Sekania beach, located within the park, is one of the highest-density loggerhead nesting sites in the entire Mediterranean.
The park provides protected habitat for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
The park covers a land area of roughly 135 square kilometers and a marine area of approximately 35 square kilometers.
The Strofades Islands, part of the park, are an important migratory stopover for birds crossing the Ionian Sea.
Posidonia oceanica, or seagrass meadows found in the park, are essential for oxygen production and carbon sequestration.
During peak nesting season, certain beaches are closed to visitors from sunset to sunrise to protect hatchlings.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, established in 1999, is the first national marine park in Greece dedicated to the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The park encompasses the entire Laganas Bay, including the island of Marathonisi and the Strofades Islands. It serves as a vital Mediterranean nesting site for sea turtles, which deposit eggs on beaches such as Sekania and Daphni. Marine zones are strictly regulated to mitigate human impact on underwater seagrass meadows and monk seal habitats. The park authority, based in Zakynthos city, manages conservation activities and monitors human activity within the protected areas. Visitors are restricted from certain beach sections during nesting and hatching months. The park functions as both a scientific research facility and a managed public tourism site.
The viewpoint overlooking Marathonisi island from the sea, or the designated observation areas near Daphni beach.
Visit the park's Information Center in Zakynthos town first to understand the current restrictions for the specific beaches.
If booking a boat tour to Marathonisi, ensure the operator is licensed by the National Marine Park to ensure environmental compliance.
Do not bring umbrellas or dig in the sand on protected nesting beaches, as you may accidentally disturb turtle nests.
Avoid driving vehicles onto sand dunes or beaches; do not use anchors in protected seagrass zones; never touch or interfere with nesting turtles.
Highly seasonal; certain restricted nesting beaches are entirely inaccessible to the public during the nesting and hatching months from May to October.
Strict 'no-trace' policy; do not leave any waste; stay within marked areas; do not use flash photography near nesting sites; keep noise levels low.
