Laganas Zakynthos: Marathonissi, Keri Caves and Turtles Spot

Exploring Zakynthos Marine Park: A Glass-Bottom Boat Adventure from Laganas

If you’re heading to Zakynthos and eager for a glimpse of its iconic sea turtles and stunning coastal caves, the Laganas Zakynthos: Marathonissi, Keri Caves, and Turtles Spot tour offers an accessible and engaging way to experience it all. For just over $28 per person, you get roughly three hours of boat-based exploration that combines wildlife viewing with refreshing swims and scenic coastlines.

What really catches our eye about this experience is its focus on marine life and natural beauty—especially the chance to spot loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) in their natural habitat. The glass-bottom boat provides a peek beneath the surface without needing diving gear, which adds a fun, educational element for all ages. However, the limited time and the fact that refreshments aren’t included could be a consideration for those wanting a more leisurely or gourmet experience.

This tour suits travelers looking for an affordable, family-friendly activity that provides a balance of wildlife spotting and scenic swimming spots. If you’re after a quick, well-organized trip that highlights the natural charm of Zakynthos, this could be just what you need. Let’s break down what makes this trip a practical choice—and where it might fall short.

Key Points

• Affordability and Value: At just over $28, this tour offers a lot—boat ride, wildlife viewing, and swim stops—making it a good deal.
• Wildlife Focus: Sea turtles and marine life are the main stars, with knowledgeable guides ensuring you don’t miss these special moments.
• Scenic Stops: The Keri Caves, Turtle Island, and Marathonissi Beach each bring unique sights and opportunities for swimming.
• Relaxed Pace: The 3-hour duration is perfect for a quick escape, though it might feel rushed for those wanting a full-day experience.
• Group Size and Comfort: Smaller boats preferred by some travelers (like Selena) make for a more intimate experience.
• Comfort Tips: Knee-deep water boarding and the need to bring your own food/drinks call for some prep.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Boat Tour

The adventure begins at the designated meeting point in Laganas, where the crew, including a friendly skipper and guides, will greet you with a smile. Look for the “Yotomu Laganas Boat Trip” sign—the activity provider’s representative will be there with a table and beach umbrella, making check-in straightforward.

Once aboard the glass-bottom boat, you’ll immediately notice how the transparent floor adds a fun twist—it’s like stepping into an aquarium as you glide across Laganas Bay. The boat’s design prioritizes accessibility, but be aware that getting on involves walking through knee-deep water, so wearing shorts or skirts could make the entrance easier. As you set off, the guide will likely share insights in multiple languages, including English, Greek, and Italian, about the marine park and the sea turtles you may encounter.

First stop: Laganas Bay. Here, the focus is on spotting loggerhead sea turtles—a highlight for many travelers. Reviewers have noted that luck plays a role; Carmen Ka Man mentioned only seeing one turtle outside peak season, but still appreciated the effort. The guides are generally knowledgeable and dedicated to finding the turtles, making this a rewarding wildlife experience.

Next: Keri Caves. This dramatic coastline with towering rock formations is perfect for a cooling swim. The caves are a popular stop for a refreshing dip in the clear waters, and the guides often encourage taking photos of the stunning scenery. Since the caves are accessible only by boat, this stop delivers a sense of adventure and connection with nature.

Turtle Island (Marathonissi). Here, you’ll visit the large cave and have a chance to swim off the island’s sandy beach. The cave’s impressive size and natural beauty are notable, and the calm waters surrounding the island make for good swimming. Reviewers like Selena appreciate the small boat size, which often means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.

Final stop: Marathonissi’s sandy beach. This is where you can buy snacks or drinks (not included) and relax under the sun. The sea here offers another opportunity for a swim, which most travelers find refreshing. It’s worth noting that bringing your own food and drinks is recommended, as the only refreshment point is on Marathonissi itself.

The return journey wraps up after the swim, back to Laganas with plenty of stories and photos. The entire trip lasts about 3 hours, making it a compact but fulfilling excursion.

What We Love About This Tour

The highlight is undoubtedly the wildlife spotting, especially the chance to see loggerhead turtles in their natural environment. Guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the experience—one reviewer mentioned a particularly “friendly guide.” The transparency of the boat’s glass bottom also adds a layer of fun, letting you glimpse the marine life beneath without diving in.

The stops at Keri Caves and Marathonissi offer a satisfying mix of scenic rock formations and sandy beaches, perfect for those who want a quick escape from the land. The boat’s smaller size creates a more intimate atmosphere, which many travelers prefer over large cruise ships.

The price point also makes this a good value. It includes all the major stops and activities, with no extra cost for swimming or turtle spotting—though drinks and snacks are self-serve, so bringing your own can boost the experience.

The Considerations and Drawbacks

While the tour offers plenty of sights, some aspects could be a deal-breaker for certain travelers. The duration is only 3 hours, which means it’s a quick glimpse rather than an in-depth exploration. If you’re looking to spend an entire day or want more time at each stop, this might feel rushed.

The lack of included food and drinks means you’ll need to plan ahead—bringing snacks or buying on Marathonissi is advisable. Plus, since the boat boarding involves walking through knee-deep water, travelers with limited mobility or those carrying large luggage should consider this carefully.

Sea turtle sightings seem to depend heavily on the season and luck. Carmen Ka Man’s review highlighted that only one turtle was spotted outside peak season, so if wildlife viewing is your primary goal, you might want to consider the timing of your trip.

Lastly, the tour does not include pickup or drop-off, which means you need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point. This is common for many such excursions but worth noting if you’re relying on local transport or taxis.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for those who want a short, affordable, family-friendly trip with a focus on wildlife and scenic beauty. It’s perfect if you’re staying in Laganas and want a quick, well-organized activity that combines boat fun with wildlife watching.

It also suits travelers who appreciate a small-group feel, as evidenced by rebookings and comments about smaller boats enhancing the experience. If you’re traveling with children or prefer relaxed, guided tours, this setup works well.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth or leisurely day on the water, or if dining options are important to you, this tour might feel a bit limited. Similarly, those with mobility issues should consider the boarding process carefully.

Final Thoughts

This glass-bottom boat tour of Zakynthos Marine Park offers a straightforward way to enjoy some of the island’s most iconic sights. You’ll see turtles if luck permits, explore the striking Keri Caves, and relax on the sandy shores of Marathonissi—all within three hours.

The main draw remains the chance to observe loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat, paired with the scenic beauty of the coastline and caves. The knowledgeable guides and intimate boat size add a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.

While it’s not a comprehensive day-long adventure, the value for money and focus on authentic experiences make this a solid choice for travelers wanting a quick but memorable taste of Zakynthos’ natural wonders.

FAQs

Is there a need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 24 hours before your preferred date to secure your spot.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point in Laganas is not included, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your own food and drinks, as none are included. Also, wear suitable clothing, possibly shorts or skirts, to ease boarding through knee-deep water.

Are refreshments available during the trip?
The only place to buy drinks, snacks, or ice cream is on Marathonissi Beach; bringing your own is advised.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s suitable for children, but the boarding involves walking through knee-deep water, so those with mobility issues should consider this carefully.

What happens if I don’t see any turtles?
Wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck. Even if you don’t spot turtles, the scenic stops and boat ride still make for an enjoyable experience.

This Zakynthos boat trip balances wildlife encounters with scenic coastal views for a practical and enjoyable outing. Perfect for travelers who want to tick off the island’s turtle and cave highlights in a short, well-organized adventure.