Our work

At Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue, our mission comes to life through hands-on rescue, compassionate rehabilitation, public education, and meaningful community involvement.

Rescue
We respond to reports of injured, stranded, or sick sea turtles along our local beaches and waterways. From entanglements and boat strikes to cold-stunning and red tide exposure, we act swiftly to bring turtles into safe, expert care.

Rehabilitation
Once rescued, sea turtles receive personalized medical attention in our facility. Every turtle is carefully evaluated, treated, and monitored by our dedicated team and marine veterinarians, with the goal of full recovery and return to the wild.

Release
There’s no moment more rewarding than watching a healed sea turtle return to the ocean. We celebrate each release as a success—not just for the animal, but for the future of our marine ecosystems.

Education & Outreach
We believe awareness drives change. Through school presentations, beach cleanups, workshops, and social media, we teach the public how small actions can help save sea turtles—and protect the waters we all share.

Visitor Center (Coming Soon)
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.

Gift Shop (Coming Soon)
Our onsite and online 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.

Volunteer Program (Coming Soon)
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.