Although Loggerhead turtles have been around for 200 million years they are now an endangered species. To improve their chance of survival on Earth, volunteers are needed to walk the beach from Tavronitis to Kolimbari.
There is a daily beach monitoring walk of 3.7 kilometres during the turtle nesting and egg hatching period that goes from mid May to the end of September. A rota system ensures that volunteers walk one day per week.
The walk takes about an hour and you will be accompanied by an experienced member of the West Crete turtle team. Training will also be given by Archelon – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.
We meet outside the Grand Bay Hotel in Kolimbari, leave a car there and drive to Tavronitis. At sunrise we walk from Tavronitis along the beach towards Kolimbari, we walk away from the rising sun as the turtle tracks are easier to spot. Nesting usually takes place in June and July but can vary with the weather. Starting early means that tourists haven’t had a chance to walk over the tracks or on the nest.
In August and September we also look for hatchling tracks and baby turtles, ensuring that they safely reach the sea.
The beach is a combination of pebbles, shingle and sand; so good walking shoes or trainers are essential. It is a good idea to carry water and wear a hat/protective clothing if you are sensitive to the sun, which can be hot, even at sunrise.
All nests are recorded and protected with a cage, then shaded nearing the time the eggs will be hatching. The reason for shading is to direct the hatchlings towards the sea which they would normally happen. There are some nests that are laid near hotels, tavernas or street lights which unfortunately attract the hatchlings away from the sea and into dangerous situations.
If a nest is located in a position that could be dangerous, too near to the sea, where it would be inundated regularly, on a track used by vehicles or too near tree roots, it is relocated by an experienced team member.
You will never forget the first time you find a nest, or when you see hatchlings emerging from the nest and struggling down to the sea. Contact us and become part of team helping the turtles to survive.
There is a daily beach monitoring walk of 3.7 kilometres during the turtle nesting and egg hatching period that goes from mid May to the end of September. A rota system ensures that volunteers walk one day per week.
The walk takes about an hour and you will be accompanied by an experienced member of the West Crete turtle team. Training will also be given by Archelon – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.
We meet outside the Grand Bay Hotel in Kolimbari, leave a car there and drive to Tavronitis. At sunrise we walk from Tavronitis along the beach towards Kolimbari, we walk away from the rising sun as the turtle tracks are easier to spot. Nesting usually takes place in June and July but can vary with the weather. Starting early means that tourists haven’t had a chance to walk over the tracks or on the nest.
In August and September we also look for hatchling tracks and baby turtles, ensuring that they safely reach the sea.
The beach is a combination of pebbles, shingle and sand; so good walking shoes or trainers are essential. It is a good idea to carry water and wear a hat/protective clothing if you are sensitive to the sun, which can be hot, even at sunrise.
All nests are recorded and protected with a cage, then shaded nearing the time the eggs will be hatching. The reason for shading is to direct the hatchlings towards the sea which they would normally happen. There are some nests that are laid near hotels, tavernas or street lights which unfortunately attract the hatchlings away from the sea and into dangerous situations.
If a nest is located in a position that could be dangerous, too near to the sea, where it would be inundated regularly, on a track used by vehicles or too near tree roots, it is relocated by an experienced team member.
You will never forget the first time you find a nest, or when you see hatchlings emerging from the nest and struggling down to the sea. Contact us and become part of team helping the turtles to survive.