From Kefalonia: Zakynthos cruise wth Shipwreck Beach

Explore Zakynthos on a 6.5-Hour Cruise From Kefalonia for $89

This 6.5-hour boat tour from Kefalonia takes you to some of the most iconic sights around Zakynthos. For $89 per person, you get to see Shipwreck Beach, explore the Blue Caves, and unwind at St. Nicholas Harbour. The tour departs from Hermes Cruises and includes swimming stops, live commentary, and a delicious Greek meal at a local tavern.

While the cruise offers stunning views of white cliffs and crystal waters, it’s also important to note that it doesn’t include hotel transfers or food and drinks. It suits those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and a taste of local cuisine, all within a manageable half-day outing.

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Key Points

• Duration: 6.5 hours, starting from Hermes Cruises
• Price: $89 per person, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance
• Main stops: Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, St. Nicholas Harbour
• Highlights: Swimming, dolphin and turtle spotting, traditional Greek meal
• Activities: Photo stops, cave exploration, relaxing swims in turquoise waters

The Starting Point at Hermes Cruises

The tour begins at Hermes Cruises, where you’ll board the boat in front of the Hermes vessel. The departure point is straightforward, with no included hotel pickup, so travelers need to make their way there. The check-in process is simple, and the crew welcomes guests in English, Greek, and Polish. The tour is designed for those who enjoy a well-organized boat trip with clear instructions and engaging commentary.

Visiting the Famous Shipwreck Beach and Its Story

The journey kicks off with a 15-minute photo stop at Shipwreck Beach, known locally as Navagio Beach. This beach is famous for the rusty wreck of the Panayiotis, a contraband ship grounded during a storm and a dramatic police chase. The white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters frame the wreck, creating a striking scene.

This stop offers enough time for photos, but the actual beach is not part of the swimming stops. For those wanting a quick glimpse of this iconic site, it proves to be worthwhile. The dramatic history behind the wreck adds a layer of interest, making it more than just a picture spot.

Exploring the Blue Caves Near Skinari Cape

One of the tour’s core highlights is the 20-minute visit to the Blue Caves, located along a 2-kilometer stretch of coast near Skinari Cape. The lighthouse nearby adds charm to the scenery. The captain navigates into the largest cave, giving guests a close-up view of the stunning blue reflections caused by sunlight hitting the water.

The Blue Caves are praised for their beautiful natural formations, and the boat’s entrance into the caves allows for excellent photographs. The 30-minute swimming stop in this area provides an opportunity to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and see marine life, though the size of the caves limits the length of exploration inside.

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Swimming in the Ionian Sea and St. Nicholas Harbour

After the caves, the tour continues with swimming in the serene waters of St. Nicholas Harbour. This spot offers a peaceful setting for relaxing in turquoise waters, with the chance to enjoy snorkeling and observe marine life such as dolphins and loggerhead turtles, which are often spotted in the area.

The swimming stops are designed to give you a break from sightseeing and soak in the beautiful scenery. The water quality remains high, thanks to the clarity of the Ionian Sea, making it a favorite part of the tour for water lovers.

Lunch and the Taverna Experience in St. Nicholas Harbour

The lunch stop takes place at a local tavern in St. Nicholas Harbour. This two-hour break allows for a delicious traditional Greek meal. The tavern offers local dishes, giving a taste of authentic cuisine in a charming setting.

Although the tour doesn’t include food, this stop is praised for its good-quality dishes and friendly atmosphere. The timing of the lunch means that one of the swimming stops coincides with the meal, so the second swim is shorter to accommodate the lunch break.

The Return Journey and Wildlife Spotting

On the way back to Hermes Cruises, the boat cruises through the Ionian waters, with dolphins and loggerhead turtles often seen. The crystal-clear waters and quiet bays make this part of the trip a relaxing end to the day.

Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for marine life during the return, as dolphins and sea turtles are common sights in this region, adding an extra memorable element to the cruise.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and What to Bring

The tour meets directly in front of the Hermes boat, with no included hotel transfer. Travelers should arrive prepared with hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes and a jacket for the sea breeze are recommended due to the boat ride.

Since food and drinks are not included, guests should bring cash for personal expenses. The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, so flexibility is advised.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This Zakynthos cruise suits travelers who enjoy shorter, activity-packed trips that combine sightseeing, swimming, and local cuisine. It’s ideal for those comfortable with seasickness and non-swimmers, as the water stops are relatively short and accessible.

However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or babies under 1 year. The lack of hotel pickup also means guests should plan their own transport to the departure point.

The Strengths and Limitations of the Tour

The main strengths include stunning scenery, especially at Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves, and the opportunity to see marine life like dolphins and turtles. The live commentary enhances the experience, providing context for each stop.

Limitations involve the short duration of each stop, particularly the swimming sessions, which some might find too brief. The lunch stop is at a basic tavern, so travelers looking for a more gourmet meal might prefer other options. Plus, the absence of hotel transfers might be inconvenient for some.

Final Thoughts on the Zakynthos Cruise from Kefalonia

This cruise offers a balanced experience of scenic beauty, water activities, and local flavor at a competitive price. It’s a good choice for those who want a half-day adventure with memorable sights like Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves.

While the itinerary is somewhat tight, the stunning vistas and chance to encounter marine life make it worthwhile. The traditional Greek lunch adds to the authentic feel, rounding out a pleasant, well-organized tour of Zakynthos’ highlights.

This cruise is especially suited for water enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture the striking scenery of Western Greece. For travelers seeking a comprehensive day with beautiful views and short water stops, this tour fits the bill nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Guests meet directly in front of Hermes Cruises at the designated departure point.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended due to the boat ride and possible sea breeze.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the price. There is a two-hour lunch stop at a local tavern where you can purchase meals.

Can I expect to see dolphins or turtles?
Yes, the waters often host playful dolphins and loggerhead turtles, which you might see during the cruise, especially near St. Nicholas Harbour.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, as the swimming stops are relatively short and accessible, making it manageable for non-swimmers and those prone to seasickness.

How long are the stops at each location?
You will have 15 minutes at Shipwreck Beach, 20 minutes at the Blue Caves, and 30 minutes for swimming in the caves, plus two hours for lunch.

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $89 per person, with a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the itinerary fixed?
The itinerary is subject to weather conditions and may change to ensure safety and comfort, but the main stops are guaranteed.

Who should avoid this tour?
It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or babies under 1 year.

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