THE MARINE PARK
Zakynthos Marine Park (in Greek Εθνικό Θαλάσσιο Πάρκο Ζακύνθου) was established in December 1999 as the first marine protected area in Greece. The 135km² park includes the Gulf of Laganas up to Keri Lake and the islands of Marathonisi, Pelouso and Strofades. Home to between 900 and 2000 turtle nests per year, the marine park is considered one of the most important nesting sites for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles in the entire Mediterranean area.
Zakynthos Marine Park consists of 4 marine areas (A, B, C and D) and in addition to Loggerhead turtles, it is also home to some types of Monk Seals (Monachus Monachus). In order to protect these precious creatures and their habitat, professional and recreational fishing and motorised watersports are strictly prohibited. However, during the day you can explore the beauty of the area by sailing, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. Sailing is permitted with a speed of up to 6 nautical miles per hour, with mooring in area C.
LOGGERHEAD (CARETTA CARETTA) TURTLES
Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles measure approximately 1 metre in length. Although they breathe air through their lungs, these turtles spend most of their life in the sea, feeding on jellyfish, molluscs and other invertebrates. They reach Zakynthos in early spring, mainly from the central Mediterranean region where they spend the winter. Eggs are laid from the middle of May until the end of August.
Females go out on the beach at night and after choosing the right spot, they dig a hole with their fins about 40-50cm deep, where they lay an average of 120 eggs. This process is repeated 3-4 times during the summer. The eggs are the size of a ping pong ball with a soft shell, just hard enough not to break. Incubation lasts 42 to 70 days.
Interestingly, the sex of the newborn depends on the temperature of the sand: if the temperature exceeds 29°C, females are born, whereas at lower temperatures, males are born. The 5cm long babies come out of the sand primarily during the evening and with the help of the moonlight reflecting on the water, they find their way to the sea. During this journey from nest to sea, turtles regulate their ‘magnetic compass’; it is therefore essential that they make this journey alone, so that year after year, they can find their way back to lay their eggs.
LOGGERHEAD (CARETTA CARETTA) TURTLES
Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles measure approximately 1 metre in length. Although they breathe air through their lungs, these turtles spend most of their life in the sea, feeding on jellyfish, molluscs and other invertebrates. They reach Zakynthos in early spring, mainly from the central Mediterranean region where they spend the winter. Eggs are laid from the middle of May until the end of August.
Females go out on the beach at night and after choosing the right spot, they dig a hole with their fins about 40-50cm deep, where they lay an average of 120 eggs. This process is repeated 3-4 times during the summer. The eggs are the size of a ping pong ball with a soft shell, just hard enough not to break. Incubation lasts 42 to 70 days.
Interestingly, the sex of the newborn depends on the temperature of the sand: if the temperature exceeds 29°C, females are born, whereas at lower temperatures, males are born. The 5cm long babies come out of the sand primarily during the evening and with the help of the moonlight reflecting on the water, they find their way to the sea. During this journey from nest to sea, turtles regulate their ‘magnetic compass’; it is therefore essential that they make this journey alone, so that year after year, they can find their way back to lay their eggs.
MONK SEAL
As one of the rarest endangered marine mammal species, the Mediterranean population of mature monk seals is thought to be around 350 to 450 specimens. They are in grave danger of extinction and today they can only be found in the northeastern Mediterranean region, and specifically along the Greek coast and in the Zakynthos Marine Park. They rarely move away from coastal areas, feeding on fish, lobsters and octopuses. Historically, seals use the beaches to rest and give birth. Currently, human presence limits them to inaccessible coastal caves. In Greek waters they reproduce from August until December. Each female gives birth to a single baby that breastfeeds for 3-4 months. Mediterranean monk seals become sexually mature at the age of 4, and they can live up to approximately 20 years old.
MONK SEAL
As one of the rarest endangered marine mammal species, the Mediterranean population of mature monk seals is thought to be around 350 to 450 specimens. They are in grave danger of extinction and today they can only be found in the northeastern Mediterranean region, and specifically along the Greek coast and in the Zakynthos Marine Park. They rarely move away from coastal areas, feeding on fish, lobsters and octopuses. Historically, seals use the beaches to rest and give birth. Currently, human presence limits them to inaccessible coastal caves. In Greek waters they reproduce from August until December. Each female gives birth to a single baby that breastfeeds for 3-4 months. Mediterranean monk seals become sexually mature at the age of 4, and they can live up to approximately 20 years old.
MARATHONISI ISLAND
Marathonisi Island is the only island in the Marine Park accessible to the public. It is located a few miles from the coast and is reachable by one of the many excursions that depart from Laganas, Agios Sostis and Keri. Marathonisi Island is also called Turtle Island, due to its turtle-like shape. Since 5% of all Loggerhead turtle nests are located here, access to the beach is controlled by WWF volunteers. Organized excursions can only stop in two specific spots: the white beach located in the southern part of the island where smaller boats (up to 30 seats) can dock and the white pebble beach located in the eastern part, where larger boats (over 30 places) can be accommodated.
MARATHONISI ISLAND
Marathonisi Island is the only island in the Marine Park accessible to the public. It is located a few miles from the coast and is reachable by one of the many excursions that depart from Laganas, Agios Sostis and Keri. Marathonisi Island is also called Turtle Island, due to its turtle-like shape. Since 5% of all Loggerhead turtle nests are located here, access to the beach is controlled by WWF volunteers. Organized excursions can only stop in two specific spots: the white beach located in the southern part of the island where smaller boats (up to 30 seats) can dock and the white pebble beach located in the eastern part, where larger boats (over 30 places) can be accommodated.