Sea Turtle Information Center Gerakas
Discover Zakynthos' loggerhead turtles! This center educates on conservation, offers rescue insights, and supports vital marine protection efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for learning
Sea Turtle Information Center Gerakas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for learning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Zakynthos' loggerhead turtles! This center educates on conservation, offers rescue insights, and supports vital marine protection efforts.
"A must-see to learn about turtles and how our actions impact their lives."
Support the Turtles 🐢
Your visit and donations are vital for conservation. Learn how tourism impacts turtles and how to be a responsible visitor.
Free Entry & Facilities 🌊
Enjoy free entry, sand saver showers, and clean toilets. A great way to learn and relax after the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Educational Exhibits
Discover the life cycle and challenges of loggerhead turtles. Learn about conservation efforts and how you can contribute to protecting these magnificent creatures.
Rescue Center Insights
See firsthand the incredible work being done to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Understand the threats they face and the importance of responsible tourism.
Gerakas Beach Proximity
Located adjacent to a key nesting beach, offering a direct connection to the turtles' natural habitat. Observe conservation efforts in action.
Gift Shop & Donations
Support the center's mission by purchasing souvenirs. All profits go towards the conservation and care of sea turtles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support Turtle Conservation Efforts
Timing Your Visit for Maximum Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support the Turtles 🐢
Your visit and donations are vital for conservation. Learn how tourism impacts turtles and how to be a responsible visitor.
Free Entry & Facilities 🌊
Enjoy free entry, sand saver showers, and clean toilets. A great way to learn and relax after the beach.
Learn About Nesting 🌴
Understand the importance of Gerakas Beach for turtle nests and how to avoid disturbing them.
Volunteer Opportunities 👨👩👧
Consider volunteering or interning to directly contribute to sea turtle conservation. Applications for 2025 are open!
Tips
from all over the internet
Support the Turtles 🐢
Your visit and donations are vital for conservation. Learn how tourism impacts turtles and how to be a responsible visitor.
Free Entry & Facilities 🌊
Enjoy free entry, sand saver showers, and clean toilets. A great way to learn and relax after the beach.
Learn About Nesting 🌴
Understand the importance of Gerakas Beach for turtle nests and how to avoid disturbing them.
Volunteer Opportunities 👨👩👧
Consider volunteering or interning to directly contribute to sea turtle conservation. Applications for 2025 are open!
Honesty Library 📖
Browse or donate books at the honesty library. A unique way to support the center and enjoy some reading.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sea Turtle Information Center Gerakas as a free, educational, and vital stop in Zakynthos. Many highlight the importance of learning about loggerhead turtle conservation and the impact of tourism. The center's facilities, including sand showers and a restaurant, are appreciated, and the opportunity to support the charity through the gift shop is a significant draw.
"Great FREE to enter, educational place. Great to learn more about the turtles and the impact of tourism. Has a little gift shop where profits go to the charity. Some terrapins there- I think they do occasionally have rescued sea turtles when needed too, has a cafe/restaurant.
Has toilets and sand showers that collect the beach sand to help combat erosion.
Lots of parking."
katie summerill
"This is a must see when on Zakynthos. Telling you everything about these gracious creatures you need to know.
There is a museum that tells you everything important and the entrance i free. You will also find a restaurant here with good food, beer and service. The view over the surrounding area is great too. Most importantly you can also see live turtles aka guest in the Rescue Center here.
One of the most important things you learn here is that we (humans and mass tourism) are their biggest threat. Do NOT disturb the turtles on the beaches and do NOT hunt them at sea as this can stress them to not lay their eggs. Instead respect the turtles at a distance and help these endangered creatures instead."
Rene Bidstrup Nymand
"i think this place is so worth visiting, not because you’re going to see turtles, but because you’re going to learn their story: how our actions as tourists impact their way of living and how important it is to donate in order for them to get a MRI scanner since the only one available is located in Athens, way too far for an injured turtle to get to.
the center is located right next to Gerakas beach, which is another important spot for turtle nests and the parking on the right is free of charge. there are showers if you just got back from the beach and clean toilets as well, the staff is very friendly and on our way we came across a swallow’s nest 😊
this is definitely a must-see place that is going to change your perspective on many things 🐢♥️"
Elisa Moldovan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located near Gerakas Beach in Vasilikos, Zakynthos. Many visitors arrive by car or scooter, and there is ample parking available. Local buses may also service the area, but it's advisable to check current schedules.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available, often free of charge, especially on the right side near Gerakas beach.
While public transport options exist for Zakynthos, direct routes to the center might be limited. It's best to check local bus timetables or consider a taxi or rental vehicle for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sea Turtle Information Center Gerakas offers free entry, making it an accessible and educational experience for all visitors.
The center is typically open seasonally, from April to October. It's recommended to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date opening hours and dates for the current year. +1
No, advance booking is not usually required as the entry is free. However, for specific events or volunteer programs, checking their website is advised.
There are no age restrictions for visiting the Sea Turtle Information Center Gerakas. It's an educational destination suitable for all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore educational exhibits about loggerhead turtles, learn about conservation efforts, see terrapins and tortoises, and potentially view rescued sea turtles. There's also a gift shop and a restaurant with a view.
The center occasionally houses rescued sea turtles that are being rehabilitated. The primary focus is on education and conservation, but seeing a rescued turtle is a possibility. +1
The center provides free facilities including sand saver showers (to help combat erosion), clean toilets, and a gift shop.
While specific accessibility details can vary, the center aims to be welcoming. It's advisable to contact them directly for detailed information regarding accessibility for wheelchairs or other mobility needs.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography, especially around any rescued animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and bar located at the center, offering food and drinks with a view of the surrounding area. +1
The restaurant typically serves Greek cuisine. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal while supporting the turtle conservation efforts. +1
While specific menus can change, Greek restaurants often have vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the educational displays, the terrapins and tortoises, and the scenic views from the restaurant. The proximity to Gerakas Beach also offers beautiful coastal shots.
If there are rescued sea turtles present, photography should be done respectfully and without flash, to avoid disturbing them. Always follow staff guidance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, avoid intrusive photography, especially if it might disturb wildlife or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Take advantage of the free entry and the sand saver showers after a day at Gerakas Beach. The on-site restaurant offers a convenient spot for a family meal with a view. Encourage your children to ask questions and learn about how they can help protect marine life, making it a truly impactful experience.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Consider participating in their volunteer programs for a more immersive experience. This is an opportunity to actively contribute to conservation efforts and gain a deeper understanding of marine life protection. The center's commitment to education and action aligns perfectly with the values of eco-conscious travelers.
📚 Book Lovers & Learners
The center itself is a hub of knowledge, providing in-depth information about loggerhead turtles, their life cycle, and the conservation challenges they face. It's an ideal spot for curious minds eager to understand the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the importance of responsible tourism.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Loggerhead Turtles in Zakynthos
Human activities pose the biggest threat to these ancient mariners. This includes coastal development, pollution, fishing bycatch, and disturbance of nesting sites. The center highlights how tourism, while economically important, can inadvertently harm turtles if not managed responsibly. Visitors are urged to maintain a safe distance from turtles on land and sea, avoid using bright lights on beaches at night during nesting season, and properly dispose of waste.
The center also works to raise funds for essential equipment like an MRI scanner, which is currently only available in Athens, making it difficult to treat injured turtles on the island. Supporting the center through visits and donations directly contributes to better care and increased survival rates for these magnificent creatures.
Volunteering and Internships: Making a Difference
Volunteers assist with a range of tasks, from educating visitors at the information center to helping with beach monitoring and data collection. It's a hands-on experience that offers deep insight into the challenges of sea turtle conservation. Many past volunteers share overwhelmingly positive experiences, highlighting the rewarding nature of contributing to a vital cause.
+1Applications for these programs, particularly for the summer season, are often open well in advance. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to visit the center's website for detailed information on program dates, requirements, and the application process. It's a chance to not only help save sea turtles but also to immerse yourself in the local culture and environment of Zakynthos.
Facilities and Amenities for Visitors
Adjacent to the center is a restaurant and bar that not only serves food and drinks but also offers a pleasant view of the surrounding area, including Gerakas Beach. Dining here is another way to support the center's conservation work, as profits often contribute to their initiatives. Clean toilets are also available for visitor convenience.
Additionally, the center houses an honesty library, where visitors can take a book to read or swap one. This unique feature adds a charming touch to the visitor experience and further supports the center's operations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit