From early June to mid-August, adult female nesting turtles can be seen heaving themselves up the beach to lay their clutches of 100 or so eggs. We patrol this beach every night, from about 11 pm till dawn. We wear dark clothes and don’t use torches, in an effort to remain as inconspicuous as possible. The female turtles are easily scared, and we aim to cause them as little trauma as possible. After August, hatchlings can be seen emerging from the nests and scrambling towards the sea.
It is a fascinating and moving experience to see this amazing sight. We are keen to promote the presence of the Caretta caretta to the Greek government as an asset to the tourist economy, rather than a hindrance to development. If the turtles are driven from the beach by the bright lights and noise of development they will be lost from the island forever.
We believe that it is the presence of the turtles and other wildlife, such as the rare monk seal, as well as the island’s lack of development, that make Kefallonia so special.
