The Marine Park of Zakynthos is located southern of the island and aims to protect and preserve biotopes of national and European interest, species of flora and fauna, finally promoting sustainable development. In the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ) visitors can be lucky enough to meet the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, the Posidonia (aquatic plant) and various species of birds such as the Falco eleonorae and the Calonectris diomodea . Thanks to the excursions organized by Welcometozante to the Marine Park, you can visit one of the beaches where turtles hatch their eggs and observe the oldest and most faithful visitor of the island, the Caretta-Caretta turtle.

The marine area has an extension of 89 km² and is divided into 4 zones (A, B, C and D). Zones A and B of the Marine Park include the beaches where the Caretta-Caretta turtles hatch their eggs, as a matter of fact those beaches and are those with the most restrictions. Inside zones A and B it is forbidden:

• put towels, walk or play over 5 m from the sea
• remove the wooden cages to protect the eggs
• light fires or camp
• leave litter on the beach
• fishing

Let’s discover all the beaches in Zone A and B of the Marine Park and the rules you need to know before going to the beach.

SEKANIA (Zone A1)

Sekania is situated at the east part of Laganas bay. The beach has a length of 650 m and is considered the core of the Marine Park. It is a secluded beach where human activities are not allowed, as 50% of the turtle nests are found here. This area is a benchmark for the other Nesting Beaches and Pilot Research Programs for the monitoring of environmental parameters and reproduction activity of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles are applied. The beach is patrolled by the rangers of the N.M.P.Z.

Prohibited: Access, passage and anchoring of any boat, fishing of any type.

DAFNI (Zone A)

Dafni is situated southern of Sekania and is a significant Nesting Beach Marine Park of Zakynthos. It has a length of 850 m and the preservation of the area is essential for the conservation of the reproductive biotype of the Loggerhead Caretta-Caretta turtles and because of the environmental richness of the surrounding zone of the beach.

Allowed: Access to the beach from 7.00 am to sunset, swim, observing the turtles keeping a distance of 15 m.

Prohibited: Walk over 5 m from the shore, umbrellas / towels / deck chairs over 5 m from the shore, fish, navigation.

GERAKAS (Zone A)

Gerakas is located south of Dafni and has a length of 600m. A kiosk at the beach entrance checks that the visitor limit does not exceed 350 people from 1st May to 31st October, in high season the volunteer may issue a receipt with the entry and exit times (max 3 hours). The N.M.P.Z., in addition to preserving this important breeding site for turtles, aims to protect the unique geological formations and the conservation of the landscape aesthetic value.

Allowed: Access at the beach during daytime (from 7 am till sunset), swim, observe the turtles keeping a distance of 15m.

Prohibited: Remove the clay, walk over 5 m from the shore, umbrellas / towels / deck chairs beyond 5 m from the shore, fish, navigation.

MARATHONISI ISLAND (Zone B)

The beach of Marathonisi Island has a length of 150 m and is situated at 2 nautical miles from Laganas and Keri. In comparison with the other Nesting Beaches of Laganas Bay, occurs the lowest sand temperature, therefore the incubation duration is the highest and as a result there are a high percentage of male hatchings. It is possible to reach this beach on excursion (only with small boats) or by renting a boat without a boating license or with a captain. The maximum limit of visitors is 200. In Marathonisi it is forbidden to put an umbrella, keep it in mind when planning how long to spend on this beach.

Allowed: Access at the beach during daytime (from 7 am till sunset), swim, observe the turtles keeping a distance of 15 m, access by boats at a maximum speed of 6 nautical miles.

Prohibited: Umbrellas, anchoring, walking beyond 5 m from the shore, towels beyond 5 m from the shore, fishing.

KALAMAKI (Zone B)

Kalamaki with its 3,500 m is the longest and most popular beach in the Marine Park of Zakynthos. Located close to Laganas Beach (zone C of the Marine Park), access at the beach is only allowed during daytime (from 7 am till sunset). Boats can access this area but speed should not exceed 6 nautical miles and cannot mooring or stay. The beach is cleaned daily by park volunteers.

Allowed: Access at the beach during daytime (from 7 am till sunset), swim, observe the turtles keeping a distance of 15 m , boats access while maintaining a speed of 6 nautical miles.

Prohibited: Mooring and anchoring, walkingbeyond 5 m from the shore, umbrellas / towels / deck chairs beyond 5 m from the shore, fishing.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MARINE PARK OF ZAKYNTHOS?

Ask directly those who live in Zakynthos on this Facebook group: Welcometozante.