Sea Turtle Nests

We do not publish the locations of nests. This is not only for the protection of the nest site but also to help manage good relationships with our neighbors. Also, when hatchlings emerge is up to Mother Nature. Average incubation period is two months so you can look at the date a nest was laid and get an idea when hatchlings will emerge. Often our nests are not near public access points and if the location is posted, we risk having people parking and blocking traffic flow in the community causing frustration with our activities. So while we can’t post the nest locations, we do encourage visitors to walk the beach around sunset when volunteers typically set up at soon-to-emerge nests. If they come across a nest being monitored, we love to have visitors sit down and join us!

Our Adopt-A-Nest goal has been met for the 2026 season!

NEST is proud to recognize Shoreline Orthodontics as our first Corporate Adopt-A-Nest Sponsor for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season

Shoreline Orthodontics support helps expand community education and supports our mission to protect and conserve sea turtles on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. In addition to sponsoring NEST, Shoreline Orthodontics is creating an in-office sea turtle education corner featuring educational materials and activities to help inspire conservation awareness throughout our community.

We’re incredibly grateful for businesses like Shoreline Orthodontics that choose to give back to the wildlife and coastline that make the Outer Banks so special.

Photos of 2026 nests will be posted here as they become available.