Zakynthos: Turtle Island Cruise With Swimming Stop

Zakynthos, the jewel of the Ionian Sea, beckons travelers to discover its breathtaking natural wonders. One such adventure is the Turtle Island Cruise, a captivating excursion that blends seascape splendor with marine conservation. Departing from a picturesque port, this journey takes you to the protected nesting site of Caretta-Caretta turtles, where you’ll observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – a refreshing swim in the Keri Caves, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations, awaits. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, this cruise immerses you in Zakynthos’ essence, leaving you intrigued to uncover more of the island’s hidden gems.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Keri.

Key Points

• Depart from Zakynthos Island for a scenic cruise along the picturesque coastline, with insights from experienced crew on history and natural wonders.
• Visit Marathonisi, a protected nature reserve serving as a nesting site for Caretta-Caretta turtles, and observe the turtles from a safe distance.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim at the Keri caves, with the opportunity to observe diverse marine life and take in the breathtaking limestone formations and cliffs.
• Explore the rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs of Zakynthos, taking in the panoramic views and azure waters from the comfort of the boat.
• The cruise package includes transportation to and from the port, ensuring a stress-free experience, while not covering food, drinks, or personal expenses.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Around Zakynthos Island

The cruise starts from a port on Zakynthos Island, taking visitors on a journey around the island’s picturesque coastline.

As the boat glides across the crystal-clear waters, passengers are treated to stunning views of the rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and secluded beaches that line the island.

The experienced crew points out notable landmarks and shares insights about the island’s rich history and natural wonders.

Cruising at a leisurely pace, the tour allows travelers to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and soak up the serene island atmosphere.

Whether it’s admiring the panoramic vistas or simply relaxing on the deck, the Zakynthos cruise offers an unforgettable experience.

Marathonisi: Home to Caretta-Caretta Turtles

After cruising along Zakynthos’ scenic coastline, the tour heads to the island of Marathonisi, a renowned nesting site for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles.

Also known as ‘Turtle Island,’ this protected nature reserve is one of the few remaining places in the Mediterranean where these magnificent creatures come to lay their eggs.

Visitors can observe the turtles from a safe distance, respecting their natural habitat. Guides provide information about the turtles’ life cycle and conservation efforts.

The opportunity to witness these endangered species in their natural environment is a unique and humbling experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.

Swim in the Keri Caves

Next, the cruise takes visitors to the captivating Keri caves, where they can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Situated along the southern coast of Zakynthos, these natural limestone formations invite explorers to cool off and enjoy the island’s stunning marine environment.

A swim stop at the Keri caves offers:

1. A chance to escape the heat and rejuvenate in the cool, invigorating waters.

2. Opportunities to observe the diverse marine life that calls these caves home.

3. Breathtaking views of the cave formations and the surrounding cliffs.

4. A serene and tranquil experience away from the crowds.

This swimming stop is a highlight of the Turtle Island Cruise, allowing guests to fully embrace the natural beauty of Zakynthos.

Admiring Zakynthos’ Seascapes

Cruising around Zakynthos Island, passengers can admire the breathtaking seascapes that unfold before them.

From the boat, they’ll be treated to panoramic views of the island’s dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and azure waters – a true feast for the senses.

As the boat glides across the waves, passengers can gaze upon the rugged coastline, dotted with picturesque villages and pristine beaches.

The ever-changing vistas include towering limestone formations, hidden sea caves, and lush, verdant hills that slope down to the water’s edge.

This cruise offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Zakynthos’ natural beauty from the comfort of a boat, creating lasting memories for all who partake in this unforgettable experience.

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Transportation to and From Port

The cruise package includes transportation to and from the port, making it convenient for participants to reach the departure location. A 30-minute drive from Zakynthos Island brings visitors directly to the port, where they’ll board the local boat for their cruise around the island.

Once the cruise concludes, a return coach ride is provided to take travelers back to their starting point. This seamless transportation arrangement ensures a stress-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the highlights of the tour:

1. Visiting the famous Marathonisi, known as ‘Turtle Island.’

2. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Keri caves.

3. Admiring the breathtaking seascapes from the comfort of the boat.

4. Spotting the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles in their natural habitat.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The cruise package includes several key elements, such as the 30-minute drive to the port, the short cruise around Zakynthos, and the visit to the famous Marathonisi, also known as ‘Turtle Island‘.

Plus, it provides the opportunity to swim at the Keri caves and potentially spot the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles.

However, the package doesn’t include food, drinks, or personal expenses.

It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness, and comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.

The tour sequence may also change due to weather conditions, and the captain will decide the swimming stop based on the sea and weather conditions.

Important Considerations

Prospective travelers should be aware that the Zakynthos Turtle Island Cruise may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness or who can’t swim, as the tour involves a boat ride and a swim stop at the Keri caves.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to wear non-slip shoes and bring essential items such as a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Plus, the tour sequence may change due to weather conditions, and the captain will decide the swimming stop based on the sea and weather conditions.

While the opportunity to see the Caretta-Caretta turtles is a highlight, the overall safety and comfort of participants are the top priorities.

1. Not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness.

2. Recommended items: Comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, towel.

3. Tour sequence may change due to weather conditions.

4. Captain decides swimming stop based on sea/weather conditions.

Recommended Items for the Tour

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Zakynthos Turtle Island Cruise, travelers should pack a few essential items.

Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel are highly recommended for the tour. The comfortable shoes will come in handy during the short drive to the port and the walking involved throughout the day.

A sun hat will protect against the strong Mediterranean sun, while swimwear and a towel are necessary for the refreshing swim stop at the Keri caves.

Plus, non-slip shoes are recommended, as the boat deck can be slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

While the tour may be suitable for some families, it may not be the best choice for those with young children. The boat cruise and swimming stop could pose safety concerns for young kids, especially non-swimmers.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to include additional activities. The tour provider may offer options to combine the cruise with other experiences like hiking, visiting villages, or extending the swimming time. Specific customizations would need to be discussed with the tour operator.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Swimming Portion?

The swimming portion of the tour has some special requirements. Participants must be comfortable swimming in open water and able to handle changing sea/weather conditions, as the swimming stop is at the captain’s discretion based on the conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

The tour does not allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks. The cruise provides a snack and beverage service, though passengers can’t carry on outside food or drinks during the tour.

How Experienced Are the Boat Crew Members?

The boat crew members are experienced and well-trained professionals who have extensive knowledge of the local area and waterways. They prioritize passenger safety and ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise for all participants.

Recap

The Turtle Island Cruise in Zakynthos offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the island’s natural beauty and marine conservation efforts.

From observing the protected Caretta-Caretta turtles on Marathonisi to swimming in the captivating Keri Caves, this excursion immerses visitors in the island’s stunning seascapes.

With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, the cruise provides an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to explore Zakynthos’ unique ecological treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: