On the westernmost tip of Galveston Island lies a land of extraordinary promise and beauty. On more than 1,000 acres of unspoiled island splendor, Pointe West’s one-of-a-kind resort community is worthy of its rare setting. Along our golden beaches, you may find the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles. These endangered turtles live primarily in the coastal waters and bays of the Gulf of Mexico and the northern Atlantic Ocean. They are most common along the Gulf coasts of Mexico,Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. The nesting season of the Kemp Ridley’s runs from April to July and are the only sea turtle to nest during the day.
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles were listed as endangered under to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States in 1970.
This makes it illegal for anyone to disturb, kill, or take the eggs of the Kemp’s ridley. Although the population is showing early signs of recovery, the species is still considered highly endangered.
What To Do If You Find a Sea Turtle
- Stay away from the turtle.
- Do not touch it or let children play with it.
- Do not let the turtle see you until it is laying eggs.
- Call the Sea Turtle Hotline at 1-866-887-8535 (1-866-TURTLE-5) if you find a sea turtle or a sea turtle nest.
- Write down your exact location.
- Take note of your position and landmarks around you.
- Take pictures or video if you have a camera.
- Place a stake or large object in the sand about one foot to the side of the nest.
- If there are any tags on the turtle, do not remove them.
- Write down the numbers on the tag.
For more information on the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles, click here.
