Zakynthos: Turtle Island and Caves Private Boat Trip

About This Experience

The private south-coast trip, sized for a couple: $276 for the boat and skipper for two people, which is $138 each for three hours with nobody else on board. My Local Sea runs from Agios Sostis, and the skippers — Babis and Angelo are named in review after review — are the reason it holds a 4.9 rating.

The route is the marine-park circuit at your own pace: forty minutes looking for loggerheads in Laganas Bay, a swim and snorkel at Marathonisi, then the best part of two hours on the Keri coast, threading the caves (one reviewer was dropped at one end of a cave to swim through and meet the boat at the other) and finishing under the Mizithres stacks. Hidden pebble coves the shared boats do not stop at are part of the appeal.

Snorkelling equipment, underwater photos, water and juice are included. It is the trip for couples and for anyone who wants to swim far from the crowds; larger groups should look at the six- and seven-seat private boats from the same harbour.

Highlights

• Your own boat and skipper for two — $138 each for three hours
• Turtle spotting in Laganas Bay and a swim at Marathonisi
• Snorkel in the Keri Caves and swim through them with the skipper waiting on the far side
• Finish beneath the Mizithres stacks and in coves the shared boats skip
• Snorkel gear, underwater photos and refreshments included

What's Included

• ✓ Private boat with skipper
• ✓ Snorkelling equipment
• ✓ Underwater photos and videos
• ✓ Refreshments (water and juice)
• ✓ Life vests

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food

What to Bring

• Swimwear, towel and beachwear
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sandals or water shoes for the pebble coves
• A dry bag

Good to Know & Caveats

• The price is per boat for two people; larger groups need a different private boat
• Turtle sightings are wildlife, not guaranteed — the skippers know where to look and keep their distance
• Cancelled in bad weather with a new date or refund
• Exchange your voucher at the ticket counter before departure; the operator communicates by WhatsApp or Viber, which some travellers found awkward
• Cave swim-throughs depend on the sea state

Meeting Point

Agios Sostis harbour near Laganas — exchange your voucher at the My Local Sea ticket counter and look for the flag; confirm the meeting point by WhatsApp or Viber.