One of our favorite pastimes here in Texas is back for another season! If you’ve never witnessed newborn Kemp’s ridley sea turtles making their way into the ocean, it’s truly a bucket-list-worthy experience.

Beginning annually around the middle of June, thousands of baby Kemp’s ridley sea turtles make their way into the ocean. Last Friday was the first release, consisting of 61 hatchlings.

Flickr/PINKE

A total of 166 nests have been discovered so far this year. However, the potential that more exist is likely since it is so early in the season. Despite this promising information, it’s very difficult to predict when the turtles will be ready for release since they hatch underground.

Flickr/annahesser

That being said, experts have put together a tentative calendar of projected hatch dates. June 23-27 is forecast to be the next largest release, followed by July 5-9, July 12-17, and July 20-24.

Flickr/madame_furie

In addition to the babies, you just might catch a glimpse of adult female Kemp’s ridley turtles nesting on the beach. Staff members love when these mamas are around because it alerts them to where the little ones will hatch from.

Flickr/npca

Figuring out where the nests are located before hatching occurs is vital for ensuring the turtles’ safety. Staff will collect the eggs ahead of time to protect them from perils like predators, erratic drivers, and high tides. They’ll be returned to the sand when it’s time for release.

Flickr/qnr

Make it a family event! More than 800 people were in attendance for last weekend’s release, and it truly was an unforgettable experience all around.

Flickr/qnr

141 of the nests are located on Padre Island, with most centered around the National Seashore area. While you could technically witness the turtles hatching anywhere along the Gulf Coast, SPI truly has the highest probability.

Google Maps

Have you ever watched the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles hatch? If so, is a trip on the agenda this year? Let us know all about your plans and past experiences! For more family-friendly activities you can only enjoy during summertime in Texas, check out 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Texas Summer Bucket List.

Flickr/PINKE

Flickr/annahesser

Flickr/madame_furie

Flickr/npca

Flickr/qnr

Google Maps

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.