When does nesting season run?

The nesting window is mid-May to mid-August.

How many eggs does a loggerhead nest hold?

The average clutch size in South Carolina is 120 eggs.

How long do the eggs take to hatch?

The average incubation duration is 55 to 60 days.

What should a visitor do after they see hatchlings?

Do not approach sea turtle hatchlings. Give them plenty of space. Do not handle or hold sea turtle hatchlings. Do not carry, guide, or help sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean.

Which species nests on South Carolina beaches?

Loggerheads nest in the state and are listed as threatened. The listing took effect on July 28, 1978.

Sea turtles

Sea turtles at Surfside Beach

The South Carolina sea turtle season runs from May to October.

Nesting runs from mid-May to mid-August. Hatching runs from July to October.

Sources: South Carolina DNR loggerhead page (opens in a new tab) and South Carolina DNR hatchling page (opens in a new tab), checked August 19, 2026.

Nesting facts

Season: May to October; The sea turtle season on South Carolina beaches.; Source: South Carolina DNR loggerhead page (opens in a new tab)
Nesting window: mid-May to mid-August; The nesting portion of the season.; Source: South Carolina DNR loggerhead page (opens in a new tab)
Clutch size: 120 eggs; The average clutch size in South Carolina.; Source: South Carolina DNR loggerhead page (opens in a new tab)
Incubation: 55 to 60 days; The average incubation duration.; Source: South Carolina DNR loggerhead page (opens in a new tab)

How to treat a nest and hatchlings

Do not watch a nest when hatchlings emerge.

Do not stand or sit on the sand dunes. It is unlawful to walk on the dunes.
Do not approach sea turtle hatchlings. Give them plenty of space.
Do not handle or hold sea turtle hatchlings.
Do not carry, guide, or help sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean.
Do not shine any lights on a hatchling, regardless of the color of the light.
Do not turn on a cell phone.
Do not take pictures of hatchlings. Flash photography is harmful to a hatchling.
Any disturbance to a sea turtle nest or emerging hatchlings is unlawful and may harm the animal.

Source: South Carolina DNR hatchling page (opens in a new tab)

Report a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle

Learn four choices for reporting a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle without touching it.