We are excited to announce we have an on-line shop. A simple way to shop and donate.
2025 shirts still available at discount prices.
Watch this website for the 2026 merchandise (coming soon!)
shop, donate and adopt a nest here
Found a mother turtle laying a nest? A stranded or injured sea turtle and/or unattended hatchlings?
Call the HBTWP Stranding Team:
910-754-0766 | 24/7/365
Nesting turtles are frightened by lights and won't lay their eggs on a brightly lighted beach. Hatchlings will go to the lights rather than the ocean! Please help us preserve our marine life by keeping beachfront lighting off from May 1st until October 31st. learn more turtle facts
As recommended by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, it is the policy of the HBTWP to NOT disclose the locations or potential hatch dates of active turtle nests on our beach.
A list of nest locations will NOT be published in newspapers, on this website or on other social media. Please do NOT call the emergency number or contact the Project Coordinator to ask about nests. This is for the safety of the turtles! learn more about turtle nesting
Current Nest Count |
False Crawls |
35 |
32 |
Total Known Eggs |
Hatchlings to Ocean |
4012 |
2389 |
posted: February 3, 2026, 3:46 PM
OMG we are overwhelmed with the interest in our Adopt a Nest program. We currently no nests available for adoption. We originally had a limited number of nests available (because we really don't know how many nests will be laid this year---last year it was only 35). The Adopt a Nest committee will evaluate opening up more nest adoptions once we get into the season. Please watch this page for NEWS or follow us on Facebook for updates. Note: a decision to add more nests will probably not be made until we are well into this year's turtle season. Thank...read more of this article.
posted: January 31, 2026, 7:16 AM
We're excited to announce our new nest adoption sponsorship program. This program supports our efforts to protect endangered sea turtles on Holden Beach. The number of nests available for adoption are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis as nests are laid on the beach. The nesting season is May 1 through August 31. Nest adoptees will have their name displayed at the nest and will receive an electronic certificate of adoption. The HBTWP will communicate with nest adoptees throughout the turtle season sharing photos and details about the nest. Information about the Adopt a Nest Program...read more of this article.
posted: January 23, 2026, 6:43 PM
We're excited. Lots of good things happening with our turtle patrol. We now have on-line shopping. Take the Shop/Donate link from the pull-down menu or from the front page of this website to see our new store. It's just in time for you to grab some of the last 2025 T-shirts at reduced prices. Remember...when they're gone...they're gone. Check back to this website in the next few weeks. The 2026 shirts will soon be available! Also, we have a new way for you to support our turtles and our turtle patrol. Adopt a nest. Details will be announced soon about...read more of this article.
posted: January 19, 2026, 1:13 PM
The sea turtle season in North Carolina is May-October and many of the NC beaches have volunteer turtle patrols. Our Holden Beach Turtle Patrol is accepting applicants for new Trainee positions for the 2026 season. If you are interested in joining the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol, please click on our website CONTACT US tab and complete the “Online Submission Form". Steve McNeill, our new Program Coordinator, will interview all applicants and explain the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, the volunteer training, and other duties and responsibilities. For photos and more information about our organization, explore our website and Facebook ...read more of this article.