A loggerhead turtle, known in Türkiye as “Caretta Caretta,” is one of the most majestic marine creatures found along the Turkish coast. These gentle giants, with their distinctive big heads and large brown shells, have roamed the oceans for millions of years, and you will often see them ducking and diving alongside the yacht.

Many of Türkiye’s beaches provide crucial nesting sites for loggerhead turtles. Every year, female turtles return to beaches in Dalyan, Patara, Olympos, and Belek to lay their eggs between May and October, so you may see these areas closed to the public at night.

The sight of these ancient mariners lumbering ashore to nest or the baby hatchlings flapping to the shoreline to take their first dip is awe-inspiring.

Here’s all you need to know about Caretta Caretta and the efforts Turkiye is taking to ensure their survival should you encounter them while cruising the coast.

Caretta Caretta Nesting and Hatching Seasons in Turkiye

The nesting season for loggerhead turtles in Türkiye typically begins in late May and continues until late August. Female turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. During this period, they come ashore at night, dig nests in the sand, and lay 100+ eggs per nest. Each female can nest multiple times in a season, with an interval of about two weeks between each nesting.

The incubation period for turtle eggs ranges from 45 to 60 days, depending on the temperature of the sand. Hatching usually happens from late July to late September. Hatchlings then emerge at night to avoid predators and make their perilous journey to the sea, guided by the moon’s natural light that is reflected over the water. In recent years, light pollution from coastal bars and resorts has confused hatchlings and sent them off course. Thankfully, conservation teams now have measures in place along many of the nesting beaches to limit artificial light and ensure the hatchlings reach the sea.

Loggerhead Turtles Nesting Sites in Turkiye

Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan)

We have often praised Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan in our newsletters and blogs. This pristine beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is one of the country’s most renowned nesting sites for the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. Stretching 4.5 kilometres, it is a protected area where conservation efforts have been ongoing since the late 1980s.

Patara Beach

Located within a national park, Patara Beach is another significant nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. The beach is part of the Patara archaeological site, adding historical value to its natural importance. The extensive sandy beach provides an ideal habitat for turtles. It is also relatively unspoiled compared to many other beaches along the coast, so it is a great place to visit to escape the crowds.

Belek Beach

Belek, near Antalya, is famous for its luxury resorts and golf courses, but it also serves as a crucial nesting area for the loggerheads. The collaboration between resorts and environmental organizations in this region has fostered a balanced approach to tourism and conservation.

Cirali Beach (Olympos)

Cirali Beach is another nesting site near the ancient city of Olympos. Its relatively undisturbed environment and minimal tourist impact make it an ideal location for turtle conservation efforts.

Fethiye Beach (Calis)

Fethiye’s beaches, particularly Çalış Beach, are also notable sea turtle nesting sites. The local community and environmental groups have been actively involved in protecting these nesting grounds, ensuring a safe environment for the turtles. For this reason, areas of Calis and Koca Calis Beach will have restrictions in place of a night during the summer.

Threats to Caretta Caretta Turtles in Turkiye

Despite Türkiye’s conservation efforts, Caretta Caretta sea turtles remain endangered and face numerous threats, both natural and man-made. Just a few of the challenges they face include:

Coastal Development

The rapid development of Türkiye’s coastline for tourism and urbanization can and has led to the destruction of some turtle nesting habitats. Construction and beach modifications in these areas disrupt the environment for turtles, as the females always return to the beach where they were born to nest. Turkiye has put measures in place to limit construction and protect the main nesting beaches, and we hope they continue to restrict the coastal development in other sites frequented by loggerheads in the future.

Pollution

Marine pollution, including plastic waste, poses a lethal threat to all aquatic life, including turtles. Loggerheads often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their primary food sources, leading to ingestion that can cause injury or death. Additionally, oil spills and chemical pollutants can degrade the quality of the marine environment, affecting turtle health and reproduction.

Climate Change

Rising global temperatures influence the sex ratio of hatchlings, as the temperature of the sand where eggs are incubated helps to determine their sex. Warmer temperatures tend to produce more female hatchlings, potentially leading to future population imbalances. Rising sea levels and increased storm frequency can also erode nesting beaches and destroy nesting areas.

Conservation Initiatives and Community Involvement

Various organizations and local communities in Turkiye are actively involved in protecting the Caretta Caretta. The Sea Turtle Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre (DEKAMER) in Dalyan plays a crucial role in monitoring turtle populations, rescuing injured turtles, and conducting educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of turtle conservation. You can also visit the centre or make donations to help their efforts.

Ecotourism

Promoting ecotourism is another effective conservation strategy. Local communities can generate income while preserving their natural heritage by educating tourists about the importance of protecting sea turtles and encouraging responsible tourism practices. Guided tours, turtle-watching excursions, and volunteer programs allow visitors to engage with conservation efforts directly.

Community Engagement

Local communities play a vital role in turtle conservation. Engaging with fishermen, hoteliers, and residents to adopt turtle-friendly practices is essential. For example, reducing beachfront lighting during the nesting season, keeping beaches clean, and supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts are all critical actions that contribute to the well-being of Türkiye’s Caretta Caretta.

Protect Türkiye’s Sea Turtles: How You Can Help

Everyone, including visiting superyachts and crew, can contribute to the conservation of Caretta Caretta turtles in Türkiye. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

1. Respect Nesting Sites: As you cruise the coast, avoid disturbing nesting beaches, especially during the breeding season at night. These beaches are usually highlighted, so please respect the regulations in these designated protected areas.
2. Reduce Plastic Use: Minimize plastic waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers on board, and make sure you clean up any plastic waste the guests may leave behind to help keep coastal areas free of litter.
3. Support Conservation Organizations: If you stop to see Dalyan and want to visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre or donate, that can easily be arranged. Please get in touch with us to arrange.
4. Promote Awareness: Educate crew, guests, and others about the importance of sea turtle conservation and advocate for policies that protect marine environments – after all, these beautiful creatures are some of the first great mariners!

The survival of the Caretta Caretta turtles is linked to the health of our oceans and the sustainability of our natural world, a matter that should be close to the hearts of all in the yachting industry.  By supporting conservation efforts and promoting responsible yachting and tourism practices, we can all do our bit to ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to survive along Türkiye’s shores for many generations to come.