...how wonderful it was, and how proud and grateful I am for this fantastic experience to help save the turtles...
In 1996, following a successful campaign, the WWF bought the land behind the beach of Sekania. As a little girl I was proud too. This was also a little ʽmyʼ beach! About 5 years ago, my mother went on a brief holiday with her sisters to Aghios Sostis, Zakynthos. She was shocked to see the cars and buses on the beach of Laganas. Spoke to some ARCHELON volunteers and bought me an ARCHELON turtle necklace as a souvenir of a wonderful holiday.
This year I wanted something completely different during my summer. I wanted to get away from my normal life for a while, but didnʼt know what to do. Iʼve always been in love with the Greek islands, but didnʼt feel like doing nothing and only lie on a beach for a month. I already knew about other turtle conservation projects, but though this was only in Costa Rica and other distant scary places. I was thrilled to find ARCHELON on line and found out that I could join a turtle protection project in my beloved Greece! My mum remembered the necklace and the volunteers she spoke to. She said they looked like they were having fun in their hippy-camp so I would probably love it. Then something clicked in my head. Wait a minute...Zakynthos? Turtles? Yes, as it turned out it was even a project which also worked on the beach I helped preserve!
Then, a few days ago, it finally happened; I had a morning survey on Sekania! It was as Oprah would say: “A bit of a full circle moment”. During the walk down the cliffs, this private turtle beach unveiled itself. The sunrise in Sekania was breathtaking, and although Iʼd seen hatchlings before, here I saw them going into the sea for the first time. Swimming enthusiastically and in great numbers towards a life of great danger and unknown adventures, to return to this very beach years and years later. I could relate to them. On the climb back into the real world I looked back at Sekania, how wonderful it was, and how proud and grateful I am for this fantastic experience to help save the turtles, on this beautiful island full of olive trees.
Wendy Talhout Volunteer for ARCHELON July 25 – August 22, 2009
The sea turtles of Zakynthos winter in Tunisia and in the northern Adriatic Sea!
ARCHELON's volunteers in Crete strive for the viability of Caretta caretta population
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.