The loggerhead turtle, also known as caretta caretta, can be found around the island of Zakynthos. They swim most commonly in the area of laganas bay, but can be found wandering all around the coast line.
Nesting
The Caretta Caretta turtles always nests on the same beach where it was born, so it is critical to preserve the conditions in order to prevent the species from extinction. The nesting season lasts from June to August, when the females travel to the beach to spawn. The nest contains about 120 eggs and for the ones that hatch, around 60%, it takes about 50 days. The nesting areas in Zakynthos are located on Marathonisi "turtle" island, kalamaki beach and dafni beach. In order to protect the nests, special wooden structures are build around the nesting area to prevent people from accidentaly stepping on them.
Size & Speed
Caretta Caretta turtles are big, the largest weights 140 kg. and measures circa 120 cm whereas the smallest still measures 80 cm. Despite their size, they are extremely fast.
They can reach 30km/h thanks to their large anterior and stiff posterior fins, allowing them to avoid potential dangers.
Swimming With The Turtles
Caretta Caretta turtles are generally relaxed, and love to wander around the ocean. You can swim alongside them as long as you keep your distance and don't bother the beautiful creature by touching or poking them. During our cruises, we try to find turtles that are by themselves and not already surrounded by many other boats, to avoid creating a feeling of panick for them. We love our beautiful turtles and enjoy sharing them with the tourists visiting Zakynthos, however their protection is extremely important to us and we will always respect the turtle's habitat.
Protecting The Turtles
Caretta Caretta Turtles are an endangered species. As a speedboat company we have a duty to protect these beautiful creates and we strive to do so. Meraki Speedboats aims to be plastic free by 2023. We want to discontinue using plastic bottles on board as these can be choking hazards for the turtles and other sea life. Instead we want to start the initiative to start bringing reusable waterbottles on board instead. We hope to see these beautiful turtles for many more years, and protecting them is crucial.
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