Zakynthos Sea Turtle Hatchlings Mark Start of 2026 Nesting Season

Volunteers from the Archelon Society observed the first Caretta caretta hatchlings of 2026 on the morning of 14 July at Dafni beach in the Laganas Bay of Zakynthos, Greece. The hatching marks the opening of the annual nesting period for the species, which uses about 100 km of the island’s coastline.

Archelon’s daily patrols monitor the nesting sites across several bays and have issued public guidelines to protect the vulnerable hatchlings: avoid nighttime beach visits, turn off artificial lights, do not touch or move the turtles, and keep the sand clear of obstacles. The island hosts one of the most important Mediterranean nesting populations of the loggerhead sea turtle, and the cooperation of locals and visitors is deemed crucial for the hatchlings’ survival during the critical first weeks.