In Zakynthos, turtles are coming home

Supported By: Caretta Caretta and volunteering with ARCHELON

There’s no place like home, and for Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles there is no better home than Zakynthos, the largest nesting ground for the species in the Mediterranean. There must be something in the water, as 80% of the Med’s population of turtles return to the island’s gorgeous, golden beaches each summer to lay their eggs. For over 250 million years the turtles have been free and fancy, thriving in the Mediterranean waters, but now owing to human impact they are endangered.

The National Marine Park in Zakynthos is taking leaps and bounds to protect the shelled species and minimise the impact of humans by installing kiosks along the southern coast of the island. And as night falls it lights out on the beaches, so as not to disturb and confuse the nesting beauties. The park also keeps an eye on the new nests, and if not safe, relocates them to a safe place.

From early May to mid-October every year, eco-conscious travellers wanting to get stuck in can volunteer with ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, which is making waves on Zakynthos’ Bay of Laganas. The budding conservationists monitor turtle nesting activity in the bay, protect nests and spread awareness during the day, and at night, fall asleep under the stars in a private campground, safe in the knowledge they’ve made an impact.

Visit Website: https://archelon.gr/