St. Petersburg
Time for You, Time for Turtles
St. Petersburg’s waters provide important habitat for sea turtles, particularly in high-traffic boating areas such as Bay Pines, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. Slowing to the safest minimum speed in the voluntary sea turtle protection zone helps reduce the risk of hitting a sea turtle while keeping your day on the water relaxing and enjoyable.
Charting Safe Waters
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission researcher Dr. Foley mapped sea turtle strandings caused by boat collisions statewide. Building on that work, FSU marine biologist Dr. Fuentes identified Florida's highest-risk waters off St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach where heavy boat traffic, higher speeds, and active sea turtles converge. Risk peaks May through September, when boating season and nesting season overlap.
Speed is the variable boaters control. At low speeds, sea turtles have time to dive. Although most sea turtles cannot be seen, while going slow, you might have a chance to spot one, especially if you wear polarized sunglasses and designate a passenger to keep an eye out for wildlife.