Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles of beach and shoreline habitat between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast in Brevard and Indian River Counties. The refuge was designated to protect habitat at the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world, and the most significant area for green turtle nesting in North America.

Visit Us

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast in Brevard and Indian River Counties. The refuge is a relaxing retreat to observe wildlife, fish, hike, and learn about the endangered and threatened wildlife that utilizes Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the Barrier Island Center for more educational opportunities.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is located in Brevard and Indian River Counties of Florida. The refuge was established in 1991 and was named after the late Dr. Archie Carr, Jr., in honor of his extraordinary contribution to sea turtle conservation. The Refuge hosts a variety of birds, reptiles, fish, mammals and invertebrates including brown pelicans, sea turtles, gopher tortoises, snakes, manatees, and crabs that make their homes in the ocean as well as on several habitats including the beach and dunes, coastal strand and scrub, maritime hammock, and mangroves.  

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Learn more about national wildlife refuge
      is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.   

      Our Species

      The refuge was created to safeguard and protect lands for wildlife that utilize the beach and dunes systems, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. Today, the refuge is one of the most productive nesting sites for Loggerhead sea turtles in the world. 

      Our Library

      Visit our digital library to find fact sheets, brochures, and other refuge documents.