The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is home to Sweet Pea a rescued green sea turtle.
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Part of the educational tour is the opportunity to learn about endangered sea turtles along the Florida Gulf Coast and the importance of sea turtle conservation.
Exhibits include Jellyfish Corner, blue crab & seagrasses, Diamondback Terrapins, sea turtles of the Gulf Coast, invasive Lionfish, an artificial reef room, scavenger hunts, and more.
They are currently expanding the facility. The new additional will offer an additional conservation education area and a Sea Turtle Rescue Room for the rescue team to use. The team responds to calls for injured sea turtles and safely captures them so they can assess any injuries.
The conservation center does not perform long-term rehab for sea turtles but makes sure they are taken to a rehabilitation center that is able to work with them.
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea is the ambassador in residence at the sea turtle conservation center. She was found entangled in fishing line and debris on Ono Island.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission found that she was non-releasable because of her injuries. She found a permanent home at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
During your visit, you will learn how the NBSTCC feeds her and provides enrichment. Prepare to fall in love with Sweet Pea! We already ordered wish list items from the NBSTCC Amazon Wish List to help her live her best life.
I didn't know that a diet of turtle jello was a thing but it is! Sweet Pea is fed jello flavored with seagrass, squid, and fish.
Sweet Pea had a missing chunk of her carapace from a boat strike along with the amputation of a fin due to fishing line entanglement
Sweet pea lives in a large pool in the educational facility and conservation center.
Educational Displays
Plan time to check out the educational displays, including Jellyfish Corner, blue crab and seagrasses, salt marsh life, sea turtles of the Gulf Coast, the invasive Lionfish, Artificial Reef Room, and more.
I found the artificial reef display fascinating. It was really cool being able to see how they work and the fish that use them in our local area.
The marine debris display was heartbreaking and made me want to walk the beach more often so I can pick up garbage to protect sea turtles.
The wall display of several species of sea turtles is fascinating. The size difference is amazing to see.
Experiences
Want to dive deeper into learning more about sea turtles and the conservation center? They offer epic encounters and programs, giving you the opportunity to go behind the scenes. You can even make art with a tortoise!
Painting Tortoise Tracks
This would be the most amazing gift for anyone who loves turtles. You can sign up for a painting tortoise tracks program, which includes painting a masterpiece with Safari, the African Spurred Tortoise.
This one-of-a-kind experience includes a behind-the-scenes Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center tour, an Introduction to Sweet Pea with the lead animal care team and marine biologist, a private painting session, and photos of your experience.
Honorary Animal Care Team Member
This 90-minute session takes you behind the scenes, where you can learn about the care needed for the rescued residents.
Enjoy a private tour of the conservation center and an introduction to Sweet Pea, the green sea turtle. You can feed one or both of the resident tortoises, take personal pictures with the tortoises, learn about the various species from the animal care team, and see day-to-day work being done.
Shark School
Learn about the apex predator of the sea! This experience includes learning about local Gulf Coast sharks, shark biology, and conservation.
There is a shark tooth treasure hunt, arts and crafts, and early entrance into the conservation center.
Seashell School
Have you ever wondered about the seashells you find on the Gulf Coast Beaches? This experience gives you the opportunity to learn more about local seashells and their inhabitants.
Discover Reptiles - All about Snakes
This interactive class is great for kids and adults. Learn about the importance of snakes to the ecosystem and how to coexist with them safely.
Get up close and personal with live snakes to learn about their role in a balanced ecosystem. Discover how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Trash-Bash
Join a Trash Bash event to help clean garbage from the beach. Trash Bash is held the last Saturday of each month. Help remove marine debris to protect sea turtles and other marine species!
In 2023 more than 875 pounds of trash was removed from Navarre Beach! Over 10,200 pounds of garbage has been removed since trash bash started in 2017.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is a great way to help support the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. You can pick up logo t-shirts, mugs, and more.
Why you will love Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
- Private tours are available
- Educational and fun
- Great volunteers who are happy to share turtle info with you
- The entire family will enjoy it
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, Florida 32566
Phone - 850-684-3347
Sea Turtle Center Hours - Open 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Make sure to check their Facebook page for any delayed openings for special events.
They are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Admission - $5 regular admission,
$4 - Military, first responders, and seniors (65+)
Kids 2 and under are free.
Accessibility - There is an accessible parking space near the front entrance. Inside the center there is room to move around and check out all of the displays.
The conservation center offers a free beach wheelchair rental for visitors to Navarre Beach!
They request reservations 24 hours in advance.
Plus Size Seating - There is a set of benches near Sweet Pea's tank if you want to sit during the presentation. Outside there are picnic tables that have coloring sheets while waiting for the tour to start.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the facility.
Parking - There is free parking onsite
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier - Take a walk on the longest fishing pier in Florida! Look for sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks while enjoying gorgeous views.
Things to do on Navarre Beach - From white sand beaches to watersports there is a ton of fun to be had in Navarre Beach.
Navarre Beach Restaurants - All of the best restaurants in town!
Navarre Beach Marine Park - Snorkeling, artificial reefs, and beach time await at this great park.
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McGuire's Irish Pub - World-famous Irish Pub with amazing food in Pensacola.
Okaloosa Donuts - offers artisan donuts, hand-decorated pastries, and breakfast burritos that taste amazing.
Perdido Key Restaurant Guide - All of the epic restaurants to check out on Perdido Key.
Islander Food Shack - one of our favorite beach food restaurants. Low key atmosphere, great outdoor seating, and fantastic food.
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