Ecotourism in Crete: Explore a Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Beach

An unforgettable ecological experience awaits eco-conscious travelers in Crete this summer. ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, invites you to explore the remarkable nesting beaches of the Loggerhead sea turtle, a species they’ve dedicated themselves to protecting for 40 years.

If your summer plans include Chania or Rethymno in Crete, or areas in the Peloponnese like Ilia, Messinia, or Laconia, you’ll be near some of the most crucial Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches. Each night, female Loggerheads emerge from the sea to lay their precious eggs in nests they dig in the warm sand. Weeks later, tiny hatchlings break free from their shells, navigate the sandy terrain, and embark on a lifelong journey to their ocean home. ARCHELON diligently monitors these beaches, meticulously documenting and safeguarding the nests and hatchlings.

Join ARCHELON on an enlightening beach walk and gain firsthand knowledge of these unique coastal ecosystems and the fascinating world of sea turtles.

These informative beach walks are part of ARCHELON’s environmental awareness program, aiming to integrate environmental interpretation as a conservation tool. Their goal is to educate the public about nesting beaches, sand dunes, and responsible human-sea turtle interactions. During the walk, you’ll:

• Gain insights into the Loggerhead sea turtle, its species, and its habitat.
• Understand the threats facing Loggerhead sea turtles and the importance of their protection.
• Learn about ARCHELON’s efforts to protect sea turtles and their habitats.
• Receive valuable information on how you can contribute to sea turtle conservation.

This activity is available by reservation for groups of 1-8 people (children under 4 are free) and includes a symbolic adoption of a small turtle (€30). The walk follows a specific route and schedule, lasts 30-45 minutes, and takes place on the beaches of Rethymno and Chania in Crete. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience something extraordinary and contribute to the protection of these magnificent creatures. Book your spot today!

Exploring Nesting Beaches in Rethymno and Chania

Rethymno

Take a stroll along a section of Rethymno’s nesting beach with ARCHELON volunteers. Get a closer look at the Loggerhead nesting beach and learn about these incredible creatures during a 30-minute walk. This walk is part of ARCHELON’s multi-sectoral environmental awareness program and serves as a tool to raise awareness about nesting beaches, sand dunes, and positive human-sea turtle coexistence.

During the walk, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about sea turtles, the threats they face, and ARCHELON’s conservation efforts. You’ll start by learning interesting facts about sea turtles, their life cycle, and their biology. There will be stops along the beach at specific points where information about the fragile dune ecosystem will be shared, and you might even see tracks of female sea turtles, hatchlings, or sea turtle nests depending on the season. You’ll also receive information about the challenges sea turtles face from human activity and what you can do to help them while you’re at the beach.

Chania

Embark on a walk along a section of Chania’s nesting beach with ARCHELON volunteers. Get a closer look at the Loggerhead nesting beach and learn about these incredible creatures during a 30-minute walk. This walk is part of ARCHELON’s multi-sectoral environmental awareness program and serves as a tool to raise awareness about nesting beaches, sand dunes, and positive human-sea turtle coexistence.

Similar to the Rethymno walk, you’ll learn about sea turtles, the threats they face, and ARCHELON’s conservation work. You’ll start by learning interesting facts about sea turtles, their life cycle, and their biology. There will be stops along the beach at specific points where information about the fragile dune ecosystem will be shared, and you might even see tracks of female sea turtles, hatchlings, or sea turtle nests depending on the season. You’ll also receive information about the challenges sea turtles face from human activity and what you can do to help them while you’re at the beach.

Details for Rethymno and Chania Beach Walks

Please note that ARCHELON also offers similar beach walks in other areas of Greece. Check their website for more information and booking details.