Whether you are looking for a quiet nature walk, a paddle on the river, or an exciting fishing excursion, Martin County has it all. From palms to pines, you will find an array of unique ecosystems waiting to be discovered.

Martin County is an outdoor paradise with its four-story height restriction, 100k acres of park and conservation land, five state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest in Southeast Florida, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, four aquatic preserves and the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern hemisphere.

The Explore Natural Martin program allows people to engage with these amazing natural resources sustainably by offering various eco tours and experiences year-round that focus on education, adventure, and stewardship. Explore this page to learn more about the program and view upcoming events here.

We hope you enjoy these beautiful ecological sites and remember to “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Learn more about Martin County’s partnership with Leave No Trace by clicking here.

Our beaches here in Martin County are some of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world! From now until the end of October we follow “sea turtle friendly” practices to ensure our beaches remain safe places for nesting and hatching. Click here to learn how to visit our beaches during sea turtle nesting and thank you for helping to protect these amazing and threatened species!

Beach Basics for Sea Turtle Nesting Season: 

CLEAN

Take all trash with you, make sure to take all toys or beach furniture off the beach at the end of the day

FLAT

When you leave the beach make sure to knock down any sand castles and fill in any holes

DARK

Any light on the beach, from beach front rooms to flashlights, scare away and deter sea turtles from nesting. Dim lights, close curtains and refrain from using any lights on the beach at night.  The best way to view sea turtles is to sign up for a permitted sea turtle nesting program!

Such programs are offered by multiple organizations in Martin County such as: Florida Oceanographic Society, Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, Ecological Associates, Inc., and Explore Natural Martin (in collaboration with Ecological Associates). These Marine Sea Turtle Permits are managed through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Whether you are wanting a short walk through a mangrove forest on a board walk, a paddle along the shorelines of the Indian River Lagoon, or a guided boat tour, your unforgettable experience in nature is waiting for you here in Martin County.

Click the button to view our local ecotour businesses, nature centers and parks and preserves. And also check out all you need to know about how we Leave No Trace here in Martin County, Wildlife and more!

Pledge to explore the outdoors responsibly with your pet by making them a BARK Ranger! Learn more below. And don’t forget to share photos of you and your BARK Ranger exploring Martin County! Submit your best shots here for a chance to be featured.