The Sea Turtle Life Cycle is a Journey of Survival and Renewal

Sea turtles are among the oldest living creatures on Earth, having graced our oceans for over 100 million years. Their story is one of resilience, instinct, and an incredible journey across vast oceans. Understanding the sea turtle life cycle not only helps us appreciate these ancient mariners but also highlights the urgent need to protect them at every stage of their existence.

The Beginning: Nesting and Eggs

The sea turtle life cycle begins on sandy beaches where female turtles return to lay their eggs — often on the very same shore where they were born. This remarkable behavior, known as natal homing, is guided by the Earth’s magnetic field.

At night, a female sea turtle crawls ashore, digs a deep nest with her flippers, and lays between 80 to 120 eggs. After covering the nest, she returns to the sea, leaving the eggs to incubate under the warm sand. The temperature of the sand determines the hatchlings’ gender — warmer sand produces more females, while cooler sand produces more males.

Hatchlings and Their Race to the Sea

After about 45 to 60 days, the eggs hatch, and tiny turtles emerge from the sand. This is one of the most vulnerable moments in the sea turtle life cycle. Guided by the natural light of the horizon, hatchlings make their way to the ocean. Along the way, many fall prey to birds, crabs, and other predators.

Sadly, artificial lighting and beach disturbances often disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the water. Conservation organizations like the Lekan Bakare Foundation work to protect nesting beaches and reduce these threats through community education and beach cleanups.

The Juvenile Stage: The “Lost Years”

Once they reach the sea, hatchlings enter what scientists call the “lost years,” a mysterious stage of the sea turtle life cycle where young turtles drift through ocean currents for several years. During this time, they feed on plankton, jellyfish, and small invertebrates while floating in seaweed beds. These early years are crucial for growth and survival but remain poorly understood due to the turtles’ wide-ranging movements.

Adulthood and Migration

After years of maturing, sea turtles settle into specific feeding grounds. Depending on the species, they may feed on seagrasses, sponges, jellyfish, or crustaceans. As adults, sea turtles undertake long migrations across oceans, traveling thousands of miles between feeding and nesting sites. This incredible navigational ability is one of the most fascinating aspects of the sea turtle life cycle.

Every few years, mature females return to nesting beaches to lay eggs — continuing the cycle of life once more.

Conservation and Hope for the Future

Each stage of the sea turtle life cycle faces serious threats — from poaching and pollution to habitat loss and climate change. By protecting nesting beaches, reducing plastic waste, and supporting marine conservation efforts, we can help ensure that sea turtles continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Lekan Bakare Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to safeguard sea turtles at every stage of their journey — from egg to adult. Together, we can protect these magnificent creatures and the oceans they call home.