Zakynthos: Marathonisi, Cameo Island and Keri Caves Tour

This Zakynthos tour offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s most iconic sights, combining scenic boat rides, opportunities to see Caretta Caretta turtles, and cultural experiences like olive oil tasting. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and a glimpse into local Greek life—all in just a few hours. With reviews praising its organized structure and friendly guides, it seems to deliver good value for the price.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic experiences—from seeing wild turtles in their natural habitat to sampling local olive oils. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the crowd levels and cramped boat conditions noted by some reviewers, especially during peak season. Still, if you’re eager to explore Zakynthos without spending an entire day, this trip fits well for those seeking a snapshot of the island’s highlights. It’s ideal for curious travelers, families, or anyone wanting a blend of sightseeing, wildlife, and local flavors in a manageable timeframe.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Cameo Island, Marathonisi, Keri Caves, and Olive Oil Museum
• Excellent value at around $63, with many reviews emphasizing the quality of experiences relative to cost
• Wildlife encounters, including sightings of Caretta Caretta turtles viewed via glass-bottom boat
• Beautiful scenery with plenty of photo-worthy moments, especially at Keri Caves and Marathonisi
• Knowledgeable guides who share insights about local culture, wildlife, and history
• Some logistical considerations like crowded boats and the extra fee for Cameo Island entry

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This five-hour adventure kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup within a 10km radius of Zakynthos Town, making it easy to start your day without hassle. The first stop is the small port of Agios Sostis, where you’ll pass by the famous Cameo Island bridge—a fairy-tale scene that attracts many photographers. Visitors can walk onto the island for just a small extra fee (€5), which many reviewers say is worth it for the stunning photos and the chance to swim in its clear waters. One reviewer, Lisa, highlighted how “the crystal clear water and little fish nibbling on your scratches are just part of the fun.”

Next, you’ll hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to search for the Caretta Caretta turtles—endangered loggerheads that are a real highlight. The boat ride itself is praised for its informative captain and friendly crew, with reviewers mentioning that turtles are often spotted through the floor of the boat, providing a special wildlife encounter without disturbing the animals. Some reviewers, like Kristian, note that they only saw a few turtles, but the thrill of the sighting makes it worthwhile.

From there, the boat takes you to Marathonisi Island—a turtle-shaped haven famous for its soft sand beaches and warm waters. The stop here is often the most loved part of the tour, with visitors describing it as a paradise for swimming and snorkeling. Many mention the “crystal-clear water” and the chance to unwind in a protected marine park. One reviewer, Aoife, said, “The stop at Marathonisi was unreal—seeing a turtle up close was a real highlight.” The hour-long stop gives plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty.

The next leg explores the Keri Caves, carved by wind and water over thousands of years. The boat cruises past dramatic limestone cliffs, white beaches, and forested hills, with some reviewers describing it as “breathtaking.” A quick swim just outside the entrance to a large cave provides a refreshing break. The caves are a favorite for their natural beauty and photo opportunities, although some mention that the boat can feel a bit cramped during peak times.

Back on land, the tour visits the Aristeon Olive Oil Museum in Lithakia. Here, guided by experts, travelers get a deeper understanding of Greece’s olive oil heritage, with tastings of various flavored extra virgin olive oils—most notably lemon, orange, and garlic varieties. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides and the delicious tasting experience, often mentioning how it adds a cultural touch to the day. One reviewer, Jayne, called the experience “top-notch” and appreciated the opportunity to learn about local traditions.

Throughout the day, the tour combines scenic viewpoints, wildlife sightings, cultural insights, and relaxed swimming, making it a well-balanced experience. The entire trip is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping things manageable—each stop is usually about 30 minutes to an hour, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation: The pickup is from centrally located hotels or designated spots, with the van clearly marked “Dali Tours.” The journey between stops is comfortable, with air conditioning, but some reviewers noted that the van could get crowded, especially during busy seasons. If your accommodation is outside the initial pickup zone, expect a small additional fee (€25) or the option to meet at the office.

Boat Ride: The boat itself is described as cozy but sometimes cramped, especially at full capacity (up to 24 people). The glass-bottom feature is smaller than some might imagine but still enough to catch glimpses of turtles and marine life. The boat ride offers scenic views of limestone cliffs, caves, and beaches, with some reviews mentioning the longer duration (around 3 hours) as a relaxing highlight.

Stops and Activities: The Cameo Island stop includes a swim and photo session, with the optional €5 entry fee. Many reviewers loved the photo opportunities at the bridge and the island’s picturesque landscape, calling it a “fairy-tale scene.” The Marathonisi stop is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with many saying the water is crystal clear and ideal for water activities. Keri Caves offer a stunning natural setting, with the option for a quick swim outside the caves.

Cultural Experience: The visit to the Olive Oil Museum adds a nice cultural layer, allowing you to taste local oils and learn about Greek agricultural traditions. The guide’s informative commentary is often praised, with some reviews pointing out how knowledgeable and personable the guides are—like the guide who spoke perfect German, making the experience more engaging.

Cost and Value: At around $63 per person, including transport, boat tickets, and tastings, many consider this tour a good value. The extra €5 fee for Cameo Island is minimal and often seen as worth it for the photos and swim. With multiple reviews mentioning the well-organized nature and friendly guides, it seems like a hassle-free way to see key sights without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

A standout aspect for many reviewers is how close they got to wildlife, particularly the Caretta Caretta turtles. The glass-bottom boat cruise offers a respectful, non-intrusive way to spot these creatures, often described as a “magical” moment. Several reviewers noted the guides—like Ilias and Sakis—made an effort to share interesting facts and keep the atmosphere friendly and informative, enhancing the experience.

The Cameo Island stop is a favorite for its “storybook” scenery, and many say that visiting it is a highlight not just for photos but for feeling like they stepped into a fairy tale. The snorkeling gear (which isn’t provided but highly recommended) allows for exploring the underwater world, with clear waters revealing colorful fish and sea life.

The olive oil tasting at Aristeon is more than just a quick stop; it’s an insightful look into Greek cuisine, with reviewers praising the variety of flavors and the warm hospitality of the guides. It’s a good reminder that Zakynthos isn’t just about beaches but also about local traditions.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtful balance of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights. For those wanting a full but manageable day, it ticks many boxes—especially if you love nature, photography, and learning about Greek heritage. The price point makes it accessible, and the reviews suggest most travelers find it well-organized and enjoyable.

If you’re an early riser eager to see turtles and explore the caves without spending a whole day, this trip provides a good dose of adventure and relaxation. Just be prepared for some crowded boat conditions and bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to maximize underwater fun.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a family-friendly, engaging experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, wildlife sightings, and cultural insights—all wrapped up in a fun, scenic cruise along Zakynthos’ coast.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from hotels within a 10km radius of Zakynthos Town, with additional charges for accommodations further away.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise lasts around 3 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing, turtle spotting, and stops at caves and beaches.

Is there an entry fee for Cameo Island?
Yes, there’s a small extra charge of €5 if you wish to enter the island, but the photo stops outside are free.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Snorkeling is possible at Marathonisi and Keri Caves, but you’ll need to bring your own gear since it’s not provided.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sunhat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and cash for extras like snacks or additional fees.

Are turtles guaranteed to be seen?
While sightings are common, they depend on the season and luck. Several reviews mention spotting turtles through the glass-bottom boat, but it’s not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most reviews say it’s family-friendly, but note that there are some water interaction stops and no toilets on the boat or on Marathonisi Island.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 5 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this activity isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This Zakynthos tour packs in a lot—stunning scenery, wildlife, culture—and is perfect for travelers seeking a value-packed, hassle-free day exploring the best of the island’s natural treasures and local flavors.