Zakynthos isn’t just known for its beaches[3] — it’s home to one of the most important wildlife sites in the entire Mediterranean. Every summer, endangered loggerhead sea turtles come ashore on the island’s beaches to lay their eggs, and Zakynthos plays host to the largest concentration of this nesting activity anywhere in the Mediterranean Sea. Here’s what’s actually happening, where to see it responsibly, and what those roped-off sections of beach are protecting.
Why Zakynthos matters so much for sea turtles
Zakynthos hosts the most important loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting ground in the whole Mediterranean. Laganas[2] Bay, on the island’s south coast, is the centre of this activity — and it’s exactly why the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was created here in 1999, the first marine park anywhere in the Mediterranean established specifically to protect sea turtles.
The park covers Laganas Bay and six key nesting beaches: East Laganas, Kalamaki, Sekania, Daphni, Gerakas, and a beach on the small islet of Marathonisi — plus the Keri Lake wetland and the remote Strofades islets further offshore.
How turtle nesting actually works
Female loggerheads come ashore at night, typically between midnight and 3am, to dig a nest and lay somewhere between 80 and 120 eggs before covering it over and returning to the sea — all without disturbing anyone nearby. The eggs then incubate in the warm sand for roughly 50 to 75 days, and from late August onward, tiny hatchlings begin making their own journey to the water.
Remarkably, loggerheads can live 70 to 80 years or more, and females tend to return to nest on the very beach where they themselves hatched — sometimes decades after their own journey to the sea.
This is exactly why you’ll see roped-off sections of sand on beaches like Laganas, Kalamaki, and Gerakas during the summer months. Those ropes mark real, active nests, and they’re a small but important thing to respect if you’re visit[4]ing during nesting season.
Sekania: the beach nobody visits, on purpose
One beach inside the park, Sekania, is completely closed to the public. It was purchased by WWF in 1997 specifically to keep it undisturbed as nesting habitat — a small, deliberate example of what long-term conservation on this island actually looks like.
How to see the turtles responsibly
The best way to see loggerhead turtles is from the water, not the sand. Boat tours run from Laganas Bay specifically to let visitors see turtles swimming near the surface, without disturbing nesting beaches or getting too close to the animals. A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Choose an operator who keeps a respectful, quiet distance from the turtles rather than one that promises close-up encounters.
- Never attempt to touch, chase, or feed a turtle, whether from a boat or in the water.
- If you’re on a beach at night during nesting season, avoid using bright lights or flash photography — artificial light can disorient nesting females and hatchlings alike.
- Stay outside any roped-off sections of sand, even if they look empty.
Best time to see turtles on Zakynthos
Nesting season generally runs from May through August, with hatchlings emerging from late August into September. If seeing turtles is a priority for your trip, a boat tour from Laganas Bay during these months gives you the best chance, while a visit to Gerakas Beach lets you see nesting habitat up close (respectfully, from outside the roped areas) even outside a boat tour.
Exploring the wider Marine Park
The National Marine Park stretches beyond Laganas Bay itself. Combining a turtle-watching boat trip with a visit to Gerakas Beach on the southeastern tip, or a stop at Keri Lake, makes for a full day exploring the park’s different habitats — all within easy reach of the south coast’s resort towns.
If you’re staying in Laganas, Kalamaki, or elsewhere in the south of the island and want to combine a boat trip with a beach day at Gerakas or a stop through Keri, having your own vehicle makes it easy to string the day together at your own pace. Zaimi Rentals[1] offers cars, scooters, and ATVs with free delivery to your hotel or villa, no deposit required on most rentals, and 24/7 local support.
Book your car, scooter, or ATV with Zaimi Rentals →
Zakynthos Sea Turtles: FAQ
When is the best time to see sea turtles on Zakynthos?
May through August for nesting season, with the best chance of seeing turtles in the water via a boat tour from Laganas Bay. Hatchlings begin emerging from late August into September.
Can I touch or swim with the turtles?
No. Turtles should never be touched, chased, or fed. Responsible boat operators keep a respectful distance, and visitors should do the same if a turtle is spotted while swimming.
Why are some beaches roped off in summer?
Roped-off sections mark active loggerhead turtle nests. Please stay outside these areas, even if they appear empty, to avoid disturbing the eggs underneath.
What is the National Marine Park of Zakynthos?
Established in 1999, it was the first marine park in the Mediterranean created specifically to protect sea turtles. It covers Laganas Bay, six key nesting beaches, Keri Lake, and the Strofades islets.
Can I visit Sekania beach?
No, Sekania is closed to the public. It was purchased by WWF in 1997 to keep it undisturbed as nesting habitat and isn’t open for visitors.
