Loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on a few km of sandy beaches in Greece and then return to their autumn migrations at sea. But the fate of their nests is not guaranteed. Their success largely depends on human vigilance, both on the coast, where tourists compete with them for space and at sea, where large numbers of turtles are lost each year from interactions with fishing gear and other threats.

If you want to help nature on the coast, the adult turtles to safely lay their eggs and the baby turtles to safely hatch, the 7 projects in Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Koroni, Lakonikos, Rethymno, Chania and the bay of Messara are a great choice. There are still vacancies for volunteers in this year's projects, which have just started and will end in October.

In these projects volunteers are usually between 18-30 years of age and need to speak English fluently. No previous experience with sea turtles is required. They live in specially designed camps near the nesting beaches. They walk the beaches every day, recording and protecting the nests, they inform visitors and spend time logging their observations. "There is always time to enjoy the sea as well as to clean, cook and relax," says Eleni Prappa, the Volunteer Officer. "Participation implies a voluntary contribution which includes accommodation and insurance in the event of an accident," she adds.

The Sea Turtle Rescue Center of ARCHELON In Glyfada, Attica, operates all year round. More than 60 local volunteers, residents of Attica and 60 volunteers from all over the world support its operations every year. "Join us at the Rescue Center if you want to help rescue sea turtles that are injured for various reasons (entanglement in nets and hooks, swallowing plastics, collision with speedboats and deliberate blows)," says Dimitris Fytilis, manager of the Centre. "You will also participate in the public awareness activities organized at the Centre," he adds.

A number of internships is available in all projects, whereby ARCHELON enters into an agreement with educational institutions. "About 70 internships were successfully completed in 2021,” says Eleni.

People who participate in ARCHELON’s projects help protect the environment at a critical time for our planet. It is an active attitude that helps to restore the relationship of modern man with nature and life on the coast and the sea.

See more information and apply online for the ARCHELON volunteering projects on our website! We will respond within 5 working days.