Georgia Sea Turtle Center — Attraction in Jekyll Island

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a renowned facility dedicated to the rehabilitation, research, and conservation of sea turtles. Located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, it's the state's premier marine life center focusing on the care and protection of sea turtles.

Here's what you can expect to find at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center:

Rehabilitation Facility: The center operates a state-of-the-art hospital to treat injured and sick sea turtles, providing specialized care to help them recover and return to the wild. Exhibits and Education: Through interactive exhibits and displays, the center educates visitors about sea turtles, their habitats, life cycles, and the challenges they face, such as pollution and climate change. Tours and Programs: Various tours and educational programs are available, including behind-the-scenes tours of the hospital, guided beach walks, and opportunities to watch sea turtle nest excavations (seasonal). Gift Shop: The center's gift shop offers a range of turtle-themed merchandise, and proceeds support the facility's mission. Conservation and Research: Beyond rehabilitation, the center is actively involved in research and conservation efforts to understand sea turtles better and promote their protection. Visitor Experience: The facility's design enables visitors to see the rehabilitation area and learn about the current patients, treatments, and general medical care provided to the turtles. Community Engagement: The center hosts events and workshops to engage the community in conservation efforts, including volunteer opportunities. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an excellent destination for families, school groups, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in marine life and conservation. The combination of hands-on learning, expert care, and active engagement with the subject matter makes it a unique and memorable experience. Whether your interest is in biology, ecology, or simply the love of sea turtles, a visit to this center will surely inspire...

Stop what you're doing and go visit the sea turtles.

Our 9 year old didn't want to go and was fascinated for 2+ hours.

This center does all sorts of care for injured or at risk sea turtles. The intent is to release them if at all possible. It is an actual working rehabilitation center - not a zoo.

Each patient gets a number: C-Year-patientnumberfortheyear

We visited in late August and they were treating their newest patient C21303. There had been 302 patients before him or her.

There is a large window where you can watch the techs perform the procedures. Wound cleaning, IV, pain management, meds, etc.. 303 had been injured by a line on it's front right flipper. It took three adults to lift it onto the table. They said they hope it will be well enough to release in 3 to 4 months.

Outside in the "hospital" the techs are happy to pause and answer questions. The turtles are recovering in tanks that you can see into from the viewing platforms. Sometimes they surface and "wave" a flipper.

They told us 303 had not been there long enough to know much about him but he sure enjoyed the free food.

When we visited there were baby turtles about the size of a quarter in a container where they could practice swimming against a current.

There is one room of well done museum style exhibits where you can learn more about sea turtles. On arrival you are given a card you can emboss after learning about each type of sea turtle.

There is an admission - see attached photo for break down. You're actually helping to fund care for the sea turtles-so consider it a donation. You pay for parking when you cross over to the island.

Restrooms are to the right immediately after entering the center gift shop.

Visit the website for other activities they offer. Like turtle walks...

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located on Jekyll Island, is a remarkable and educational facility dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles. Here's a comprehensive review of what you can expect when visiting this important institution:

The primary focus of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation. They rescue, treat, and rehabilitate injured or sick sea turtles, providing a critical service for these endangered animals. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe the rehabilitation process, making it a highly educational and engaging experience.

The center offers informative and interactive exhibits about sea turtles, their life cycle, and the challenges they face in the wild. These displays are engaging for visitors of all ages, making it an excellent destination for families and school groups.

The staff and volunteers at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center are passionate and knowledgeable, often offering informative talks and tours to enhance the visitor experience. Their dedication to sea turtle conservation is truly commendable.

The facility is clean, well-organized, and wheelchair-accessible, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for all guests.

The admission fees contribute to the center's conservation efforts, making it a rewarding visit for those interested in environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in marine conservation. It offers an educational and heartwarming experience, allowing visitors to connect with the fascinating world of sea turtles while supporting their...