Can You Dig It: Sea Turtle Program

Park Event · Cape Lookout National Seashore · Aug 30, 2026 · 9:00 AM–11:45 AM

Sign up now for our sea turtle program on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Cape Lookout! This program requires attendees to walk approximately 0.30 a mile in the heat and on the beach to the nest site. The program will start at the Harkers Island Visitor Center at 9:00 am, departing on the 9:15 ferry. Space is limited to 15 people. This program is weather dependent. After a sea turtle nest has hatched, park biologists have a specific window of time to excavate the nest. Only during this window are we able to offer this program. The program is based on sea turtle time, making it difficult for us humans to plan ahead! Additional program times and dates will be announced as they become available. Thank you for understanding the time constraints between announcement and program! This unique experience immerses you in the incredible journey of sea turtles and the struggles hatchlings face on their way to adulthood; all while you watch a park biologist carefully inventory a recently hatched nest. Eggs, eggshells and answers to all your turtle questions are guaranteed! Will you see live hatchlings? That’s up to nature! But any live hatchlings encountered will be released on-site. To register for this program, you must complete two steps. First, call the Harkers Island Visitor Center at 252-728-2250 x “0” to reserve your spot. Second, book your ferry tickets by calling Island Express Ferry Service at 252-728-7433. Attendees should expect a time commitment of roughly 2 hours. Don’t forget your hat, water and any other items you may need. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you! This conservation work for protected sea turtles in Cape Lookout National Seashore is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (26ST34).

Source: National Park Service (public domain).