The Cozy Turtle

17/05/2025

17/05/2025

It’s that special time of year when some truly incredible mothers are returning to the shores of Dry Tortugas: sea turtles! 🐢 These sea turtle moms travel many miles to lay their eggs on the park’s beaches, continuing a life cycle that has existed for millions of years.

Sea turtle nests — and their paths, called "crawls" — can be identified by the distinct tracks left behind in the sand. The image shown here captures a "false crawl," where a mother turtle came ashore but, for some reason, did not lay her eggs.

It’s crucial to give turtle moms plenty of space to complete their important task:
🏖️ Remove umbrellas, chairs, and sun shades from the beach each night so she has a clear path.
🔴 Use red lights at night to avoid disturbing her.
🚫 Never interrupt a mother turtle — Marvel from a distance and let her nest peacefully.
📢 If you see a nesting turtle or hatchlings, notify park staff so we can help protect them.

When a turtle mom successfully nests, she typically lays around 100 eggs. Park biologists monitor these nests throughout the season. If all goes well, after about two months, the tiny hatchlings will emerge and make their daring journey to the sea!

For more information on the sea turtles of Dry Tortugas: https://www.nps.gov/drto/learn/nature/sea-turtles.htm

NPS Photo by Thomas Nix

20/01/2025

One of the most endangered species of our oceans the Humphead Wrasse Fish weighing in at the 88.5 lbs catch and released. It was unexpectedly caught and they removed the hook to release back in the ocean..There are severe penalties and imprisonment for those who don't release them.

20/01/2025

Great niece enjoying the heated pool at the Cozy Turtle. 🐢

20/01/2025

01/01/2025

RIP President Jimmy Carter ❤️. We had the pleasure of hosting President Carter, his lovely wife Rosalynn, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren eight years ago tomorrow. What a magical day it was! President Carter was most gracious and loved helping his grandchildren and great grandchildren learn about the wonderful world of sea turtles. He helped us to release “Sally”, a loggerhead sea turtle at the end of the day. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.

01/01/2025

My niece's snap of a fisherman on the beach outside of our place at New Smyrna Beach. She says, "Best way to start 2025!"