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Join a Sea Turtle Nest Excavation in Rethymno This Summer
Excitement on the shores of Rethymno!
We are incredibly proud that the magnificent Caretta-Caretta sea turtles continue to choose our endless golden sands and crystal-clear waters as a safe haven to lay their eggs.
Witnessing this ancient, natural ritual at sunset is a truly breathtaking moment—especially when observed with the care and respect these beautiful creatures deserve.
But the magic doesn't stop here!
The highly anticipated hatching season is just around the corner, which means the fascinating public nest excavations are about to begin.
Public Nest Excavation
An excavation is a carefully planned scientific procedure that doubles as a rescue mission. It takes place approximately two weeks after the first group of tiny hatchlings has naturally emerged from the sand and scurried into the sea.
Led by trained ARCHELON volunteers, the team gently opens the nest chamber, which lies about 50cm below the surface. Working like meticulous archaeologists, they uncover the clues left behind, counting hatched shells and unhatched eggs to gather vital data that helps protect the species for generations to come.
The Charm of the Rescue
While the scientific data is crucial, the true magic of the excavation happens when the volunteers discover a "late bloomer"—a live hatchling that was too weak to climb out or trapped deep within the sand.
Watching the volunteers gently lift this sleepy, sand-covered baby turtle and guide its first steps toward the waves is an unforgettable experience . You will witness pure instinct take over as its little flippers touch the Aegean Sea, embarking on an epic journey against all odds . It is a moment of pure, unfiltered nature, and a powerful reminder of why marine conservation matters
Attending an Excavation (2026 Season)
These public events are educational, deeply moving, and perfect for the whole family. Each excavation is a unique experience and typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour .
When to Go: Excavations happen almost daily from late July through the end of September .
Finding the Schedule: Because nature runs on its own clock, the exact times and beach locations change daily based on which nests are ready . The most reliable way to find today's schedule is to visit the ARCHELON Information Kiosk at the Rethymno Venetian Harbour, where volunteers will give you the exact meeting point . You can also check our updated events schedule at https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar .
Admission: The event is completely free for everyone to attend , though donations or adopting a turtle to support ARCHELON’s incredible work are warmly welcomed!
Become a Guardian of the Beach
As we share our beautiful coast with these ancient mariners, we ask all our guests to practice "turtle-friendly" habits . Help us protect the Caretta caretta by:
Removing sunbeds, umbrellas, and personal items from the sand at sunset.
Taking all your trash and plastic waste with you.
Turning off artificial lights near the beach at night, ensuring the hatchlings can follow the moonlight to the safety of the sea.
Make your 2026 holiday in Rethymno truly meaningful. Step onto the sand, witness a miracle, and become a part of the global effort to save our sea turtles!
Bekijk het originele artikel ↗
Excitement on the shores of Rethymno!
We are incredibly proud that the magnificent Caretta-Caretta sea turtles continue to choose our endless golden sands and crystal-clear waters as a safe haven to lay their eggs.
Witnessing this ancient, natural ritual at sunset is a truly breathtaking moment—especially when observed with the care and respect these beautiful creatures deserve.
But the magic doesn't stop here!
The highly anticipated hatching season is just around the corner, which means the fascinating public nest excavations are about to begin.
Public Nest Excavation
An excavation is a carefully planned scientific procedure that doubles as a rescue mission. It takes place approximately two weeks after the first group of tiny hatchlings has naturally emerged from the sand and scurried into the sea.
Led by trained ARCHELON volunteers, the team gently opens the nest chamber, which lies about 50cm below the surface. Working like meticulous archaeologists, they uncover the clues left behind, counting hatched shells and unhatched eggs to gather vital data that helps protect the species for generations to come.
The Charm of the Rescue
While the scientific data is crucial, the true magic of the excavation happens when the volunteers discover a "late bloomer"—a live hatchling that was too weak to climb out or trapped deep within the sand.
Watching the volunteers gently lift this sleepy, sand-covered baby turtle and guide its first steps toward the waves is an unforgettable experience . You will witness pure instinct take over as its little flippers touch the Aegean Sea, embarking on an epic journey against all odds . It is a moment of pure, unfiltered nature, and a powerful reminder of why marine conservation matters
Attending an Excavation (2026 Season)
These public events are educational, deeply moving, and perfect for the whole family. Each excavation is a unique experience and typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour .
When to Go: Excavations happen almost daily from late July through the end of September .
Finding the Schedule: Because nature runs on its own clock, the exact times and beach locations change daily based on which nests are ready . The most reliable way to find today's schedule is to visit the ARCHELON Information Kiosk at the Rethymno Venetian Harbour, where volunteers will give you the exact meeting point . You can also check our updated events schedule at https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar .
Admission: The event is completely free for everyone to attend , though donations or adopting a turtle to support ARCHELON’s incredible work are warmly welcomed!
Become a Guardian of the Beach
As we share our beautiful coast with these ancient mariners, we ask all our guests to practice "turtle-friendly" habits . Help us protect the Caretta caretta by:
Removing sunbeds, umbrellas, and personal items from the sand at sunset.
Taking all your trash and plastic waste with you.
Turning off artificial lights near the beach at night, ensuring the hatchlings can follow the moonlight to the safety of the sea.
Make your 2026 holiday in Rethymno truly meaningful. Step onto the sand, witness a miracle, and become a part of the global effort to save our sea turtles!
🇬🇧 Originele brontekst
Sea Turtle Nest Excavation
Join a Sea Turtle Nest Excavation in Rethymno This Summer
Excitement on the shores of Rethymno!
We are incredibly proud that the magnificent Caretta-Caretta sea turtles continue to choose our endless golden sands and crystal-clear waters as a safe haven to lay their eggs.
Witnessing this ancient, natural ritual at sunset is a truly breathtaking moment—especially when observed with the care and respect these beautiful creatures deserve.
But the magic doesn't stop here!
The highly anticipated hatching season is just around the corner, which means the fascinating public nest excavations are about to begin.
Public Nest Excavation
An excavation is a carefully planned scientific procedure that doubles as a rescue mission. It takes place approximately two weeks after the first group of tiny hatchlings has naturally emerged from the sand and scurried into the sea.
Led by trained ARCHELON volunteers, the team gently opens the nest chamber, which lies about 50cm below the surface. Working like meticulous archaeologists, they uncover the clues left behind, counting hatched shells and unhatched eggs to gather vital data that helps protect the species for generations to come.
The Charm of the Rescue
While the scientific data is crucial, the true magic of the excavation happens when the volunteers discover a "late bloomer"—a live hatchling that was too weak to climb out or trapped deep within the sand.
Watching the volunteers gently lift this sleepy, sand-covered baby turtle and guide its first steps toward the waves is an unforgettable experience . You will witness pure instinct take over as its little flippers touch the Aegean Sea, embarking on an epic journey against all odds . It is a moment of pure, unfiltered nature, and a powerful reminder of why marine conservation matters
Attending an Excavation (2026 Season)
These public events are educational, deeply moving, and perfect for the whole family. Each excavation is a unique experience and typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour .
When to Go: Excavations happen almost daily from late July through the end of September .
Finding the Schedule: Because nature runs on its own clock, the exact times and beach locations change daily based on which nests are ready . The most reliable way to find today's schedule is to visit the ARCHELON Information Kiosk at the Rethymno Venetian Harbour, where volunteers will give you the exact meeting point . You can also check our updated events schedule at https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar .
Admission: The event is completely free for everyone to attend , though donations or adopting a turtle to support ARCHELON’s incredible work are warmly welcomed!
Become a Guardian of the Beach
As we share our beautiful coast with these ancient mariners, we ask all our guests to practice "turtle-friendly" habits . Help us protect the Caretta caretta by:
Removing sunbeds, umbrellas, and personal items from the sand at sunset.
Taking all your trash and plastic waste with you.
Turning off artificial lights near the beach at night, ensuring the hatchlings can follow the moonlight to the safety of the sea.
Make your 2026 holiday in Rethymno truly meaningful. Step onto the sand, witness a miracle, and become a part of the global effort to save our sea turtles!
Excitement on the shores of Rethymno!
We are incredibly proud that the magnificent Caretta-Caretta sea turtles continue to choose our endless golden sands and crystal-clear waters as a safe haven to lay their eggs.
Witnessing this ancient, natural ritual at sunset is a truly breathtaking moment—especially when observed with the care and respect these beautiful creatures deserve.
But the magic doesn't stop here!
The highly anticipated hatching season is just around the corner, which means the fascinating public nest excavations are about to begin.
Public Nest Excavation
An excavation is a carefully planned scientific procedure that doubles as a rescue mission. It takes place approximately two weeks after the first group of tiny hatchlings has naturally emerged from the sand and scurried into the sea.
Led by trained ARCHELON volunteers, the team gently opens the nest chamber, which lies about 50cm below the surface. Working like meticulous archaeologists, they uncover the clues left behind, counting hatched shells and unhatched eggs to gather vital data that helps protect the species for generations to come.
The Charm of the Rescue
While the scientific data is crucial, the true magic of the excavation happens when the volunteers discover a "late bloomer"—a live hatchling that was too weak to climb out or trapped deep within the sand.
Watching the volunteers gently lift this sleepy, sand-covered baby turtle and guide its first steps toward the waves is an unforgettable experience . You will witness pure instinct take over as its little flippers touch the Aegean Sea, embarking on an epic journey against all odds . It is a moment of pure, unfiltered nature, and a powerful reminder of why marine conservation matters
Attending an Excavation (2026 Season)
These public events are educational, deeply moving, and perfect for the whole family. Each excavation is a unique experience and typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour .
When to Go: Excavations happen almost daily from late July through the end of September .
Finding the Schedule: Because nature runs on its own clock, the exact times and beach locations change daily based on which nests are ready . The most reliable way to find today's schedule is to visit the ARCHELON Information Kiosk at the Rethymno Venetian Harbour, where volunteers will give you the exact meeting point . You can also check our updated events schedule at https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar .
Admission: The event is completely free for everyone to attend , though donations or adopting a turtle to support ARCHELON’s incredible work are warmly welcomed!
Become a Guardian of the Beach
As we share our beautiful coast with these ancient mariners, we ask all our guests to practice "turtle-friendly" habits . Help us protect the Caretta caretta by:
Removing sunbeds, umbrellas, and personal items from the sand at sunset.
Taking all your trash and plastic waste with you.
Turning off artificial lights near the beach at night, ensuring the hatchlings can follow the moonlight to the safety of the sea.
Make your 2026 holiday in Rethymno truly meaningful. Step onto the sand, witness a miracle, and become a part of the global effort to save our sea turtles!