Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

Zakynthos, a picturesque Greek island, is home to a remarkable natural wonder – the loggerhead sea turtle. Visitors can now embark on a captivating turtle spotting cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat, seeing the island’s enchanting marine ecosystem. This eco-friendly adventure promises to unveil the stunning Keri Caves, the crystalline waters of Marathonisi, and the photogenic Cameo Island. But the true highlight lies in the chance to witness these endangered creatures in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the island’s natural beauty.

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

Key Points

• A 3-hour eco-friendly cruise in Zakynthos that offers opportunities to spot endangered loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitats.
• Includes visits to Keri Caves, Marathonisi, and Cameo Island, with swimming and photography stops.
• Pickup and drop-off service available from hotels within a 10km radius of Laganas.
• Knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and essential equipment provided for a hassle-free experience.
• High customer satisfaction ratings, with the majority enjoying the swimming and photography experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This turtle spotting cruise in Zakynthos provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat aboard a glass-bottom boat.

The 3-hour cruise takes guests to the National Marine Park, where they can explore the Keri Caves, swim at Marathonisi, and snap photos at Cameo Island.

Priced from $27.23 per person, the eco-friendly experience allows travelers to witness sea turtles in their Golden Nesting Beach.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the cruise offers a flexible and convenient way to discover Zakynthos’ marine life.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this turtle spotting cruise is a must-do activity during your visit to the island.

Itinerary and Highlights

The turtle spotting cruise typically begins with a pickup from select hotels within a 10km radius of Laganas, providing convenient access for guests.

The first stop is the Keri Caves, where visitors can enjoy a 30-minute photo opportunity to capture the stunning natural scenery.

Next, the cruise heads to Marathonisi, where guests can spend an hour swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

The final stop is Cameo Island, offering a brief 10-minute photo stop before returning.

Throughout the journey, guests have unique chances to spot turtles and swim at the Golden Nesting Beach, seeing the eco-friendly National Marine Park environment.

Included Services

The turtle spotting cruise package includes hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience. Guests also receive a boat ticket and necessary equipment, with no additional costs at the time of booking.

This ensures a hassle-free excursion, allowing visitors to focus on the natural wonders they’ll encounter. The included services cater to the comfort and convenience of participants, making this eco-friendly adventure in the National Marine Park accessible and enjoyable.

With all the essential elements taken care of, guests can simply relax and enjoy the opportunity to spot turtles and swim at the Golden Nesting Beach.

Important Information

To fully prepare for the turtle spotting cruise, visitors should bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel.

Plus, snorkeling gear is recommended to enhance the swimming experience at the Golden Nesting Beach.

Pets aren’t allowed on the cruise, so arrangements should be made accordingly. Participants can find the meeting point by looking for signs for Best of Zante.

The cruise operates in an eco-friendly manner within the National Marine Park, providing a unique opportunity to spot turtles in their natural habitat.

Guests can expect a well-organized and informative experience, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the turtle spotting cruise is a must-do activity in Zakynthos.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the turtle spotting cruise, awarding it an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 1,000 reviews.

The cruise’s knowledgeable guides received a 4.5-star rating, with customers highlighting their expertise in spotting and providing information about the turtles.

The transportation and overall service also earned high praise, scoring 4.3 and 4.5 stars respectively.

While some noted limited turtle sightings due to seasonal factors, the majority of reviewers were delighted by the unique opportunity to swim at the Golden Nesting Beach and photograph the iconic Keri Caves.

Pickup and Drop-off Options

For the convenience of guests, the cruise operator offers pickup and drop-off services from hotels within a 10km radius of Laganas, including Keri, Lithakia, Laganas, Planos, Bochali, Zakinthos, and Kalamaki.

This seamless transportation service ensures a hassle-free experience for travelers, allowing them to focus on the highlights of the cruise.

The pickup and drop-off options include:

1. Hotel pickup: Guests can be conveniently picked up from their hotel, making the start of the tour effortless.

2. Cruise terminal pickup: Passengers arriving by cruise ship can be picked up directly from the terminal.

3. Return drop-off: At the end of the tour, guests are transported back to their original pickup location, completing the door-to-door service.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the convenient transportation, the turtle spotting cruise offers visitors a truly unique experience within the National Marine Park.

Guests have the opportunity to witness the nesting and hatching grounds of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, a rare and captivating sight. The cruise takes them to the Golden Nesting Beach, where they can swim and potentially spot the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Plus, the tour includes stops at scenic spots like the Keri Caves and Cameo Island, providing ample chances for photographs and exploration.

This eco-friendly excursion immerses travelers in the rich marine life and stunning landscapes of Zakynthos, creating an unforgettable experience that highlights the island’s natural wonders.

Eco-friendly Adventure

Embarking on this turtle spotting cruise, visitors enjoy an eco-friendly adventure within the Zakynthos National Marine Park. The glass-bottom boat allows for unobstructed views of the park’s vibrant marine life and coastal landscapes, minimizing any disturbance to the delicate ecosystem.

Guests have the opportunity to observe the critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles in their natural nesting and hatching grounds, a rare privilege that supports conservation efforts.

The eco-friendly nature of this experience is evident in several ways:

1. The glass-bottom boat design reduces impact on the marine environment.

2. The cruise adheres to strict regulations within the National Marine Park.

3. Proceeds from the tour contribute to local conservation initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, passengers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the cruise. This can help save money and provide more variety during the trip. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

The cruise operator does not offer an option to extend the duration of the standard 3-hour turtle spotting cruise. The itinerary and schedule are fixed, and customers must adhere to the specified 3-hour timeline.

Do They Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The cruise offers discounted rates for children under 12 and seniors over 65, though the specific discount percentages are not provided. Customers should inquire about these discounted options when booking their tickets.

Can I Purchase Additional Equipment or Souvenirs on the Boat?

Passengers can purchase additional snorkeling equipment and souvenirs on the boat. The cruise operator offers these optional items for purchase, providing customers with the opportunity to enhance their experience and take home mementos.

How Accessible Is the Boat for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?

The boat is fairly accessible for those with mobility challenges. It has a ramp for boarding, and staff can assist passengers. However, moving around the boat may be difficult for those with limited mobility. Advance notice of any special needs is recommended.

Recap

This turtle spotting cruise is an eco-friendly adventure that offers the chance to explore Zakynthos’ stunning National Marine Park.

Guests can admire the Keri Caves, swim at Marathonisi, and visit Cameo Island, all while keeping an eye out for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

With its combination of natural beauty and unique experiences, this 3-hour cruise is a perfect way for adventure seekers to create unforgettable memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: