Our work
Saving Sea Turtles, Protecting Our Shores
At Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, our mission comes to life through real‑world action — from responding to injured turtles to educating our community about ocean conservation. Every part of our work reflects compassion, urgency, and a deep commitment to protecting these incredible animals.
Rescue
When a sea turtle is found injured, stranded, or sick, we act quickly. From boat strikes and fishing line entanglements to cold‑stunning and red tide exposure, we respond to reports along our beaches and waterways and bring turtles into safe care.
Rehabilitation
Once in care, sea turtles receive medical attention tailored to their needs, with close monitoring and support throughout recovery. Our focus is always going to be on restoring their health and preparing them for a successful return to the ocean.
Release
There’s no moment more rewarding than watching a healed sea turtle make its way back to the water. Each release is a celebration — for the turtle, for our team, and for the future of our local marine ecosystem.
Education & Outreach
Awareness sparks change. Through festivals, presentations, beach cleanups, workshops, and community events, we teach people how simple choices can make a big difference for sea turtles — from reducing plastic use to protecting nesting beaches.
Gift Shop (Online now OPEN!)
Our online gift shop is now open!
Our onsite and gift shop will offer ocean-inspired merchandise, with all proceeds supporting our rescue and rehab efforts. From T-shirts to eco-friendly gifts, each item helps fund the care of turtles in need.
Coming Soon
Visitor Center
We're working toward opening an interactive visitor center where guests can learn about sea turtles, marine conservation, and the rescue process through hands-on exhibits, guided tours, and educational displays.
Volunteer Program
We’re building a passionate volunteer team to support our day-to-day operations, including turtle care, education programs, events, and more. Volunteers will be the heart of our growing mission—and we can’t wait to welcome them aboard.
Rescue & Rehabilitation
Every rescue tells a story—of survival, healing, and hope.
When a sea turtle is found injured, sick, or stranded, our team springs into action. From the first call to the moment of release, each step in our process is handled with expert care and deep compassion.
Conservation Efforts
Sea turtle rescue is only part of the mission—conservation is at the heart of everything we do.
From reducing plastic pollution to protecting nesting beaches, our work supports the long-term survival of sea turtles and the ecosystems they depend on. We collaborate with local communities, advocate for responsible coastal practices, and inspire the next generation to become ocean stewards.
Success Stories
Every turtle we rescue has a name, a journey, and a second chance.
From tangled hatchlings to full-grown sea turtles struck by boats, we've seen incredible recoveries—and each one reminds us why this work matters. These stories are not just about survival, but about resilience, hope, and the power of compassion.