Zakynthos Half Day Tour to the Turtle Island, Cameo & Keri Caves

Key Points

• Affordable price: Only $65.02 per person for a 5-hour tour packed with highlights.
• Guaranteed turtle sightings: The tour includes a glass-bottom boat in the National Marine Park, with many opportunities to spot endangered loggerhead turtles.
• Popular stops: Visit Cameo Island, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), and the Keri Caves with scenic swimming and snorkeling.
• Unique experiences: Explore sea caves, relax on a tiny sandy beach, and enjoy olive oil tasting at the Aristeon Olive Press.
• Group size: Limited to 23 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Booking: Usually booked 20 days in advance, with options for pickup and mobile tickets.

This Zakynthos half-day tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife watching, scenic sea views, and cultural insights. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a compact yet memorable outing that combines nature, history, and local flavor. Expect lively guides, stunning vistas, and a chance to see endangered loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat.

Zakynthos Turtle Island and Keri Caves Half-Day Tour Overview

The tour departs from Lomvardou 20 in Zakynthos, with a 5-hour duration that covers several iconic spots in the southern part of the island. The price of $65.02 includes full insurance, bottled water, boat tickets, an olive oil tasting, and entry to Cameo Island.

Guests are picked up from their accommodations, making logistics smooth, though there is an extra charge of $25 for hotels more than 10-20 km away from the meeting point. The tour operates in English, with a maximum group size of 23 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

Visiting Cameo Island and Agios Sostis Port

The tour begins at the small port of Agios Sostis, where travelers get their first glimpse of Cameo Island via its famous wooden bridge. The island is notable as a wedding venue, and visitors can take a short swim or enjoy refreshments. Entry to the island costs an additional €5 but provides a chance to explore the small church built into the rock formation.

Photos of the wooden bridge and surrounding scenery are a highlight here, offering a charming start to the day. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and provides a relaxed introduction before heading out on the water.

Glass-Bottom Boat in the Zakynthos Marine Park

Next, guests board a glass-bottom boat in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. This boat allows for easy turtle spotting without getting your face in the water, which appeals to many travelers. The boat captain actively looks out for Caretta caretta turtles, signaling when they surface or pass underneath.

This one-hour cruise offers great views of the surrounding coastline and the chance to observe sea turtles in their natural environment. The boat ride is free of charge and is often praised for the friendly and professional captain.

Relaxing on Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

The highlight for many is the visit to Marathonisi, called Turtle Island because of its shape. This exotic, green island features a golden sandy beach where visitors can swim or snorkel. The one-hour stop provides ample opportunity to unwind, splash in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the scenery.

The beach is known for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings, making it a perfect spot for relaxing after the boat ride. It’s a favorite part of the tour, especially for those looking to enjoy a beach break amid nature.

Exploring the Keri Caves and Sea Arches

Sailing along the white cliffs and forested hills, the tour passes through the famous Kamara rock arch and the Keri Caves. This scenic one-hour cruise offers spectacular views of limestone cliffs, and the opportunity to swim or snorkel near the caves.

The 20-minute stop at the caves allows guests to swim outside the caves and admire the sea life thriving in these waters. The area is well-loved for its dramatic natural formations and crystal-clear waters.

Olive Oil Tasting at the Aristeon Olive Press

The trip concludes with a visit to the Aristeon Ecological Olive Press. Here, visitors learn about olive tree cultivation and olive oil production, then enjoy a free tasting of local olives and flavored extra virgin olive oils—most likely including lemon, orange, and garlic.

This stop adds a cultural and culinary touch to the tour, giving insight into Zakynthos’ agricultural heritage. The 30-minute visit is a pleasant way to wind down while sampling regional flavors.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour operates in English, with most travelers able to participate easily. Since there are no toilets on the boat or on Marathonisi Island, guests are advised to use the facilities before boarding. The tour also features floating canteens on Marathonisi, where light snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.

Guests should wear their swimming suit under their clothes because water activities are integral to the experience. The tour provides full insurance, bottled water, and boat tickets, but does not include food or towels, so packing accordingly is recommended.

The Guide and Group Experience

Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and friendly boat crews who actively seek to maximize turtle sightings. The guides are praised for their professionalism and efforts to show as much as possible within the half-day format.

The group size is limited to 23 travelers, making it easier to capture photos and interact with guides. Some comments point out that swimming stops are well-timed but can be crowded, especially during peak season.

Pacing, Crowds, and Overall Value

Most reviews agree that the pacing is good, with a balance of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops. The small boat allows access to caves that larger tours can’t reach, which is a notable advantage.

While the chance to see turtles depends on the day, many travelers do spot them, and the glass-bottom boat enhances the experience without the need for snorkel gear. Some reviewers mention the boat can feel crowded, but overall, the value for the $65.02 price remains high, especially considering the diverse stops and included olive oil tasting.

Suitability and Final Thoughts

This Zakynthos half-day tour suits visitors wanting a compact adventure that combines wildlife viewing, scenic caves, and local culture. It’s perfect for those who prefer a guided experience with arranged transportation and small-group intimacy.

The tour offers many photo opportunities, engaging sea and land activities, and a chance to learn about olive oil production. While turtle sightings are not guaranteed every day, the actively searching guides and diverse stops make it a worthwhile experience.

In sum, the tour balances nature, scenery, and cultural insights at a fair price. Expect scenic boat rides, relaxing beach stops, and informative visits—a solid choice for a half-day adventure in Zakynthos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but water activities may require children to be comfortable swimming.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but floating canteens on Marathonisi Island sell snacks and refreshments.

How likely am I to see turtles?
While turtle sightings are common and actively sought, they depend on the day’s conditions. Many guests report seeing turtles, but it’s not guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Wear your swimming suit under your clothes, and consider bringing sunscreen, a towel, and waterproof camera. Use the facilities before boarding since there are no toilets on the boat or island.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride in the Marine Park lasts about one hour. The entire tour, including stops, runs for approximately 5 hours.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Can I book this tour for a large group?
The maximum group size is 23 travelers, making it suitable for small groups or family outings.

Is the tour operated in English?
Yes, all tours operate in spoken English. For other languages, arrangements can be requested.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to bad weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Are there any hidden costs?
Entry to Cameo Island costs an additional €5 if you wish to enter. Extra charges may apply for hotel pickup beyond specified zones.