June on St. John: Welcoming the Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Protecting Paradise, One Hatchling at a Time

As June arrives on St. John, a quiet and magical transformation begins to unfold along the island’s beaches—sea turtle nesting season. From now through the late summer months, these ancient mariners return to our shores to lay their eggs, continuing a cycle that has spanned millions of years.

The Virgin Islands are home to several sea turtle species, including the endangered green turtle, hawksbill, and leatherback. Each plays a vital role in the health of our marine ecosystems—and their presence is one of the many reasons St. John is more than just a beautiful place to live; it’s a place to connect with nature on a deeper level.

What You’ll See

If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a mother turtle slowly making her way onto the sand under the moonlight, or—weeks later—tiny hatchlings emerging from their nests and racing toward the sea. It’s a sight that stirs wonder, especially knowing how rare and fragile these moments are.

In the 2024 nesting season alone, the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Sea Turtle Monitoring Program recorded 3,221 hatchlings successfully reaching the sea—the highest number since the program began in 2015. This incredible milestone reflects the strength of community support and conservation work happening right here on island. Read the Full 2024 Annual Report

Conservation in Action: Friends of Virgin Islands National Park

The Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program is funded and managed by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, with the support of over 80 dedicated volunteers. Their efforts include:

  • Nest Protection: Monitoring and safeguarding nests from predators and environmental threats.
  • Volunteer Beach Walks: From June to November, volunteers patrol beaches for signs of nesting activity.
  • Scientific Research: Gathering data and collaborating with partners to improve understanding of sea turtles in the region.
  • Educational Outreach: Hosting programs for schools, visitors, and residents to foster a culture of stewardship.

What You Can Do to Help

Living or vacationing in St. John offers a front-row seat to this natural wonder—but it also comes with responsibility. Here’s how you can help protect our sea turtles:

  • Avoid lights on nesting beaches at night.
  • Do not disturb nests or turtle tracks.
  • Report sightings of turtle crawls or tracks to vinpturtles@friendsvinp.org or (760) 470-8995.
  • Report mistreatment of turtles within the park to NPS Rangers at (866) 995-8467.
  • Report injured or stranded turtles anywhere in the USVI to the STAR Network at (340) 690-0474.
  • Learn more from the Sea Turtle Resource Library
  • Adopt a turtle or donate to support ongoing conservation: Give Now

Why It Matters

At Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate, we believe that part of the luxury of living on St. John is being surrounded by its pristine, protected nature. It’s not just about owning a home—it’s about being a steward of the island’s beauty, culture, and wildlife.

So whether you’re a longtime resident, new homeowner, or just exploring your dream of island living, June invites us all to slow down, look closer, and be inspired by the quiet miracles of the natural world—like the soft shuffle of a sea turtle making her way home.

Want to learn more about living in harmony with St. John’s wildlife?
Let’s talk. Our team doesn’t just know the island—we love it, and we’re here to help you find your place in it.