The moment our Security team saw the turtle. Of course we switched off the lights and let her finish in quite.
Scene 1: The Arrival
It was a serene, moonlit night (July 2nd 2024) when our guests at Dexamenes witnessed a remarkable event. A magnificent caretta caretta turtle, commonly known as a loggerhead sea turtle, emerged from the gentle waves onto the sandy shore. With laborious effort, she hauled her large, heavy body across the beach, finally finding a suitable spot near the hotel’s coastline.
The turtle began to dig a nest with her powerful flippers, creating a safe haven for her future offspring. As she laid her eggs in the cool, damp sand, the staff and guests watched in awe, maintaining a respectful distance. Once her task was complete, the turtle meticulously covered the nest, camouflaging it from potential predators. Exhausted but instinctively driven, she slowly returned to the sea, leaving her precious cargo behind.
Scene 2: Protection Begins
Following the advice of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Giorgos from our Front Desk team and Thanasis from the Security team took immediate action to safeguard the nest. Although it was after midnight, they took all measures and a perimeter was established around the nesting site using protective barriers to prevent accidental damage by beachgoers. Informative signs were placed to educate guests about the nest and the importance of preserving the fragile ecosystem.
Scene 3: The NewBorns
On the night of August 19th, under the full moon, we witnessed the hatching of two Caretta caretta babies as they made their way toward the sea. In the days that followed, we observed turtle tracks in the sand each morning, evidence that more hatchlings were beginning their long journey to the ocean. With each nest potentially holding over 100 eggs, we hope that most of these tiny creatures will safely reach the sea.
Hope
The presence of this nest on our beach is a beacon of hope and optimism. The caretta caretta populations are facing significant challenges, with numbers dwindling each year due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Each successful nesting and hatching is a small but vital step toward the conservation of this endangered species.
At Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, we are honored to play a part in this crucial conservation effort. The sight of these tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea is a symbol of renewal and a testament to the enduring spirit of nature. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope—a ray of light shining through the challenges, guiding us towards a brighter future for the Caretta caretta and the natural world.
