Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
Are you ready for a unique experience that will change the way you see nature... and perhaps yourself? ARCHELON proudly announces its 2026 Environmental Volunteering Projects for sea turtle conservation! If you care about the environment and are looking for a way to get involved in nature conservation in the field, we invite you to join our collective effort.

2026: The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development
Volunteering is in ARCHELON's DNA. For over four decades, our volunteers have been the driving force behind our mission: protecting sea turtles and their habitats across Greece. In 2026, we join the global community in celebrating the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. By participating, you directly contribute to crucial UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: Life Below Water (SDG 14), Climate Action (SDG 13), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Quality Education (SDG 4), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). ARCHELON volunteers prove daily how local action (protecting a nest, informing a visitor) can have a global impact. In 2026, we reinforce our commitment to growing this network of people who ensure that both nature and society can coexist and thrive.

What You Will Gain by Joining Our Mission
Come and be a part of it! This experience will be invaluable for you because you will:
- Protect Sea Turtles You will work directly for their survival! You will monitor nests, help with protective measures, and ensure that the tiny hatchlings reach the sea safely.
- Gain Scientific Experience and New Skills: From collecting scientific data and communicating with the public, to environmental education, ARCHELON's programs are a true school of life and conservation.
- Promote Sustainability: You will inform visitors about the threats sea turtles face and transmit a genuine sense of stewardship for our planet.
- Meet People from All Over the World: You will network with people globally and forge strong bonds through a shared, meaningful experience.
You Can Do It! 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! We will provide you with full training, and you will contribute your personal knowledge, enthusiasm, and skills. Get ready to be the person that sea turtles and the oceans need!
Choose Your Adventure

We are looking for enthusiastic people to join us in some of the most beautiful and important coastal areas of Greece. Find the mission that suits you!
- Laganas Bay, Zakynthos (May 5 – October 15): Take part in the longest-running sea turtle project in the Mediterranean!
- Kyparissia Bay, Peloponnese (May 5 – September 30): Experience the ultimate challenge for turtle conservation, protecting many nests!
- Lakonikos Bay, Peloponnese (May 25 – September 25): Spread the message of nature conservation to the local community!
- Koroni, Peloponnese (June 1 – September 15): Protect turtles and nature in a small coastal community!
- Rethymno, Crete (May 5 – October 15): Protect hatchling and promote sustainable tourism in Crete!
- Chania, Crete (May 5 – October 15, 2025): Make a difference where nature meets tourism!
- Messara Bay, Crete (May 25 – September 25): Meet the wilderness of southern Crete while saving turtles!
- Amvrakikos Gulf (July 1 – August 31): Take part in a unique turtle project in a wetland of international importance!
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Glyfada (all year round): Become a team member of the largest sea turtle hospital in the Mediterranean!

Sea Turtles Need You! The Planet Needs Us!
Download the Brochure with all the 2026 Projects and choose the experience that suits you!Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS15/07/2026
A rare giant of the Greek seas: What our new study reveals about the Leatherback turtle
A new scientific publication brings together for the first time all available records of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Greek waters.
- OUR NEWS10/07/2026
Raising awareness for the sea turtles in Corfu
To mark the launch of the project, ARCHELON carried out a series of outreach activities across Corfu, bringing local communities and visitors closer to sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS24/06/2026
Effective turtle conservation begins with safeguarding the nesting beaches
Field surveys were carried out over two consecutive nesting seasons (2024–2025), assessing 167 nesting beaches across Greece, covering 270 km of coastline.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.
- OUR NEWS15/06/2026
Turtle Festival: Diving into Deep Waters at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day (June 16), last Saturday the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opened its doors to the public for this year’s Turtle Festival, themed “Into Deep Waters.”
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2026
Clean beaches, safe turtles: Our guide to responsible action
See some simple but crucial rules that must be followed for clean nesting beaches!
- OUR NEWS29/05/2026
Eight Hotels in northern Crete Receive “Turtle-Friendly” Certification from the TUI Care Foundation.
The eight hotel establishments in Northern Crete are among the first businesses worldwide to receive the new “Turtle-Friendly” certification from the TUI Care Foundation, developed in collaboration with ARCHELON. This distinction recognizes their commitment to protecting the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle and highlights the importance of cooperation between the tourism sector and nature conservation initiatives.


