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.
Events Schedule
- Monday 6 October, 18:00, Pigianos Kampos beach, Rethymno
- Tuesday 7 October, 18:00, Sfakaki beach, Rethymno
- Wednesday 8 October, 17:30, Maleme beach, Chania
- Wednesday 8 October, 18:00, Municipal beach of Rethymno
- Thursday, 9 October 17:30, Kommos beach, Messara
- Friday 10 October, 17:30, Kolymvari beach, Chania
- Tuesday, 14 October, 9:00, Gerani beach, Chania
Participation Guidelines
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.
Contact details
- Project Manager for Rethymno & Messara, George Vrampas, +30 6937352379, crete@archelon.gr
- Project Manager for Chania, Danae Tsaparli, +30 6936913493, chania@archelon.gr
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
- 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
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- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
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- 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.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.