Rare Encounter: Spotting a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle in Pensacola Waters

The Gulf waters around Pensacola just got a little more magical. A rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle sighting has locals and visitors buzzing — and it’s the perfect reminder of why our corner of the Emerald Coast is so special.

The Kemp’s ridley is the smallest sea turtle in the world, usually measuring about two feet long and weighing between 70 to 100 pounds. With its heart-shaped shell and olive-gray coloring, it’s a beautiful creature to witness gliding through the bay or nearshore Gulf waters.

These turtles are critically endangered and the rarest of all sea turtle species. Most of their nesting happens on a single beach in Mexico, but they regularly forage in the Gulf of Mexico, including right here in Pensacola Bay and along Santa Rosa Sound. Their favorite snacks? Crabs, along with mollusks, jellyfish, and other small marine life found in our sandy and muddy bottom habitats.

Why this sighting matters

Seeing a Kemp’s ridley in local waters is uncommon. While loggerheads are more frequent visitors to our beaches, a Kemp’s ridley spotting turns heads because the species has faced steep challenges from bycatch in fishing gear, habitat loss, pollution, and historical egg harvesting.

Thanks to strong conservation efforts — like Turtle Excluder Devices on shrimp trawls and protected nesting beaches — their numbers have shown some hopeful signs over the years, though they remain endangered.

How you can experience Pensacola’s marine life responsibly

The best way to appreciate these incredible animals is from the water. A relaxed pontoon boat ride lets you explore the same bays and grass flats where sea turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife thrive — without disturbing them.

At Pensacola Pontoons,  Whether you’re renting a comfortable pontoon on Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, or Navarre, or want a captained Sailing Charter, our boats give you front-row access to the natural beauty of the area. Glide through calm waters, anchor in quiet coves, and keep your eyes peeled for turtles surfacing for air.  BOOK NOW

Tips for responsible wildlife viewing

• Keep your distance — never approach or try to touch sea turtles
• Reduce your speed in shallow areas where turtles may be feeding
• Avoid throwing trash or fishing line overboard
• Support local conservation by following Escambia County’s “Leave Only Footprints” and “Lights Out” guidelines during nesting season

Ready to explore Pensacola’s waters?

Book your pontoon boat rental today and create memories on the same beautiful waters these ancient mariners call home. Who knows — your trip might include your own unforgettable sea turtle sighting.

Have you ever spotted a sea turtle while out on the water? Drop your story in the comments — we’d love to hear it!

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