TURTLE PROJECT
Price
€75.00
Overview
The Turtle Project Snorkeling Trip takes you straight into the heart of Project Xenios, a unique marine conservation and research initiative in Cyprus. The goal of the project is to protect sea turtles, document their behavior, and better understand the impact of tourism on the marine ecosystem.
During the snorkeling trip, you will visit areas where turtles are regularly found. Together with experienced guides, you will learn how to observe the animals respectfully in their natural habitat—without disturbing them. At the same time, you become part of the Xenios Project by documenting sightings and comparing them with the existing turtle database.
This way, your snorkeling trip becomes not only a nature experience but also actively supports the protection of sea turtles around Cyprus.
A sustainable, educational, and unforgettable snorkeling adventure within the framework of Project Xenios. We will provide all the necessary snorkeling equipment, and to make this unique experience truly memorable, you will also receive photos and videos of this amazing adventure!
3-4 Hours
Turtle Presentation
Snorkeling
8 years & able to swim
What to expect
MEETING POINT
We meet at our diving school. For a small fee, we can also pick you up from your hotel or another meeting point in the Protaras, Pernera, or Ayia Napa area.
WELCOME
Upon arrival at the diving school, you will meet our turtle specialist, who will guide you and ensure your comfort in our shop. Afterwards, we will complete the mandatory paperwork, and then we’re ready to start.
THEORY
We begin with a short presentation about our sea turtles and how to behave properly while snorkeling. You will learn:
… which sea turtles are found around Cyprus
… background information about their lives
… threats they face
… how we can protect sea turtles
… explanation of the Xeninos Project and our database
EQUIPMENT
We are happy to provide you with a diving mask, snorkel, and fins. Although the sea in Cyprus is quite warm, we can also provide a short wetsuit if you wish to wear one. We have a wide range of sizes, and you can change in the shop. Swim aids are also available, and we will take a buoy as an optional swimming aid.
SNORKELING
Once we arrive at the snorkeling site, you will receive a brief overview of the area where we will snorkel and look out for sea turtles. The guide will have a camera to take photos and videos of the turtles for the database, as well as of you, so you have memories to look back on after your vacation. We stay in the water for up to one hour, but you are free to inform the guide if you wish to leave the water earlier.
IDENTIFICATION
When we spot a sea turtle, we will use the photos and videos to identify it. We will refer to the Project Xeninos database and explain how it works. Each turtle has a unique pattern on its cheek, almost like its own “fingerprint.”
As a keepsake, we will send you all photos and videos from the snorkeling trip.
Impressions from our Snorkeling Trips
Rules for snorkeling with sea turtles
- Always keep enough distance from the turtles so they do not feel disturbed.
- Never dive or swim over a turtle so it can always surface directly.
- Avoid any contact with or touching of the turtles.
- If a turtle swims away, do not swim after it.
- Do not feed sea turtles.