The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a dedicated facility committed to rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles on Jekyll Island. Learn about Georgia’s terrapins and other critters during your visit to the center and see some of the patients up close. Explore the exhibits and find out about the threats that impact these sea turtles’ lives, as well as what you can do to help.
Make your way around the exhibit gallery and look at the center’s informative displays. You’ll learn about the marine creatures that call Jekyll Island home, as well as their preferred habitats and foods. Find hands-on action for kids, too. Take a peek into the hospital, where sick and injured sea turtles are treated. In the rehabilitation pavilion, see turtles in the final stages of their recovery and almost ready for release back into the wild.
Find out what special programs the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has scheduled. Special presentations are held several times a day. Sit around the rehabilitation pavilion pool and watch some of the recovering patients. Be enthralled as staff members help a turtle eat its daily breakfast or dinner and see how natural feeding environments are simulated. Attend the meet and greet program and find out about each turtle’s story.
If you’d like an expert’s perspective, take a tour around the exhibit gallery with a staff member. Learn the difference between a tortoise, a turtle and a terrapin. Check out the action behind the scenes and go on a tour of the hospital section. On weekends, kids can watch an exciting puppet theater show and attend special educational programs. The gift shop stocks a wide range of turtle-related souvenirs and toys.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on the western coast of Jekyll Island. There is a fee to enter the facility. Some special programs may incur an additional cost. The center caters to visitors of all ages. Discounted admission is available for seniors and children under the age of 12. The center is open daily, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.