Critter Corner: Seeing Sea Turtles in Panama City Beach

Ever dream of seeing sea turtles in Panama City Beach up close? At Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, we make it our mission to bring you as close as possible to these underwater wonders while sharing Captain Chris’s deep marine knowledge (and his equally deep well of dad jokes). Our Critter Corner isn’t just a place for fun—it’s where education and adventure collide, offering you a front-row seat to the incredible marine life of St. Andrews Bay. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on sea turtles in Panama City Beach. Sea turtles have been cruising the oceans for over 100 million years—yep, they were paddling around while dinosaurs were stomping about! From the way they lay their eggs to their fascinating diets, there’s so much to learn and love about these shelled celebrities. They’re living, breathing ocean legends, and St. Andrews Bay is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of these graceful swimmers.

What Exactly Is Critter Corner?

Critter Corner is where the magic of marine life comes to you. Picture this: crystal-clear waters, an ocean breeze, and Captain Chris guiding you through the diverse waters of St. Andrews Bay. Whether it’s sea stars, sand dollars, or the star of today’s show—sea turtles in Panama City Beach—you’ll get hands-on encounters and fascinating insights you won’t find anywhere else.

And the best part? Each Critter Corner experience is different! Some days, it’s a sea star party. Other days, it’s a stingray soirée. But when sea turtles make their grand entrance, it’s a show-stopping moment you’ll never forget.

The Chance of Seeing Sea Turtles on a Flippin’ Awesome Tour

Every Flippin’ Awesome tour is a unique adventure, and while we can’t guarantee sea turtles will make an appearance (hey, they’re wild animals, not paid actors). Captain Chris uses his expert knowledge to give you the best shot at spotting sea turtles in Panama City Beach. He knows the seagrass beds they love to graze on, the quiet spots they prefer to chill, and the best times to look for them.

While we can’t guarantee a turtle sighting, the thrill of the hunt makes it even more exciting. And when you do see one? Oh, it’s pure magic. There’s nothing quite like watching a sea turtle glide effortlessly through the water or peek its head up for a quick breath. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re part of a nature documentary.

Types of Sea Turtles in Panama City Beach

There are three species of sea turtles in Panama City Beach: Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Green Sea Turtles, and Leatherback Sea Turtles.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles

• Loggerheads are the most common sea turtles nesting in Panama City Beach. With their big heads and powerful jaws, they can crack open the toughest of prey, like clams and crabs.
• The scientific name for a Loggerhead Sea Turtle is Caretta caretta. Their exceptionally large head is where they get their common name, loggerhead.
• These orange-brown beauties grow up to 3 feet long and weigh around 300 pounds—basically the size of a small kayak!
• Loggerheads are omnivores, enjoying a diet that ranges from fish and jellyfish to seagrass and algae.

Green Sea Turtles

• Green sea turtles are the serene vegetarians of the sea turtle world. Adults feast exclusively on seagrass and algae, giving them their green-tinted body fat (hence the name).
• These turtles can reach a whopping 5 feet in length and tip the scales at 350 pounds.
• Juveniles, however, are a little more adventurous in their eating habits, munching on small invertebrates before fully committing to their plant-based lifestyle.

Leatherback Sea Turtles

While rare, leatherback sea turtles—the largest of all sea turtles—occasionally nest in our area. Picture a 7-foot-long, 1,200-pound jellyfish enthusiast, and you’ve got yourself a leatherback.

For more information about local sea turtles in Panama City Beach and learn how you can help protect sea turtles in Northwest Florida, visit Panama City Beach Turtle Watch.

Fun Facts About Sea Turtles

• Super Breath-Holders: Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while feeding. And when they sleep underwater? They can last more than 4 hours without surfacing for air.
• Born to Travel: Some sea turtles migrate thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting sites. Talk about a long commute!
• Built-in GPS: Sea turtles have an internal magnetic compass that helps them navigate back to their birthplace to lay eggs.
• Baby Boomers: Female turtles lay between 50 to 200 eggs at a time, camouflaging the nest to protect their future hatchlings.
• Built-in Thermometers: The sand temperature of a nest determines the hatchlings’ sex—warmer sand produces more females, while cooler sand results in more males.
• Survival Odds: Only about 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood. That’s why every effort to protect them counts.

How to Help Protect Sea Turtles in Panama City Beach

1. Reduce Beachfront Lighting

Bright beachfront lighting confuses hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean. If you are taking flashlights to the beach at night, make sure to use a red filter. Turn off outdoor lights or switch to turtle-friendly red, amber, or orange LEDs during nesting season (May–October). For more information on best lighting practices, you can find more information in this guide provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

2. Keep the Beach Clean

Sea turtles often mistake plastic and trash for food. Clean up after yourself and skip single-use plastics to keep the ocean safe.

3. Respect the Dunes

Sand dunes are essential for turtle nesting and protecting beaches from erosion. Stick to designated walkways and avoid trampling over these natural barriers.

What to Do If You Find a Turtle Nest

If you stumble upon a turtle nest, congrats—you’ve found something truly special! Here’s what to do:

• Stay back: Give the nest plenty of space to avoid disturbing it.
• No flash photography: Bright lights can disorient both nesting turtles and hatchlings.
• Call for help: Notify the Panama City Beach Police at 850-233-5000. Trained professionals will ensure the nest is protected.

Snorkeling with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures