Turtles

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)

• Size: Up to 1 meter in length, weighing around 100 kg

• Appearance: Large, broad head with a reddish-brown, heart-shaped shell covered in rough scales

• Habitat: Coastal waters, bays, and sandy beaches for nesting

• Behavior: Mostly solitary, they feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Loggerheads are known for their long migrations between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.

• Notes: Loggerhead turtles nest on Crete’s southern beaches between May and August. They are protected by law, and conservation efforts are ongoing. Sightings while diving are special and should be treated with respect and care.

Sea turtles in Crete, especially the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), are a rare and treasured sight despite their important role in the island’s natural heritage. While these remarkable creatures nest on several of Crete’s sandy beaches—such as those in Rethymno and Chania—as well as on nearby Zakynthos, actually spotting a sea turtle in the wild remains a special and uncommon experience. Loggerheads prefer warm, shallow coastal waters where they feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks, but they often remain hidden beneath the waves or resting quietly on the seabed. These shy and gentle reptiles face many challenges, which is why ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting their nesting beaches and ensuring safe hatchlings. For divers and snorkelers exploring Crete’s coastal waters, an unexpected encounter with a sea turtle is not only breathtaking but a poignant reminder of the fragile beauty of the Mediterranean’s marine life.