ARCHELON invites the public and the media to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation.

As summer draws to a close, the nesting beaches of the Peloponnese and Crete reveal the secrets inside the turtle nests. Approximately two weeks after the eggs hatch, ARCHELON’s trained volunteers excavate the nests, collecting valuable scientific data that contribute to the long-term research and protection of the species and inviting residents, visitors and journalists to watch the process up close.

Nest excavations are open to the public, as part of our multifaceted educational work for the protection of nature and offer a unique opportunity for young and old to see science in action, to learn firsthand the life cycle of the sea turtle and the conservation work that ARCHELON is implementing on the most important nesting beaches in Greece.

In the months of August and September, public excavations will take place in the following areas:

• Rethymno, Chania and Messara Bay in Crete
• Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay in the Peloponnese.

Excavation Schedule (current week) Afternoon hours – Free participation for the public

Only for this week we will be in Kalamata!

• Sunday 2 August, 18:00, Kalamata Beach
• Sunday 2 August, 19:30, Gerani Beach, Chania
• Monday 3 August, 19:00, Agiannakis Beach, Messinia (Kyparissiakos Bay)
• Monday 3 August, 19:00, Missiria Beach, Rethymno
• Tuesday 4 August, 19:00, Adelianos Kampos Beach, Rethymno
• Wednesday 5 August, 19:00, Platanes Beach, Rethymno

The public excavation schedule is updated every week. You can see all the scheduled excavations by region on our website

Participation Guidelines

For your own safety and the protection of sea turtles, please follow the following instructions:

• Remain quiet and discreet.
• Follow the instructions of ARCHELON volunteers.
• Remain in the area indicated to you.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Do not touch the hatchlings or the excavation equipment.
• Do not enter the sea to follow the hatchlings.

INFORMATION/ CONTACT

• Head Office: Solonos 113, 106 78 Athens, tel.: 210 5231342, e-mail: info@archelon.gr
• Kyparissia Bay: Aris Tsiroglou, 6932285817, westpelop@archelon.gr
• Lakonikos & Koroni: Pavlos Andromidas, 6951009785, southpelop@archelon.gr
• Crete (Rethymno, Chania, Messara): Danae Tsaparli, 6937352379, crete@archelon.gr