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 NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, May 23, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
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- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
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For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.