Each summer, Folly Beach welcomes some very special visitors. Loggerhead sea turtles return to our shoreline to build nests and lay eggs, continuing a tradition that has taken place for thousands of years.

Sea turtle nesting season runs from May through October, and Folly Beach plays an important role in helping protect these incredible animals. During this time, visitors may notice marked nesting areas along the beach where eggs are safely protected until hatchlings emerge and make their journey to the ocean.

One of the biggest ways beachgoers can help is by reducing artificial light at night. Hatchling sea turtles naturally use moonlight reflecting off the water to find their way to the ocean. Bright beachfront lights can confuse them and send them in the wrong direction.

When visiting Folly Beach during nesting season, remember these simple tips:

• Turn off unnecessary beachfront lights at night
• Avoid flash photography near nesting areas
• Respect all marked sea turtle nests
• Remove chairs, toys, and beach equipment before leaving the beach
• Dispose of trash properly to help keep wildlife safe

Seeing a sea turtle nest is one of the many things that makes Folly Beach such a special place to visit. By taking a few simple precautions, we can all help protect these amazing animals for future generations.



We hope you'll enjoy your time on Folly Beach this summer and join us in supporting the conservation efforts that help keep our island beautiful.