The Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) Ride with Dawn Patrol program offers participants the unique opportunity to see what it is like to be a sea turtle field biologist tasked with daily nest monitoring on Jekyll Island. The morning will be spent patrolling Jekyll Island’s beaches with our sea turtle patrol team, riding in utility vehicles (UTVs) and walking on foot, assisting with a variety of tasks, including potentially protecting nests, checking for signs of predators, and potentially observing nest inventories. The opportunity to work alongside our research scientists and AmeriCorps Members and contribute to efforts to protect the sea turtle population on Jekyll Island will make this an immersive experience one will never forget.
Purchase includes free general admission to the GSTC for each ticket holder. General admission can be used the day before, the day of, or the day after your scheduled ride along.
If you have any specific needs to participate, please call or email at least one week ahead of your reservation. Please call Reservations (912-635-4076) or email ([email protected]).
MEETING TIME:
Participants should arrive at Great Dunes Pavilion at 6:45 AM and plan to be picked up by 7:00 AM (please bring your receipt/tickets).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This program lasts up to 3 1/2 hours and can include walkiing at least 1 mile and up to 4 miles on the beach.
AGE LIMIT:
Participants must be at least 6 years old. All minors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
ATTIRE:
Due to insects and the potential for intense sun, we recommended bringing comfortable clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt, light jacket/rain jacket, shorts, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toed shoes.
PROVIDED ITEMS:
Sea turtle patrol vests
WE ENCOURAGE YOU BRING:
- Water (at least 2 liters)
- Hat
- Sun protection
- Bug spray
UNAPPROVED ACTIVITIES:
Performing the following activities during patrol is grounds for immediate dismissal with no refund:
- Unauthorized handling or harassment of sea turtles
- Operate the vehicles at any given time
- Photography
GUARANTEE:
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center does not guarantee that guests will observe a sea turtle nesting, a nest inventory, or sea turtle hatchlings while participating in the program. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is not responsible for any injury or complication that arises while participating in this program. Participants must comply with all instructions, including but not limited to vehicle safety and prohibited activities (e.g., touching a sea turtle). Non-compliance will result in the termination of the program with no refund.
