Turtles on the Treasure Coast-July.2024

Vero Beach, Florida, July 25-28, 2024

Turtles on the Treasure Coast

Imagine a place where time slows down, where the worries of the world dissolve into the rhythmic sound of waves gently kissing the shore. Picture yourself standing on a pristine beach, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun begins its descent. This is not just any beach—it’s a sanctuary, a haven where miracles unfold.

Now, close your eyes and feel the soft, warm sand beneath your feet. The air is filled with the salty scent of the ocean, and a gentle breeze caresses your skin. In the stillness of the evening, something magical is about to happen. The sand starts to stir, and tiny, fragile beings begin their journey from the nest to the sea. You are witnessing the awe-inspiring moment when baby turtles hatch and make their way to the water for the very first time.

There’s an indescribable sense of wonder and joy as you watch these little creatures, driven by instinct and determination, embark on their perilous journey. Each step they take is a testament to the miracle of life and the resilience of nature. This experience is more than just a getaway; it’s a profound connection with the natural world, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

As you stand there, you’ll feel a deep sense of peace and gratitude. The challenges and stresses of daily life seem distant and insignificant compared to the incredible journey unfolding before your eyes. This moment is a gift, a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most heartwarming spectacles.

This getaway to the beach is not just about relaxation—it’s about rejuvenation. It’s about rekindling your sense of wonder, finding solace in the beauty of the natural world, and creating memories that will stay with you forever. Watching baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea is a reminder of the strength and determination within each of us, a symbol of new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Take this opportunity to escape the ordinary, to immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Let the waves wash away your worries, let the sunsets fill your heart with peace, and let the sight of these tiny turtles inspire you. Embrace the magic of the moment, and allow yourself to be transformed by the simple, yet profound, beauty of nature. This is more than a getaway—it’s a journey to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Why Vero Beach specifically? 90% of all sea turtle nesting in the United States occurs on Florida’s beaches. Vero is located on what’s known as the Treasure Coast, because of the old shipwrecks in the area from centuries before, where treasure is still being pulled up from the ocean. We can’t promise you’ll see a nest hatch, but odds are very good during this time of year (we saw a nest hatch 3 nights out of 4 at this same time period last year). If nothing else, you’ll get some good beach time in, and meet some other fabulous people while learning more about turtles, which many people consider to be protective spiritual guides, encouraging us to persevere and not give up easily.

Itinerary (*subject to change if necessary)

Thursday, July 25

Arrive by mid-afternoon to check-in, meet the group, and gather for dinner on the ocean at a well-known Vero Beach landmark, Waldo’s. After that, we’ll take a walk on the beach to check out the various turtle nests at night (when we’re most likely to see a hatching).

Friday, July 26

Beach walk at sunrise (when it’s possible we’ll see a mother laying a nest), followed up by breakfast at Craving’s, a fun outdoor spot we can walk to. We’ll spend part of our day relaxing by the pool and beach and the other part at the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum, where we will learn about the shipwrecks along the coast. We’ll have dinner tonight at the Ocean Grill, another favorite for fabulous food on the beach. We’ll follow that up with another night walk on the beach, with hopes of seeing a “turtle boil” (that’s the term for them all hatching at once, which looks a bit like a pot of water boiling over).

Saturday, July 27

We’ll wake early again for another beach walk at sunrise, followed by breakfast at Casey’s, a delicious locals venue. We’ll then relax and have some down time, followed up by an eco boat tour along the Indian River Lagoon, where we are likely to spot various wildlife including manatees and birds. We’ll have dinner at Riverside Cafe and then head back to the beach for another nighttime stroll.

Sunday, July 28

We’ll wake up for our last few hours at the beach, and take another morning walk with hopes of seeing a turtle nesting, and if not that, catch the sunrise. We’ll return to Cravings for breakfast and then relax for our last few hours before having to say goodbye.

Included:

4 days, 3 nights accommodation in a resort by the ocean (in either a private or shared room, your choice)

All meals, carefully selected to give you a flavor of the coast

Daily downtime to relax and connect with others on the journey

Transportation from and to the Orlando, Melbourne, or Vero Beach Airport if needed

Not Included:

Your flight(s) to/from the airport.

Retreat Pricing

A deposit of $1000 secures your trip.

Single room (king bed): $1997

Shared double room (two queen beds): $1797

Double occupancy (shared king bed, ideal for two close friends): $1497 each