As the state’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center was at the top of our Jekyll Island ‘must do’ list during our visit last December.

Located near the historic district, the center is within walking distance of attractions and dining and is a fantastic attraction for learning about local wildlife and the rehabilitation of turtles from around Georgia.

What to Expect at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center 

Get ready to learn during your visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. I was amazed at the personal interactions that took place during our time at the center. Maggie played a few educational games with one of the educators and enjoyed learning more about the different species of turtles.

Be sure to check the daily schedule of events as sometimes there are medical procedures taking place where visitors can take a glimpse inside the rehabilitation center windows to see the turtles receiving care.

As you make your way back into the rehabilitation building, you’ll have the opportunity to see rescued turtles receiving care and regaining their strength to return to the ocean. The center has treated hundreds of sea turtles with a release rate of nearly 60% of these patients.

The work they do here is incredible — not to mention that all of the turtles are so cute. My girls loved seeing the babies swimming around and playing with one another.

In addition to the researchers at work, there was also an educator stationed within the research area available to answer questions about the animals and quiz the kids on what they’d learned so far during their visit.

Things to Know About Your Visit

While the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is on the smaller side, there are plenty of exhibits to explore within the center – and plenty of personal interactions too.

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit —

• Save time and purchase your admission tickets on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center website
• Your admission ticket allows you to come and go throughout the day
• All ticket proceeds help to offset operational costs, including the rehabilitation of patients
• Because it is a working animal hospital, your bathing suit must be covered before entering the center
• The center offers evening turtle walks along the beaches, sunrise walks and more during hatching season

My girls learned so much during our visit – and so did I – we’re looking forward to returning soon and seeing how much the turtles have grown since our last visit!

Learn More About the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Ready to start planning your visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center? Check out their events calendar, buy tickets or even make a donation at www.GeorgiaSeaTurtleCenter.org.

For the latest news and events schedule, follow along on Twitter at @GASeaTurtles and on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center Facebook page.

I know my family and I are looking forward to returning to the center on our next visit to Jekyll Island. It was a great educational outing where each of us learned something new — and had fun together too.

Have you visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center? 

** My family and I received complimentary admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Thoughts and opinions here are my own. **