Photo by Julio Barrada

Visitors gather to watch hatchling sea turtles taking their first steps into the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Seashore has partnered with Mexico in an effort to help increase the numbers of endangered sea turtle populations. Most of the eggs found along the Texas coast are incubated in order to protect the eggs and hatchlings from predators and other natural and human-related threats. Park rangers then release the hatchlings into the Gulf of Mexico. Although viewing the turtles in the incubation facility is not permitted, the public is invited to attend many of the hatchling releases, at no charge.

When are the hatchling releases held?

Releases occur sporadically during the summer, from late May through early August. Please arrive early to the releases, which begin at 6:30 a.m. Visitors should meet on the deck at the Malaquite Visitor Center for a brief program. 

For the date of the next release and directions to the release site, contact the Hatchling Hotline at 361.949.7163. The hotline is updated as soon as a change in the hatchlings' progress occurs.

Depending on the activity of the turtles, sometimes the hatchlings must be released earlier or later than expected, or the public release may have to be cancelled. If traveling from out of town to attend a release, it is best to come during a projected release period (see below) and be prepared to stay for the days during that time period. Call the hotline daily starting about a week before the release you plan to attend.  As the eggs physically begin to hatch, the time window in the recording will be narrowed. Finally, as the turtles prepare to emerge from the nest boxes, it will be obvious and the recording will let visitors know that the release will be the following day at sunrise. Call the hotline once again on the following morning before departing for the release to ensure that it will still be held. Please note that if there is bad weather, such as a thunderstorm or heavy rain, the event will be cancelled for staff and visitor safety.

Hatchling Release Etiquette

To help ensure safe passage of the hatchlings down the beach and into the surf, white clothing, flash photography, smoking, and entering the water with the hatchlings are prohibited at the releases.

Click on the links below to learn more.

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle Science and Recovery