Zakynthos: Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Speedboat Tour

About This Experience

With more than 3,200 reviews this is the southern equivalent of the big Blue Caves days: a speedboat from Agios Sostis that covers the whole National Marine Park circuit in three hours. Hotel pickup is included, which for Laganas and Kalamaki means a twenty-minute transfer to the quay.

The boat crosses Laganas Bay looking for loggerhead turtles — the captains approach slowly and give way, and most departures see at least one — then passes Cameo Islet and runs west under the cliffs of Cape Keri, threading the arches the crews call the Kamares and nosing into the Keri Caves for photographs. The first swim is at a small private beach in the caves area; the last is at Marathonisi, Turtle Island, with fifty minutes to swim off the nesting beach.

There is an 18:00 departure that turns the same route into a sunset cruise with a complimentary drink, and several reviewers rate that the best version. The boat is a fast open speedboat, so it is not the one for anyone prone to seasickness or with a back problem; the glass-bottom boats from the same harbour are the calmer choice.

Highlights

• Look for loggerhead turtles in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos
• Speed through the arches under Cape Keri and into the Keri Caves
• Swim off Marathonisi, Turtle Island, and at a private beach in the caves area
• Pass Cameo Islet, formed by the 1633 earthquake
• An 18:00 departure runs the same route into the sunset with a drink

What's Included

• ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
• ✓ Three-hour speedboat cruise with an experienced captain and crew
• ✓ Turtle spotting in the marine park
• ✓ Swim stops at Marathonisi and the Keri Caves area

Not Included

• Food and drinks

What to Bring

• Swimwear and towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Water
• Camera or phone in a dry bag

Good to Know & Caveats

• Turtle sightings are wildlife, not a guarantee, although most departures see at least one
• Captains may change the route for weather; you are notified in advance if a departure is rescheduled
• Cave entry depends on the sea state — on rougher days the boat holds at the cave mouths
• Pickup is from your hotel or a point up to a five-minute walk away, confirmed within 24 hours before the trip
• This is a fast open speedboat: not suitable for pregnant travellers, people with back problems or anyone prone to seasickness

Meeting Point

Hotel pickup or a nearby pickup point, then Agios Sostis harbour near Laganas — look for the two big blue Zante Mare flags and white umbrellas on the quay.