The Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) Ride with Night Patrol program offers participants the unique opportunity to see what it is like to be a sea turtle field biologist for one night. The evening will be spent with our sea turtle patrol team, riding the beach in utility vehicles and walking the other half on foot, in search of sea turtles that nest on Jekyll Island’s beaches. If a turtle is encountered, participants will have the chance to assist our research scientists as we learn more about these animals, making for an immersive, rugged, and inspiring field experience. The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 8:45 PM and return by midnight.
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 must arrive at the Great Dunes Beach Deck (Large Pavilion) at 8:30 PM and plan to be picked up by 8:45 PM (please bring your electronic or hard-copy receipt). The patrol vehicles will depart on time at 8:45 PM and return by midnight.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This program lasts up to four hours and can include 3-12 miles of walking on the beach.
AGE LIMIT:
Participants must be at least 10 years old. All participants 10-15 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult (18+) on the tour.
ATTIRE:
Due to insects and highly-variable weather/temperatures, we recommend bringing comfortable layered clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt, light jacket, rain jacket, pants, and closed-toed shoes.
PROVIDED ITEMS:
Sea turtle patrol vests
WE ENCOURAGE YOU BRING:
- Water (at least 2 liters)
- Hat
- 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
- Photography
- Videography
- Using light of any kind including wearing light-up shoes during patrol
GUARANTEE:
Although the Ride with Night Patrol program is only offered during peak nesting periods, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center does not guarantee that guests will observe a sea turtle 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 or photographing a sea turtle). Non-compliance will result in the termination of the program with no refund.
