A Gentle Encounter with the Island’s Oldest Visitors
Every spring, something remarkable happens in the waters just south of Zakynthos.
The Caretta caretta sea turtles — slow, ancient, and endangered — begin their long swim back to these shores. Not out of habit, but instinct. Not for rest, but for renewal.
Zakynthos was chosen as the site of Greece’s first marine park for a reason. The sands here, especially in the south, hold more than just footprints — they hold generations of life, quietly returned.
Where to Go
If you’re curious, patient, and lucky, you may catch a glimpse — a head breaking the surface, a shell just beneath the water. But remember: this is their place. We’re just passing through.
The best-known nesting sites are:
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Gerakas Beach
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Dafni Beach
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Kalamaki
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Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
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Sekania (closed to the public, but vital to conservation)
Many local boat tours offer respectful viewing from a distance, especially near Marathonisi, a small islet shaped — almost poetically — like a turtle itself.
How to Watch, Kindly
Turtles don’t need an audience. But if you find yourself nearby, here’s how to honour their presence:
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Keep quiet. Noise stresses them.
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Don’t use flash photography.
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Stay away from marked nesting areas on the sand.
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Never touch or chase them — even from a boat.
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Avoid visiting known nesting beaches at night.
This isn’t just about nature. It’s about allowing something sacred to continue — as it has for thousands of years.
Why It Matters
The Caretta caretta turtle is endangered. Each egg laid is a fragile thread in an ancient story.
Zakynthos isn’t just a destination — it’s a sanctuary. And your choice to observe respectfully helps protect what makes this island different.
Want to learn more or book a turtle-friendly tour?
Ask us at reception. We’ll connect you to guides who know the waters — and treat them with care.
