Rare Leatherback Turtle Spotted Nesting in Daylight on Palm Beach County Beach

The 600-pound turtle, nicknamed 'Worm,' is the first of its kind encountered by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones depicting the intricate migratory patterns and life cycle stages of a leatherback sea turtle through sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise natural spirals, conveying the structural order and rhythms of this endangered species.A rare daytime nesting event by an endangered leatherback sea turtle provides researchers a unique window into the complex life cycle of this remarkable marine reptile.Gainesville Today

A rare leatherback sea turtle, weighing around 600 pounds, was spotted nesting during daylight hours on a beach in Palm Beach County, Florida. This sighting is highly unusual, as leatherback turtles typically nest at night. The turtle, known as 'Worm,' was previously documented by Florida Leatherbacks Inc. and is the first time the Loggerhead Marinelife Center has encountered this particular sea turtle.

Why it matters

Leatherback sea turtles are the largest living turtles and are considered an endangered species. Sightings of these turtles nesting during the day are extremely rare, providing valuable insights into their behavior and biology that can help conservation efforts.

The details

Photos and videos captured the leatherback turtle, nicknamed 'Worm,' nesting on the beach before it made its way back into the ocean. Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff say this is the first time they have encountered this particular sea turtle, which is considered a small leatherback.

  • The sighting occurred this past weekend on a beach in Palm Beach County, Florida.
  • Worm was previously documented by Florida Leatherbacks Inc. on March 4.

The players

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

A non-profit organization dedicated to sea turtle and ocean conservation, research, and education in Florida.

Florida Leatherbacks Inc.

A non-profit organization that conducts research and conservation efforts focused on leatherback sea turtles in Florida.

Worm

A 600-pound leatherback sea turtle that was spotted nesting during daylight hours on a Palm Beach County beach.

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The takeaway

This rare sighting of a leatherback sea turtle nesting during the day provides a unique opportunity for researchers and conservationists to better understand the behavior and biology of these endangered marine reptiles, which can inform future protection and conservation efforts.