A letter to the volunteers
3 weeks of hard work on the set up of ARCHELON’s programs.
21 intense days and many hours of dedication in order to set up the 3 research stations in Crete, in Rethymno bay, in Chania bay and in Messara bay.
With the participation of more than 20 people who voluntarily leave the family security and find other people to share the same vision, the same purpose, the same objective: the protection of sea turtles in Crete.

21 emotional days so as all who happen to go through these three destinations this year, to visit the ARCHELON’s research stations and learn, see and hear through the volunteers’ eyes and experiences that this rare species is worthy protection and how the beaches of Crete can be protected. And why must they be protected? And finally, why do these people spend so many hours of voluntary work for all of that?
21 great days for the people of ARCHELON whose main concern is the induction of volunteers in suitable conditions, sustainable and decent to cope with the hours under the sun during the morning observation, the hours standing in front of an information table to discuss with thousands of people visiting the island, the hours they expose themselves in front of dozens of people by making presentations about sea turtle protection and those hours that remain to rest or to help with anything else that occurs like an injured turtle, a disoriented baby turtle, a nest that has moved, etc.

“Thank you” is not enough for all those people who work with ARCHELON. It is not enough even for people who support it through donations and any kind of volunteering. It is not enough for those who give their heart for this rare species making a favor in this country and on this island to visit each year and make people from around the world to gather on an island to protect its hatchlings.
With all our heart, we thank all these people in all the three programs of Crete who contributed their soul power, time from their everyday life, love for the volunteers and deep devotion to the sea turtle.
The volunteers of ARCHELON in Crete, are expecting you daily and all day long at the ARCHELON research station of Rethymno in the Venetian Harbour, Chania at the old port and the Messara at the entrance of Matala.
Information: Athanasia Nikolopoulou, Crete Program Coordinator, tel: 6937352379
Translation: Efi Tricha
City Contact supports ARCHELON
How good does 2016 promise to be for sea turtles in Crete?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
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A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.


