Adopt a Turtle Nest | Coastal Discovery Museum

Adopt A Turtle Nest And Watch An Amazing Thing Happen On Hilton Head Island's Beaches

An ancient mariner, the loggerhead sea turtle, emerges from the shimmering water of the Atlantic, and crawls ashore to lay her eggs. It may take her over an hour to excavate a nest with her rear flippers. The mother turtle, weighing several hundred pounds, then deposits approximately 120 ping pong ball-sized eggs into the nest, covers them with sand, and returns to the sea. After about 60 days, a clutch of tiny hatchlings emerges from the sand and scrambles to the ocean – the beginning of a long and dangerous journey.

But our Hilton Head Island sea turtles are under threat, and we need your help to promote their protection.


By adopting a loggerhead sea turtle nest, you can help support the Coastal Discovery Museum's educational programs and inspire others to care for the Lowcountry's ecosystem and its inhabitants. Your contribution will make a meaningful impact on the organization's mission to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
CHOOSE YOUR ADOPTION LEVEL

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

When you adopt a nest, your adventure unfolds. You'll receive a welcome letter and your official Certificate of Adoption, in addition to the special items included with your chosen membership level.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

When you adopt a nest, your adventure unfolds. You'll receive a welcome letter and your official Certificate of Adoption, in addition to the special items included with your chosen membership level.

RECEIVE YOUR NEST NUMBER

An email from us reveals the nest number you're assigned, forging a unique connection to "your" nest on Hilton Head's sandy shores.

RECEIVE YOUR NEST NUMBER

An email from us reveals the nest number you're assigned, forging a unique connection to "your" nest on Hilton Head's sandy shores.

ENJOY NESTING UPDATES

Throughout the May to October sea turtle nesting season, we keep you informed via emails filled with sea turtle tales and coastal conservation efforts. You'll stay informed about the sea turtle nests, including when "your" nest is laid.

ENJOY NESTING UPDATES

Throughout the May to October sea turtle nesting season, we keep you informed via emails filled with sea turtle tales and coastal conservation efforts. You'll stay informed about the sea turtle nests, including when "your" nest is laid.

GET YOUR NEST NUMBERS

As the season winds down, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind treat. We wrap up your Adopt-A-Nest experience with data directly from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about "your" nest. It's an exclusive privilege reserved only for nest adopters like you.

GET YOUR NEST NUMBERS

As the season winds down, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind treat. We wrap up your Adopt-A-Nest experience with data directly from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about "your" nest. It's an exclusive privilege reserved only for nest adopters like you.

BECOME A NEST PROTECTOR

Be a hero for Hilton Head's sea turtles and coastal conservation efforts. Plus, it's a great gift idea!

Your role as a nest protector starts with your adoption today. Join us!


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Mon.-Sat. 9am-4:30pm | Sun. 11am-4:30pm FREE ADMISSION