Sea turtle nesting season has begun in Zakynthos - 27/05/09
The Sekania beach hosts the largest concentration of caretta caretta nests in the Mediterranean, listing among the top three most densely nested beaches of the world!
The private property land behind the Sekania beach was bought in 1994 by WWF Hellas to protect it from the booming development. Nowadays, this area is the core of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and under strict law regulations. More than 50% of the nests each summer are laid on the Sekania beach. Nevertheless, the first nest, each year, is indeed a very important occasion for it signals the beginning of a remarkable and fascinating period when mature females come to land for reproduction. A female loggerhead sea turtle may travel thousands of miles to return to the beach she hatched as a baby to lay her own eggs as an adult.
ARCHELON has been methodically working in Zakynthos since 1983 collecting data on nesting, carrying out monitoring and management programs, beach surveillance and preservation activities and protecting the nests. Starting in 1987 until today we have also been conducting special projects to raise awareness and inform both the visitors and the local population about sea turtles. Following the establishment of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos in 1999, ARCHELON cooperates closely with the Management Agency of the Park regarding, among others, the data collection and public awareness. ARCHELON, WWF Hellas and Mom are the environmental organizations active in the region and represented in the Agency Board.
The nesting biotope of caretta caretta in Zakynthos is of universal significance and its perseverance a decisive factor for the survival of this endangered species.
Each year the small hatchlings lessen our impact on the planet and enrich our relationship with nature and the beautiful world we share!
The very first caretta caretta nest in the Bay of Kyparissia for 2009!
Enjoy a refreshing weekend by the sea dedicated to sea turtles!
RECENT NEWS
- 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
Filming of the LIFE MareNatura documentary is completed
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.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
The 2025 field season for ARCHELON's Amvrakikos project has officially come to a close!
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.