How to Find Beautiful Sea Turtles in Argostoli, Kefalonia
Did you know that you can find wild sea turtles in Argostoli, on the Greek Island of Kefalonia? If you know where to look, and you time it right, you might be lucky enough to experience these beautiful animals in the wild. In this post we will provide all the practical tips you need, and some local knowledge, to help you find the sea turtles in Argostoli.
Where is Argostoli?
The town of Argostoli is the largest municipality on the Greek island of Kefalonia. There is a population of under 25,000 people and it is located on a natural bay. Surrounded by the Ionian Sea, there is plenty of wildlife and nature to discover on the island. The Greek mainland is to the east of Kefalonia with Italy to the West and to the North is the island of Corfu.
The natural bay that Argostoli sits on, and the warm climate, helps to explain the presence of the sea turtles in the area. Along with the many fishing boats working in the harbour.
What Kind of Sea Turtles are in Argostoli?
The type of sea turtle found in Argostoli is the endangered Loggerhead turtle. These turtles get their name from their large head and powerful jaw muscles. They are usually between 80 – 120cm (33 – 48 inches) in length and can weigh up to 180kg (400lbs)! It is a privilege to see these animals in the wild so make sure you take the opportunity to visit the sea turtles in Kefalonia.
Where to Find the Sea Turtles in Argostoli
The best place to find sea turtles in Argostoli is the Bay of Argostoli and the Koutavos Lagoon. In particular along the harbour by the fishing boats.
There are also nesting beaches around the island’s coastline. They are observed by volunteers who chart the progress of the turtles and monitor their behaviour. Koroni Beach, in the south of the island, has the highest density of sea turtles in Kefalonia.
When to Find the Sea Turtles in Argostoli
There are a number of permanent resident turtles that remain in Argostoli all year round. The bay provides what they need throughout the year so there is no need for them to leave. The water is shallow so it remains warm and it provides plenty of food for the sea turtles in Argostoli.
The harbour’s sea turtles make an appearance in time with the fishing boats. The best time of day to see the sea turtles in Argostoli is before midday. During the summer, a small crowd might gather if a turtle is spotted!
Conservation
Why are the loggerhead turtles in danger and why should we try to conserve them?
Loggerhead sea turtles in Kefalonia and around the world are under threat from tourism development and light pollution that can disorientate hatchlings. Sea turtles can also become entangled in fishing nets.
Plastic bags can be mistaken for algae or jellyfish by a hungry sea turtle. Unfortunately, up to 52% of the world’s sea turtles have eaten plastic waste.
Loggerhead turtles feed on hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins which helps to keep ocean floor sediments in balance. They also provide important habitats for smaller sea creatures. As many as 100 species of animals and plants have been recorded living on one single loggerhead turtle.
What Can You Do to Help the Sea Turtle?
Different types of sea turtle are in danger all over the world, not just in Kefalonia. One way to do our bit is already well known – avoid or recycle plastics as much as possible to reduce pollution in the oceans. It is not only turtles who benefit from this of course!
To get more involved in helping the sea turtles, you can join an organisation such as the WWF. They fund conservation research and monitor behaviour to help understand the sea turtles. This should help the preservation of the animals in the future.
If you want some hands-on involvement, there is a team of volunteers that monitor Kefalonia’s sea turtle population. WILDLIFE SENSE accept volunteers from across the globe and provide a great opportunity to protect the endangered sea turtles of Kefalonia while getting hands-on field research experience.
Personal Experience with the Sea Turtles in Argostoli
We had done a little research before our visit to Kefalonia in August, and seeing the sea turtles in Argostoli was pretty high on our list when we arrived on the island.
On the first morning of our trip, we stopped for a relaxing breakfast at The Bridge Café before heading towards the harbour in search of sea turtles.
Before long, we saw our fist one! To our surprise, he came pretty close and we had a good view of him through the clear, warm water as he enjoyed the sun. There was only one other person on this part of the harbour so we almost had him to ourselves. After swimming around a bit on the surface, something startled him and he dived back down under the surface.
We decided to walk along the harbour a little more, in search of turtles. This time, we saw a small crowd of around 10 people staring hard into the water and taking photos. Turtle alert! We joined the crowd and saw another loggerhead turtle, this time blowing water into the air, show off!
Watching these endangered creatures was definitely a highlight of our visit to Argostoli and Kefalonia. If you are lucky enough to visit this beautiful Island, make sure you don’t miss it’s most enchanting residents! You can also read more about the research into the turtles of Kefalonia and the conservation work being done on the island HERE. As we already mentioned, there are also opportunities to volunteer and do your bit to help nature if that’s something you would like to get involved with.
Other Wildlife on Kefalonia
The Island of Kefalonia is not only home to the sea turtles. It is so full of wildlife and a great place for nature enthusiasts. It has a small population, warm climate and a fantastic mix of mountains and sea. The surrounding seas are also home to dolphins, seals and sea birds, as well as the sea turtles, of course.
If you take a walk on the island you may come across lizards, snakes (mostly harmless except the Viper) and a lot of goats! The European Pine Martin also lives on the island but is shy and remains mostly hidden in the trees.
More Great Things to do in Argostoli
If you have some more time in town, there are plenty of AMAZING THINGS to keep you busy. After spending some time at the harbour with the Argostoli turtles, take a stroll along the coast up towards the Saint Theodore Lighthouse and enjoy the amazing views.
On the way, you might want to stop at some of the beautiful, rugged beaches or learn about the natural phenomenon of the Argostoli sinkholes.
Back in town, take a walk across the De Bosset Bridge or relax in Platia Valianou with a midday coffee or enjoy a spot of lunch.
If you like ancient history, take the small climb up to the Cyclopean Walls of Argostoli. Hike up to the ancient ruins of the city of Krane and walk amongst the enormous boulders making up the cities defensive walls.
Where to go next
Have the Kefalonian sea turtles inspired you to take another Balkan adventure? Maybe you want to experience some more time in nature? Try this post detailing an amazing HIKE UP VITOSHA MOUNTAIN SOFIA BULGARIA There is plenty nature to discover in beautiful Bulgaria.
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Have you spotted any sea turtles in Argostoli or anywhere else? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Sea turtles are such fascinating animals! It’s always an incredible experience to meet them in the wild. Lovely photos 🙂
I didn’t know you could find sea turtles in Kefalonia! Thank you for sharing how to find them 🙂
Ah, I love watching turtles and have been fortunate to snorkel and scuba dive with a few as they swim and munch on the coral. We have also seen them when we sailed in a few areas. A lovely post that reminded me of a few of our trips although we have never visited Argostoli. Maybe I will have to add that to my bucket list.
What a lovely post! The first photo itself won my heart.
Awesome! I love turtles, but am yet to see a sea turtle in the wild – I’ve only seen them in aquariums so far 🙁
Thanks for sharing!