I Watched 5 Sea Turtles Released Into the Wild From the South Carolina Aquarium Rehabilitation Center (August 2025)
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A Charleston Moment I’ll Never Forget
On a beautiful August day in Charleston, five endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles made their journey back to the Atlantic Ocean after weeks or months of care and rehabilitation at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center. The release drew crowds of locals and visitors who witnessed these marine animals return to their natural habitat at Folly Beach Couty Park.
The crowd was engaged, excited, and respectful with families gathering close to watch, while volunteers ensured everyone maintained a safe distance as the turtles entered the water. The shared experience highlighted Charleston’s deep connection to its marine environment.
Inside the Sea Turtle Care Center
For those who haven’t visited, the Sea Turtle Care Center is one of Charleston’s hidden treasures. As of June 2025, more than 460 sea turtles have been rescued, rehabilitated and released by the South Carolina Aquarium, making it a crucial hub for marine conservation along the Atlantic coast.
The Aquarium treats the four sea turtle species native to South Carolina: green, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback and loggerhead (the state reptile).
Visitors to the Aquarium can see the rehabilitation process up close, making it an educational and inspiring stop in Charleston.
The August 2025 Release Experience: An Eyewitness Account
This particular release featured five sea turtles all of small but varying sizes, each carefully transported to the water by trained aquarium staff. Each turtle was carried to the ocean allowing the spectators to view the turtles on their journey back to sea.
Watching them disappear into the Atlantic was both emotional and uplifting, serving as a powerful reminder of why marine conservation efforts matter.
👉If you’re planning to attend a release in the summer heat, my guide to What to Wear in Charleston in the Summer will help you stay comfortable while still looking stylish on the beach.
Why Sea Turtle Releases Matter for Marine Conservation
Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, and their recovery is a conservation success story. Once hammered by overhunting and habitat loss, sea turtles have persevered with new protections and conservation efforts, with populations now rebounding even as oceans change.
All sea turtles that occur in U.S. waters are listed as either threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making every successful rehabilitation and release significant for species recovery.
The South Carolina Aquarium uses these release events not only to return turtles to their habitat but also to teach visitors how individual actions, such as reducing plastic waste, can directly impact marine life survival.
More About Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles and the 5 Turtles that were released
According to NOAA, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the world’s most endangered sea turtle, once nearly disappearing before conservation efforts helped their numbers rise in the 1990s. About 95% of all nesting now occurs on three beaches in Tamaulipas, Mexico, with smaller numbers in Texas and rare nests along the U.S. Southeast coast. Known for their unique “arribada” nesting, thousands of females come ashore together, often during the day, to lay eggs. Despite signs of recovery, nesting numbers have fluctuated since 2010, making continued protection and conservation critical for their survival.
The 5 turtles that were released were named Seashore Mallow, Marigold, Hyacinth, Sunflower and Sweet Caroline. All of the turtles released were still considered in their juvenile state, except for one who was considered sub-adult (meaning it was larger than a juvenile but not yet an adult). Most of them had been rescued from the Myrtle Beach area and taken to the Sea Turtle Care unit to get rehabilitation for several weeks to several months prior to being ready to be released back into the wild.
How to Attend Future Sea Turtle Releases in Charleston
Want to catch one yourself? Here’s how:
- Check the Aquarium’s Website or Socials, or better yet, get on the Aquarium’s mailing list: They announce release dates in advance.
- Arrive Early: Beach parking fills quickly.
- Be Flexible: Releases depend on turtle health, tides, and weather.
Even if your visit doesn’t line up with a release, you can still see recovering turtles year-round at the Aquarium’s Care Center.
Visiting the South Carolina Aquarium
The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, South Carolina on Charleston’s historic waterfront.
Current Operating Details:
- Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.)
- Holiday Hours: Closed Thanksgiving and December 25; Open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. December 24
- Admission: The South Carolina Aquarium uses dynamic pricing – tickets available up to 60 days in advance
- Contact: (843) 577-FISH (3474) or toll-free (800) 722-6455
What to See:
- Sea Turtle Care Center: View recovering turtles in the state-of-the-art facility, including the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ second floor opened in 2017
- Interactive touch tanks and exhibits
- Harbor views and educational programs
- Close proximity to Waterfront Park
👉Are you looking for more ideas beyond the Aquarium? Check out my guide to 14 Hidden Gems in Charleston, SC: Secret Local Spots You Need to Visit in 2025
Hotel Recommendations Close to the Aquarium
Hilton Club Liberty Place : located .2 miles from the Aquarium and closest hotel to the Aquarium
Francis Marion Hotel : located .5 miles from the Aquarium, historical hotel, right by Marion Square
Embassy Suites of Charleston- Historic District: located .4 miles from Aquarium, Registered National Historic Landmark on Marion Square
How You Can Support Sea Turtle Conservation
Visitors inspired by turtle releases can support the conservation work that has helped over 460 sea turtles return to the ocean. Contact the South Carolina Aquarium directly at (843) 577-FISH (3474) for current information about:
- Direct donations to the Sea Turtle Care Center
- Symbolic turtle adoption programs
- Volunteer opportunities with local conservation efforts
- Educational program participation
Essential Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Sea Turtle Releases
How often are sea turtles released?
Several times a year, depending on turtle health and recovery.
Do you need tickets for a release?
No, most releases are free public events on local beaches. Some of the releases take place in County Parks, which have a parking fee.
Can you see turtles at the Aquarium outside of release days?
Yes! Patients are viewable year-round in the Care Center.
What should I bring to a release?
You don’t technically need anything for the release. However, I would recommend bringing your camera or a phone to document this unique experience. Because it’s recommended that you get there in advance, bring a towel or beach chair to sit on while you wait. This release was in August, so most of the spectators had on their bathing suits and/or cover ups and were also enjoying the ocean prior to the release. Regardless, I’d also recommend water, sunscreen, and clothes that are appropriate for the weather. For more on what to wear in Charleston, check out What to Pack for Charleston in the Summer (So You Don’t Melt)
Wrapping Things Up: The Bigger Picture, Marine Conservation in Charleston
This sea turtle release represents Charleston’s broader commitment to coastal and marine conservation. The work done at the Sea Turtle Care Center contributes to regional efforts to protect marine ecosystems and educate the public about ocean stewardship.
For me, this was a very moving Charleston experience, watching rehabilitated turtles glide back into the wild was unforgettable.
If you’re visiting the city, add the South Carolina Aquarium to your list, and if you’re lucky, time your trip to witness a release. It’s a moment of pure connection between people, wildlife, and the ocean, and one that you won’t soon forget.
