ARCHELON - Τhe Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece

What you can do

Public Sea Turtle Nest Excavations

Near the end of summer, about two weeks after sea turtle nests have hatched, ARCHELON volunteers perform nest excavations to reveal the hidden secrets of nature. These excavations play a vital role in our research, allowing us to collect biological data that supports sea turtle conservation. They are also an integral part of ARCHELON's multi-sectoral environmental awareness program, which uses environmental interpretation as a conservation tool.

Explore the dates

The excavations are open to both children and adults, offering a unique opportunity to witness a small miracle of nature firsthand.

HOW
TO JOIN

When:

August – September

Where:

Nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni, Lakonikos Bay, Rethymno, Chania, and Messara Bay

Duration:

30–60 minutes (depending on the findings inside the nest)

Cost:

Free – no reservation required

Simply come to the beach location listed in the schedule. ARCHELON volunteers will answer your questions and provide insights into sea turtle life. At the end of the excavation, participants who wish to can support our conservation efforts with any donation amount.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Danai Tsaparli

Project Manager for Crete
+30 6937352379, crete@archelon.gr

Aris Tsiroglou

Project manager for west Peloponnese (Kyparissia Bay) +30 6932285817, westpelop@archelon.gr

Pavlos Andromidas

Project Manager for South Peloponnese (Lakonikos Bay & Koroni) +30 6951009785

Participation Guidelines

For the safety of both participants and turtles, please follow these rules during the excavation:

Please remain quiet and respectful
Follow the instructions of the ARCHELON volunteers
Stand in the area designated for you
Do not use a flash when taking photos
Do not touch the baby turtles or the equipment
Do not enter the water to follow the baby turtles

Note: Excavations may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions or other factors affecting the nests or turtles.

Weekly Excavation Schedule

See the schedule for each area for the current week below

Public Sea Turtle Nest Excavations

Danai Tsaparli

Aris Tsiroglou

Pavlos Andromidas

Participation Guidelines

Weekly Excavation Schedule

Crete

The Peloponnese

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