
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Center
A non-profit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about sea turtles. Meet Sweet Pea!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more turtle interaction

Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more turtle interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A non-profit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating about sea turtles. Meet Sweet Pea!
"Such a hidden gem and so worth it! My whole family including my 6 year old loved learning about sweet pea and other sea turtles."

🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced, often around $5-$10 per person, making it a budget-friendly option. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
Parking is limited, so arrive early or inquire about their shuttle service. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet Sweet Pea
Main Exhibit Area
The beloved resident green sea turtle, Sweet Pea, is the star attraction. Watch her interact with toys and learn about her rescue story.

Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the Center
Engage with informative displays about sea turtle species, rescue efforts, and marine conservation. Scavenger hunts add an element of fun for younger visitors.

Educational Presentations
Presentation Room
Attend short, engaging talks that provide insights into the lives of sea turtles and the importance of their protection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to See Sweet Pea
Support Conservation Efforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced, often around $5-$10 per person, making it a budget-friendly option.
:ticket:🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
Parking is limited, so arrive early or inquire about their shuttle service.
:car:📚 Educational Fun
Great for kids and adults alike! Learn about sea turtle rescue and conservation in an engaging way.
:books:🛍️ Support the Mission
Your purchases from the gift shop directly fund the center's conservation work.
:shopping_bags:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced, often around $5-$10 per person, making it a budget-friendly option.
:ticket:🚗 Parking Can Be Tight
Parking is limited, so arrive early or inquire about their shuttle service.
:car:📚 Educational Fun
Great for kids and adults alike! Learn about sea turtle rescue and conservation in an engaging way.
:books:🛍️ Support the Mission
Your purchases from the gift shop directly fund the center's conservation work.
:shopping_bags:🏖️ Borrow Beach Toys
Utilize the 'Borrow Bin' for sand toys to reduce plastic waste on the beach.
:beachwithumbrella:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center as a 'hidden gem' and a 'worthwhile' experience, particularly for families. The opportunity to learn about and see resident turtles like Sweet Pea is a major highlight. While some find the tour brief, the affordable admission and the center's conservation mission are highly appreciated.
"Such a hidden gem and so worth it! My whole family including my 6 year old loved learning about sweet pea and other sea turtles. I would recommend to anyone. Also you get a bucket of sand for $10 to sift for sharks teeth, we found 9 and other small shells from Navarre beach. Parking is tight but they have a turtle shuttles to get you there. And the best part all money spent goes to the conservation center."
Candi Ann
"A great little place. Very informative tour through several rooms of interesting exhibits. There are several types of turtles at the center, the highlight being Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle, and Ambassador-in-Residence! There's also a small gift shop. All the people were very kind and helpful."
Benjamin
"The tour was short but informative. The lady in the second room with the large pool seemed annoyed that the tour was part of her job. It felt like we were intruding but we paid $20 each to learn and give back to the mission. We have been to a few different sea turtle centers like this and this was not the best."
Roamer222
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located at 8740 Gulf Blvd, Navarre, FL 32566. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended. Some visitors mention a shuttle service being available.
Yes, there is parking, but it can be tight. Visitors have noted that arriving early or utilizing any available shuttle services can help with this.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Information on public transportation options is not widely available. It's recommended to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
While specific accessibility details are not always highlighted, the center is generally described as a manageable size for exploration, and many exhibits are at accessible heights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, with prices often cited around $5-$10 per person. Some visitors mention a family of seven paying around $54, which might include special programs or donations.
Advance ticket purchase is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website for any special events or peak season recommendations.
While not explicitly stated, the center often hosts free family events and has affordable general admission, making it accessible for most budgets.
General admission typically includes access to exhibits, the opportunity to see resident turtles like Sweet Pea, and educational presentations.
As a non-profit, the center relies on donations and support. While specific membership tiers aren't always detailed, supporting through visits and gift shop purchases is encouraged.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can meet resident sea turtles like Sweet Pea, learn about sea turtle rescue and conservation through interactive exhibits, and attend educational presentations.
Absolutely! Kids love learning about the turtles, especially Sweet Pea, and participating in activities like scavenger hunts. It's a highly recommended family-friendly destination.
A typical visit can last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit and if you attend a presentation.
Yes, the center hosts various events, including free family days, educational workshops, and awareness campaigns. Check their social media for announcements.
No, touching the sea turtles is not permitted to ensure their well-being and safety. The focus is on observation and education.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The center itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are often vending machines or a small snack area. Nearby restaurants are plentiful.
It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the main exhibit spaces to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the exhibits.
There are several restaurants and cafes located near the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, offering a variety of cuisines. Andy D's Beachside Restaurant is mentioned as a nearby option.
Some social media posts mention coffee being available, possibly through partnerships or a small cafe area. It's worth checking their current offerings.
While not explicitly detailed, the Navarre Beach area offers many public beach access points with picnic tables and facilities, perfect for a pre or post-visit meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the turtles. Always be mindful of signage.
The exhibits featuring Sweet Pea and other resident turtles are popular photo opportunities. The interactive displays also make for engaging shots.
If baby sea turtles are present and part of an educational display or rescue effort, photography is usually permitted, but always follow staff guidance.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected wildlife areas and near public beaches to avoid disturbing wildlife and for safety reasons. Check local regulations.
Visitors often share photos of Sweet Pea, educational displays, and their families enjoying the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Engage with the educational presentations to enhance the learning experience for your children. Consider visiting during special family events for added activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Money-saving tips: Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid purchasing them on-site. Look out for any free community events or special discount days that might be offered.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Visitors
How to make a difference: Purchase souvenirs from their gift shop, as proceeds go directly to the center's mission. Consider making an additional donation to further support their vital work.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star of the Show: Sweet Pea
Her presence serves as a constant reminder of the challenges sea turtles face in the wild, from pollution to habitat loss. The center uses Sweet Pea's story to educate the public and inspire action towards protecting all sea turtle species. Many visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for marine conservation after meeting her.
Conservation and Education in Action
Educational programs are a cornerstone of their efforts. Through interactive exhibits, presentations, and outreach, the center aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for sea turtles and their fragile ocean environment. They emphasize the impact of human activities on marine life and encourage visitors to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic waste and participating in beach cleanups. Visitors often express how much they learned and how their perspective on conservation shifted after their visit.
Family Fun and Learning
Beyond the turtles, the center provides a valuable learning opportunity about marine ecosystems and conservation. Parents appreciate that their children can have fun while also gaining important knowledge about protecting the environment. Many reviews highlight the center as a 'hidden gem' and a 'must-visit' for families exploring the Navarre Beach area. Special events, like free family days, further enhance its appeal for those traveling with children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit