7
Audited Sanctuaries
Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Italy
2
Resident Species
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Green
20-27°C
Water Temperature
Pleasant Mediterranean summer warmth
90%
Sighting Rate
Zakynthos Laganas & Marathonisi
Regional Overview & Marine Geography
The Mediterranean Sea is the ancestral breeding territory of the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). During the warm summer months (May through October), thousands of adult Loggerheads migrate into shallow coastal bays across Greece, Cyprus, and southwestern Turkey for courtship, mating, and egg laying.
Laganas Bay on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) represents the single most important nesting area in the entire Mediterranean basin, protected under the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ).
Marine Speed Limits: Within Laganas Bay Zone A and B, all motorized vessels are strictly speed-capped at 6 knots to prevent vessel-strike injuries to surfacing turtles.
Key Geographic Zones in the Mediterranean
1. Greek Ionian Islands (Zakynthos & Kefalonia)
- Top Encounters: Laganas Bay, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Keri Caves, and Argostoli Harbor (Kefalonia).
- Access: Small electric or solar boat charters and kayak rentals.
2. Cyprus (Paphos & Akamas Peninsula)
- Top Encounters: Lara Bay Turtle Sanctuary (Akamas), Green Bay (Protaras), and Limassol.
- Access: 4x4 Jeep safaris and coastal dive boat charters.
3. Aegean & Levantine Coast (Turkey & Italy)
- Top Encounters: Dalyan Iztuzu Beach (DEKAMER Sanctuary, Turkey), Kas Kekova sunken city, and Lampedusa Pelagie Islands (Italy).