Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
Thanks to the care of the Naxos Wildlife Protection Society, the nest of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatched successfully and the hatchlings made their way to the sea. This is the first recorded green sea turtle nesting event on Naxos and in the Cyclades.
While the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on approximately 100 km of beaches across Greece, the green turtle prefers warmer waters, and until this summer, its nesting in Greece had been documented by ARCHELON on Rhodes and Crete. The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of the nesting beaches of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
People observing the nest on Naxos got a first-hand experience of hatchling disorientation due to light pollution. This was exactly the same challenge ARCHELON has been addressing with its conservation projects for decades on loggerhead nesting beaches in several locations of Zakynthos, the Peloponnese, and Crete. It is clear that intense artificial lighting near the nesting beaches is a common threat for all sea turtle species, as it can mislead hatchlings and drive them into dangerous paths. In our case, thanks to the swift action and vigilance of the Naxos Wildlife Protection Society, the disoriented hatchlings were guided safely to the sea.
ARCHELON has a long-standing and close cooperation with the Naxos Wildlife Protection Society in sea turtle rehabilitation and monitoring. The bonds between the two organizations, as well as with other local groups, have been strengthened through the Wildlife Rescue Cooperation Network in Greece. This network, established in 2022, promotes knowledge-sharing, volunteer training, and rapid response in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
A big congratulations to our friends in Naxos for their timely interventions. Here’s to many more in the years to come!
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS23/10/2026
ARCHELON's Virtual Tours Return for the 2026–2027 School Year!
A new school year filled with knowledge, creativity, and sea turtles is about to begin! Bookings for ARCHELON's virtual tours open on Monday, October 26, while the first tours will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- OUR NEWS21/10/2026
Incident on Polyaigos Island: ARCHELON Calls on Authorities to Investigate the Death of a Sea Turtle
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.