Loggerhead Turtle Nesting — Zakynthos

About this spectacle

On the dark, moonlit shores of Laganas Bay, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) emerge from the Ionian Sea to nest on some of the Mediterranean's most important beaches. Visitors fortunate enough to witness a nesting event will see an ancient ritual unfold in near-silence: a heavy-bodied turtle laboriously dragging herself above the tide line, excavating a deep chamber with her rear flippers, and depositing dozens of eggs before slowly returning to the sea. The air carries salt and the soft sound of waves. Hatchlings, emerging weeks later, make a frantic dash toward the water, guided by the moonlight reflecting on the sea. The entire bay is managed as a national marine park, with strict zoning and supervised guided access to protect the turtles while allowing visitors a controlled, profound encounter with one of nature's most enduring spectacles.

When to go

May — Oct, peak Jun — Aug

Getting there

Nearest airport: ZTH. Nearest city: Zakynthos Town.

Booking options

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