Spotting Caretta Caretta turtles in Zakynthos

Spotting Turtles In Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island

/ No Comments

Did you know that 80% of the endangered Mediterranean Caretta Caretta, or Loggerhead Turtles, nest on the Greek island of Zakynthos? And that their babies return to the same beach they were born on to lay their eggs? A cycle repeated generation after generation for millennium. Zakynthos is a breeding ground for these amazing creatures and the perfect place to catch a glimpse of them swimming in Zante’s azure waters. Spotting turtles in the sea and visiting Turtle Island to see where they lay their eggs is one of the top things to do in Zakynthos, second to visiting Shipwreck Beach.

This post covers the Caretta Caretta turtles in Zakynthos and how you can see them in their natural habitat.

Spotting Caretta Caretta turtles in Zakynthos
Caretta Carreta

About The Caretta Caretta Turtles In Zakynthos

The Caretta Caretta is the world’s largest hard shell turtle with adults weighing up to 440 lbs (200 kg). These gentle giants travel thousands of miles to return to the beaches where they were born to mate and lay their own eggs. They can found in Zakynthos from May to October, with nesting peaking around June and July.

The baby turtles hatch after about two months in the nest. These little hatchlings are tiny, only about 1.8” (4.6 cm). They break out of their eggs and find their way way to the sea at night when there are fewer predators, using the moon as their guide.

Because the Caretta Caretta return to the same beach they were born at to lay their eggs, it’s very important to protect their nesting areas so they do not become extinct.

Their greatest threat is the loss of their nesting habitat from coastal development, predators, and human disturbances. For protection, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was established. This park spans the entire coast of the bay area and extends into the sea to cover nearby nesting islands.

They developed rules and guidelines including areas designated as off limited to humans, no sand umbrellas or digging in the sand on nesting beaches, and beaches closed at night when the turtles usually lay their eggs and the baby turtles hatch. Believe it or not, flights are also banned at night as they disorient the turtles.

Spotting Turtles In Zakynthos

As Caretta Caretta spend most of their time in the water, the best place to spot them is swimming in the Marine Park in the Bay of Laganas.

Underwater most of the time, they dive for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, although can remain submerged for several hours before coming up for air.


This means you need to look for their shadow under the water and wait for them to come back up to the surface. They’re usually not on the surface for long before diving back down.

You can also visit the beaches on Zakynthos where they nest, with Turtle Island one of the most popular. During the day you will probably not see a turtle here, but you will be able to see their nesting area.

This beach (as are all nesting beaches here), is closed from sunset to 7 AM as this is when the turtles lay their eggs and the babies hatch. This is to protect the process and ensure the most turtles are born and make it to the safely. More on Turtle Island below.

This takes us back to swimming in the sea as the best place for spotting turtles in Zakynthos.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the least intrusive and most eco-friendly ways of spotting turtles in Zakynthos. The best area to see them is around Cameo Island. Particularly between Agios Sostis Harbor and Cameo Island in the early morning or late afternoon. By wearing snorkeling equipment, you can more easily spot them while they’re under water, where they spent most of their time.

The Caretta Caretta are very sensitive, so don’t try to approach them or get too close to them, and never try to touch them. It’s rare, but if a turtle feels threatened they could bite. It’s important not to frighten them, not only for your safety, but also to not disrupt their life and the reproductive process here.

You get to Cameo Island via a charming wooden bridge from the mainland. Walk across the bridge and look for steps going down to the water just past it on the east side of the island. Note that there is a 5€ entry fee to the island (more on Cameo Island below).

You can also swim on the west side of the island, but the area on the east side reportedly offers more turtle spotting opportunities. To swim on the west side, enter the water at the main beach of Cameo island. The Snorkeling Report includes a map for more details.

Rent A Kayak, Pedalo, or Stand Up Paddleboard

You can also rent a kayak, pedalo, or stand up paddle board in Laganas Beach or Agios Sostis and go turtle spotting in the bay. For this, you will need a keen eye to look for the shadow of a turtle under the water and wait for it to come up for air. Or bring snorkeling equipment with you and jump in from time to time.

As above, don’t come too close to the turtle as you may frighten it. You also need to be careful that you do not hit a turtle with your water craft.

If you see the boat tours sitting stationery in the bay, they’ve probably spotted a turtle. Make sure to wait for the boats to leave before approaching them as they need to maneuver carefully to stay a proper distance and it could be dangerous.

Eco Friendly Boat Tour

A boat tour is another way to spot turtles in Zakynthos. Unfortunately, many of the boat tours do not place the priority of the turtles first, putting them at jeopardy.

The VIP Eco Friendly Turtle Spotting Tour by Nefis Travel Zakynthos is a tour authorized by the National Marine Park. They start at the harbor of Agios Sostis (after picking you up in Zante Town) to spot turtles in the bay. They then head out to Turtle Island where you can swim and then sail past the Keri Caves before another turtle spotting opportunity in the bay after your return. The price is very reasonable and well worth it knowing that you are choosing a tour that follows Marine Park guidelines for the Caretta Caretta.

If you choose a different tour operator, talk to the tour company in advance to make sure they follow rules and don’t encroach too closely on the turtles and scare them.

Visit The Zante Turtle Center

To learn more about the Caretta Caretta, visit the Zante Turtle and Rescue Center near Gerakas Beach. You can learn more about their life, conservation and rescue efforts, and get updated on turtle nest counts.

The information centre is free and open daily from May to October from 9 AM to 8 PM. You can also volunteer to work here to get more hands on experience and help the turtles.

Cameo Island

Cameo Island is directly south of Agios Sostis Harbor and north of Turtle Island. It’s noteworthy as it’s very pretty, especially from the sea.

It’s close enough to the beach that there’s a charming wooden pier that leads to it. As noted above, snorkeling here is a great way to spot turtles in Zakynthos, but it’s also a great place to visit.

Spotting Caretta Caretta turtles in Zakynthos By snorkeling near Cameo Island
Cameo Island, Zakynthos

If it looks familiar, this is the island that was used in the wedding scenes for the movie Mama Mia. And if you want your wedding here, you can do that too.

There’s a 5€ entry free, which is usually good for a drink at the beach bar here. As the beach here is pebbled (not sandy) the turtles do not nest here. This means fewer restrictions. There are also sun beds and umbrellas and sometimes a DJ.

Cameo Island can get crowded in the afternoon, so try to visit early or later in the afternoon. Boat cruises often pass this island giving you the opportunity to see it from the sea, without the crowds.

Turtle Island Zakynthos

Turtle Island, officially Marathonisi Island, gets its name as the island looks like a turtle, with its large hump and long sandy area, as well as because it’s a turtle nesting island. Its sits on the southwest part of Laganas Bay.

Turtle Island | dronepicr

Many turtles nest here so Marina Park ropes off the areas where they nest. There are also no sun beds or umbrellas and no development. All in an effort to keep it as natural as possible and protect the turtles.

You can still get food and drinks though, as boats offering them are parked here during the day instead of traditional cafes and restaurants.

The beach area where the turtles nest is the sandy part of the island on its northern side (in the photo above). There’s also a cave on the southwestern side of the island that you can explore and swim in.

The Keri Caves

The Keri Caves are a series of stunning caves located of the southern coast of Zakynthos, south of Laganas Bay.

You reach these caves by private boat or tours (which are often combined with turtle spotting tours). If you have your own boat, it’s easy to stop and take a swim in the azure waters by the caves. Some tours also offer the option to swim here, so if this is what you want, ask the tour operator in advance.

Seeing the Keri Caves is often combined with spotting turtles in Zakynthos
Keri Caves
Seeing the Keri Caves is often combined with spotting turtles in Zakynthos
Seeing the Keri Caves is often combined with spotting turtles in Zakynthos


You do not need a license to skipper your own boat in Zakynthos if it’s 40hp or less. They will provide a quick lesson if you’ve never driven one before. If you want the convenience of a private boat without the hassle of being your own skipper, ask if you can hire a guide.

Want More Of Greece?

Greece has so much to offer! I’ve visited 4 times and there are still so many places I want to exolore. Plus, the locals are so charming and the food is simply amazing.

The following are my favorite places and stories.

Mainland Greece

Corfu Island

Crete Island

Ios Island

Kefalonia

Milos Island

Naxos Island

Paros Island

Santorini Island

Zakynthos

Other

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.

If you’ve had a chance to visit Zakynthos and see a Carreta Carreta turtle, or visit Turtle Island, drop a note to tell about your expeirence.

Hello! I resigned from a corporate career in product development to explore the world. Although my goal was to travel for a year, 8 years later, I’ve been honored to have explored more than 60 gorgeous countries and met some unbelievably amazing people. Our world truly is a beautiful place! Follow me into the gorgeous unknown by subscribing below. You’ll receive details on fabulous destinations, comprehensive travel guides, travel tips and tidbits, and information on travel trends, like experiential, sustainable, and transformational travel. Where is your next gorgeous unknown? Julie

You May Also Like

Place de la Bourse is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux.

Best Things To Do In Bordeaux

Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai

Visiting Lover’s Bridge is one of the Best Things to do in Ayia Napa

15 Best Things To Do In Ayia Napa

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *