Zakynthos Private Speedboat: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves

A 2021 speedboat cuts through Ionian waters to cliffs only reachable by sea

You board a new speedboat with a skilled skipper and spend a half-day exploring the north coast of Zakynthos. You swim at Navagio Beach, the Blue Caves, and Xygia's sulfur waters, with stops at hidden coves in between. Snorkeling gear, a shower, fresh water, and a canopy are included. Lunch at a seaside taverna is optional. The boat holds your group only, so timing and stops are yours to decide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Navagio Beach30m
2. Blue Caves30m
3. Agios Nikolaos45m

Private cruise to Zakynthos highlights

• Depart on private speed boat
• Explore secret coves and swim
• Stop at Shipwreck Beach
• Visit the Blue Caves
• Swim in sulfur waters at Xygia
• Optional lunch at seaside fish taverna
• Return to departure point

The experience

The boat is 7 meters of open deck, 200 horsepower, and a skipper who knows the north coast of Zakynthos well enough to find the coves that don't appear on maps. You board in the morning, and within minutes you're past the harbor noise and into water so clear you can see the seabed shift color beneath you. The canopy keeps the sun off your shoulders. There's a fridge, a shower with fresh water, Bluetooth speakers, and room to move around without bumping elbows, which matters when you're spending a half-day on the water with people you didn't know an hour ago.

The first stop is Navagio Beach, the shipwreck that gave it its name still rusting on the sand below the cliff face. You can see it from the water, and the skipper will cut the engine so you can take it in without the roar. Then comes the Blue Caves: the light inside them shifts from turquoise to something almost violet, and you'll want to swim through at least once to feel how the color changes when you're inside it. After that, Xygia Beach, where the water smells faintly of sulfur and the locals say it's good for your skin. On the way between stops, the boat pulls into secret coves: Filippoi, Atsigganos, Stenitis, Sfoggio, a hidden blue cave that doesn't have a name on any tour operator's website. You swim in water that hasn't seen a cruise ship all week.

The skipper handles all the navigation and timing. Snorkeling gear is included, so you don't pack your own. If you want lunch, there's an option to stop at a traditional Greek fish taverna by the sea. You eat there, the boat waits, and you're back on the water by early afternoon. The whole thing is private, which means the pace is yours. You're not syncing to a group schedule or waiting for people who didn't want to swim at that particular cove.

What’s included

• Private speedboat with skipper.
• sun canopy and large sundecks.
• snorkeling equipment.
• fresh water shower.
• fridge and bottled water.
• Bluetooth music speakers.
• swimming ladder.
• all fuel, fees, and insurance.
• optional lunch at a traditional Greek fish taverna by the sea.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Saturday7 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 19:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mistral Boat Rentals

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Navagio, the Blue Caves, and Xygia's sulfur waters without joining a group boat. The private format means the skipper adjusts stops and timing to your pace, and you're not waiting for other passengers to finish swimming.

Traveler reviews

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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.

How long is the private cruise?

It's a half-day cruise, typically running in the morning or afternoon depending on your preference and the skipper's availability.

What's included in the price?

The skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, sun canopy, fresh water, use of the shower, swimming ladder, and all fees and taxes. Lunch at a taverna is optional and separate.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Equipment is provided, so you don't need to bring your own, though you can if you prefer.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

The skipper will assess conditions on the day. Rough seas or poor visibility may affect which coves are accessible, but the main stops at Navagio and the Blue Caves are usually protected enough to visit in most conditions.

Can I choose which coves to visit?

The itinerary includes Navagio Beach, the Blue Caves, and Xygia, with stops at hidden coves like Filippoi, Atsigganos, and Stenitis. The skipper can adjust based on conditions and your interests.

Is there a minimum group size?

No. The cruise is private, so it's just your group and the skipper, whether you're two people or more.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming ability is helpful since you'll be swimming at multiple stops, but the skipper and swimming ladder are there to help, and you can choose not to swim at any particular location.