Turtle Season

Great news—sea turtles will soon be returning to our beaches to nest, and we need your help! In 2025, Bonita’s beaches had 187 nests, including one by a green sea turtle, with an impressive 80% hatch rate.

To protect these turtles, please remember our Sea Turtle Protection Ordinance (LDC Section 7-40), which requires that artificial light visible from the beach follows specific guidelines from sunset to sunrise, May 1 to October 31. Our Bonita Springs staff patrols the beach at night to help.

We ask property owners, managers, and renters to ensure your exterior lights are turtle-friendly by turning off unnecessary lights and closing curtains after dark. Using orange and red lights is safe, but avoid fires, cell phones, flashlights, and other visible lights from the beach.
If you have questions or want to discuss lighting concerns, please contact Bonita Springs Environmental Sciences at (239) 444-6142. For disoriented turtles, report them to Turtle Time at 239-481-5566.
Thank you for helping keep our sea turtles safe!
Best,  
Laura Gibson  
Environmental Specialist  
Bonita Springs Community Development  
239-444-6142  
[email protected]