Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center — Attraction in Santa Rosa Island

I have been going to the NBSTCC since it was putting in the large salt water pool (2013?). The last visit I made to this amazing place was in March 2019. I returned this week with a friend who has not visited in almost 3 years. 1st- there are 2 new staff members to mention. We could have stayed all day with Alex who is not only a wealth of information but has a most welcoming, personable, hospitable demeanor. I worked in the hospitality industry for 39 years and I sure would have loved to have had her working with me. We also met Jeff who made certain we met all the living reptiles. Having owned a salt water tank I am aware of how difficult they are to balance. I was even more impressed by Jeff when I heard he was the person who maintains the tanks there AND Sweet Pea's pool. We could see a genuine love for each reptile, especially the terrapin. If you are lucky you may even get to see him feed Pumpkin, Flip-Flop, and Sahara their lunch. It is clear both Jeff & Alex have worked with Cathy for some time. They, as she, are delightful. 2nd- There were many new quality displays since our last visits and We are planning a return trip to see things we know we missed. (And, to do more shopping in the Center's shop). As we drove away we both remarked about how much more interesting and educational information was packed into such a small building. What an amazing use of space in such a small building. If it's been a while since you visited you must go back. You will be happy you did....

Went yesterday. I wished you could book online. The heat was awful. Nothing really to cool down. There was two turtles outside and one turtle inside. We thought there were more to see and to do. There was nothing for kids to touch. I wished they had more rescues. It was very quick. The website made it sound they had a lot more to do for kids. My kids had a good time though. $4 for one turtle to see and a tiny room with some few other things. Maybe in the future they could expand get more turtles and more activities for the kids. The interactive area was not touchable for kids only the seashells. They had two screens way too high for little ones. The screens had some quiz, some information on it and little videos. My kids could not reach that at all. You were not allowed to touch the panzers from the sea turtles they had on display. There is a blue crab you can see and a few fish. Inside is one turtle outside are two idk where the other 5 turtles were. they saying they have 8 turtles. they did not show 8 turtles at all. At the back is a hurricane simulator (not very kid friendly). you can see the two turtles outside without paying. Also outside was very unorganized. It would be best to pay online for time slots and arrive 10 minutes earlier. The nice thing is the beach was right around the corner and over the bridge is a very...

How can you not like this place?! They rehab sea turtles and release them if possible. Sweet Pea is their resident turtle of 6 years. She was badly injured due to fishing line tangled around her front left flipper which had to be amputated. Her digestive tract was also loaded with fishing line, so they had to create a special jello diet with vegetables and proteins she needs. I toured the facility at one of her feeding times. She eats 4 times a day. Unfortunately, Sweet Pea will never be released because she lacks survival skills due to her injuries. She is well cared for and being alone is a natural life for sea turtles, so don’t worry, she’s not unhappy. The sea turtles you see in her tank are painted on the bottom. In their natural habitat, sea turtles do not mix well with others. Upon entering, they had a new intake that was in route to be tested by professionals to see if he/she can be released. The center is small and only takes about 30 minutes to tour after the 10 minute introduction to Sweet Pea. Entry is $5.00 for adults. They have discounts for military and first responders. I enjoyed my tour today. I love places that take care of our sea and land friends. Sorry for the cloudy photos. I broke my camera lens between the blue picnic table photo and the signage...