Turtle Spotting, Marathonisi and Keri Caves Speedboat Tour Zakynthos
- Duration3 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This three-hour speedboat tour explores the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, where loggerhead turtles feed and nest. You look for Caretta caretta turtles from a safe distance, visit Cameo Islet and Marathonisi, go inside the Keri Caves and have swim stops at several places. Choose the option with hotel pickup and drop-off, or meet at the departure point on your own. It suits families with children from five years old and anyone who wants to see wildlife and sea caves in one short trip.
Highlights
- Look for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos
- Visit Marathonisi, the turtle-shaped island, and swim there
- Enter the Keri Caves for close views and photos inside
- Pass Cameo Islet and stop at private beaches for swimming
- Eco-friendly, small-group speedboat with an experienced captain and crew
- Departures at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included in our default option
Full Description
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos and its loggerhead turtles
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos was created in 1999 to protect the beaches and waters of Laganas Bay, where loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest each summer, and where Mediterranean monk seals also live. It is one of the most important nesting areas for this species in the Mediterranean, so the rules for boats are strict: speed is limited, and the captain keeps a respectful distance.
On this tour the boat approaches turtles slowly so you can watch them surface and swim. Sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed, but the tour is planned for the areas where turtles are most often seen. If you are searching for a turtle spotting tour in Zakynthos, look for one that respects the park rules, as this one does.
Marathonisi, the turtle-shaped island
Marathonisi is a small uninhabited island in Laganas Bay, often called Turtle Island because its outline looks like a turtle's shell. It has a sandy beach and shallow, clear water, and it is a popular place for a swim stop on this tour. Depending on the season, part of the beach may be protected for nesting, and your captain will tell you where you can go.
Swimming at Marathonisi is one of the highlights for families, since the water is calm and warm in summer. Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen, and take your time in the water. The Marathonisi boat tour is one of the best-known trips in Zakynthos, and this three-hour version fits well into a morning or an afternoon.
The Keri Caves
The Keri Caves are sea caves along the south-west coast of Zakynthos, near the village of Keri, where cliffs drop into deep blue water. Because the speedboat is small, the captain can take you close to the entrances and sometimes inside the caves, where the water glows turquoise and echoes bounce off the rock.
This is a good place for photos, and it also includes a swim stop at the caves. The Keri Caves boat tour is popular with people who want dramatic coastal scenery in addition to turtles. Conditions depend on the sea, so the captain may change the order of stops, or skip a cave, for safety.
Cameo Islet, private beaches and swim stops
On the way, the boat passes Cameo Islet, a small rocky islet near Agios Sostis, and stops at private beaches where you can swim in clear water. In total the tour includes swim stops at Marathonisi, at private beaches, at the caves and at the Keri Caves, depending on the day and the sea conditions.
The tour starts from Agios Sostis Harbour. With our default option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the pickup time and place are sent within 24 hours before the tour. With the option to meet at the departure point, you make your own way there. The best time to go is often the morning, when the sea is calmer, but each departure has its charm.
Itinerary
- Pickup or meeting at the departure pointWith our default option you are collected from your hotel or the nearest pickup point; with the other option you meet at the speedboat departure point.
- Boarding at Agios Sostis HarbourBoard the eco-friendly speedboat and receive a briefing from the captain.
- Turtle spotting in the Marine ParkCruise slowly through Laganas Bay looking for loggerhead turtles.
- MarathonisiVisit the turtle-shaped island and stop for a swim.
- Keri Caves and Cameo IsletGo inside the caves, pass Cameo Islet and stop at private beaches for swimming.
- Return to the harbourThe boat returns after about three hours, and, with our default option, the driver takes you back to your accommodation.
What's included
- 3-hour eco-friendly turtle-spotting cruise
- Turtle (Caretta caretta) sightings
- Close visit inside caves
- Visits to Cameo Islet and Marathonisi
- Swim stops at Marathonisi, private beaches, caves and the Keri Caves
- Experienced captain and crew
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Transport to the departure point
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 5–14
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- A half-day plan — about 3 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women.
- People with back problems.
- Wheelchair users.
- People who are prone to seasickness.
- Children under five years old.
Meeting point
With our default option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or the nearest pickup point within a five-minute walk, and the time and place are sent within 24 hours before the tour. With the other option you meet at the speedboat departure point and transport is not included. The booking panel shows which option you have chosen.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, water and a camera.
- The captain may change the itinerary because of weather or sea conditions, for safety.
- If the tour is rescheduled because of weather, you will be notified in reasonable time.
- Turtle sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed.
- Follow the captain's instructions around wildlife and do not touch or feed animals.
- Food and drinks are not included.
- Choose the option with pickup or the option without pickup carefully, as transport is only included in one of them.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Zakynthos turtle spotting speedboat tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children for each option, and updates when you choose your date.
What is the difference between the options?
One option includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the nearest pickup point. The other has no transport, and you meet at the speedboat departure point. The rest of the tour is the same.
How long is the tour?
The speedboat trip takes about three hours. Departures are at 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00, and the booking panel shows the times available on your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
It is included in our default option, but not in the meet-at-the-departure-point option. Pickup details are sent within 24 hours before the tour.
Will I definitely see turtles?
Turtles are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the tour goes to the areas where they are most often seen and the captain keeps a respectful distance.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes for children aged five and over, and the booking panel shows the age band for child tickets. Children should be comfortable on a fast boat and in the water.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water and a camera. Wear light clothing and non-slip shoes.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if seats are available. Choose your date and time in the booking panel; if it shows as available, you can book it.
Can I swim on the tour?
Yes. The tour includes swim stops at Marathonisi, at private beaches and at the caves, depending on the day and sea conditions.
When is the best time to see turtles in Zakynthos?
Turtles can be seen in the warm months, and the nesting season runs through the summer. Early morning is often calmer, though each departure gives a chance to see them.
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