Zakynthos turtles: 10 important facts for your vacation

The Ionian island of Zakynthos is one of the most important breeding grounds of the Caretta-Caretta in Greece and even in the entire Mediterranean. The wind-protected bay of Laganas with its dune-like sandy beaches in the far south offered the sea turtles ideal conditions for laying their eggs in the past.

With the advent of mass tourism on Zakynthos the populations of sea turtles have been drastically reduced. The heavy development of the coast and the intensive use of sandy beaches for beach tourism are, in addition to trawling fishing, the greatest threats to the endangered species.

We as holidaymakers can actively contribute to the sea turtle protection on Zakynthos or through our (mostly unknowing) actions ensure that at some point there are no more of these majestic animals in the Mediterranean.

In this article you will find the most important information about Zakynthos Turtles and a guide on what we as tourists can do directly and indirectly to preserve sea turtles. True to the motto:

“Be the change you want for this world.”

#1 Where to see Zakynthos turtles?

It is not without reason that Zakynthos is nicknamed the “Turtle Island of Greece”. In the Laganas Bay, in the southeast of Zakynthos, numerous sea turtles gather every year to prepare to lay their eggs. Already at the end of March, the first turtles reach the waters of the south coast and begin to mate.

Until the beginning of October, the females stay in the south of Zakynthos to lay eggs. Then they swim back to other areas of the Mediterranean. If you want to spend your Greece Holidays on Zakynthos, therefore has the best chance of seeing the sea turtles.

#2 Why do turtles come to Zakynthos?

The island of Zakynthos is considered one of the largest breeding areas loggerhead turtle (Caretta-Caretta) in the Mediterranean region. Almost every year, the first nest in Greece is found on Zakynthos. Experts assume that between 60 and 80 percent of the entire Mediterranean population lay their eggs in Greece.

The turtles, which can be up to 1.30 m long, arrive in Zakynthos from different parts of the Mediterranean. In addition to Zakynthos, they are also drawn to the opposite coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula to the Gulf of Kyparissia. In addition, there are other breeding sites on Crete, Cyprus and Turkey.

Outside the mating season, sea turtles stay in many parts of the Mediterranean. Why they prefer to return to Zante every year for mating is not yet fully understood.

#3 Why are hawksbill turtles threatened with extinction?

The Caretta Caretta is today threatened with extinction and is therefore under international protection (Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Convention). Turtles have been around for 200 million years, i.e. they were already alive at the time of the dinosaurs.

Also in the Greek mythology they are highly valued. They were considered a symbol of fertility and were therefore under the protection of the goddess Aphrodite. One of the first Greek coins from the 5th millennium BC already bore the image of a Caretta-Caretta sea turtle.

“In our modern world, turtles are confronted with challenges that they did not have to face in the past.”

The pollution of our oceans with plastic waste, the extensive fishing activity (crab fishing) and mass tourism with all its negative side effects are increasingly endangering the stocks. On Zakynthos, it feels like everyone wants to earn a share of the turtle business…

Beach shrinkage due to intensive beach tourism is another problem for the sensitive animals. The less natural sandy beach there is, the more difficult it is for the turtles to lay their eggs.

Nature conservation and tourism do not form a harmonious unit in Zakynthos. This becomes clear when you see how much the turtle business is booming and at the same time there are hardly any funds available for the preservation of the national park.

#4 Why are there fewer and fewer turtles in Zakynthos?

Just in time for the start of the holiday season at the end of May, the female hawksbill turtles reach the southern beaches of Zakynthos and bury their eggs in the fine sandy beach. Sea turtles are extremely sensitive animals, which sensitive to noise and artificial light.

The preferred beaches for egg-laying are located at Laganas, the tourist hotspot of Zakynthos. The place has been considered the island’s party stronghold for many years. In summer, loud music booms from the loudspeakers into the night and the artificial light of the restaurants shines far out to sea, to the chagrin of the sensitive sea turtles.

It is assumed that on average only one to two turtles from about 1,000 eggs reach the mating age of 20-30 years. After this time, the female turtles return to the exact place where they hatched to lay their eggs.

Where two decades ago there was still an untouched natural beach, today there is a noisy beach bar or a beach hotel. If the conditions for egg laying are not optimal, e.g. obstruction of digging by sun loungers or excessive noise, no eggs are laid and the female loses her brood.

In fact, every year fewer turtle nests counted. And the newly hatched young animals are also confronted with problems. Normally, they orient themselves to natural light sources, such as the moon and stars, to get into the sea.

Artificial light (e.g. from beach bars) disturbs their natural compass and lures them in the wrong direction. If they do not get into the sea quickly enough, they dry out or fall victim to cats and birds. Here is an overview of the Caretta Caretta nests counted on Zakynthos in recent years:

#5 How can I protect the turtles as a vacationer?

Tourism and environmental protection can go hand in hand, as evidenced by many other regions of the world where sea turtles are found (including Florida in the USA or Koh Tao in Thailand).

If you are a holidaymaker and would like to help ensure that the turtles return to Zakynthos in the future, we give you the following recommendations:

• Avoid plastic waste: Sea turtles feed on jellyfish, among other things. Plastic bags are similar to these in the sea, plastic straws look like seaweed or small algae, turtles can die from them. Always dispose of garbage properly and use cloth bags for shopping.
• Beaches in Zakynthos: Avoid the beaches where turtles lay eggs (see #6). Zaknythos offers numerous alternative bathing options. The nests, which are protected by a wooden scaffolding, must not be touched!
• Turtle Tours: Avoid turtle spotting boat tours, as this can cause stress for the animals and they are usually harassed by several boats.
• Hotels and taverns: Avoid establishments and restaurants directly on the beach within the national park. Even though these people live from tourism, the buildings are usually built illegally or without a building permit.

#6 Which beaches do turtles nest on?

Within the Marine National Park, the following six beaches have been defined as essential nesting sites for Zakynthos turtles. Five beaches can still be entered by the public from sunrise to sunset. Due to nature conservation, we still recommend avoiding these beaches in summer (breeding season).

Dafni Beach

Dafni Beach is located on the Skopos peninsula and belongs to Zone A of the Marine National Park. Although animal welfare should be in the foreground here, there are four (illegal) taverns located directly on the beach. The owners insist on their land acquisition and so the restaurants still exist today despite multiple warnings and fines.

Parasols may not be set up near the sea, many sunbathing areas are located in the tamarisk-lined dune landscape behind them. Turtles can also lay their eggs here. During our visit in 2022, the distance to the nests was not always maintained.

The beach is made up of large stones and sandy sections. The water quality was not suitable for swimming during our visit. In this context, the question arises as to how the local taverns dispose of their wastewater here. In addition, the power generators of the taverns generate incredible noise.

To get to Dafni Beach, you have to negotiate a kilometer-long and sometimes steep track with potholes. Rental car rental companies contractually exclude driving on gravel roads. In the event of damage, the insurance cover can expire. One more reason not to visit this beach for the sake of the sea turtles.

Gerakas Beach

Gerakas Beach is located at the easternmost tip of Zakynthos. The cape of the same name impresses with its extraordinary nature. The fine sandy beach stretches along a narrow headland to a weathered clay landscape. From 1 May to 31 October, only 350 people are allowed to swim here according to the national park agreement.

Above the beach there is an information center, which provides a compact information about the sea turtles in Zakynthos. In the high season, visitors are only allowed to stay on the beach for a maximum of three hours. Own parasols are not allowed. During our visit, however, this was neither checked nor observed by some bathers.

Kalamaki Beach

The almost 4 km long stretch of coast north of Laganas is one of the most popular beaches in the south and at the same time one of the preferred nesting sites of the Caretta Caretta turtle. Although a large section is natural, there are still some taverns on the beach in the east, which also rent out numerous sun loungers.

Laganas East Beach (East Laganas)

The eastern Laganas beach borders directly on the Kalamaki beach and is in contrast to the western part, near the village of Laganas, under nature conservation. The undeveloped stretch of coast is largely natural to protect the Zakynthos turtles. Behind the beach is a vast dune and forest area.

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

The small offshore island not far from the coastal town of Keri Limni has a 150 m long sandy beach (Zone B), which offers ideal conditions for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Marathonisi can be reached both by individual motorboat trip and by tour. A maximum of 200 people are allowed on the beach.

Due to the relatively low sand temperatures, mostly male turtles are born here. The sex of the Caretta-Caretta is essentially determined by the temperature of the nests. A distance of 15 m must be maintained from hatching turtles. Why the island is not closed to visitors is a mystery to us.

Sekania Beach

Sekania Beach is located between Kalamaki Beach and Dafni Beach. The stretch of coast was bought by WWF Greece and completely closed to the public in order to preserve at least this breeding site. Today, 50 percent of all turtles in Zakynthos lay their eggs here. The beach is checked daily by employees of the national park.

#7 What is the Zakynthos Marine National Park?

In order to protect the marine ecosystem and to preserve the populations of the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was established in 1999, also known as the National Marine Park of Zakynthos ZNMP – Zakynthos National Marine Park called. The nature reserve covers a total area of 135 km².

The maritime nature park consists of the bay of Laganas with six defined beaches including dune landscape, as well as the offshore islands of Marathonisi (Turtle Island) and Pelouzo (Kalonisi), where the sea turtles lay their eggs. The marine national park is part of the European nature conservation project Natura 2000.

Unfortunately, the mere presence of this protected zone does not ensure that sea turtle populations recover. This is not a strictly controlled national park, as you know it from the USA or Australia, for example. There are neither visitor regulations nor sufficient control personnel. Countless motorboats set off every day “Turtle spotting”.

Due to a lack of financial resources, numerous rules and prohibitions cannot be adequately controlled. Although the marine park is divided into different sectors (zones A, B, C), only one turtle beach, namely the Sekania Beach, completely closed to the public.

It is not without reason that it is precisely on this protected beach that the most turtle nests in Zakynthos are recorded every year. The entire area around Sekania beach was covered by the WWF Greece and is now considered a successful symbol of Greek environmental and animal welfare.

The following regulations apply throughout the Zakynthos National Marine Park area:

Prohibitions within the Zakynthos Marine Park

• Underwater Fishing
• Zone A: no boats allowed
• Zone B: Boats are allowed to sail at a speed of less than 6 knots per hour and it is forbidden to anchor
• Zone C: Boats can travel at a speed of less than 6 knots per hour, but it is possible to anchor
• Sekania Beach: strictly protected area, access only allowed for researchers and auxiliary staff with special permission

Bans onBeaches where Zakynthos turtles lay eggs

• To enter the beach from sunset to sunrise
• To use umbrellas more than 5 meters from the coast
• digging holes or pits or building sand castles near turtle nests (hinders young animals on their way to the sea)
• Touching cages that protect the nests
• Use of any vehicle (including bicycles)
• Riding
• Dogs to be kept off leash
• Use light sources at night, such as torches, fire, or other lights

General Rules for Zakynthos National Marine Park

• Fires of all kinds are not allowed
• Camping is not allowed
• Do not steal plants that grow in the sand (e.g. marine daffodils)
• do not leave any rubbish or rubbish behind

→ More information about the Zakynthos Marine National Park can be found on the information portal called Zante Island

#8 Where can I find out about turtles locally?

During your holiday you have the opportunity to find out more about the situation of the Zakynthos turtles. For decades, numerous locals, local associations and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been committed to the well-being of the island’s Caretta Caretta turtles.

Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society

Archelon was founded in 1983 by Dimitris and Anna Margaritoulis. Already in the 1980s, the population of Zakynthos turtles decreased dramatically, at the same time tourism increased sharply. Due to pressure from Archelon and the WWF, numerous protective measures could be introduced (including night bans on nesting beaches).

Archelon staff provide information about turtles at various locations in Zakynthos, including Kalamaki Beach and Zakynthos Town. You can recognize them by their blue T-shirts. Archelon now runs a large marine animal rescue center in Athens Glyfada. Injured turtles can be transported from Zakynthos to Athens in a few hours.

Mediterranean Marine Life Center

Environmentalist Yannis Vardakastanis runs a compact information centre in Vasilikos at the end of the Skopos peninsula. Yannis was born in the region and ran a beach bar on Gerakas Beach until the early 1990s. For the sake of the turtles, he gave them up and founded the island’s animal welfare organization Earth, Sea & Sky in 1993.

The Mediterranean Marine Life Center offers a good insight into the life of the Caretta Caretta and highlights problems related to mass tourism. In addition to four large tanks in which sea turtles can be temporarily accommodated, there is also a green area with tortoises. Admission to the information centre is free of charge, donations are available on site.

Marine National Park Information Centres

Next to the information center in Zakynthos town, there is a wooden hut above Gerakas beach, where numerous information posters and replicas of the hawksbill turtle are exhibited. The information center on the way to Dafni Beach is closed until further notice.

Helmis Natural History Museum

The Helmis Museum is located in the village of Agia Marina, about 15 km from Zakynthos Town. It is the only museum on the island dedicated to the rich flora and fauna of Zakynthos. The biologist Panagiotis Helmis presents about 1,500 animal and plant species, one section is dedicated to the Zakynthos sea turtles.

#9 Are turtle spotting tours recommended?

We do not recommend guided tours or safaris with motor-driven excursion boats as well as self-driving with motorboats in the south of the island within the national park.

Normally, boats have to keep a distance of 15 m from the turtles and are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 15 minutes for observation. Anchoring is even completely prohibited in many sections of the marine park. Unfortunately, the reality is completely different.

Often several boats surround a turtle and do not keep the prescribed minimum distance. This causes stress for the animals and can take them away from their original route.

In the past, there have been several accidents in which turtles have been injured or killed, as many laymen do not steer motorboats optimally and cannot avoid the slow turtles fast enough. The speed limit of six knots for motorboats is also neither controlled nor observed by some holidaymakers.

Especially the island of Marathonisi, also called Turtle Island, is one of the most important egg-laying sites of the Caretta Caretta. To protect the animals, you should neither enter the island nor anchor here during the season.

Boat tours in the north, e.g. to the Zakynthos Shipwreck and to the Blue Caves, can be done against it, as this stretch of coast is not one of the breeding grounds of the Caretta Caretta.

#10 Animal-friendly turtle watching in Zakynthos

On Zakynthos you have the opportunity to observe the turtles also in harmony with nature conservation. Environmentally friendly tours for turtle watching are offered by Ecozante. We give you here other ways to get the Caretta-Caretta turtles in front of the lens on vacation.

• Snorkeling with turtles: around Cameo Island, around Keri Limni, at Katsika Beach (Kalamaki Beach) and at Gerakas Beach
• Diving with turtles: Scuba Diving in Laganas Bay, providers include: Zante Diving and Eurodivers
• Sea Kayaking: from Limni Keri to Turtle Island – Sea Kayaking Zakynthos
• Sailing trip in Zakynthos Southeast:Information about the provider atSoliton

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