Turtle Spotting Cruise in Zakynthos: Swim & Caves

Swim with sea turtles and explore two island landmarks in one afternoon

A small-group afternoon cruise in the southern bay of Zakynthos combines turtle spotting with swimming stops and sightseeing at two named sites: Marathonisi Island, a breeding ground shaped like a turtle, and the Keri Caves. The tour runs four hours with pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, air-conditioned transport, and a professional captain who provides live commentary in English. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum passenger numbers apply, and cancellation is possible after confirmation if the group does not meet requirements. In that case, you receive an alternative tour or full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon cruise with swimming and turtles

• See the caves in Keri
• Swim near Keri Caves
• Visit Turtle Island
• Swim near Turtle Island

The experience

How do you see sea turtles without arranging a boat yourself? This cruise departs from a designated meeting point in Zakynthos and heads into the southern bay, where the captain navigates toward the sites where turtles are most likely to surface. The boat is small enough that the group stays together, and the captain speaks English throughout, pointing out what you're seeing as the afternoon unfolds. You're not watching from a distance. The tour includes swimming stops at two locations, so you get in the water when conditions allow.

The first stop is the Keri Caves, where the boat slows to let you see the rock formations along the shoreline. If the sea is calm enough, you'll have roughly 30 minutes to swim here. From there, the route heads to Marathonisi Island, the breeding ground that's also shaped like a turtle: the reason locals call it Turtle Island. Again, swimming is possible if conditions permit, and this is where most of the turtle spotting happens. The captain knows the patterns and the safe zones, so you're not guessing where to look.

Transport is by air-conditioned coach or minivan, which matters on a hot afternoon in Greece. The pickup and drop-off from your designated meeting point means you don't have to arrange a separate ride to the harbor. The tour runs four hours total, which fits a half-day without eating the whole afternoon. Families travel on this one: infants can sit on a lap or ride in a pram, and children just need an adult with them. Everyone's welcome regardless of swimming ability, though the swimming stops are optional if you'd rather stay on board.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned coach or minivan transport.
• pickup and drop-off from your designated meeting point.
• the four-hour boat cruise with a professional captain.
• live English-language commentary throughout.
• swimming stops at Keri Caves and Marathonisi Island (if sea conditions permit).
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

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 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ISLAND TRAVEL

Is this one for you?This is a shared small-group tour with a set schedule and a professional guide, so the route, timing and stops are arranged for you. You show up at the meeting point and the captain handles navigation and safety. It suits families and mixed-ability groups because swimming is optional and the boat does the work. If you want to control the itinerary or go private, look for a private charter instead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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.

Can I swim with the sea turtles on this cruise?

Swimming stops are included at both Marathonisi Island and Keri Caves if sea conditions allow. The captain decides whether it's safe to enter the water on the day you go, so you may not swim every trip, but the tour is built around the possibility. You're not guaranteed to touch a turtle (they're wild animals), but you'll be in the water where they feed and breed.

What exactly is Marathonisi Island and why is it called Turtle Island?

Marathonisi Island is an important sea turtle breeding ground in the southern bay of Zakynthos. It's shaped like a turtle when you see it from the water, which is how it got the name. The island is a protected site, so you don't land on it, but the boat gets close enough to see the shape and the nesting areas, and turtles often surface in the shallow water around it.

How long is the cruise and what time does it depart?

The cruise runs four hours total. The specific departure time depends on your booking option, but the tour includes the Keri Caves, swimming time, Marathonisi Island, and the return journey to your drop-off point.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport to and from your meeting point, the boat cruise with a professional captain, live commentary in English, and local taxes. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included, so bring water and snacks or plan to purchase them. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen if you plan to swim.

What happens if the tour is cancelled?

The tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. If that minimum is not met after your booking is confirmed, the operator will offer you an alternative tour on a different date or a full refund.