Sea Turtles in Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is considered one of the most important breeding grounds for sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean. Every summer, adult females return to the island to come ashore at night and lay their eggs in the warm sand. Several weeks later, hundreds of tiny hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea on their own.

This remarkable natural cycle can still be witnessed today, although most nesting sites are protected by the state. It is therefore important for tourists to know where the protected beaches are located, when the season begins and how to behave near nests so as not to harm the animals.

• Which sea turtles live off the coast of Cyprus
• When the sea turtle season begins
• The best beaches for observing nesting
• Where you can encounter turtles in the sea
• How baby turtles hatch
• How to behave near turtles
• Interesting facts
• Frequently asked questions

Which sea turtles live off the coast of Cyprus

Two species of sea turtle are regularly found in the waters around the Republic of Cyprus, and both are protected.

Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)

This is the most common species of sea turtle in Cyprus. Loggerhead turtles are distinguished by their large heads and powerful jaws, which allow them to feed on crabs, molluscs and sea urchins. Representatives of this species are the ones most often encountered while diving, snorkelling and taking boat trips.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

The green sea turtle is less common and is considered one of the most valuable species in the Mediterranean. Adult turtles feed on seagrasses and algae, while the Republic of Cyprus is one of the region’s most important breeding grounds for them.

When the sea turtle season begins

The first adult females appear off the island’s coast as early as May. Most nests are laid from the end of May through August, while the first baby turtles begin to emerge in the second half of July. The main emergence of hatchlings usually takes place in August and September.

The best beaches for seeing turtle nesting

Lara Beach

Lara Beach on the Akamas Peninsula is the most famous sea turtle nesting site in Cyprus. Both green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs here every year. The beach is part of a protected area, so in summer you can see dozens of fenced-off nests in the sand, marked with special protective structures.

At night, access to certain parts of the beach is restricted in order not to disturb the animals as they come ashore.
Location

Toxeftra Beach

Another important breeding beach is located near Paphos. It is less well known among tourists, but it is also considered one of the main nesting sites for both species of sea turtle. The smaller number of visitors helps preserve favourable conditions for nesting.
Location

Akamas Peninsula coastline

In addition to Lara Beach, other sections of coastline used by sea turtles to lay their eggs are located within Akamas National Park. Many of them are protected natural areas and have no tourist infrastructure.

Where you can encounter sea turtles in the sea

If seeing the nesting process is far from guaranteed, encountering an adult sea turtle while swimming or taking a boat trip is quite possible.

• Cape Greco — one of the best places for snorkelling and diving, where loggerhead turtles appear fairly regularly.
• Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula — the clear water and calm bays attract both varieties of sea turtle.
• Latchi and Polis — good chances of encountering turtles during boat trips or while snorkelling.
• Sea caves of Ayia Napa and Protaras — turtles can be seen feeding here, especially in the morning.

It should be remembered that sea turtles are wild animals, so their appearance cannot be guaranteed even in the most famous locations.

How baby turtles hatch

Egg incubation lasts an average of 45 to 60 days. When the time comes, dozens of tiny turtles emerge from the sand at the same time and head towards the sea. They navigate by the natural light on the horizon, so artificial light can lead them astray.

That is why night lighting is restricted on protected beaches, while nests are additionally protected with special barriers.

How to behave near turtles

• do not cross the protective barriers around nests;
• do not touch the eggs or baby turtles;
• do not use flash photography or bright torches at night;
• do not try to guide turtles towards the sea;
• do not let dogs onto protected beaches;
• follow the instructions of the conservation authorities.

Interesting facts

• The temperature of the sand affects the sex of future turtles.
• Females often return to lay their eggs on the same beach where they were born.
• Less than one percent of the turtles that hatch survive to adulthood.
• Sea turtles can travel thousands of kilometres during seasonal migrations.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit to see turtles?

The period from June to August is best for observing nesting, while the end of August and September are best for seeing baby turtles emerge.

Which beach offers the best chance of seeing nests?

Lara Beach on the Akamas Peninsula remains the most famous location.

Can turtles be seen while swimming?

Yes. They are most often encountered near Cape Greco, in the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula, and in the Latchi and Polis area.

Can I help baby turtles reach the sea?

No. Interfering with the natural process is not recommended. If you notice an animal that genuinely needs help, you should report it to staff from the conservation authorities.

Why are nests covered with special nets?

The barriers protect the nests from foxes, dogs and other animals, and also help prevent tourists from accidentally stepping on the place where the eggs are located.