Northern Zante Cruise: Cape Skinari, Blue Caves & Smuggler's Cove

See the shipwreck and the sea caves without leaving the boat

A four-hour boat cruise around northern Zakynthos departs from Laganas, passing Cape Skinari's lighthouse and windmills, viewing Smuggler's Cove and its famous grounded cargo ship from the water, and stopping to swim at hidden coves and Xigia Beach. The tour includes a live English guide, Greek snacks with wine or juice, and entertainment on the return. Smuggler's Cove itself is closed to visitors but visible from the boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise northern Zante coastline

• Cruise around northern Zante
• Pass by Smuggler's Cove shipwreck
• See Blue Caves and take photos
• Scoot around Cape Skinari lighthouse
• Swim near Makris Gialos and Xigia Beach
• Enjoy Greek snacks and drinks onboard
• Watch Greek dancing entertainment
• Return to port

The experience

The boat leaves Laganas and heads north along the coast, passing Cape Skinari where the lighthouse, windmills and cliffs frame the water in shades of blue. After roughly two hours you reach Smuggler's Cove, where a cargo ship carrying contraband cigarettes ran aground in the 1980s and still sits on the beach. You'll see it from the boat, though the cove itself is closed to protect the site. The route then swings toward the Blue Caves, sea-carved arches cut into the cliffs where the water reflects off the smooth stone walls. You'll have time to photograph them before the boat moves on.

Two swim stops break up the cruise: one at a hidden cove near Makris Gialos and another at Xigia Beach, where you can anchor and spend time in the water. Greek snacks and a glass of wine (or juice for children) come on board, and the return journey includes Greek dancing and live music as the boat heads back to port. The whole outing runs four hours and suits all fitness levels. Bring a towel, bathing gear and sunscreen, and note that additional drinks require cash.

What’s included

• Boat cruise with a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup from Laganas.
• Greek snacks and one glass of wine or juice per person (vegetarian options available on request).
• swim stops at hidden coves and Xigia Beach.
• Greek dancing entertainment on the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TUI HELLAS

Is this one for you?The pace is relaxed (you're on a boat the whole time with swim stops built in), so it suits anyone who wants to see the northern coast without hiking or strenuous activity. Book this one if you want to photograph Smuggler's Cove and the Blue Caves from the water rather than spend time ashore exploring on foot.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the deal with Smuggler's Cove, can we actually land there?

Smuggler's Cove is closed to visitors for preservation, so you'll see the famous shipwreck and the cliff-ringed beach from the boat only. You get a swim stop at a nearby cove instead, so you're still in the water during that part of the cruise.

How much time do we spend swimming versus cruising?

The four-hour tour includes roughly two hours of cruising to the northern sites and two swim stops at hidden coves and Xigia Beach, where you can spend time anchored in the water between the boat's photo stops.

Is there food and drink included, or do we need to bring our own?

Greek snacks and one glass of wine per adult (or juice for children) are included on board. If you want additional drinks, bring cash. They're available for purchase but not included in the ticket.

What makes Cape Skinari worth the trip up the coast?

Cape Skinari is known for its lighthouse, windmills and cliffs rising out of pastel-blue water. It's one of the northern landmarks the cruise passes on the way to Smuggler's Cove and the Blue Caves.

Do we need to book ahead, or can we just show up at the port?

Pickup from your hotel in Laganas is included, so book in advance and provide your passport or ID details at the time of booking. The tour runs daily subject to weather conditions.