Zakynthos:Cruise Around the Island&Turtles by Eurosky

Taking a boat trip around Zakynthos is one of those experiences that promises picture-perfect moments, encounters with marine life, and a chance to see some of Greece’s most iconic sights from a unique perspective. The Eurosky Cruise Around the Island & Turtles tour offers a full-day adventure packed with varied stops, from famous shipwreck views to hidden caves and turtle watching. While it’s not without its minor quirks, this cruise can be a fantastic way to spend a day if you’re eager to see the island’s highlights from the water.

One thing we particularly like about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary that hits many of Zakynthos’ best spots in one go, combined with the ease of organized transfers and professional guides. The inclusion of marine encounters—like spotting Caretta Caretta turtles and dolphins—is a highlight for wildlife lovers. However, a potential consideration is the timing and weather dependence—as with all boat trips, less-than-ideal weather could affect the experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value scenic views, photo opportunities, and marine wildlife. It’s suited for those who want a well-rounded day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions or transfers. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, and want a taste of the island’s marine charm, this tour could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers major Zakynthos highlights in one day.
• Wildlife encounters with Caretta Caretta turtles and dolphins.
• Hassle-free transfers included, making logistics easier.
• Scenic stops at Blue Caves, Shipwreck Bay, and Keri Caves.
• Limited swimming opportunities at some stops, like Shipwreck Bay, due to safety restrictions.
• Guided commentary and expert guides enhance the experience.

What To Expect from the Zakynthos Boat Tour

This full-day cruise offers a well-structured journey around Zakynthos, combining sightseeing, wildlife watching, and swimming (where allowed). The trip starts early, with pickups from multiple locations, and features comfortable, modern transportation. Expect a fast glass-bottom boat, which not only provides stability but also allows you to glimpse marine life beneath the surface—an extra touch that many travelers find delightful.

The tour’s pacing is designed to maximize your time at each stop, giving you photo opportunities at iconic locations, and enough free time for swimming or exploring. The professional guides are noted to be friendly and knowledgeable, offering insights into the island’s geology, history, and marine life.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look at Each Stop

Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins with a pickup from one of 11 designated locations, ranging from Alykes to Alikanas Marina. This setup makes it relatively straightforward to join the tour without extensive planning. The coach ride to the port takes around 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and prepare for the day ahead.

Blue Caves: The Highlight of the Sea

Once at the port, you’ll board your fast glass-bottom boat, heading north along the coast. The Blue Caves are a major highlight—famous for their shimmering shades of blue water, caused by sunlight filtering through the caves’ openings. Visitors often mention the stunning visuals from inside the caves, with some noting that the light reflections make for extraordinary photos.

Guides typically explain the geological formation of the caves and their significance. While swimming inside the caves isn’t available, the viewing experience remains impressive. The boat cruise allows you to admire the caves from different angles, and some reviews mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with interesting facts.

Shipwreck Bay: The Iconic Photo Spot

The tour makes a stop at Shipwreck Bay—Zakynthos’ most famous sight. You’ll get a photo stop only, as swimming or going down to the beach isn’t permitted this year—likely due to safety or environmental restrictions. But, even just viewing the wrecked ship from the boat provides a memorable scene. Many guests mention that the view of the wreck from the boat is breathtaking, perfect for those iconic photos of the island’s most famous landmark.

Poseidon’s Face and Other Scenic Stops

Next, the boat heads towards Poseidon’s face, a naturally carved rock formation that resembles a face and offers a fun photo opportunity. From there, the cruise continues along the coast to Porto Vromi and Porto Limnionas—small, picturesque bay areas where guides provide brief sightseeing tours.

Swimming and Wildlife Encounters

After the scenic stops, you’ll make a dive into the waters at Dolphin Caves or Keri Caves—both known for clear water and spectacular rock formations. Guests report that swimming here is refreshing, and the calm waters are ideal for relaxing or snorkeling.

A highlight for many travelers is the stop at Marathonisi (Turtle Island), where you can disembark for some free time on the beach. The island is a protected habitat for the Caretta Caretta turtles, and the guide will look out for them in the surrounding waters. Some reviews mention the thrill of spotting turtles during the cruise, which is a special moment for animal lovers.

Final Stops and Return

As the day winds down, the boat heads back towards Zakynthos town, passing the Vasilikos area with scenic landscapes and the charming town views. The tour ends with a photo stop in Zakynthos town before returning to the port and transferring back to your accommodation.

Transportation, Duration, and Value

The 8-hour tour balances enough sightseeing with time for relaxing and photography. The included transfers from designated pickup points help eliminate logistical worries, making it accessible for various travelers. The modern, well-maintained boats and professional drivers contribute to a safe, smooth journey.

At $85 per person, the cost is reasonable considering the number of stops, wildlife encounters, and the overall experience. For those wanting a comprehensive day out on the water, the price reflects good value, especially with insurance coverage included.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, who shared interesting facts about the caves and marine life, making the trip more engaging. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was very friendly and knew a lot about the caves and turtles,” highlighting the value of good narration and expertise.

Some guests noted that timing and weather could affect the experience—on cloudy or rough days, the water visibility might be diminished, and certain stops could be less enjoyable. It’s worth being flexible and prepared for potential rescheduling.

A common theme was the stunning scenery—most travelers find the views at Blue Caves and Shipwreck Bay to be memorable. The wildlife sightings, particularly turtles, are often considered the highlight, especially for nature enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

This Eurosky cruise around Zakynthos offers a well-organized, scenic, and wildlife-rich way to explore the island from the sea. Its comprehensive itinerary ensures you see many of the island’s most iconic sights without the need to organize multiple tours or worry about transport. The guides’ knowledge and the opportunity to spot turtles and dolphins add significant value—making this a compelling choice for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

However, it’s worth noting that swimming opportunities are limited at some sites, and the experience can depend heavily on weather conditions. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed, exploration-focused day with plenty of photo moments, this tour hits the right note.

Overall, if you’re after a balanced mix of sightseeing, wildlife, and stunning scenery, with the convenience of transfers included, this tour offers a good blend of value and memorable experiences—perfect for those visiting Zakynthos for the first time.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes comfortable bus transfers, scenic views during the ride, a fast glass-bottom boat, professional guides, and insurance coverage.

Are there any additional costs?
Snacks and drinks are not included, so bring some if you want to stay refreshed during the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, towel, camera, and goggles are advisable for enjoying stops and swimming.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What are the main stops?
Highlights include Blue Caves, Shipwreck Bay, Poseidon’s Face, Porto Vromi, Porto Limnionas, Dolphin and Keri Caves, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), and sightings of Caretta Caretta turtles.

Can I swim in the stops?
Swimming is available at certain stops like Keri Caves and Marathonisi, but swimming at Shipwreck Bay isn’t permitted this year.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from pick-up at 8:00 AM to return around 4:30 PM.

What kind of boat is used?
A fast, modern glass-bottom boat is employed, providing stability and views of the sea life beneath.

What if the weather is bad?
Trips can be rescheduled or canceled due to bad weather, with a full refund offered if that happens.

The Sum Up

The Eurosky Zakynthos tour offers a lovely, all-encompassing way to see the island’s most famous sights from the water. It’s perfect for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with wildlife encounters, all while enjoying the comfort of organized transfers and guided commentary. The chance to spot turtles and dolphins, coupled with the stunning scenery of Blue Caves and Shipwreck Bay, makes it a memorable day for nature lovers, photographers, and those simply seeking a scenic adventure.

While not ideal for those seeking extensive swimming or beach time, it compensates with beautiful vistas, well-curated stops, and expert guides who bring each location to life. This tour is best for travelers wanting a balanced, informative, and scenic experience that captures the essence of Zakynthos’s marine beauty.

Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, this cruise promises plenty of photo-worthy moments and memorable wildlife sights—a worthwhile addition to any Zakynthos itinerary.