Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Many sea turtles nest at night, choosing dark, natural beaches to lay their eggs in peace. Artificial lights can disrupt this critical process. Here's how you can help:
- Turn off balcony lights and draw curtains at night: Simple actions with a big impact! Disoriented hatchlings rely on moonlight to navigate to the sea. Your balcony light could lead them astray.
- Leave the beach undisturbed: No fires or nighttime gatherings. Let mama turtles nest and hatchlings find their way in peace.
Why Darkness Matters
- Natural Navigation: Moonlight is a compass for hatchlings. Artificial lights confuse them, leading them inland where they become dehydrated and die.
- Wavelength Matters: Blue lights are especially disorienting, while red lights have less impact. Ideally, beaches should be completely dark at night.
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian
- Know Your Location: Check the map to see if you're near a nesting beach. Laganas, Kalamaki (Zakynthos), Rethymno, Chania (Crete), Kalonero (Messinia), Zaga Memi (Koroni), Vathy, Mavrovouni, Selinitsa (Lakonia) are key areas.
- Support Conservation: ARCHELON works tirelessly to protect sea turtles. Learn more at our information stations or join a Sea Turtle Beach Walk.
Together, let's ensure these magnificent creatures thrive!
ARCHELON raises awareness through presentations at hotels and directly on nesting beaches. The TUI Care Foundation supports ARCHELON's efforts in nothern Crete through the "TUI Turtle Aid Greece" program.
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
RECENT NEWS
- 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 NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- 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.