Bald Head Island is not only home to a wealth of adventure but also endless things to see on your adventures. This includes an array of wildlife that call the North Carolina island home, including turtles. Arguably, the most popular residents on Bald Head Island, these animals are a treat to see. However, it’s important you have an understanding of what to do if you see one. To help you have a turtle encounter that’s safe for both you and the turtle, the Munroe Properties team has put together this guide.
What Types of Turtles Are Found on Bald Head Island?
There are several different species that live or nest around the island, including green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. While loggerheads are the most common, there’s still a chance you might see the others offshore or nesting. Take some time to learn about the animals you may spot and how to differentiate them.
Conservation Efforts and How to Protect Turtles
Nesting season in North Carolina generally runs from May through October, with June and July being peak nesting. During a nesting cycle, female turtles come out of the water at night and dig a nest above the high-tide line. One turtle can lay around 100 eggs, which will incubate for 55 to 65 days. Once hatched, the baby turtles will make their journey to the ocean.
During nesting season, Bald Head Island Conservancy members can go on a turtle walk, where they will learn about the group’s conservation program. After, they will head to the beach to see if they spot any nesting or hatching activity.
Conservation Efforts and How to Protect Turtles
Bald Head Island Conservancy is a leader in monitoring, research, and nest protection efforts on the island. Their program includes nightly patrols during nesting season, marking and protecting nests, tracking and tagging, and hosting education programs.
Artificial light is one of the biggest threats to hatchlings as it can disorient them away from the ocean. This is why doing something as easy as turning off beachfront lights at night is such an easy way to help. If you’re going to be out on the beach after the sun goes down, use a red flashlight or put a red sticker on your phone. While white light can disorient turtles, they can’t see red light.
Other ways you can help include:
- Filling in holes on the beach
- Packing up your beach gear and not leaving it on the shoreline overnight
- Using reusable shopping bags
- Staying off marked nesting areas
- Keeping a respectful distance from any turtle you come upon
Enjoy Mother Nature’s Beauty on a Bald Head Island Vacation
Whether out looking for turtles or enjoying a peaceful day kayaking, there are endless ways to enjoy breathtaking beauty on a North Carolina vacation to Bald Head Island. Surround yourself in stunning scenery by renting from Munroe Properties. Our inventory of well-appointed vacation rentals on Bald Head Island includes homes with ocean views and rentals found in the maritime forest. To learn more about the amenities found at our Bald Head Island rentals, call 910-363-4955.
With the holiday season and winter break in the rearview, countless families are starting to plan their next unforgettable vacation. However, you don’t have to wait for school to be out for the summer to enjoy an adventure-filled getaway. Spring break is the perfect time to pack your bags and plan a Bald Head Island vacation with Munroe Properties. Our well-appointed vacation rentals are surrounded by family-friendly activities and attractions. Keep reading to learn more about what to do on a Bald Head Island spring break escape.
9 Things to Do on Your North Carolina Spring Break Trip
Bald Head Island is perfect for a spring break that’s equal parts relaxing and adventurous.
- Enjoy a picturesque spring day on the shores of East Beach and South Beach. Both of these spots are ideal for shelling and sunrise walks.
- Sneak in a bit of learning by going tide pooling. Spring low tides reveal tiny marine life, starfish, and crabs.
- Go for a walk through a maritime forest. Walk trails like Kent Mitchell Trail and enjoy views like old-growth live oaks and palmettos.
- See how many different types of birds you can spot at the Bald Head Woods Preserve. This spot is known for being home to ospreys, herons, and egrets.
- Rent kayaks from Coastal Urge, which also offers guided outings, and go exploring. Paddle through calm creeks and estuaries that are filled with an array of wildlife.
- Visit Old Baldy Lighthouse. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to climb to the top of the lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views.
- Join a guided nature tour. The Bald Head Island Conservancy is known for offering an array of outings that appeal to families and first-time visitors.
- Go for a bike ride on rentals from Riverside Outdoor Recreation. Because there are no cars allowed on the island, biking is a fun, easy, and safe way to explore.
- Create your own scavenger hunt. Make a list of must-see Bald Head Island spots and attractions, and break up into two teams; winners get to pick the movie that night.
Plan a Family-Approved Vacation to Bald Head Island
Before you spend too much time researching what to do on a Bald Head Island spring break vacation, take some time to research your perfect home base. At Munroe Properties, we work to bring you the best places to stay on Bald Head Island. Our inventory of North Carolina rentals features homes in an array of sizes, which means we have something for groups big and small.
Because all of our rentals have the comforts of home, you can easily enjoy a quiet night in. Cook dinner together before digging in around the dining table. When you’re done, settle in to watch your family’s favorite movie in the cozy living room.
Our team is here to help you find your perfect Bald Head Island rental home. Call 910-363-4955 to speak with someone today.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, nature-rich escape, Bald Head Island needs to be at the top of your list. This charming island is one of those quietly magical places where time slows down. However, that doesn’t mean your stay at a rental from Munroe Properties will be boring. In addition to checking out popular North Carolina attractions, there are also plenty of unique things to do on Bald Head Island.
A Guide to Off-the-Beaten Path Activities and Attractions
Staying at one of our Bald Head Island rentals means adventure is all around you. Between visiting popular attractions and discovering must-try activities, check out some of these more unique adventures.
- Go for a sunrise walk in the maritime forest. Listen to owls settling down and deer passing by.
- Found along the island’s southern edges is a cluster of ancient, wind-shaped oaks known unofficially as the Ghost Oaks. This area has a mystical vibe that needs to be seen.
- Go beachcombing for bioluminescent plankton. On warm summer nights, our shorelines sometimes glow from these little creatures. If you drag your feet gently through the shrug, you can see their blue streaks.
- Join an unofficial sand-spiral or driftwood sculpture session. The island is home to a quiet community of beach artists who create temporary works of art. You might stumble upon them and can join in.
- Go stargazing. Head to West Beach, which is away from the lighthouse area, and you can enjoy a large open expanse of sand perfect for stargazing.
One of the best ways to discover unique activities and attractions is by asking the locals! When grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying a bit of shopping, ask the employees what they would recommend doing that might be a bit off the beaten path.
See What Fun You Can Find on Your Bald Head Island Vacation
One of the best things about staying at a rental from Munroe Properties is that adventure is all around you. From popular activities to more unique things to do, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your days on Bald Head Island, North Carolina.
In order to have as much fun as possible, you need a relaxing place to stay where you can recharge your batteries. You’ll get exactly that when you reserve one of our North Carolina rentals. Our inventory of Bald Head Island vacation homes features well-appointed rentals that have everything you need to feel right at home. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living room, and peaceful bedroom. Many of our rentals also include front porches or back decks, ideal for sipping coffee or a glass of wine. Call 910-363-4955 to learn more about our vacation rentals on Bald Head Island and which one is right for you.