Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys kempii

The smallest sea turtle in the world, the Kemp’s Ridley is known for its remarkable
mass nesting events and its strong connection to the Gulf of Mexico.

Meet the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Small but remarkably resilient, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles spend much of their lives in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. They feed primarily on crabs and other marine animals found in shallow coastal waters.

Photo By/CreditJereme Phillips/USFWS

The Journey Continues

Female Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles return primarily to beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to nest. Unlike most sea turtles, they often nest during the day and may arrive on shore together in large groups.

These extraordinary mass nesting events are known as arribadas. Weeks later, thousands of tiny hatchlings can emerge from the sand and begin their journey toward the Gulf.

Photo By/CreditJereme Phillips/USFWS

Built for the Journey

  • Coastal Hunters

    Kemp’s Ridleys use their powerful jaws to feed on crabs, mollusks and other animals living in shallow coastal waters.

  • Gulf Travelers

    Much of the population is closely connected to the Gulf of Mexico, although some travel north along the Atlantic coast.

  • Arribada Nesters

    Hundreds or even thousands of females can come ashore to nest during synchronized events known as arribadas.

A Future Worth Protecting

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles face threats from fishing gear, marine debris, habitat disturbance and changing coastal environments. Protecting nesting beaches and reducing accidental capture at sea are critical to the species’ continued recovery.

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