Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Glass-Bottom Boat Tour Zakynthos

Laganas Bay and the National Marine Park

Laganas Bay, the wide sweep of sea along the south coast of Zakynthos, is the heart of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, created in 1999 as the first marine park in Greece. Its sandy beaches are among the most important nesting grounds in the Mediterranean for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, an endangered species that has returned to these shores for thousands of years. The females lay their eggs from late May to August, and the hatchlings head for the sea from July into October.

From Agios Sostis the boat cruises slowly into the bay while the guide watches for the dark shapes of turtles coming up to breathe. Through the glass floor you see the seabed, sea grass and fish, and from the deck the turtles surface close by. Sightings are very likely in the season, and the crew follows the park's rules: keeping a respectful distance and never chasing or feeding the animals.

Cameo Island

Cameo Island is a tiny pine-covered islet just off Agios Sostis, joined to the shore by a long wooden footbridge draped with white fabric. According to local history it was separated from the coast by the strong earthquake of 1633, and today it is one of the most photographed spots on Zakynthos, popular for weddings and sunset pictures, and ringed by clear water around its rocks.

On this cruise the boat passes close to the islet for a short photo stop, giving you the classic view of the bridge and the cliffs from the water, which is the best angle of all. If you are wondering whether Cameo Island is worth visiting on foot, the view from the sea already shows its charm; entry to the islet itself is separate and not part of this tour.

The Keri Caves

The Keri Caves lie at the south-western tip of Zakynthos, where tall white limestone cliffs drop into the sea below Cape Keri. Over thousands of years waves and wind have carved them into sea caves and great arches known locally as Kamares, and the water inside glows an intense turquoise when the sun strikes the pale rock. Nearby rise the Mizithres, two white rock pinnacles that stand like sails off the cliffs.

The boat noses beneath the arches and stops at the caves for about half an hour, long enough for a swim in some of the clearest water on the island. Bring your own mask and snorkel to see the fish around the rocks, as equipment is not provided. This Keri Caves boat trip is the easiest way to reach them, since the coastline is too steep for any beach access.

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

Marathonisi is a small green island in the middle of Laganas Bay. Seen from the bay, its outline looks remarkably like a swimming turtle, and fittingly its golden sandy beach is one of the protected nesting sites of the loggerhead turtles. The water is shallow, warm and crystal clear over white sand, and in summer small floating canteens anchor offshore selling drinks and snacks.

You have about an hour here to swim, sunbathe and walk along the shore. Because the beach is a nesting site, visitors stay close to the water and keep away from the marked nests, umbrellas are not allowed, and the island is closed at night. Wondering how to get to Marathonisi? Only by boat, and this tour includes the landing. On the return the boat crosses the bay again for a second look for turtles.