Sandy beaches are most associated with sea turtles, as they use these areas for nesting.

Sandy beaches are critical nesting habitats for sea turtles, particularly species like the loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles. Female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand, where the warm temperatures aid in the incubation of the eggs. These beaches are vital for the life cycle of sea turtles, though the hatchlings face many challenges as they make their way to the ocean. While sea turtles also interact with coral reefs, salt marshes, and wetlands, their primary connection is to sandy beaches for nesting.