Protecting Sea Turtles on Zakynthos

The mission of the Zante Turtle Center is to protect Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) and other marine life in and around the island of Zakynthos. Gerakas is at the heart of the Caretta caretta nesting ground, and we are working to stave off the damaging tourist development in the area to ensure that this endangered species is not overlooked. Our aim is to show how conservation and sustainable tourism can work together to benefit visitors, locals, and wildlife alike.

Each year tourism numbers grow, and subsequently the rise of human beach activity, pollution, and lighting from island nightlife and beach erosion has contributed to a continual decline in the species population and annual hatchling survival rate.

Born on the Island, founder Yannis has witnessed the severity of the situation first-hand and recognises the need for drastic protection in order to ensure that the sea turtles are able to survive and thrive in their natural habitat and nesting waters.

For over 20 years, Yannis Vardakastanis has fought to protect the Caretta caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle) population of Zakynthos and their precious nesting beaches from habitat disturbance.

The Zante Turtle Center collects and tracks sea turtle nesting data, cleans and monitors Gerakas beach during the nesting season, and works to develop protective policies in light of the area’s over-tourism. In 2011 we funded and began to build the Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center in Gerakas. The information center opened to the public in 2012, and has since encouraged visitors to take a closer look at the natural beauty, wildlife, and rich heritage of Zakynthos, and promoted the importance of sustainable tourism. We attract an estimated 15,000 tourists from across the globe every year! We are raising funds to become an active rescue center. If you are interested in supporting this cause donations are accepted here.