Posted by Bailey Kaufman | 12.12.2024 | Conservation, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, Marine Science, Sea Turtle Camp, Turtle Talk

Where Do East Coast Sea Turtles Go in Winter?

Sea turtles are some of the coolest travelers around. In the summer, they’re easy to spot along the East Coast, enjoying warm waters and plenty of food. But as winter approaches, these ocean adventurers pack their flippers and head south—so where are they going, and how do they get there? Let’s find out!

Summer Vibes

During the summer, sea turtles thrive in the warm waters from the Carolinas to Florida. It’s the perfect time to snack on jellyfish, graze on seagrass, and nest on sandy beaches.

Heading South

When the water gets cold, sea turtles migrate to tropical spots like the Florida Keys, the Gulf of Mexico, or even the Caribbean. Using ocean currents as highways, they swim hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of miles to their winter hideouts. How do they find their way? With a built-in GPS—their incredible sense of Earth’s magnetic fields!

Winter Vacay

In winter, turtles hang out in deeper, warmer waters, far from the chilly East Coast. It’s like their version of a tropical holiday, staying cozy and feasting where food is plentiful. That’s why you’ll see them all summer but not in winter—they’re too busy living it up down south!

Sea turtles truly are nature’s ultimate travelers. Next time you spot one in summer, just imagine the incredible journey they’ve been on!