Zakynthos: Cruise to Navagio Shipwreck with swimming stops

Exploring Zakynthos by Boat: A Balanced Look at the Navagio Shipwreck Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water in Greece’s Ionian Sea, this cruise to Navagio Shipwreck with swimming stops offers a scenic and activity-filled experience. The tour, lasting around 7 hours, promises a close-up view of Zakynthos’ famous shipwreck beach, along with opportunities to swim at the Blue Caves and other crystal-clear spots. It’s a popular choice for travelers craving stunning scenery combined with relaxed aquatic adventures.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this tour is the chance to swim through the Blue Caves — a highlight that many reviews praise for its vibrant waters and fascinating formations. The onboard bar also adds value, letting you purchase snacks and drinks while soaking up the views. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the shipwreck beach itself isn’t always open for swimming, which can be a bit disappointing if that was your main goal. This cruise suits those who love scenic boat rides, quick dips in turquoise waters, and capturing iconic photos of Zakynthos’ most famous sights.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: See the famous Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves up close with several swim stops.
• Swimming Opportunities: Enjoy time to swim in the clear waters at multiple locations, including Kremmidi or Makri Gialo.
• Onboard Comfort: A bar with snacks and drinks is available for purchase, adding convenience for a relaxed day.
• Expert Insights: Knowledgeable guides (though not explicitly named) enhance the experience with helpful commentary.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.
• Suitable for Most: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a variety of travelers, with some flexibility in timing.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at the main port of Zakynthos, where you’ll find the large boat named Ikaros Palace. As soon as you step aboard, you’ll notice the balance of comfort and practicality — plenty of space to relax, perhaps with a cold drink from the onboard bar. The boat departs in the morning or early afternoon, with a typical duration of 7 hours, including swimming stops and sightseeing.

The first major highlight is the Blue Caves. These caves are famous for their vibrant, almost fluorescent waters, caused by sunlight reflecting off the mineral-rich seabed. Travelers often mention that swimming through the caves is a memorable part of the experience, with some reviewers noting that it’s possible to explore many caves during the stop. One guest, Steph, said, “lots of time for swimming which we really valued, and it is possible to swim through many caves.” This suggests the stops aren’t rushed, giving you a chance to enjoy the unique environment.

Next, the boat heads to the Navagio Shipwreck Beach. Here, the iconic rusted shipwreck is visible from the water, and many travelers seize the opportunity to snap photos. However, some reviews mention that swimming at Navagio isn’t always possible, as it is sometimes closed to swimming by the local authorities. Lorelai highlights this, saying, “sadly it was not possible to swim at shipwreck beach due to it not being opened for swimming by the government, but still amazing to look at.” Even so, the view alone is worth the trip, especially if you’re a fan of classic shipwreck photography.

On the way back, the boat stops at Kremmidi or Makri Gialo for another 45-minute swim in the blue waters. Reviewers like Carlos appreciated this stop as it provided “lots of time for swimming,” which is great for those looking to cool off and enjoy the sea. These locations are less crowded, offering a more relaxed swimming experience without the hassle of larger tourist crowds.

The Practicalities

The tour is well-organized, with a meeting point at the main port of Zakynthos Town, where you’ll look for the large boat Ikaros Palace. The activity lasts about 7 hours, so you’ll want to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. The onboard bar offers snacks and drinks for purchase, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own — though many travelers do bring their own water bottles.

It’s worth noting that the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility concerns. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure they’re ready for departure. The tour is conducted in English, with a host or greeter available to answer questions and provide commentary — although specific guides are not named, reviews suggest that their insights are helpful and friendly.

The Value and Cost

Pricing is not explicitly detailed in the information, but considering the length of the tour, the stops, and the onboard amenities, it offers good value. For many travelers, the ability to explore multiple highlights in one day, with swimming included, is a fair trade-off. Reviewers like Lorelai mention that prices are accessible and the staff are very nice, which suggests you get a friendly experience along with your sightseeing.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

From genuine reviews, it’s clear that the knowledgeable guides contribute to making the day enjoyable, sharing interesting facts about the Blue Caves and Navagio’s history. Carlos emphasizes the social aspect, saying, “met some great people,” which can make the trip feel even more memorable. The views are consistently praised, with many noting how stunning the scenery is during the sail, particularly at sunset or in bright sunlight.

However, some travelers mention that swimming at Navagio beach isn’t always possible, which may influence your expectations. If swimming at the beach itself is a priority, you might want to verify current conditions before booking. Still, the overall experience — with opportunities to swim in other caves and blue waters — remains valuable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy beautiful scenery, quick aquatic adventures, and photo opportunities. It suits those who appreciate a relaxed, social atmosphere onboard and are willing to pay a little extra for the convenience of guided commentary. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy spending time in nature and capturing postcard-worthy moments will find plenty to love here.

If you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing and swimming in Zakynthos’ most iconic spots, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s particularly suitable for those with moderate physical mobility, thanks to its wheelchair accessibility and manageable swimming stops.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this cruise to Navagio Shipwreck with swimming stops in Zakynthos delivers a classic Greek island experience with a relaxed pace and plenty of photo-worthy moments. While you might not always be able to swim directly at Navagio, the multiple stops at Blue Caves and other blue waters compensate nicely, giving you plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy the sea.

The onboard amenities, friendly guides, and flexible cancellation policies add to the value, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking an authentic, scenic day on the water. It’s not a tour for those expecting a private, exclusive experience or swimming at the famous beach itself — but if those are not deal-breakers, you’ll likely find this cruise a fun, memorable highlight of your Zakynthos trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including stops for swimming and sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the main port of Zakynthos Town, where you look for the boat named Ikaros Palace.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and beachwear for comfort and convenience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more travelers to enjoy the experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Will I be able to swim at Navagio beach?
Sometimes the beach isn’t open for swimming due to local regulations, but you will still get great views and photo opportunities.

Are drinks and snacks available onboard?
Yes, there is a bar onboard where you can purchase drinks and snacks during the trip.

What is the guide’s language?
The activity is conducted in English, with helpful guides to enhance your understanding of the sights.

How many stops are there for swimming?
There are swimming stops at the Blue Caves and Kremmidi or Makri Gialo, each lasting about 45 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, including families, especially because it’s wheelchair accessible and offers flexible timing.

This Zakynthos boat cruise offers a wonderful balance of scenery, adventure, and comfort. Whether you’re after iconic photos, a refreshing swim, or simply soaking up the beauty of Greece’s coastline, it’s an experience worth considering.