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Local guide · Surf City

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

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Topsail’s own sea turtle hospital has cared for more than 1,700 injured and sick turtles since 1995 and released more than 1,300 back to the ocean. On a guided tour you see current patients up close, from the intensive-care ’sick bay’ to the recovery tanks.

  • Surf City
  • Sea turtles
  • Guided tours
  • Reserve ahead

Why families go

Visitors call it a wholesome, unforgettable stop. The volunteer and intern guides are passionate and knowledgeable, the tours are affordable, and kids leave caring about sea turtles. Tours last roughly 30 minutes to an hour, mostly standing, and end with up-close views of the turtles. The hard part is getting in: tours are reservation-only, run in seasonal windows and sell out, so book as soon as your dates are set.

Don’t miss

  • Sea Turtle Sick BayWindows onto the newest patients in intensive treatment.
  • Sea Turtle BayAn observation ramp over the recovery tanks: loggerheads, greens and Kemp’s ridleys.
  • LennieThe hospital’s blind Kemp’s ridley, a permanent resident since 2006.
  • Adopt a turtle or a nestSymbolic adoptions of current patients support the hospital.
A sea turtle in a recovery tank seen from the tour
A patient in Sea Turtle Bay
A sea turtle hatchling on the sand
A hatchling heading to sea

Photos: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Before you go

  • Guided tours only, by advance timed ticket; slots of about 15 people sell out. In summer, the tourism bureau has advised booking at least two weeks ahead.
  • Tours run in seasonal windows; check the hospital’s website for current dates.
  • Park on site, not at the neighboring pet hospital or along the road. No pets (service animals excepted).
  • Patient numbers vary, and fewer patients is good news; releases aren’t scheduled for visitors.

Plan your visit

  • Where: 302 Tortuga Ln., Surf City, NC 28445 (mainland Surf City)
  • From Topsail: About 5 minutes from the Surf City bridge, on the mainland.
  • Hours: Seasonal guided tours by reservation; see the website for dates.
  • Admission: Paid timed tour tickets; toddlers free with a ticket.
  • Tickets: Reserve a tour
  • Official site: seaturtlehospital.org
  • More nearby: more family fun in Surf City

Staying nearby? Browse our Surf City vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.