Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
Near the end of the summer and about 2 weeks after each nest begins hatching, ARCHELON volunteers perform a nest excavation that brings some hidden secrets of nature to light. The valuable biological data collected by ARCHELON’s trained volunteers are part of the research taking place in Crete.
This is a free activity – no reservation is needed – just come to the location shown in the schedule below. See the public excavation schedule for the current week below and come witness a small miracle of nature up close. Each beach name is clickable and will open its exact location on Google Maps, so you can easily find the meeting point.
Each excavation lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on what we find inside the nest. At the end of the activity, participants who wish to can support our conservation efforts with any amount they choose.
For your safety and the protection of the turtles, please follow these rules:
- Remain quiet and respectful
- Follow the instructions of ARCHELON’s volunteers
- Stand within the designated area
- Do not use flash photography
- Do not touch any hatchlings or equipment
- Do not enter the sea to follow the hatchlings
Note: Excavations may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions or other factors that could affect the turtles or the nests.
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
RECENT NEWS
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