Where to find the Moalboal sardine run & turtles. To see the hatching you have to go every day for a couple of hours, to one of the beaches of the Marine Park, the ones where it is more likely to see it are Kalamaki, Dafni and Gerakas, placing your towel near as many nests as possible (the towel can be placed only on the waters edge). You may occasionally find certain sections of the beaches closed off to protect the turtles as they hatch. Credit: commons.wikimedia.org. There are loads of beautiful and good value apartments on Zakynthos for more options I recommend heading to Airbnb. These places are hotspots for observing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The water will be quite a bit chillier than in summer so I guess it depends if you mind that. The Aquarium of Rhodes is the ideal place to spend a day learning about the worlds oceans and wildlife, as well as spending time with family and friends. The turtles can be found around the islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Crete, Kos and Rhodes. The service was good with options to swim with the turtles and feed them or feed them or just watch lovely experience and great photos. Every summer, sea turtles nest on the Rethymno beach. This gives you a chance to get out onto the water and see the turtles up close! Every summer, the Caretta Loggerhead Sea Turtles lay their eggs here. The whole thing is considered the anchor of the turtle breeding in the southern Ionian Sea. These key tips protect both you and the turtles. The Greek islands offer some of the best snorkelling in the world and there are many places where you can swim with sea turtles. Related posts: A languid cruise of Tahiti and the Society Islands A luxurious cruise is the very gentlest of introductions to the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. For very little money youll get a clean and comfortable room in a good location on the island 5.3 km / 3.3 miles from Laganas Beach and just a short walk outside the charming little village of Keri with its beautiful arches, inlets, and caves. Its got five spots that we think reign supreme when it comes to spotting the carapace-topped creatures of the deep in this sunny, southern corner of Europe. The Caretta or Loggerhead Sea Turtle can measure up to one meter in length and weigh up to 90 kg. The best place to swim with turtles is in the clear blue waters off the island of Zakynthos. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. :167164924000, ZANTE Most people think that Shipwreck Beach is what this destination is the most famous for, but those who love the ocean and its creatures know that Zante is an important nesting site for the endangered loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Scandinavian Capital To Visit? Visitors may also come across ancient ruins on the beach, as well as sea turtle nesting areas. This is such a unique and amazing experience that will leave you in awe. Plan ahead and take a boat trip so that you can go in and out of the caves around the island. Yep, you read that right this beach is pink. The beach itself does get quite crowded here but if you like a lively atmosphere with crystal blue waters and beautiful sand, its perfect. Zante turtles is the name and protecting them is the "game'. At this time, beach-goers are asked not to interfere with the baby turtles when they start getting out of their nests. Others might rent their own motorboat, an option that allows for more expansive explorations around Zantes southern shores. If youre up for a wild night out, head to Fishbowl Bar (drinks served in fishbowls! Turtle Island, located on Marathonisi Island in Laganas Bay, is included in Zakynthos' Marine Park, and it is well-known for its distinctive shape, which is a crucial breeding ground for sea . Zakynthos island in Greece is definitely nice for a week in the sun, but I wouldn't go there in winter. Only accessible by sea, you can get a boat tour from Keri or even hire your own boat if youre feeling confident. During that time, there are plenty of eco tours that showcase the process of conservation and protection that aims to increase numbers of these endangered animals in the waters of the southern Aegean. Foraging opportunities are abundant in southern Tunisia, particularly along the Gulf of Gabs, and this area is a particularly important feeding area for sea turtles in the Mediterranean. Gli incredibili colori di una desert, ZANTE Thats where the vast National Marine Park of Zakynthos dominates a whole bay, stretching from the wild rock stacks of the Cape of Marathia on one side to the villages of Vasilikos in the east. The best area to meet it is that which goes from the island of Cameo to the small port of Agios Sostis. Development on the beaches damage breeding grounds. Find more information on the Marine Park of Zakynthos and the Caretta-Caretta turtles in the section Marine Park. This species, unlike many others, is primarily carnivorous. Cameo Island, located south of Zakynthos in Laganas Bay, is a small rocky island. The best time to see them is from May to October. If youre looking for a great time, check outFishbowl Bar. The unique Akumal Turtle Beach Travel Guide. The eggs are then laid in the sand and covered up. The beaches are home to the green turtle, leatherback turtle, olive ridley turtle, hawksbill turtle, and others. We got to swim with the turtles on the left side of the island, there is a small passage and a very steep stairs leading towards a very small very slippery spot where you can enter the water. Gerakas Beach on Zakynthos, Greece. During the summer, turtles can be seen swimming in Greece. How Do Turtles Swim? There are a lot of small Zakynthos beaches and caves where there is plenty of fish and the water is usually pretty clear as well. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. That being said,Cheeky Tikis Bar givesDrunken Duncans Cocktail Factory a run for their money in the cocktail department. How to Live in Bali Permanently: Making the Dream a Reality, P&O 1 Week Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise 2023 (HONEST Review). How about I fill you in. Close to Playa del Carmen, this spot is by far the best in Mexico for this activity. Only a few of the 1,000 loggerhead turtles that reach adulthood are born to parents. The later you go, the wilder the atmosphere is. The beach itself is very private and intimate. Please send the following information, as well as the date and location of the sighting, to one of the associations listed below. Some will opt for a sea kayak to watch the turtles popping up for air. Show more, Leatherback Turtles on the North Caribbean. Every day thousands of tourists flock to the beaches of the Marine Park and the excursions to be able to observe them in their natural habitat. I actually have a full guide on where to see turtles in Crete with a long list of turtle watching hotspots but heres my top pick. The top locations for hatching turtles are Zakynthos (Zante), Kyparissia, Lakonikos, Rethymno, Chania, Messenia, and Koroni. See full Affiliate Disclosure here. The town comes alive in the evening with a buzzing nightlife scene. Great information for planning trip to Zakynthos.. Im planning to go there in April this year. If youre wondering where to see turtles in Greece, then this guide has you covered. Munching on mussels attached to the dock and waiting for fishermen to throw away any fish into the harbour that they can't sell. The eggs hatch about 60 days later which is, unfortunately, peak tourist season so ecologists do everything possible to avoid disturbance. Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Lakonikos, Rethymno, Chania, Messenia, and Koroni are seven biggest egg-laying destinations for turtles. There are many species of marine life on the island, including manta rays, schools of tropical fish, nudibranchs, starfish, dolphins, and whale sharks. Also known as Turtle Island (it's even shaped like a turtle! As soon as you notice the WWF volunteers near groups of people standing, its time to grab your camera to immortalize the little turtles heading towards the sea. In 1999, the Mediterraneans first national park for the protection of sea turtles was created The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, part of Natura 2000. We hope to inspire people to take action to protect the earth and its creatures. The isle has been a vacation mecca for some decades now, offering jaw-dropping bays on one side (the incredible Shipwreck Beach among them) and pumping party resorts on another (Laganas being the hub of those). Turtles are among the cutest animals in the ocean. If you want to have a truly unique experience, snorkeling is the way to go. The pink color comes from the thousands of broken seashells which form part of the sand. Turtles can be swimming in Greece during the summer months. Artificial lighting in this crowded tourist area can cause turtles to stray from their natural course and eventually cause their deaths. Sea turtles lay their eggs in their natural habitat during the nesting season, which lasts from late May to August. Now, how about a jaunt through the ancient palaces of Knossos to see 3,000-year-old relics from the Minoan age? Now that would be a sight you wouldnt forget in a hurry. Founder of the Travel Snippet blog, travel and nature lover. Because of this, part of the beach is normally roped off to protect Zakynthos turtles that love to nest here annually. Marsa Alam on the east coast of Egypt is one of the top spots in the world to swim with turtles. One interesting feature of these turtles is that they always return to the same breeding grounds at the same time every year to lay their eggs so it is easy to predict where they will show up. Tourists flock to Agios Prokopios sandy beach because of its numerous attractions. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and free private parking. Zakynthos is great for snorkeling. The nests of the turtles, made between April and June on the southern side of the island, are marked and protected by wooden frames, asking sunbathers to keep their distance. Spain has some of the worlds best snorkeling spots. Turtle Island got its name from the area being a protected nesting site for turtles. The Caretta caretta is the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world, with an amazing lifespan of 47 67 years. Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia is one of the best snorkeling spots in Greece, so visit it if you want to get a taste of this fantastic snorkeling destination. Other spots include the island of Crete, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the island of Kefalonia. The beaches where you can go snorkeling in Zakynthos as well were, at least to me, a big part of the attractiveness of this island. Tourists should stay away from and not try to lift the turtles and carry them to the sea because this first journey is supposed to strengthen their bodies. Sunfos Alessia Yachting. If youre wondering where to see turtles in Greece, then theres a good chance your wonders will stop and stop for good on the stunning island of Zakynthos. Because of the shallow and calm waters, snorkelers of all skill levels can enjoy this fun and breathtaking scenery. staff renting sunbeds and pedalos, very pleasant and helpful. Salmonella poisoning can be fatal to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Show more, For the best chance to spot egg-laying Caretta turtles up close in Greece, you should visit Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Lakonikos, Rethymno, Chania, Messenia, or Koroni. ), Drunken Duncans Cocktail Factory, Glamour Bar or Cheeky Tikis. Santorini Volcano Reef contains some of the most stunning volcanic rock formations and shipwrecks in the world, all at a depth of only 20 meters. Is it safe to snorkel in greece? The sardine run is located just off the coast of Moalboal, on the west coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines. If you do have access to a car, you have much more freedom to try out some of the best snorkeling beaches in Zakynthos here are a few of the most popular. Show more, Baby sea turtles face an uphill battle to survive from their first steps on Greek beaches. On return, Milos has some other things certainly worth adding to the itinerary. This large turtle is found in fresh and brackish water and can live for up to 45 years. If you see sea turtles in the sea near Crete, keep an eye on them because there are more species nearby that do not nest on the island. Written 1 March 2023. Human activity (both physical and psychological) poses the greatest threat to sea turtles, and all of these activities are putting them on the verge of extinction. Most of the isle is mountainous (a dramatic backdrop for photos!) Do you think snorkelling can be done in April? The best places for hatching turtles are Zakynthos (Zante) and Kyparissia. Sea turtles can be scared and touched on Crete, but not in any way. Remember that all of the different turtle species are endangered so its important that we do all we can to help their chances. Its also worth noting that the question of where to see turtles in Greece should go hand in hand with a question about when to see turtles in Greece. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. Your email address will not be published. Salmonella is present in some freshwater turtles and tortoises in Greece, but it does not pose a threat to humans. The most common species of turtle present in Greece is the rare Loggerhead turtle which are known locally as caretta-caretta sea turtles. #27 of 207 things to do in Zakynthos Islands Write a review About This beautiful offshore islet in Laganas Bay is best known as a breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in Greece. Boat trips are either a full-day or half-day, and normally head out into Laganas Bay, and then along round the headland to Keri caves (sometimes continuing on to Marathonisi island too). 2023 Traveller's Elixir: A Luxury Travel Blog, Elafonissi Beach Full-Day Trip To See Turtles, Navarino Bay Sea Kayaking Tour To See Turtles, Where To See Turtles In Crete 2023 Guide, Where To See Turtles In The Maldives 2023 Guide, Where To See Turtles In Rarotonga 2023 Guide. The sun loungers are kept well away from the turtle nests. The largest turtle that has been recorded measured 2.5m from flipper to flipper, and weighed over 900kg; Only around 1 in 1000 turtle hatchlings make it to adulthood; Here are our 4 best places to swim with turtles: 1.Cyprus. Their specialty is fishbowls. Snorkeling During a swim or while you are snorkeling it can happen that you come across a Caretta-Caretta turtle. Turtles are not well known in Angolan waters, but the Agostinho Neto University in Luanda is conducting research into the status of turtles in these waters. Other notable companies include Archelon, Medasset, and WWF. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The Mediterranean Sea is home to only three of the worlds seven sea turtle species (loggerhead, Caretta caretta, green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and leatherback). No matter how well you plan your holiday to Zakynthos, there's always something that can happen that's beyond your control. The lushly green island offers an array of stunning beaches that are ideal for snorkeling. In fact, the island is usually known not by its traditional Greek name but by its more colloquial moniker: Turtle Island. Some places on the Peloponnese stand out from the crowd. As a sea turtle nesting site, the beach is a great place to observe them. The rooms are also equipped with a small kitchenette for guests to use. The Greek mainland is an ideal location for sea turtle nesting because it is the only place where sea turtles can lay their eggs. We have plans to be completely carbon neutral in the very near future, and we provide flightless in destination, zero-carbon offset trips, mini trips, and sailing trips. The most Italian-educated Greek island is on Corfu. This beach is very famous, not only for its nesting turtle population, but also for its pink sand! The female turtle only gives birth to babies every two to four years, from May to September, on the beach in Crete. The land around Sekania was purchased by WWF Greece and has since been monitored and supervised heavily, year-round. Where they are plentiful, close to the beach and swimming at less than 2 meters of depth, the "place of turtle" (in Maya) is ideal to meet them. It is not uncommon for loggerhead sea turtles to migrate from place to place. It's probably the best known turtle beach in Zakynthos and because of the turtle nesting sites, the beach has been . Swimming with turtles is possible in Greece at Laganas Beach near Marathonisi and Cameo Island. It was one of those amazing moments in life that i will remember forever, swimming in the crystal clear sea water close to Spartia beach Kefalonia Greece whe. Search on Google Maps for " SeaQuest Dive Centre ". Sea turtles, such as loggerhead and green turtles, nest in North Cyprus. ZakynthosZakynthosZakynthos is a separate region from the Ionian Islands and the only municipality in the region, and it is the only island in Zakynthos Marine Park. Take photos and share them with your friends if you can see a turtle hatching. To find the turtles you have to follow the excursion boats, as soon as you see them stationary in one point it means that they have identified the turtle and you just have to wait for them to leave. The Greek island of Zakynthos is notorious for having the best beaches of any of the Ionian islands. One of the most popular spots is the island of Zakynthos, where you can find the endangered loggerhead turtles. The beaches here are also very clean and well-maintained. Did you know there are only seven types of sea turtle in our oceans? The horned beaks of the loggerhead and their large heads have earned them the nickname The Devils Hammer. More than 80% of the worlds loggerhead sea turtles can be found on Zantes south coast. This beach isnt nearly as popular as Turtle Beach, mostly because people prefer the privacy that they get on Turtle Beach, asLaganas Beach usually draws large crowds. More than 1,046km of shoreline rings the rock, rolling from the windblown bays of Falasarna in the west to the heady beach resorts of Malia in the east. I saw them here recently and all I can say is wow! Another reason is that it too is a protected nesting site for turtles. This little paradise is found just off Keri Cape a collection of natural caves of different sizes that make an incredible photo op. Overview Wild Swimming Kefalonia, Greece | INCLUSIVE ACTIVITY | Prices from 499pp Wild swimming is garnering a big following in the UK with lots more people taking up the sport every year. Check out the video below which shows a beautiful sea turtle, spotted at Kyparissia Bay in Greece: One of the main reasons people come to Greece to see turtles is to see the baby turtles hatching from their eggs and making their run towards the ocean. Fortunately, the island has been carefully managed to best preserve the habitat of its rare marine life. These include Navarino Bay, Kyparissia Bay, Lakonikos Bay and Koroni Beach. The island is best known for its stunning beaches, which are ideal for nesting for the endangered Caretta Sea Turtle. Marine turtles migrate several thousand kilometers from their foraging grounds to their nesting sites. with fertile plains used for olive and lemon groves and vineyards. Lucy Westmore says there's space for both, if. The difference between this one and all the rest is that it is highly protected, and off-limits to tourists. The species is found on Albania and Sardinia, the two largest Italian islands, as well as in the Balearic Islands. The season for sea turtles is set to begin on March 1 and last until October 31st. For diving resorts in Manado/Bunaken, consult the websites of these locations. The beach here is like paradise private, serene and utterly beautiful. Required fields are marked *. Turtles can be seen on Gerakas Beach, Zakynthos, and Foki Beach refers to seal, so its a great place to find them. Theres little doubt that these small inlets and caves make for some of the best snorkeling in Zakynthos. ), you can take a cruise or glass-bottom boat tour to try to spot these endangered creatures swimming in the water. The most popular place to see them is at Kefalonia, where there is a turtle nesting beach. Swimming around the islet, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, it is quite likely that you will encounter a couple of specimens. When turtles return to the beach to lay their eggs, the baby turtles hatch. It has a number of white sand beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. These locations are perfect for if youre on the mainland and dont want to head over to a Greek island to see the turtles. The two most popular bars are Drunken Duncans Cocktail Factory andCheeky Tikis Bar. You cant swim? Below, a scythe of yellow sand rings the northern tip of the isle, while dank and shadowy sea caves pierce through the cliffs further south. Laganas Laganas - Things to Do Laganas Beach Laganas Beach 3,447 Reviews #4 of 10 things to do in Laganas Nature & Parks, Outdoor Activities, Beaches Laganas 290 92, Greece Save Cruise to turtle's island and caves with a glass bottom boat 136 Book in advance from 21.70 per adult Check availability View full product details Clive H As a summer companion, you can learn about their unique biology and conservation status while swimming with them. Im just glad to know that there are still people who care about the nature. Drunken Duncans Cocktail Factory is another bar that draws a younger crowd, but also has that excellent party atmosphere. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/zkny. Cook Island Marine Reserve is a small protected area not far from the Gold Coast in southeast Queensland. Zakynthos in Greece has a reputation for having vibrant blue waters and an impressive landscape with high cliffs and caves. There are also planned snorkeling expeditions that you can take to swim with the turtles. Be careful and make sure to leave the beaches before night time to give them space to nest. Another top turtle spot in Zakynthos is the resort town of Kalamaki which lies on the southern coast of the island, just 5 minutes down the road from Laganas. Read more. Sospesi tra le acque blu della Costa, ZANTE First, an intro: Zakynthos is also known as Zante. Some of the most popular include Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxi. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. whilst swimming, or just standing in the sea, all of a sudden, a turtle would pop his head out of the water, look at you and dive. If you want to contribute to their cause and protect turtles for the future, please go to their website. I share with you all my best tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't have travel insurance yet? There are a number of tour operators who offer snorkelling trips to swim with the turtles and these can be booked in advance. Marathonisi Island Photo by Andreas Weilguny/Unsplash Marathonisi Island is actually a fragment of aforementioned Zakynthos. On Costa Rica, maybe:). If you are not very experienced in maneuvers, we recommend that you keep a distance of at least 10 m from the turtle to avoid injuring it with the propeller. Sea turtles can be seen snorkeling in rocky and sandy beds with an average depth of 2-4 meters, making this a very good place to see them. We advise you not to jump into the water nor to get too close to the boats, as they have to carry out numerous maneuvers to stay close to the turtle. Zakynthos is one of the larger Greek islands located in the south-southeast corner of the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy. Capo Marathia is another great snorkeling area, a promontory near Keri where you can find smaller, less popular beaches. If you do not want to let the turtle escape, approach it slowly, approaching it from the side, and do not touch it to avoid being bitten. I hope Ill have enough time soon to attend swimming classes. Not only is that the main turtle nesting season, culminating with the hatching times of September and October, its also when the Greek seas are at their warmest and clearest. But, how much do we actually know about sea turtles? To make things super easy for you, you can join an Elafonissi Beach full-day trip which will take you to the beach. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, but theyre positioned to avoid any turtle disturbance. 1. They are all locations where there are known populations of turtles, where there are main nesting locations for turtles during the hatching season, or where turtles are regularly spotted in the water. For a long time, the Ionian and Aegean seas have provided us with some of the most beautiful coastlines in feta and souvlaki. You can find a world-class snorkeling spot right in the middle of it on Kolymbithres Beach. Generally speaking, theres no better time to head off on marine safaris here than the summer months. It is against the law to disturb turtles and their nest sites, and all turtles are completely protected. Later on, hatchlings appear, starting from late July. This is by far the best place in Zakynthos for finding turtles sightings are almost guaranteed. Which Mediterranean Destination Is Better? There are two ways to get over to Marathonisi for your turtle safari. So youve heard quite a lot about this loggerhead turtle so far havent you? More details on Boat Rental. When it comes to turtles on Zakynthos, theres nowhere better to be than on the south coast. Visitors to the island sometimes have the chance to watch turtles being born right here on the beach. Also, tourists shouldn't pour water on turtles because it may confuse them. The most beautiful snorkeling spots can be found along the west coast. Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. Here are the places where you can see the most turtles, based on what Ive written. Female loggerhead turtles come to Marathonisi every single summer to lay their eggs on the beaches. Its found on the south coast of the island. Hi The excursion is the best solution for turtle watching in Zakynthos. Oh you guys should check out snorkeling here in South Florida, its amazing and really epic feeling swimming with sea turtles and nursing sharks. But if you dont mind the crowds, it is a really nice beach. I saw about 15 turtles, swam alongside them and also got to see some truly breathtaking sights. There are medieval catacombs and a Venetian castle. 150 54. Mimicking one of those jungle-covered islets that pokes above the Bali Sea in Southeast Asia, its got a sculpted profile of two soft peaks covered in pine trees and eucalyptuses. Summer brings similar peaks in nesting activity to the sands of both. The diversity of the coastal habitats around Milos doesnt just make for ample viewing on a boat trip. Another beautiful sandy bay thats well known for its yearly turtle visitations is Dafni beach. Alonnisos, a small island in the Aegean Sea, has a diverse marine environment that can provide a wide range of fish. This is the main hub for turtle safaris in the land of moussaka and feta. The Maldives archipelago is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands that are ring-shaped, each with a small atoll attached to it. An abundance of fun bars and restaurants lure a younger clientele. Most people who visit the island find Kopria too remote (it is about 45km from Rhodes, near . There are turtles in Greece in many different places. People call in Turtle Paradise because it doesnt suffer the consequences of the high levels of tourism on the other beaches of Zakynthos. A sea turtles beak can be used to bite, and the animal is gentle in nature. To admire turtles from very close, it is to Akumal bay that you should go! Although well worth the effort, the dirt road down to the beach from the coastal road that connects Argasi to Vasilikos is a bit tricky. Swimming with turtles is a must-do when you are in Rarotonga. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. A snorkel is a fun, safe, and simple way to get outside and get out in the ocean; it is a great option for those who would rather not dive or snorkel. The Loggerhead turtle is a rare species that is the most common turtle found in Greece. They prefer nesting sites in warmer waters and have long lifespans, up to 50 years. It's pretty easy to find alone, without the use of a guide. Over half of their nesting ground on the islands beaches has been lost to tourists as a result of its popularity. This is one of the best spots in Greece for swimming with turtles, as it is home to the endangered animals found on the Marathonisi Islands. During the nesting season, which lasts from late May to August, you can observe sea turtles in their natural habitat during the daytime. Laganas turtle beach, Zakynthos is a good spot for snorkeling as it has a sandy bottom so visibility is clear. One of the most popular spots is the island of Zakynthos, where you can find the endangered loggerhead turtles. Turtle Island, located on Marathonisi, is part of Zakynthos Marine Park and is well-known for its characteristic shape; however, because it is a critical breeding ground for sea turtles, this is one of the lesser-known attractions on the Ionian Islands. Oh, and theres a bustling port town with taste-bud-tempting tavernas that serve locally caught seafood fresh off the grill.