SHARE THE ISLAND THOUGHTFULLY
A remarkable island. A little care goes a long way.
Learn about Bald Head Island sea-turtle conservation and find the Conservancy’s current programs, with realistic expectations for nest-excavation opportunities.
Your island stay, planned with us.
Conservation comes first
The Bald Head Island Conservancy protects and studies local sea turtles. A nest excavation is conservation work led by authorized staff, not a scheduled hatchling show. Staff inventory a nest after hatching and may find turtles that have not emerged.
Can we watch an excavation?
Start with the Conservancy’s official program calendar and program descriptions, then ask its team about current public excavation opportunities for your dates. Timing follows the nest and conditions; viewing, hatchlings, access and specific dates are not guaranteed. Some programs have registration or membership requirements.
Find current opportunities
Use the live official calendar linked below rather than a dated list copied onto this website. If an excavation is not listed, ask the Conservancy; this site does not have a private nest schedule or book places.
Be a good beach neighbor
Stay outside protected areas and follow staff directions and lighting guidance. Leave turtles, nests and hatchlings undisturbed. Take your beach equipment away and fill holes before leaving. You can also support the Conservancy through its own programs.