddle boards and parasailing or simply set up some beach chairs with umbrellas and a good book recommendation. At the Sea Oats Motel in sunny Destin Florida, there’s always something fun to do.

So come see what fall has in store for your family on the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast, call today to learn more or to book your stay! .. 850-837-6655