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 contribute to efforts to protect the sea turtle population on Jekyll Island will make this an immersive experience one will never forget. The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 7:00 AM and return by 10:30 AM, or when the beach survey is finished.
If you have any specific needs to participate, please contact us at least one week ahead of your reservation by emailing our Reservations Department at [email protected].
MEETING TIME:
Participants should arrive at Great Dunes Beach Deck (Large Pavilion) at 6:45 AM and plan to be picked up by 7:00 AM (please bring your electronic or hard-copy receipt). The patrol team will meet you there in a UTV labeled with the Jekyll Island Authority logo. The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 7:00 AM and return by 10:30 AM, or when the beach survey is finished.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This program lasts up to 3.5 hours and can include walkiing at least 3 miles and up to 12 miles on the beach.
AGE LIMIT:
Participants must be at least 10 years old. All participants aged 10-15 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult (18+).
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
- Operating the vehicles at any given time
- Flash photography
- Flash videography
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.
