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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Hilton Head, SC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Hilton Head, SC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Hilton Head, SC
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Hilton Head, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Hilton Head, SC
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Hilton Head, SC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Hilton Head, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Hilton Head, SC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Hilton Head, SC
Hurricane Melissa now a Category 5. Here’s when the storm will impact Hilton Head & what to expect
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article312661555.html
11:30 a.m. update: In the latest briefing, the National Hurricane Center said that Melissa now has sustained winds of 165 mph. The storm is still expected to turn northward today and will move over Jamaica tonight through Tuesday morning.Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm Monday morning, becoming one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes of the season as it churns through the western Caribbean.According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa’s maximum sustained winds have reached...
11:30 a.m. update: In the latest briefing, the National Hurricane Center said that Melissa now has sustained winds of 165 mph. The storm is still expected to turn northward today and will move over Jamaica tonight through Tuesday morning.
Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm Monday morning, becoming one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes of the season as it churns through the western Caribbean.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa’s maximum sustained winds have reached 160 mph and is moving west at only 3 mph.
As of Monday morning, the storm’s center was located about 135 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.
The NHC expects a gradual turn to the northwest and north tonight before Melissa accelerates northeastward toward the Bahamas later this week.
The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday “as a powerful, major hurricane.”
Melissa is then expected to move across southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas through midweek and maintain hurricane strength as it moves over these areas.
The storm’s slow forward speed means Jamaica and eastern Cuba will face extended periods of destructive winds, torrential rainfall and catastrophic flooding. Storm surge along Jamaica’s southern coast could reach 9 to 13 feet, accompanied by destructive waves and widespread coastal flooding.
Impacts to Hilton Head
While the system is forecast to remain well offshore of the southeastern United States, dangerous rip currents and minor coastal flooding are likely along South Carolina beaches through midweek.
While the Hilton Head area will have a rainy start to the week, with showers expected until Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a warning of dangerous rip currents along Hilton Head Island and nearby Georgia beaches through Monday evening.
In addition, forecasters say both coastal flooding and rip currents are a concern for the area through the week.
The highest-value homes in Hilton Head Island
AOL.comhttps://www.aol.com/news/highest-value-homes-hilton-head-201621735.html
The highest-value homes in Hilton Head IslandEvery city has its showpiece homes — the ones that define luxury living. And as prices continue to rise across the U.S., the most valuable properties showcase just how high local markets can go. The high-end housing market in particular has reached new heights in 2025, with the typical luxury home selling for a record $1.35 million in March. The million-dollar price tag no longer even qualifies as "luxury" in most places.So, what do Hilton Head Island's most glamoro...
The highest-value homes in Hilton Head Island
Every city has its showpiece homes — the ones that define luxury living. And as prices continue to rise across the U.S., the most valuable properties showcase just how high local markets can go. The high-end housing market in particular has reached new heights in 2025, with the typical luxury home selling for a record $1.35 million in March. The million-dollar price tag no longer even qualifies as "luxury" in most places.
So, what do Hilton Head Island's most glamorous homes look like? To find out, Redfin Real Estate found the city's highest-value homes based on their Redfin Estimate.
#1. 80 Bridgetown Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $16,356,904- Beds: 8- Baths: 13- Square feet: 18,056- See 80 Bridgetown Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#2. 38 Surf Scoter Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $15,498,544- Beds: 6- Baths: 8- Square feet: 10,628- See 38 Surf Scoter Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#3. 7 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $14,292,266- Beds: 6- Baths: 6.5- Square feet: 8,123- See 7 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#4. 14 Painted Bunting Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $14,270,918- Beds: 5- Baths: not available- Square feet: 7,314- See 14 Painted Bunting Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#5. 9 Brown Pelican Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $13,927,913- Beds: 6- Baths: 8- Square feet: 7,000- See 9 Brown Pelican Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#6. 24 Oyster Catcher Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $13,185,169- Beds: 4- Baths: 12- Square feet: 5,995- See 24 Oyster Catcher Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#7. 14 Laughing Gull Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $13,168,925- Beds: 1- Baths: not available- Square feet: 10,698- See 14 Laughing Gull Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#8. 15 Bald Eagle Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $12,352,856- Beds: 1- Baths: not available- Square feet: 3,958- See 15 Bald Eagle Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#9. 14 Whistling Swan Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $12,237,551- Beds: 4- Baths: 8- Square feet: 5,855- See 14 Whistling Swan Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#10. 14 Seaside Sparrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $12,175,435- Beds: 6- Baths: not available- Square feet: 5,407- See 14 Seaside Sparrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#11. 37 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $12,160,993- Beds: 4- Baths: not available- Square feet: 6,253- See 37 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#12. 19 Red Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $11,649,760- Beds: 5- Baths: not available- Square feet: 6,007- See 19 Red Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#13. 19 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $11,362,607- Beds: 6- Baths: 8- Square feet: 5,948- See 19 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#14. 15 Laughing Gull Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $11,184,670- Beds: 7- Baths: 9- Square feet: 9,320- See 15 Laughing Gull Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#15. 25 Sandhill Crane Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $11,128,391- Beds: 6- Baths: not available- Square feet: 6,309- See 25 Sandhill Crane Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#16. 31 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $10,970,046- Beds: 4- Baths: 8- Square feet: 6,752- See 31 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
#17. 43 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928- Approximate home value: $10,950,501- Beds: 2- Baths: not available- Square feet: 8,017- See 43 S Beach Lagoon Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 on Redfin.com
Methodology
Redfin Estimate data as of September 11, 2025. Bedroom, bathroom, and square footage data may not be available or accurate. Secondary addresses may not be included. Value estimates may not reflect what the house could actually sell for.
Arrest made after Hilton Head Island ATV crash injures new mother
Sabrina Leehttps://www.wjcl.com/article/hilton-head-island-atv-crash-injures-new-mother/69170202
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. —Update 8:13 p.m.: Geoffroy now faces additional charges of open container of beer or wine in motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle and permitting or operating vehicle which is not registered and licensed.Update 8:40 a.m.: The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has arrested Daniel Paul Geoffroy, 28.Geoffroy, of Hilton Head Island, is charged with reckless driving.He was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center ju...
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. —
Update 8:13 p.m.:
Geoffroy now faces additional charges of open container of beer or wine in motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle and permitting or operating vehicle which is not registered and licensed.
Update 8:40 a.m.:
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has arrested Daniel Paul Geoffroy, 28.
Geoffroy, of Hilton Head Island, is charged with reckless driving.
He was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center just before midnight Tuesday.
Geoffroy was previously arrested in 2022 after authorities said he caused nearly $40,000 in damages while driving through the Sea Pines Resort.
Initial report:
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV crash that happened late Wednesday night on Hilton Head Island's South End around 11:45p.m.
At the same time a GoFundMe is circulating social media, stating a woman was severely injured following an ATV crash on Wednesday evening.
Here's what we know:
According to an incident report obtained by WJCL from BCSO the ATV crash happened at 115 Arrow Road, located on the south side of the island just before midnight on Wednesday.
South Carolina law dictates that ATVs cannot be operated on public roads or streets. Since Hilton Head Island only has public roads and no state trails ATV operation isn't allowed on the island.
According to a GoFundMe, Ashley Facenda was involved in a 'serious ATV accident' where she had to be airlifted via LifeLink to Savannah Memorial Hospital. She is being treated for multiple traumatic injuries, including a broken collarbone, collapsed and punctured lung and multiple rib and spinal fractures.
The GoFundMe states that Facenda is a brand-new mother to a 3-month-old baby boy.
WJLC has since reached out to BCSO, they said they have no further updates on the investigation at this time.
The GoFundMe has raised over $24,000 so far to help Facenda's family with costs.
TRENDING STORIES
Mother of Hilton Head boy threatened by gun-wielding off-duty sheriff’s deputy files federal lawsuit
Mitchell Blackhttps://www.postandcourier.com/beaufort-county/news/beaufort-sheriff-deputy-hilton-head-gun-lawsuit/article_2b948446-74ff-4b19-8221-ca24e74f8654.html
HILTON HEAD — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and a former deputy who threatened a group of local teens with a handgun while off-duty now face a lawsuit for their roles in the incident.Laquesha Habersham, a mother of one of the boy’s involved, sued the sheriff’s office, former Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires and five unidentified men who she claimed helped restrain the children on Sept. 28 in the Squiresgate area of Hilton Head. She accused Squires and the men of violating unreasonable sear...
HILTON HEAD — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and a former deputy who threatened a group of local teens with a handgun while off-duty now face a lawsuit for their roles in the incident.
Laquesha Habersham, a mother of one of the boy’s involved, sued the sheriff’s office, former Master Sgt. William “Billy” Squires and five unidentified men who she claimed helped restrain the children on Sept. 28 in the Squiresgate area of Hilton Head. She accused Squires and the men of violating unreasonable search and seizure protections, false imprisonment, and assault and battery.
Habersham also alleged that the sheriff’s office was negligent because it employed Squires, who uses department-issued equipment during the ordeal.
“This shocking abuse of power represents a blatant violation of the victims’ constitutional rights and demonstrates an egregious disregard for the law and public safety,” the federal lawsuit said. The legal document identified the child by the initials “T.P.”
“As a community, we stand in strong support of our brave first responders, including those who serve honorably with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. However, this incident involves a deeply troubling exception — an officer who drew a loaded weapon and threatened the lives of several innocent teenagers without justification,” said Bluffton lawyer Robert Metro, who is representing the mother.
The sheriff’s office said it does not comment on pending litigation.
Details of incident that led to firing
Squires, a 19-year veteran of the department who served on the violent crimes task force at the time of the incident, encountered a group of boys walking in the neighborhood. After one man questioned the boys’ whereabouts while riding beside them on an all-terrain vehicle, another — who a family member identified as Squires — told the group the leave the area.
Later, in a video widely distributed on social media, Squires had changed into a sheriff’s office tactical vest and returned to pull his gun on the boys. Squires holstered his gun to grab a backpack sitting on the side of the street. One boy lunged for the bag, and another rushed in to push Squires in the face.
“I will shoot you,” Squires said in the video, again pointing his gun at the juveniles. Then he approached a boy who was recording a video of the incident with a cellphone. Squires had his gun pointed at the teen as the boy called out for his mother.
Eventually, a different man pinned one of the boys on the ground, with one hand on his neck and the other at his waist.
In another video reported on by Savannah television station WSAV, Squires stood by a boy who was handcuffed and seated on the pavement.
“You guys showed a gun,” Squires said in the recording. “He hit a cop. He’s going to jail.”
Law enforcement did not recover a gun at the scene. A report the sheriff’s office filed with the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy said that Squires did not see a firearm.
Deputies responded to calls to the area. Sheriff P.J. Tanner said he ordered the on-duty commander to administer a breathalyzer to Squires, who refused. At that point, he was suspended without pay.
By the end of the week, Squires had been fired and reported for misconduct to the state. Tanner said at a news conference that Squires had admitted to drinking before the incident. The report to the state said he drove his department-issued vehicle while he was “allegedly intoxicated.”
The numbers are in. How many nests did sea turtles lay on Hilton Head this year?
Lydia Larsenhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/environment/article311961675.html
Hilton Head’s sea turtle moms have done their job for the season, and now it’s time for the hatchlings to leave the nest.After two weeks without a new sea turtle nest on Hilton Head, the nesting season is officially over. In total, Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol has recorded 237 nests. Lower than the 350 nests that Amber Kuehn, executive director of the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol, expected, but not surprising when considering the year’s weather.Sea turtles often return to the same area once every two years. ...
Hilton Head’s sea turtle moms have done their job for the season, and now it’s time for the hatchlings to leave the nest.
After two weeks without a new sea turtle nest on Hilton Head, the nesting season is officially over. In total, Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol has recorded 237 nests. Lower than the 350 nests that Amber Kuehn, executive director of the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol, expected, but not surprising when considering the year’s weather.
Sea turtles often return to the same area once every two years. When combined with DNA identification, this cycle allows scientists to roughly calculate the number of nests sea turtles will lay in a given year, Kuehn said.
Last year, 204 sea turtle nests were laid on Hilton Head.
While sea turtle moms are done laying eggs, hatchlings will continue to exit their nests and make their way to the ocean in the coming weeks.
What happened?
In January, Hilton Head saw It’s not unusual for the island to see less sea turtle nests months after a rare cold snap and snowfall. The cold can affect the survival and development of the crabs, fish and shrimp that sea turtles rely on for food, Kuehn said. Turtles preparing to nest need a lot of fuel to lay around 120 eggs in several nests over the course of the summer, Kuehn said. If there isn’t enough food, sea turtle moms may wait until the next year to lay their eggs.
The number of hatchlings that ultimately emerge from the nest have been affected by the recent series of storms. Hurricane Erin led to rough conditions on the beach, and the storm pushed water higher than expected up the narrow beach, according to Kuehn. When combined with a series of heavy rainstorms in August, these conditions led to a number of nests becoming too wet for hatchlings to survive.
Even with those losses, the number of hatchlings that emerge from Hilton Head’s nests is still on track to be largely normal, Kuehn said.
Looking Forward
Sea turtle patrol staff have needed to move about a quarter of Hilton Head’s nests to make way for the beach renourishment machinery, Kuehn said. Relocating nests is a delicate and labor intensive process, but all the hard work will pay off next year when much of the sea turtle nesting habitat will be rebuilt by beach renourishment.
The highest number of nests ever recorded came in 2019, with 463 nests laid on the island. Kuehn expects the number of nests laid in the 2026 season will be close to that record.
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