Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest reptile on Earth, and Miami Beach's North Beach is among the rare stretches of Atlantic coastline where these gentle giants come ashore to nest. Unlike their smaller cousins, leatherbacks travel enormous distances across open ocean before choosing a beach, making any sighting here feel genuinely extraordinary. During nesting season, the Miami Beach Broadwalk area becomes a quiet stage for one of nature's most dramatic rituals. Conservation volunteers often monitor the beach at night, and joining an organized watch is the most respectful — and rewarding — way to witness this spectacle.