Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
The nesting season may be coming to an end, but ARCHELON’s work on the beaches continues to thrive! During the months of September and October, the nesting beaches of Zakynthos, the Peloponnese and Crete are filled with hatchlings that leave their nests and begin the first and most difficult journey of their lives to the sea. In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!

Special 2-week participation opportunity
Normally, the minimum duration of participation in ARCHELON’s volunteer programs is 4 weeks. For September and October 2026, however, we are offering the opportunity to participate for 2 weeks to volunteers who want to contribute substantially to sea turtle conservation but have limited time. Why do we need you during this period?
- Monitoring of nesting beaches and nests continues.
- Hatching and nest excavations continue.
- Important data on the reproduction of the species is collected.
- Events and public awareness activities continue.
The hatchlings that emerge from their nests face many natural and anthropogenic dangers. The presence of ARCHELON teams on the beaches is essential for their protection and for the completion of this year's research work.

Join our team!
Participation in volunteer programs is open to people 18 years of age and older, regardless of previous experience. Whether you have just completed your studies, want to take a break from everyday life and work, or are looking for a different experience in nature, you can become part of the ARCHELON team. You will experience the daily life of a sea turtle protection program, you will collaborate with people from all over the world and you will contribute to an effort that has a real impact.
Volunteer Opportunities for People 50+
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers of all ages, including those aged 50 and over, who want to participate in sea turtle conservation efforts throughout Greece. Whether you are recently retired, looking for a meaningful way to utilize your time, or simply want to make a difference, we invite you to join our efforts. No previous experience is required, just a willingness to learn, contribute and participate in a unique effort to protect nature.
Available projects:
- Zakynthos – until October 15
- Rethymno (Crete) – until October 15
- Chania (Crete) – until October 10
- Kyparissia Bay (western Peloponnese) – until September 30
- Messara Bay (southern Crete) – until September 30
- Lakonikos Bay (southern Peloponnese) – until September 25
Come help protect the last nests and hatchlings of this year! Learn more about ARCHELON’s volunteer projects and apply: https://archelon.gr/volunteer
Are you a permanent resident of any of the above areas?
You can help our Projects by dedicating even a few hours a week! Learn more about part-time volunteering: https://archelon.gr/volunteer/opportunities/part-time
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.
- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
In mid-July, we received a video of an impressive sea turtle that had been caught in the nets of a fishing boat.
- OUR NEWS30/07/2026
Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!
- OUR NEWS20/07/2026
43 Years of Tagging Sea Turtles in Greece Reveal Their Journeys in the Mediterranean
A new scientific publication highlights the important marine areas turtles use in the Mediterranean, through ARCHELON’s tagging program in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS17/07/2026
The first hatchlings of 2026 in Zakynthos!
The first nest hatched on Dafni beach in Laganas Bay in Zakynthos. Our team discovered the tiny tracks in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14th.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2026
A rare giant of the Greek seas: What our new study reveals about the Leatherback turtle
A new scientific publication brings together for the first time all available records of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Greek waters.
- OUR NEWS10/07/2026
Raising awareness for the sea turtles in Corfu
To mark the launch of the project, ARCHELON carried out a series of outreach activities across Corfu, bringing local communities and visitors closer to sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS24/06/2026
Effective turtle conservation begins with safeguarding the nesting beaches
Field surveys were carried out over two consecutive nesting seasons (2024–2025), assessing 167 nesting beaches across Greece, covering 270 km of coastline.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.

