World Turtle Day 2021

Last Sunday, 23rd May 2021 was world turtle day.

This day was started in 2000,by American Tortoise Rescue to increase the knowledge and respect for turtles. Also to bring attention to the situation around the world with this amazing endangered species.

Here on Zakynthos is one of the major turtle nesting areas of the caretta caretta turtle.

Every summer in the bay of Laganas, Kalamaki, Keri and Agios Sostis turtles can be seen. They also nest on several of the beaches on the island.

One of the positives, for the turtles, that has come from the Covid virus, is the decrease of human population on the beaches and the seas around the island. This resulted last year in an increase of turtle nests. So far this summer too there has been a number of turtles spotted around the bay and some nests have already been seen too.

To celebrate world turtle day many took to small boats to see the turtles swimming in their natural environment.

Over the last few yearsa number have turtes have been seen further north, and we have even had nests on the Navagio (Shipwreck beach)

Make a point of visiting Gerakas beach when you come to the island. The museum there and the turtle protection people will certainly help you learn to respect the turtles a little bit more.