Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

Archie Carr is a linear refuge stretching for 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso along Florida's east coast. It protects some of the best nesting habitat for loggerhead and green sea turtles in the United States.

It is the second most important nesting beach in the world for loggerheads. The refuge protects 23 to 35 percent of all loggerhead and green sea turtle nests in the country.

To help preserve this globally important nesting ground, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined Florida's state and local governments and private conservation groups to acquire and manage this beachfront area.

The primary goal is to provide long-term protection of sea turtle habitat as well as providing compatible public use.

Currently, visitor opportunities are limited on lands owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other public lands managed by the State of Florida and Indian River and Brevard County offer public access to its beaches.

Fishing is allowed on the beaches, but visitors should contact refuge staff before visiting.