Green Sea Turtles in Everglades NP

Meet Earth's only herbivorous sea turtle! These ocean giants graze on seagrass beds across Everglades' Florida Bay—ancient mariners that migrate thousands of miles between feeding grounds and distant nesting beaches. A true conservation success story: recently downlisted from endangered status after decades of protection.

Quick facts

Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Species Type: Reptile
Conservation Status: Vulnerable; downlisted from Endangered in 2025. Protected by law in most countries.
Lifespan Wild: Up to 90 years in the wild.

Species profile

Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Species Type: Reptile
Conservation Status: Vulnerable; downlisted from Endangered in 2025. Protected by law in most countries.
Lifespan Wild: Up to 90 years in the wild.
Identifying Features: Large sea turtle with teardrop-shaped carapace (olive to black coloring), large paddle-like flippers, streamlined body built for open-ocean migration. Only sea turtle species that is fully herbivorous as an adult.

Where & when to look

Where To See: Flamingo Boat Tours, Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour, Florida Bay seagrass beds, shallow coastal waters
Sighting Frequency: Unknown—consult with tour operators for likelihood and seasonal patterns.
Habitat Description: Shallow seagrass beds, coastal lagoons, and marine waters. In Everglades, found in Florida Bay and surrounding channels where seagrass meadows provide abundant food.
Activity Pattern: Primarily aquatic; females come ashore at night to nest (seasonal timing unknown for Everglades population).
Migration Patterns: Long-distance migrations between feeding grounds (like Everglades seagrass beds) and natal nesting beaches. Some populations migrate across entire ocean basins.
Hibernation Info: N/A—sea turtles do not hibernate; they remain active year-round in tropical and subtropical waters.

Wildlife safety

Dangerous: 0
Viewing Distance Required: 25 yards—maintain this distance at all times. Observe only from designated boat tours.
Safety Precautions: Maintain 25-yard distance at all times. Observe only from designated boat tours—never approach, touch, or harass. Do not collect eggs or interfere with nesting females. Report injured turtles to ranger station immediately.
If Encountered: Observe from 25-yard distance. Do not attempt to approach, touch, or feed. If turtle appears injured or in distress, report to ranger immediately rather than attempting rescue.
Never Feed Approach: 1
Report Sightings: 0
How To Report: Report injured, sick, or stranded turtles to the nearest ranger station or Everglades Visitor Center immediately.

Photography & conservation

Best Photo Locations: From Flamingo and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours; use telephoto lens (300mm+), do not approach closer than 25 yards.
Recommended Equipment: Binoculars for spotting from distance, telephoto camera lens (300mm+), hat and sunscreen for boat tours, polarized sunglasses to reduce water glare and improve visibility underwater.
Ethical Photography: Observe from 25+ yards. Use telephoto lens, never chase or approach. Do not enter water to photograph. Respect tour guide instructions regarding approach routes.
Conservation Threats: Pollution and marine debris, fishing net entanglement, coastal development destroying habitat, illegal hunting for food and eggs in some regions, climate change affecting nesting beaches.
Protection Efforts: Federal legal protection; protected nesting beaches; international protection agreements (CITES); ongoing research and monitoring programs.
How Visitors Help: Reduce marine pollution by properly disposing of trash and never littering near waterways. Support marine conservation. Follow park regulations and respect viewing distances during tours.

Viewing advice

Viewing Tips: Slow, quiet observation from boat is critical—do not approach
Look for shell breaking water surface or slow movement in shallows
Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and spot turtles underwater
Bring binoculars—sighting from proper distance is the win
Early morning boat tours may offer better activity levels
Tips Advice: Flamingo and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours offer the most reliable viewing chances
Look for turtles in shallow seagrass beds and along mangrove shorelines
Scan the water surface for shell reflections and movement
Use binoculars to spot from proper distance before boat approaches slowly
Patience is essential—sightings are not guaranteed but rewarding
Family Friendly Notes: Flamingo and Ten Thousand Islands boat tours offer safe, legal viewing perfect for families. Supervise children to maintain distance guidelines; turtles are non-aggressive but federally protected.

More details

Diet: Seagrass and marine vegetation—the only fully herbivorous sea turtle species.
Breeding Season: Unknown (Everglades-specific nesting timing not documented in park records)
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina, Flamingo Visitor Center, Everglades main Visitor Center, ranger stations.