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There are many places in Greece where you can snorkel with turtles. . Mykonos Outdoors. There are many ways to get out and do your turtle spotting. There are seven species of sea turtles around the world sadly, all are vulnerable or endangered. The other beach option is, of course,Laganas Beach. Theres little doubt that these small inlets and caves make for some of the best snorkeling in Zakynthos. Snorkeling in Cyprus - Complete Guide To Find The Best Spots Birds take the eggs whilst looking for a meal. Visitors will often be able to witness turtles being born on the beach, and plenty of turtles swimming around in the waters just off the coast of the island. Sea turtles are one of the worlds oldest reptile species, dating back approximately 200 million years. During the nesting season, loggerhead turtles migrate to the sandy beaches to lay their eggs. These turtles can be found in late summer and early autumn. Ive been to Greece many times and explored more of its island than I can count. The Caretta or Loggerhead Sea Turtle can measure up to one meter in length and weigh up to 90 kg. During this time, it is necessary for the turtle to face a greater number of opponents. Weve been swimming in the coves of Chania prefecture, the westernmost part of Crete, in early April and spotted green and loggerhead turtles bobbing on by. 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 turtles, but it is less well known. Turtles are strictly regulated when traveling to and from Greece. There are even parts of Marathonisi that are now totally out of bounds to travelers on account of how central they are to the success of the turtle life cycle. Visitors to the island sometimes have the chance to watch turtles being born right here on the beach. The beach here is like paradise private, serene and utterly beautiful. Show more, If you're visiting Greek beaches during the hatching season and want to contribute to the survival of baby turtles, please give them their space. There are a number of tour operators who offer snorkelling trips to swim with the turtles and these can be booked in advance. Show more, Baby sea turtles face an uphill battle to survive from their first steps on Greek beaches. Once you are in Greece, make sure you have these beaches on your list. It also makes the island a standout among choices of where to see turtles in Greece. 4 Best Places to Swim With Turtles in 2022 - divessi.com Sea turtles lay their eggs in their natural habitat during the nesting season, which lasts from late May to August. The baby turtles start hatching from late July until October so if youre lucky you might even spot a baby sea turtle hatching from an egg! During this period, the air temperature averages between 22-32 C, while the sea between 22-26C/72-79F. Turtles usually hatch in late July or early October, and their eggs take approximately 55 days to incubate. If you want to see them, you should plan on waiting in a long line in the morning and at night. The females spend the majority of their time at the beach in the early morning. Your email address will not be published. Lagana Beach on Turtle Island Zakynthos is one of the best beaches in Greece to see the famous Zante turtles laying eggs, hatching, or going for a swim with one of these majestic creatures. Its got info on five of the most iconic locations across the island nation where you can go to spot the elusive shelled beasts of the sea. It has a beach length of about 12 km and is surrounded by low sand dunes in shallow water. They only build modest developments in traditional colors rather than huge resort complexes. This is such a unique and amazing experience that will leave you in awe. The diversity of the coastal habitats around Milos doesnt just make for ample viewing on a boat trip. Don't have travel insurance yet? You can stay for a few hours or overnight on the island if you have a boat. Gerakas beach is located on the south-east corner of the island and is particularly attractive because of its annual visitors, the loggerhead or Caretta Caretta turtles that nest here. There are beaches where its prohibited to swim for the turtles welfare, but there are often turtles swimming off the coast of this island and plenty of spots for you to get in the water, including a beautiful sea cave. There are several excellent beaches to choose from on the island, including Haraki Beach, Kallithea Beach, and St. Pauls Bay Beach. 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. The best time to see turtles is in the summer when they are active. SCUBA EXCURSIONS There's no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, float over vibrant reefs, and explore colorful coral forests on a snorkeling excursion designed to bring you up close with the ocean's most beautiful natural treasures. Its a heavenly spot covered in trees, edged with enchanting caves and private coves. The species is found on Albania and Sardinia, the two largest Italian islands, as well as in the Balearic Islands. Other spots include the island of Crete, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the island of Kefalonia. For a long time, the Ionian and Aegean seas have provided us with some of the most beautiful coastlines in feta and souvlaki. The sight of turtles is guaranteed, but the sight of their eggs hatching is somewhat unpredictable due to the availability of suitable nesting sites. Marine turtles migrate several thousand kilometers from their foraging grounds to their nesting sites. The pink color comes from the thousands of broken seashells which form part of the sand. One in every 1,000 baby turtles is thought to become an adult. Dafni beach is also one of the most important nesting grounds for the loggerhead turtle, and as such is maintained and observed by ecologists. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. Loggerhead Turtles feed here every morning in the shallows. The species is listed as a CITES Appendix I, which means that the trade and hunting of the species are prohibited. The 13 Best Places to Swim and Dive with Sea Turtles - PADI Blog This is the main hub for turtle safaris in the land of moussaka and feta. Overall, wed say that the long runs of powder at Kyparissia and Koroni are the two locations to know about. The Loggerhead turtles Caretta-Caretta are the second attraction of Zakynthos Island, after obviously the famous Shipwreck Beach. How about a snorkel trip to Balos Lagoon, one of Greeces whitest stretches of sand? If watching sea turtles is your thing, plan your trip to Greek beaches from late May to October. 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. Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. I was lucky enough to see this for myself last year and boy was it amazing! Written 1 March 2023. Every summer, sea turtles lay their eggs in the shade of Rethymno beach in Crete. The Peloponnese is the heart-shaped peninsula that spikes the Aegean Sea like Poseidons trident, offering three individual headlands that each have their own unique character. How to Live in Bali Permanently: Making the Dream a Reality, P&O 1 Week Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise 2023 (HONEST Review). Everything is furnished to a high standard, rooms are large and bright with air conditioning and balcony terraces. The good news is that they are pretty darn enticing destinations in their own right, even without said turtles. Water should be accessible from the north of the island. 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. You can become an Ocean Ambassador and photograph sea turtles while snorkeling or diving. The female turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches, which are her nests. You may occasionally find certain sections of the beaches closed off to protect the turtles as they hatch. 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. Their specialty is fishbowls. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that line the coast. They come ashore during the summer months, when they lay their eggs, and are the best to see. The most Italian-educated Greek island is on Corfu. Gerakas Beach on Zakynthos, Greece. The endangered Caretta caretta is a Mediterranean sea turtle with an amazing and unimaginable life cycle. There are over a hundred turtle species in danger of extinction. It's on the main road of Moalboal, parallel to the sea. Keep reading to find out exactly where you can see sea turtles in Greece including both the Greek Islands and mainland Greece. The suns reflection creates weird and wonderful shapes and patterns on the sand and stone. Generally speaking, theres no better time to head off on marine safaris here than the summer months. ), you can take a cruise or glass-bottom boat tour to try to spot these endangered creatures swimming in the water. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Where To See Turtles In Crete - 2023 Guide - Traveller's Elixir: A You can also see them at Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Kythira. There are several different places in Greece where sea turtles regularly come to hatch. Escursione ai faraglioni Mizithr, ZANTE To keep turtles safe, there are a few things to keep in mind. In Greece, a Greek tortoise can be found on both the northeast and northern Aegean islands. Only accessible by sea, you can get a boat tour from Keri or even hire your own boat if youre feeling confident. Wanna swim with sea turtles?? - Laganas Beach - Tripadvisor Show more, The Caretta or Loggerhead Sea Turtle, the largest hard-shelled turtle species in the Mediterranean, can range up to one meter in length and weigh as much as 90 kilograms. The Greek marginated tortoise can be found in the central and southern parts of the country. Other areas in Crete where turtle sightings are common include the beaches of Rethymno, Messara Bay and Chania. 7) Egypt. Loggerhead sea turtles are among the most common turtle nesting sites on the Greek mainland, while Mediterranean sea turtles are among the most common turtle nesting sites. The beach at Kalamaki is a dedicated turtle conservation area, where endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta) seasonally venture to the sandy shores to nest. The most common and accessible place to see wild turtles in Kefalonia is Argostoli Bay. Because of its size, it is the largest reptile on Earth and one of the largest animals on the planet. 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. Drunken Duncans Cocktail Factory is another bar that draws a younger crowd, but also has that excellent party atmosphere. Where to find the Moalboal sardine run & turtles. Laid in small clutches of eggs on the beaches of Zakynthos and other shores throughout Turkey and Italy, the babies make an important and perilous dash for the ocean as soon as theyve hatched. The island has crystal clear waters with a visibility of up to 30 meters. Because it is protected from fishermen, life here is more abundant than at other dive sites. On average, they weigh an enormous 135 kg / 298 pounds but despite this are surprisingly speedy, reaching up to 30 km / 19 miles per hour! Bunaken Marine Park, which was one of the first Marine Protected Areas established by the Indonesian Government, can now be found at Surakarta. Furthermore, infrastructure development is destroying the species habitat. Head out into the water for a closer look and the chance to swim alongside them. Follow the Facebook group Welcometozante, you will find valuable useful tips for your stay in Zante. The rooms are also equipped with a small kitchenette for guests to use. Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Scandinavian Capital To Visit? Reviewed September 2, 2021 . The D. coriacea migrates over 10,000 kilometers every year, making it a significant species of migratory bird. 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. Its full of bumps and steep bends potentially a bit difficult with a scooter so most recommend hiring a car to get to this beach. More details on Boat Rental. Do you think snorkelling can be done in April? Credit: commons.wikimedia.org. To swim with a sea turtle is on many travellers bucket lists. For this reason, its the best time to see turtles in Greece. Sunfos Alessia Yachting. First, theyre longer and wider than their compadres on the eastern side of the peninsula. On return, Milos has some other things certainly worth adding to the itinerary. There are many species of marine life on the island, including manta rays, schools of tropical fish, nudibranchs, starfish, dolphins, and whale sharks. Munching on mussels attached to the dock and waiting for fishermen to throw away any fish into the harbour that they can't sell. Fortunately, the island has been carefully managed to best preserve the habitat of its rare marine life. Where can you snorkel and swim with turtles in the sea off the coast of Greece? PlanetLoveLife is dedicated to nature, the environment, and saving sea and animal life. Before booking an excursion ask for information on the size of the boat, generally a boat of 20-40 passengers is an excellent compromise to get close to the turtle without disturbing it. Crete is such a huge island that theres bound to be a major turtle nesting hotspot somewhere along its coast, right? https://en.wikipedia.org/w/zkny. Is it safe to snorkel in greece? Laganas turtle beach, Zakynthos is a good spot for snorkeling as it has a sandy bottom so visibility is clear. 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). Areas like the Saronic Gulf coast, meanwhile, tend to be a bit busy with ships and yachters to allow for good turtle watching, while the northern coast on the Corinthian Gulf tends to be better for encounters with dolphins. The area around Ammoussa Beach is protected by sea walls, and Lefkadas cove contains a small island. Swimming around the islet, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, it is quite likely that you will encounter a couple of specimens. Gli incredibili colori di una desert, ZANTE Boutique: Dali A quick swim with turtles! - Review of Preveli Beach, Lefkogia, Greece Consumption of the product in Sub Sahara Africa could be a threat to the species. Human behavior is the most dangerous enemy. 8. However, if you are motivated enough and a little lucky, you will be able to live this experience too. Most tours are licensed by the Marine Park, check the reviews before booking. The best time to see them is from May to October. Athens, Greece. Turtle conservation is a priority at Kalamaki Beach, which is designated as a turtle conservation area. Turtles On Kalamaki Beach Greece | Thomas Cook Marathonisi Island is actually a fragment of aforementioned Zakynthos. There are also planned snorkeling expeditions that you can take to swim with the turtles. Youre sure to be taken under two remarkable natural arches of stone called the Kamares, where the water is incredible deep below and bats hang overhead! The survival rate is one in a thousand, so it's imperative for beach-goers to refrain from interfering with the baby turtles during this time. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. If youre wondering where to see turtles in Greece, then look no further than this guide. On Mafia, a marine conservation NGO dedicated to turtle conservation and ecotourism has been doing some excellent work. This species, unlike many others, is primarily carnivorous. You should definitely take classes! Unfortunately we only got to see the nests, no turtles. Marsa Alam on the east coast of Egypt is one of the top spots in the world to swim with turtles. If youre up for a wild night out, head to Fishbowl Bar (drinks served in fishbowls! Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, is located in Bay. Coast Brava, in particular, is well-known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. So youve heard quite a lot about this loggerhead turtle so far havent you? Swimming with Turtles in Savai'i, Samoa - Exploring Kiwis Located approximately 90 km from Cancun International Airport, Akumal is one of the most . The season for sea turtles is set to begin on March 1 and last until October 31st. Olive ridley, hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles all lay their eggs on the beach in S*o Tom during the fall and winter months. This little paradise is found just off Keri Cape a collection of natural caves of different sizes that make an incredible photo op. When swimming with sea turtles in Maui, stay calm and slow, and stay out of the way as closely as possible. Marathonisi Beach on Turtle Island, a stones throw from the Zantes south coast, is the highest point. The town comes alive in the evening with a buzzing nightlife scene. The loggerhead sea turtle nests on Kefalonia, a Greek island, from late May to early August. Mainly, its the west-facing beaches of Messenia that offer the best turtle-spotting opportunities. The price can vary from 7-10 for the observation of the turtles only, we advise you to spend a few euros more and make some additional stops on the island of Marathonisi and the caves of Keri. It is not uncommon to find it on Kos Island, but it is rare to find it in Greece. Perhaps the focal point of the turtle scene is on Rethymno Beach. How about I fill you in. It is simple to become lost on the island. Its home to the popular Laganas Beach, which overlooks Laganas Bay, out of which the loggerhead turtles migrate in and out. Sink or Swim: Can Turtles Swim? | PetMD I personally found that Elafonissi Beach is the best place to see turtles especially during nesting season as you get to see mother turtles laying their eggs and the baby turtles hatching! 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). Snorkeling Greece Santorini is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have. Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. 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 In Corfu, there are three distinct shorelines. Renting a car allowed me to see a lot of the island and to get some Zakynthos snorkeling action. Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or an experienced one, these locations are sure to provide a memorable experience. The best time for snorkeling is from June to October when the sea is warm, calm, and clear. The later you go, the wilder the atmosphere is. Archaeological Site of Delos. The beach itself is very private and intimate. The Best Places To See Sea Turtles In Greece - Planet Love Life It was ruled for hundreds of years by Venice, from the final tragic fall of Byzantium in the year 1000 to the reunification of Greece in 2004. Turtles, in fact, are the descendants of the first dinosaurs and have lived on the planet for 250 million years. The Loggerhead turtle is the most common turtle species found in Greece. 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. Plan ahead and take a boat trip so that you can go in and out of the caves around the island. One of the most popular spots is the island of Zakynthos, where you can find the endangered loggerhead turtles. Cameo Island, located in the heart of Europe, is one of the best places to swim with turtles. Zakynthos island in Greece is definitely nice for a week in the sun, but I wouldn't go there in winter. Yup, I have affiliate links on this blog and there may be some in this amazing and completely free content below. Other notable companies include Archelon, Medasset, and WWF. 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. For snorkelers and divers looking for the best Greek islands to snorkel and dive, Crete is unquestionably the place to be. A butterfly-shaped rock in the western half of that archipelago, it has a north coast thats positively brimming with inlets, coves, sea caves you name it. In all of these cases, good travel insurance has you covered. In fact, the island is usually known not by its traditional Greek name but by its more colloquial moniker: Turtle Island. To ensure the turtles remain safe, theres a few key things to bear in mind when swimming with them in Greece. It is possible to rent kayaks or pedal boats on the beaches of Kalamaki, Laganas and Agios Sostis. 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. Categorized in: About Zakynthos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide, Theres More to See Than Just Beach in Rethymnon, Culinary Experiences to Have on Santorini, Visit the Venetian Castle in Nafpaktos, Greece. Did you know you can also see turtles in the Maldives? For diving resorts in Manado/Bunaken, consult the websites of these locations. If you want to contribute to their cause and protect turtles for the future, please go to their website. They usually play house music atDrunken Duncans Cocktail Factory, and could very well have the best cocktails on the island ofZakynthos. The island is best known for its stunning beaches, which are ideal for nesting for the endangered Caretta Sea Turtle. Weve compiled a collection of premium small group trips as a means of connecting with new, like-minded people for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences theyll never forget. After the eggs are laid, they must incubation for approximately 55 days before hatching, which is expected to happen in early August. The Mediterranean Sea is home to only three of the worlds seven sea turtle species (loggerhead, Caretta caretta, green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and leatherback). They usually draw a much younger crowd, but the atmosphere is much like a frat party. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Cameo Island, Zante | Snorkeling in Greece There are many places in Europe where you can see turtles. Most people who visit the island find Kopria too remote (it is about 45km from Rhodes, near . One of the great things about a turtle adventure on Crete is all the adventure that awaits once its over. The small commission I'll earn from this supports my business and means I can continue to make new content. Thank you! She speaks at international conferences and has been featured as a travel expert in print and online publications. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tip: pay close attention to the boats, a buoy can be very useful to be identified by the boats. Its known to have some of the biggest summertime populations of the shelled beasts and even comes with a whole marine reserve thats intended to protect and help sustain their numbers. Suriname is home to four of the worlds seven turtle species, as well as two of the most important nesting sites. Snorkeling During a swim or while you are snorkeling it can happen that you come across a Caretta-Caretta turtle. Before deciding which type of turtle to get, be sure to understand their particular habits and swimming needs. I would certainly continue to use this beech. Oh you guys should check out snorkeling here in South Florida, its amazing and really epic feeling swimming with sea turtles and nursing sharks. Because many turtles are aquatic reptiles, swimming is a part of their everyday activity. The beach looks gorgeous and turtles are always an added bonus! PlanetLoveLife is dedicated to nature, the environment, and saving sea and animal life. Without interference, these vulnerable creatures have a much better chance of reaching the open sea and gradually improving their odds of living a long, healthy life. Another beautiful sandy bay thats well known for its yearly turtle visitations is Dafni beach. On average, they only give birth once every two to three years, mating for a period of up to six weeks, so it's an . They range from sunny Zante and its protected offshore islands all the way to the rocky climbs of the Cyclades and the rugged coast of Crete. This coincides with the nesting season and you can observe sea turtles in the daylight. On the beach or along a rocky shore, it is possible to catch a few turtles sunning themselves.