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Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Each June, hundreds of sea turtles swim to Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and drag themselves onto the sand to lay their eggs. After a few months, the eggs hatch, and tiny baby turtles emerge from the beach and waddle into the ocean. The secluded beaches of Archie Carr are truly pristine. The shores receive virtually no artificial light and are an ideal setting for nesting sea turtles. This refuge is considered the most important nesting area for sea turtles in North America -- 15,000 to 20,000 sea turtles nest there each year. Travelers are advised to view turtle nesting with a state permitted guide, so arrange a guided visit (visits can be arranged by calling the Barrier Island Management and Ecosystem Center at 321-723-3556 starting May 1) in June or July in order to witness this natural miracle.