Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
Imagine a serene night on a secluded Greek beach. The only sound is the gentle lapping of waves. As darkness falls, a remarkable spectacle unfolds: a loggerhead sea turtle emerges from the ocean, embarking on a journey to find the perfect nesting spot. This ancient creature, facing numerous threats, relies on our help to continue its life cycle.
At ARCHELON, we're committed to protecting loggerhead sea turtles and preserving their nesting habitats in Greece. Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in this mission. On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
When they meet a turtle, they keep their distance so as not to scare it and wait patiently in silence until it digs the sand and begins the nesting process. Once they are sure that the nest has been opened, it is their opportunity to respectfully approach the mother turtle who is laying her eggs. The red light of their flashlights - unlike the white light - does not bother her. It's the first time they come so close to the animal that they have been working to protect all summer!
With quick but discreet movements, the volunteers must quickly make their scientific measurements and tag the turtle following strict international protocols. ARCHELON has been tagging turtles for 40 years, helping to identify animals and monitor population movements.
Once the egg-laying is over, the mother turtle will cover her eggs with sand and return to the water. The volunteers will mark the nest and leave beautiful messages for the morning patrol team that will start their shift in a few hours…
As a volunteer, you will become part of a team that monitors the nesting population of Loggerhead sea turtles, collects valuable data and ensures the protection of these animals, while also having the unique privilege of witnessing these special moments. Watching a sea turtle nest is a truly moving experience. Under the starry sky, you will connect with nature and contribute to the conservation of a species that has roamed the oceans for millions of years. During the day, you will inform visitors about sea turtles and the threats they face, and give presentations in hotels. Your efforts will help protect the future of the Loggerhead sea turtle in the Mediterranean.
Ready to make a difference?
Join ARCHELON's international volunteer projects today! Together, we can ensure that these majestic creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.