Would You Mind Sharing A Beach With A Dinosaur Age Creature?
If the answer to the above question is no, then a holiday in Zante, also known as Zakynthos, is perfect for you. This stunning Greek island is the main reproduction place for the magnificent loggerhead turtles that are often named Caretta Caretta sea turtles.
These huge reptiles often weigh up to 140kgs and measure anything from 80cm to 120cm and are a truly magnificent sight. You can take an organised boat excursion during your Zante holidays to witness them swimming through the Ionian Sea. Notching up speeds of up to 30km per hour, this strength and speed has helped keep them around to this date.
Caretta Caretta turtles have existed since the dinosaur era and have been classed as a vulnerable species since 1978, so Zante takes every precaution possible to protect them.
Between June and August each year the turtles lay their eggs on the beaches along the Gulf of Laganas from 4 years of age. Digging a hole approximately 50cm’s in depth and spawning around 120eggs which will hatch after 50 days. Of the number of eggs laid only around 60% will hatch and even less will make it safely into the sea
During this time the beaches are completely off limits after sunset so that the turtles are not disturbed at all. Once hatched the baby turtles make their way down to the sea by following the horizon and the moonlight reflection in the sea. So as not to confuse the baby turtles in any way the Greek authorities do not permit flights in and out of Zante after sunset because the lights from the aeroplanes could dazzle the younglings and send them off course. This is viewed, particularly by families with small children, as a great reason for taking cheap holidays in Zante during the summer months.
The sheer magnificence of these sea creatures entices people to spend their Greek holidays in Zante. Families with children, nature enthusiasts and many other people are captivated by the turtles and book onto the various excursions that offer the chance to catch a glimpse of them. From personal experience it is an amazing sight to see these giants swimming in the sea practically within touching distance and a holiday to Zante is not complete without taking one of these excursions.
Yvonne Dawson also writes for TravelNewz, check out the site for interesting and fun news stories.
