Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Boat Tour

Navagio Beach & Blue Caves: A Day on Zakynthos' Most Photographed Waters

You travel by air-conditioned bus to Skinari Cape and the historic windmills, then board a speedboat to Navagio Beach for an hour of swimming in turquoise water. The boat takes you through the Blue Caves and underneath natural arches before returning to the bus for a clifftop view of the shipwreck cove. A stop at a local market with traditional products rounds out the day, with all entry fees and transport included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Navagio Beach1h
2. Blue Caves2h

Zakynthos scenic tour and boat trip

• Travel north to Skinari Cape
• Admire panoramic views at Skinari Cape
• Stop at Xigia Beach for photos
• Visit historic windmills on cliff
• Boat tour to Shipwreck Beach
• Swim one hour in turquoise waters
• Explore Blue Caves and arches
• View Shipwreck cove from above by bus
• Visit local market for traditional products

The experience

"The water here, it changes color every hour," our boat captain said as we pulled away from the dock, and he wasn't exaggerating. The Zakynthos shipwreck and blue caves tour starts early, heading north through the island's quieter side. First stop is Skinari Cape, where the cliffs drop straight into water so clear you can see the seabed from the bus window. There's a rare plant that grows only here, nowhere else on earth, and the guide points it out like it's a small secret the island keeps. You get time to photograph the windmills on the cliff, two of them standing there since who knows when, one white with blue shutters, the other still holding the warm color of old sandstone.

Then the boat part begins. A speedboat with a glass bottom takes you out to Navagio Beach, the most famous cove in Greece, where a shipwreck sits half-buried in the sand like it's been there forever. You get a full hour to swim in the turquoise water. It's shallow enough to stand, deep enough to actually swim, and the temperature is warmer than you'd expect. After that, the boat heads into the Blue Caves, passing underneath natural arches carved into the rock. The light inside is strange and blue, the kind of thing that doesn't photograph the way it looks in person, so most people just float there and stare. The caves consist of a series of chambers, the big one and the small one, and the boat moves slowly enough that you're not rushed through.

On the way back to the bus, you stop at a local market where vendors sell traditional products (honey, olive oil, local sweets), and you can taste things before you buy. The ride back includes a view of Navagio from above, the cove from the cliff side, which gives you a completely different sense of how isolated it is. The whole day runs about eight hours, and the air-conditioned bus means you're not baking between stops. Xigia Beach, on the eastern coast, gets a quick stop too. It's known for sulfur pebbles and healing properties in the water, though most people just walk the shore and take photos.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned bus transport throughout the day.
• speedboat entry to Navagio Beach with one hour of swimming time.
• Blue Caves boat tour with passage underneath natural arches.
• stops at Skinari Cape, the historic windmills, and Xigia Beach.
• clifftop view of Shipwreck Cove.
• visit to a local market with traditional products.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MTM Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Zakynthos' most famous sights (the shipwreck, the blue caves, and the turquoise water) without arranging your own boat or navigating the island's winding roads. The fixed itinerary and included transport handle all the logistics so you just show up and swim.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

How long is the swimming time at Navagio Beach?

One full hour in the water at Shipwreck Beach.

Is the boat ride suitable for people who get seasick?

The speedboat is used for the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach portion. If you're prone to seasickness, mention it when booking so the operator can advise on medication or timing.

What's included in the price?

All fees, taxes, air-conditioned bus transport, boat entry to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach, and the local market stop. Lunch is not included.

Can infants come on this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during the bus and boat portions.

Is there a dress code or what should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes for walking. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

How early does the tour start?

The exact pickup time depends on your hotel location, but tours typically depart in the early morning to maximize daylight at the caves and beach.

What's the difference between the bus stops and the boat portion?

The bus takes you to Skinari Cape, the windmills, and Xigia Beach for photos and views. The speedboat is used only for the Navagio Beach swim and Blue Caves exploration.