In a nutshell

Visit the Portici Turtle Point, the largest marine turtle research center in the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station. Get firsthand insight into the daily life of sea turtles, and the work of National Geographic Explorer Sandra Hochscheid to preserve marine turtles.

Main stops

Visit to the Turtle Point at Portici to find out about research on the lives of sea turtles

The programme

Visit the Portici Marine Turtle Research and Recovery Center, part of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, which was founded in 1872 by German scientist Anton Dohrn who was inspired by Charles Darwin.
The Center is equipped with advanced laboratories for the study of underwater ecosystems and a space dedicated to sea turtle first aid and rehabilitation until their release back at sea.
During the visit, a National Geographic-trained guide will talk about the research project by National Geographic Explorer Sandra Hochscheid, who has been the Head of the Marine Turtle Research Center since 2015. Her studies focus on how environmental changes affect the Caretta Caretta turtle's physiology, oxygen consumption and how the rise in the oceans' temperature could become a challenge for this species.
Learn about the Center's goal of raising awareness about the challenges turtles face, and their commitment to spreading the word on the importance of marine biodiversity.