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
- Lakonikos Bay (southern Peloponnese) – until September 25
- Messara Bay (southern Crete) – until September 15
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
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
RECENT NEWS

- OUR NEWS09/11/2026
The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles Begins in Marathon, Attica – Organized by ARCHELON
The week’s scientific program includes 9 keynote addresses, 12 workshops, 48 oral presentations, and 150 poster presentations of research work.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2026
ARCHELON's Virtual Tours Return for the 2026–2027 School Year!
A new school year filled with knowledge, creativity, and sea turtles is about to begin! Bookings for ARCHELON's virtual tours open on Monday, October 26, while the first tours will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- OUR NEWS21/10/2026
Incident on Polyaigos Island: ARCHELON Calls on Authorities to Investigate the Death of a Sea Turtle
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- 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.

