Cruise to turtle’s island and caves with a glass bottom boat

This 3-hour boat tour from Zakynthos costs $289.11 per person and offers a chance to see loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat, explore Marathonisi (Turtle Island), and visit the Keri Caves. The tour departs from a meeting point on an unnamed road in Zakynthos, with pickup service available, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby. It features a glass-bottom boat, allowing views of the underwater scenery, and includes snorkeling opportunities at Turtle Island.

While the experience is packed with scenic stops and wildlife encounters, some reviews highlight variability in the trip’s quality, especially related to boat type and organization. This tour appeals most to those interested in wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and coastal scenery, but potential participants should be aware of the mixed reviews about crowds and timing delays.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $289.11 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Main Stops: Includes Laganas Beach, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), and Keri Caves.
• Wildlife Encounters: The crew actively seeks loggerhead turtles in shallow waters, with swimming and snorkeling at Turtle Island.
• Boat Type and Experience: Uses a glass-bottom boat for underwater views; some reviews mention a speedboat alternative.
• Crowds and Atmosphere: The environment can feel party-like, with floating food trucks and multiple boats.
• Review Highlights: Known for friendly staff and knowledgeable guides, though some guests note timing delays and overcrowding.

Zakynthos’ Coastal Highlights on a Glass-Bottom Boat

This half-day excursion begins with a boarding at the designated meeting point in Zakynthos. The boat, equipped with a glass bottom, sets out toward Laganas Beach, where the crew tries to spot loggerhead turtles in the shallow waters. The 30-minute turtle spotting activity is a core feature, with the crew actively searching for these impressive creatures.

The tour then heads to Marathonisi, also called Turtle Island, where visitors have about one hour to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the turquoise waters. The scenic backdrop combines golden beaches and untouched green scenery, offering perfect spots for relaxing or exploring underwater life.

Next, the Keri Caves provide a 20-minute visit, with white rocks and clear waters creating stunning visuals. Visitors can admire the light brown sandy bottom and rock formations, which add to the big blue feeling. This stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience the area’s natural beauty.

The Scenic Route: From Laganas Beach to Keri Caves

Starting at Laganas Beach, the tour emphasizes turtle spotting, with crew members sharing information about the Caretta Caretta species. The shallow waters make this an ideal environment for observing turtles surfacing for air, though sightings depend on underwater clarity and turtle activity that day.

The boat then moves to Marathonisi, where passengers are encouraged to swim and snorkel at Turtle Island’s front beach. The turquoise waters and golden sand combine to create a paradise-like setting, with the green wild scenery in the background enhancing the natural feel.

The final stop at Keri Caves completes the scenic circuit. Here, white rocks and blue waters create a big blue landscape, perfect for photos and short visits. The 20-minute stop allows enough time to appreciate the rough coastline and natural rock formations.

Wildlife Spotting and Snorkeling at Turtle Island

A key highlight of this tour is the chance to see loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. The crew actively searches for turtles in the shallow waters around Laganas and Turtle Island. When a turtle appears, guests can observe it surfacing for air, often creating memorable moments.

Snorkeling at Turtle Island is included, offering a close-up experience with the clear waters and abundant marine life. The admission tickets cover both the swimming and snorkeling activities, making this a notable feature of the tour.

The Keri Caves and Their Unique Geology

The Keri Caves session highlights white rock formations alongside light brown sandy bottoms visible through the crystal-clear waters. The 20-minute stop provides an accessible glimpse of cave and coastal geology that many find impressive.

Visitors can enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities of the natural rock formations, which are a distinctive part of the Zakynthos coastline. Some reviews mention that the white rocks and blue waters create a memorable big blue landscape, though others note that the beach near the caves might be less appealing, sometimes described as ugly or overcrowded.

Boat Types and Variations in Experience

While the tour is marketed as a glass-bottom boat ride, some reviews mention that the actual boat used is not always a glass-bottom vessel, with at least one guest describing it as a speedboat. The guide and captain are often praised for their friendly demeanor and expertise, with some highlights noting the captain’s skill in navigating close to caves and wildlife.

The size of the group generally ranges up to 85 travelers, but some reviews describe less crowded experiences when the boat is less full, especially when the operator suggests taking the 3 PM cruise to avoid crowds.

Tour Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The trip begins at a specified meeting point on an unnamed road in Zakynthos, with pickup service offered for added convenience. The end of the activity happens back at the original meeting point.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 85 travelers, with some guests mentioning smooth communication via WhatsApp prior to the tour. However, timing delays and last-minute changes have also been noted in reviews, with some guests experiencing delays of up to three hours without prior notice.

Value and Customer Feedback

This tour offers good value for money given the included stops, wildlife spotting, and snorkeling activities. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and knowledgeable guides, especially highlighting the captain’s skill and the small group atmosphere.

However, some reviews mention overcrowding at Turtle Island, with boats packed with floating food trucks and travelers hopping on and off. Others express dissatisfaction with timing delays or disappointment over not seeing turtles if conditions are right.

While the overall rating is 3.5 out of 5, the positive reviews often focus on scenic beauty and wildlife encounters, whereas negative reviews cite organization issues and beach quality.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Zakynthos glass-bottom boat tour provides a compact, scenic experience with a focus on marine wildlife and coastal scenery. It suits nature lovers and those eager to spot loggerhead turtles and explore Keri Caves. The inclusion of snorkeling and the glass-bottom view make it attractive for families and adventurers alike.

Nevertheless, potential participants should be prepared for variable experiences regarding crowds, timing, and boat quality. If a peaceful and less crowded experience is desired, it might be worth considering other options or early departures.

This tour delivers on its promises of scenic views and wildlife encounters, especially for those interested in marine life and coastal geology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a chance to see turtles during this tour?
Yes, the crew actively attempts to spot loggerhead turtles in the shallow waters of Laganas and around Turtle Island. Sightings depend on underwater visibility and turtle activity that day, but it is a key focus of the trip.

What are the main stops included in the tour?
The tour features Laganas Beach for turtle spotting, Marathonisi (Turtle Island) for swimming and snorkeling, and Keri Caves to admire rock formations and coastal scenery.

Are there any issues with the boat or organization?
Some reviews mention delays of up to three hours with no communication, and variability in boat type—sometimes a glass-bottom boat, other times a speedboat. It is advisable to arrive early and stay updated via WhatsApp if possible.

Can children participate in this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is generally suitable for families, especially those interested in marine wildlife and snorkeling.

What should I bring or prepare for this trip?
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and waterproof cameras. Note that the beach at Keri Caves might be less appealing, so plan accordingly for snacks or extra gear if desired.