The very first hatchlings of the 2009 in Rethymno and Kyparissia Bay!
Likewise, excitement ran high when ARCHELONʼs volunteers in Peloponnesus, at the beach near “Vounaki” in the southern part of the Kyparissia Bay, watched 8 hatchlings emerging from the A2 nest and crawling to the sea.
So, this yearʼs hatchling period started on July 23rd while the nesting period had started on May 30th at the Bay of Kyparissia and on June 2nd at Rethymno.
In Greece, usually, the nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until the end of August. During this stage, the females will come ashore at night to lay their eggs on the sandy nesting beaches. A female may deposit an average of 120 eggs into a 50-60 cm deep cavity, a process that may by repeated 3-4 times on that same summer.
The females usually return to the same beach where they hatched to nest every 2-3 years. The eggs will incubate in the warm sand for approximately 2 months until they are ready to hatch. At about 80 newly hatched sea turtles will dig out of each nest and run to the sea, something that happens at nightfall or very early in the morning.
One thing we should all be aware of is that hatchlings should be allowed to crawl to the sea unhindered; when they hatch bright lights from the houses, streetlights confuse them and lead them away form the sea, where they cannot survive.
Please, donʼt help them to make that road to the sea; this is natureʼs way to prepare them for the great journey ahead!
Only 1 or 2 in 1.000 hatchlings will survive to reach adulthood! The female ones will need 15-25 years to begin breeding and come back to the beach they were born to nest.
The question is: will the beach still be as remembered? The marine environment is under constant and increasing pressure. The situation of the coastal ecosystems is equally one of our chief concerns: nesting beaches are also under serious, real threats, demanding our caution and care.
Offering information & Inspiration
We run special projects to raise awareness and inform the public, both the residents and the visitors, concerning the importance of not only the sea turtlesʼ habitat but the coastal and marine environment as well.
Our Info Kiosks are open daily to give instructions and answer questions; on the beach, turtle patrol members check the nests and inform the beach users, whilst we frequently organize live presentations at hotels.
In this context it is relevant to note that each summer we manage to spread the information to more than 200.000 Greek and foreign visitors.
Take the time to speak with us & ask questions Take the time to learn about our efforts & how you can help
Remember, we share the beach and the sea with sea turtles and many other marine animals and creatures. What we do has a direct effect on their lives. Be-come a friend of ARCHELON, be-come a friend of the environment.
In August, the Sea Turtles Rescue Center in Glyfada is closed for visitors
“Kaveiros” from Samothraki is healthy and free!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.