Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Swim below Zakynthos cliffs, taste olives in Anafonitria, see Shipwreck up close

You’ll feel Zakynthos under your skin: leaning over Bochali hill for wild views, floating by Shipwreck Beach with nobody else around, tasting olive oil in mountain air, swimming through electric-blue caves. With hotel pickup included and local guides who know every goat path and shortcut, this day trip leaves you salty-haired and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t drop your phone!” That’s what our guide, Giorgos, called out as we leaned over Bochali hill for that first wild view of Zakynthos town. I could smell pine and coffee from somewhere nearby. The air felt sticky already. Giorgos snapped a photo of us — he’s got this way of making you laugh so you forget to pose. I didn’t expect the port to look so small from up here. Then someone pointed out the rusty shipwreck far off, and it felt weirdly unreal that we’d be right next to it later.

The drive north was all twists and goats on the road (I swear one winked at me). At Porto Vromi, we hopped onto a boat with a captain who barely spoke but grinned every time we hit a wave. The water near Shipwreck Beach looked fake — like blue Gatorade — and even though you can’t land there now (landslides), the captain edged us close enough to hear pebbles rolling in the surf. No crowds, just us and that battered hull. I still think about how quiet it was, except for gulls overhead.

After swimming near these caves where the water glows electric blue under the rocks (the “Blue Caves” — main keyword, check), we dried off in salty wind and headed up into Anafonitria village for lunch. The taverna served something with lemon and oregano that made my fingers sticky. An old lady let us try her olive oil — she laughed when I coughed at the peppery finish. There’s this 2,000-year-old olive tree in Exo Chora; I touched its bark and wondered how many people had done that before me.

Xigia Beach was our last swim stop — sulfur smell in the air (not everyone’s thing), but my skin felt weirdly soft after. Drinks come down on a pulley from above; it made everyone laugh when someone’s Fanta got stuck halfway. By then most of us were sunburnt and tired but happy to just float for a bit before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zakynthos highlights by sea and land

• Visit Bochali hill viewpoint
• View Shipwreck Beach from boat
• Stop at Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos
• Take 3-hour boat cruise
• Swim at Sfogio Beach
• Swim at unique white sand beach
• Visit western Blue Caves
• Swim and snorkel near Blue Caves
• Enjoy lunch in Anafonitria village
• See 2,000-year-old olive tree
• Visit Therianos Family Farm and taste products
• Swim at Xigia Beach natural spa
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

Can you land on Shipwreck Beach during this tour?

No, due to safety concerns from landslides, boats cannot land on Shipwreck Beach itself; you'll get close for photos from the boat.

Is hotel pickup included in this Zakynthos day trip?

Yes, door-to-door pickup is included within 12 km of Zakynthos City office; airport & cruise port pickup are also available.

Are meals or drinks included?

No, lunch is at your own expense at a traditional taverna; free tastings of local products like olive oil are included.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels.

Do you swim inside the Blue Caves?

You can swim near or inside some caves depending on weather conditions; snorkeling gear is recommended but not provided.

How long is the boat part of the tour?

The mini cruise by boat lasts about 3 hours including stops at Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves.

Is there time to visit local villages?

Yes, you'll stop for lunch in Anafonitria village and visit Exo Chora to see the ancient olive tree and taste local products.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, cash for lunch or snacks, and a camera (but hold tight!).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup within 12 km of Zakynthos City (airport too if needed), bottled water along the way, all boat transfers to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves with an experienced captain and guide who’ll help with photos (and jokes), free tastings of local olive oil and wine at village stops, plus plenty of time to swim before returning you back to your accommodation tired but happy.