Protected Sea Turtle Makes Rare Appearance in Heraklion Port

Wednesday, 3 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was spotted swimming calmly near the surface among the vessels in Heraklion port. The sighting was recorded from a boat and captured on video. Loggerhead turtles are a protected species under Greek and EU law, and Crete is one of their most important nesting grounds in the Mediterranean, particularly along the beaches of Rethymno and Chania. Spotting one in a busy commercial port is considered unusual. If you encounter a sea turtle while swimming or boating anywhere in Crete, Greek law requires you to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animal. Do not attempt to touch or feed them. Sightings can be reported to Archelon, the Greek sea turtle protection society, which monitors populations across the island.