Zakynthos Private Cruise: Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres

Swim at four hidden coves while the skipper navigates the Marine Park's turtle grounds.

A private cruise around Zakynthos in a 19-foot Italian pleasure boat with a professional skipper, departing from the island to circle the Marine Park and stop at Turtle Island, Keri Caves, Mizithres Beach, Eros Cave and Piscines Beach. You swim at each site, spot Carretta sea turtles in the water, and relax on the leather sundeck between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zakynthos Private Cruise Highlights

• Spot Carretta Sea Turtles
• Visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
• Swim at Mizithres Beach
• Explore Keri Caves
• Swim at Eros Cave and Fallen Cliffs Beach
• Pass by Peluso Island

The experience

Marathonisi, the locals call it Turtle Island, sits isolated in the Lagana Gulf, protected by law and reachable only by boat. The skipper takes you there first, where the clear water lets you spot Carretta sea turtles drifting through their habitat. The boat itself is built for comfort: a large front leather sundeck, a shower onboard, a canopy for shade, and a cool box stocked with bottled water. The Ranieri Shark 19 runs on 60 horses and carries a music system so the day has its own rhythm between swims.

From Turtle Island, you move south to Keri Caves (a time-and-space escape carved by nature into the cliff face), then to Mizithres Beach, a recently formed crescent of sand and rock that locals call the new Shipwreck. The skipper stops at Eros Cave next, where you swim in still water surrounded by stone. The final swim is at Piscines Beach, a fallen-cliffs formation so remote that time seems to stop there. Each stop is a choice: you decide how long to stay in the water and when to climb back aboard.

The skipper speaks English and Greek, so the commentary flows in whichever language suits your group. The whole route takes five hours, which means you leave the crowds behind and reach places most day-trippers never see. Insurance, fuel, all fees and the use of the swimming ladder are included. You bring only what you want to swim in and sunscreen.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• fuel costs.
• all fees and taxes.
• large canopy.
• professional skipper.
• swimming ladder.
• music system.
• large leather sundeck lounges.
• onboard shower.
• cool box.
• and insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00, 15:00 and 19:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mistral Boat Rentals

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Greek, so you follow the commentary in whichever language works for your group. A private boat means you set the pace at each stop. Stay longer at the caves if you want, or move on to the next swim without waiting for other groups.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

24 verified traveler reviews

5 ★23

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

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 are the Carretta sea turtles, and will I definitely see them?

Carretta sea turtles are the loggerhead species native to the Ionian Sea and famous throughout Zakynthos. The Marine Park is their habitat, so sightings are common in the clear water around Turtle Island and along the cruise route, though no wildlife encounter is guaranteed.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

You can bring alcoholic beverages if you prefer. The boat provides bottled water and has a cool box to keep drinks cold. Lunch is not included, so pack what you want to eat during the five-hour cruise.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes, the boat has a shower and clear water onboard, so you can rinse off after swimming.

How deep is the water at the swimming stops?

The water at Keri Caves, Mizithres Beach, Eros Cave and Piscines Beach is clear and deep enough for swimming, with a swimming ladder on the boat to help you climb back aboard. The skipper chooses the safest entry point at each stop.

What is Mizithres Beach like compared to other spots on the cruise?

Mizithres Beach is a recently formed sandy crescent backed by dramatic rocks, offering shades of blue water and a more open feel than the cave swims. It is the most romantic stop on the route and sits in the southwest corner of the island.