The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach was founded about 40 years ago, but the challenges it faces today have not only been compounded by the effects of recent climate change but also by the increase of red tide and toxic blue-green algae on sea creatures and ocean ecology.
Situated on one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting beaches, LMC welcomes more than 350,000 guests each year and offers free admission and parking. The Center features an on-site hospital, a research laboratory, educational exhibits, and aquariums.
LMC is a nonprofit scientific destination focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. It is supported by members, donors, gift shop receipts and fees for certain events; however, many activities are available free of charge and the facility is open to the public daily. Donations accepted. Following are some of the highlights of the programs available.
Currently, there are several free exhibits and programs including the following:
- New Interactive Digital Reef: Visitors are encouraged to create an array of 3-D sea creatures through a touch screen coloring application.
- Fish Feeding Talks, 1:30-2 p.m., Monday-Saturday, Brad & Joan Ingalls Amphitheater
- Jr. Research Lab: 3:30-4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday Saturday, 30 minutes for ages 5-12 (June-Sept.)
- Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches Showing: 10:30 a.m., Saturdays & Sundays, for all ages; 30 minutes.
Courtesy: marinelife.org
Junior Research Lab for ages 5-12: Kids can enjoy this free program as they become junior researchers and come to the aid of sea turtle hatchlings. The program takes place June through September on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
Participants can learn about the world of turtles and take part in a mock excavation where they'll learn how math and stats can help conservation. Kids will explore how data collected over a long period of time helps in saving sea turtles. They'll participate in releasing hatchlings back out into the wild, back to sea. The program is limited to six children so please go to the calendar page and click on the date and event to register to reserve space.
Weekly Audio Tours: Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m. = $5 adult, $5 child
If you sign up for the Audio Tour program, you will receive an individual audio device and a campus map. This program is entirely self-guided and enables you to explore the expanded campus at your own pace. You will gain a deep understanding of our mission and the critical work that we do at LMC during each of the 8 stops along the way. Good for all ages.
Courtesy: LMC / marinelife.org
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center‘s Sea Turtle Hospital is an active teaching hospital and sea turtle rehabilitation center where no sea turtle patient is housed permanently. The Center's goal is to treat, rehabilitate and finally release all of their sea turtle patients as soon LMC’s veterinarians deem them medically clear.
Photo credit: Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Living Beaches (seasonal activity, returns in the fall of 2023)
Take place in an interactive presentation and backyard beach expedition with Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff and discover just how our Living Beaches are teaming with life. Discuss and discover Florida’s coastal ecosystems and find out just who resides here. Find out how these curious creatures make the long trek from the ocean to our beaches. Wear comfortable walking shoes, the weekly program is an hour long and you will be walking in soft, loose sand. Register your desired date on their calendar.
Cost: Free
Ages: 8+
Photo credit: marinelife.org / Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Hatchling Tales (seasonal, returns fall of 2023)
Is your little one drawn to sea turtles all things that live in the ocean? Then, this is a must-see and do for curious toddlers. Join the Center's Hatchling Tales program. In this ocean-inspired program kids, ages 0-5, will enjoy an ocean-themed story and an equally fun themed craft to make and take home. Each session has a different story and craft, so it's never the same twice. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Center and get involved. Guests are asked to please register for the free event on your desired date on the Center's calendar.
Cost: Free
Ages: 0 – 5 years
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach. See this webpage for more events and activities.
Live Sea Turtle Cam
Wondering what those crazy sea turtles are up to right now? Take a peek. Join viewers around the globe and tune in live to see what's happening. Check-in on the progress of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center's sea turtle patient being cared for in the hospital tank. The live webcams were made possible by a donation from Florida Power & Light Company and the FPL Group Foundation.
To keep up with the latest news, sign up for the South Florida on the Cheap newsletter. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Miami on the Cheap is a member of 