Cruise to Turtles Island and Caves With a Glass Bottom Boat

Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure to Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, aboard a glass-bottom boat. This excursion offers the chance to spot majestic loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat while enjoying stunning views of the marine life below. With multiple boats and floating food trucks, the lively atmosphere sets the stage for an immersive journey. Engage in swimming, snorkeling, and exploring captivating caves – a truly unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and create lasting memories. But what makes this tour stand out from the rest?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Zakynthos.

Key Points

• Offers a half-day glass-bottom boat excursion to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) for spotting loggerhead turtles in shallow waters.
• Includes activities like swimming, snorkeling, and cave exploration on the island.
• Provides a lively atmosphere with multiple boats and floating food trucks.
• Offers a lowest price guarantee of $138.79 for the excursion with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Emphasizes a nature-focused experience with opportunities to observe and learn about the local marine ecosystem and turtles.

Tour Overview

This half-day excursion whisks travelers aboard a glass-bottom boat to the picturesque Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, off the coast of Laganas Beach.

Once there, you’ll have the chance to spot loggerhead turtles swimming in the shallow waters. The experience doesn’t stop there – you can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and exploring nearby caves.

The lively atmosphere features many boats and floating food trucks, creating an energetic ambiance.

With 145 reviews and an overall 4-star rating, this tour offers a memorable opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the beauty of the Ionian Sea.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle and boat tickets, while pickup service from your accommodation is available at an additional cost starting from 5 euros per person per way.

With a lowest price guarantee of $138.79, this excursion offers great value. You can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Whether you choose to go directly to the meeting point or request pickup, the tour operators will confirm your pickup location up to a day in advance.

This half-day adventure to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) is an excellent opportunity to spot loggerhead turtles and explore the island’s caves and waters.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Travelers can either go directly to the meeting point or request pickup service for this excursion.

The meeting point is located at Λιμάνι Αγίου Σώστη, Unnamed Road, Ζάκυνθος 290 92, Greece, and tour operators will confirm the pickup location with travelers up to 24 hours before the activity. This flexible arrangement allows for a convenient start to the journey.

The options include:

1. Going directly to the meeting point.

2. Requesting pickup service from your accommodation.

3. Confirming the pickup location in advance.

4. Starting the glass-bottom boat tour at the designated meeting point.

Participant Information

Participants can expect a maximum of 85 travelers per tour, with infants required to sit on laps. Wheelchair accessibility isn’t available for this excursion. Those with serious medical conditions may be unable to participate, but most travelers should be able to join the fun.

Infant seats are provided for the little ones. The cruise offers an opportunity to spot loggerhead turtles in the shallow waters off Laganas Beach, as well as explore caves and go swimming or snorkeling.

While the atmosphere can be lively with many boats and floating food trucks, the experience provides a chance to connect with nature and witness the majestic marine life up close.

Customer Feedback

Reviews of the cruise experience have been mixed, with some customers reporting issues with communication and the overall experience.

While many appreciated the friendliness and knowledge of the crew, some travelers expressed frustration with a lack of timely updates, overbooking, and unsatisfactory boat conditions.

Some common customer feedback and suggestions for improvement include:

1. Lack of clear communication regarding delays and changes to the itinerary.

2. Concerns about overbooking leading to crowded and uncomfortable conditions on the boat.

3. Complaints about the condition of the boats, including cleanliness and maintenance issues.

4. Recommendations for better descriptions of the boat type and amenities to set appropriate expectations.

Boat and Crew Details

The tour operator employs a fleet of glass-bottom boats to ferry visitors to the picturesque Marathonisi (Turtle Island), allowing for optimal views of the marine life below.

These custom-built vessels feature spacious decks and large viewing panels, offering passengers a unique perspective as they glide across the shallow, turquoise waters.

The knowledgeable crew are well-versed in the local ecosystem and eagerly share insights about the loggerhead turtles that call this area home.

Guests can expect a smooth and enjoyable ride, with the crew ensuring a safe and comfortable experience throughout the excursion.

The boats’ design and the crew’s attentiveness contribute to making this a truly memorable outing for nature enthusiasts.

Turtle Sighting Opportunities

Visitors aboard the glass-bottom boats can expect frequent sightings of the elusive loggerhead turtles gliding through the shallows off Laganas Beach. These ancient mariners, known for their solitary nature, can often be spotted surfacing to breathe or foraging for food in the nutrient-rich waters. The tour’s proximity to the turtles’ natural habitat increases the chances of encountering these majestic creatures up close.

Some key turtle sighting opportunities include:

1. Watching the turtles bask on the surface or dive gracefully beneath the waves.

2. Observing their feeding behaviors as they graze on seagrass and other aquatic vegetation.

3. Spotting hatchlings emerging from their nests on Marathonisi (Turtle Island).

4. Learning about the turtles’ importance to the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Trip Highlights and Activities

Complementing the opportunity to spot loggerhead turtles, the cruise to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) and its surrounding caves offers an array of engaging activities for visitors to explore.

The glass-bottom boat allows guests to marvel at the shallow waters and glimpse the marine life beneath the surface.

Once at the island, travelers can go swimming, snorkeling, and even venture into the caves for a closer look at the unique geological formations.

The lively atmosphere, with boats and floating food trucks adding to the ambiance, creates an enjoyable and immersive experience.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature, this excursion provides a well-rounded exploration of this captivating destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snorkeling gear. The tour includes the necessary snorkeling equipment so you can explore the underwater world and spot the turtles comfortably during the excursion.

What Language(S) Does the Crew Speak?

The crew speaks English and Greek. According to reviews, they are friendly and knowledgeable about the turtles. Travelers can expect clear communication from the crew throughout the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or offer onboard refreshments for purchase.

How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Island?

The boat ride to the island typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Travelers can expect a scenic journey across the water to reach the island, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot loggerhead turtles in the shallow waters.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, though infant seats are available. Travelers of all ages can join the excursion, though infants must sit on laps during the boat ride to the island.

Recap

This glass-bottom boat tour to Marathonisi Island offers a unique opportunity to witness loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat.

Accompanied by captivating views of the marine life below, visitors can engage in swimming, snorkeling, and exploring mesmerizing caves, creating an unforgettable adventure.

With multiple boats and floating food trucks, this lively excursion provides an immersive experience amidst the beauty of nature.