Caretta Caretta turtle spotting boat trips in Zakynthos, also known as Zante in the Greek islands, provide a popular holiday activity while staying here in Zante.
Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles are the symbol of the ecology of the island of Zakynthos. The turtles use Zante as their main nesting ground in the Mediterranean and return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs. They are considered to be an endangered species and are protected under legislation by the government.
Scientists consider Zakynthos to be the most important endangered turtle habitat in Europe and among the most important in the world. In the year 2000, Greece created its first ever National Marine Park to protect the activity at the centre of that habitat.
During the summer holiday season in Zakynthos the staff of the National Marine Park, and a crew of volunteers, patrol the turtle-nesting beaches by day and night, counting turtle nests, giving out information to tourists, and keeping people away from the most important nesting areas.
Boat trips for Caretta Caretta turtle spotting in Zakynthos mainly depart from beaches around the Gulf of Laganas, in the South West of Zakynthos. The turtles are mainly found in this Gulf which includes the beach resorts of Kalamaki, Laganas, Agios Sostis and, Porto Koukla, and Keri.
It is possible to pick up boat trips from Zakynthos Town, such as the Catamaran trip. Boat trips from Zante Town travel down the South east Coast of Zakynthos and into the Bay of Laganas from the Gerakas beach region.
During your turtle spotting trip you are likely to see a turtle swimming around in its natural environment, and very often they will come up to the surface for air. This is a great chance for photos of these beautiful creatures and a lovely experience during your holiday in Zante.