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Why do sea turtle hatchlings usually emerge from nests at night?

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Illustrations of ten representative chelonians, including spiny softshell turtle, Galapagos giant tortoise, green turtle, alligator snapping turtle, Blanding's turtle, common map turtle, eastern box turtle, eastern painted turtle, spotted turtle, and eastern mud turtle, each labeled with its common and scientific name. A scale bar at the bottom shows size comparison. — turtle Turtles (order Testudines).

Sea turtle hatchlings typically emerge from their nests at night to increase their chances of survival. Because eggs and hatchlings are highly vulnerable to predators, emerging under the cover of darkness provides a critical layer of protection during their journey to the water.12

Once they reach the surface, hatchlings instinctively navigate toward the horizon over the open ocean. This natural orientation can be disrupted by artificial lighting, which may confuse the hatchlings and lead them away from the sea. By emerging at night, they avoid the intense heat of the day and minimize exposure to diurnal predators, allowing them to reach the surf and begin their migration into the open ocean more safely.21