Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting and Keri Caves Boat Tour

Explore the captivating Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting and Keri Caves Boat Tour, a 3-hour adventure from Agios Sostis Port that combines wildlife viewing, cave exploration, and relaxing beach stops. Led by an experienced captain, this small-group tour limits to just 7 participants, ensuring an intimate experience. Starting at Cameo Island, the tour takes you through Keri Caves, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), and the Zakynthos Marine Park, providing ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and photo moments.

One of the key strengths of this tour is the chance to see Caretta Caretta sea turtles in their natural habitat, a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. The tour’s small boat allows you to enter caves larger vessels can’t access, and you may even swim through narrow tunnels inside the caves. With crystal-clear waters, scenic caves, and the unique shape of Turtle Island, this tour offers a blend of adventure and relaxation.

A notable consideration is that the tour lasts 3 hours, and it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or with back problems. Also, littering, touching marine life, or touching plants are strictly forbidden to protect the environment. You’ll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and snacks for a smooth experience.

Key Points

• Duration of 3 hours with flexible morning or afternoon start times
• Small group experience limited to 7 people for personalized attention
• Wildlife viewing, especially Caretta Caretta sea turtles, in Zakynthos Marine Park
• Explore the Keri Caves, swimming in crystal-clear waters and viewing large caves and natural spring caves
• Visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island), shaped like a giant turtle, with time to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy floating bars
• Snorkeling equipment included for underwater exploration

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Starting Point at Agios Sostis Beach and Zantediving Center

This tour begins at Agios Sostis Beach, specifically in front of the large villa with the big palm trees, or at the Zantediving Center. The meeting point is convenient for visitors staying nearby, and after the 3-hour excursion, the tour returns to the same spot. The small boat used for this experience is perfect for reaching caves and secluded beaches that larger boats can’t access.

What Makes the Boat and Tour Intimate and Unique

Using a small boat with a maximum of 7 participants means fewer crowds and closer encounters with marine life and caves. You get the chance to enter caves directly — a capability that larger vessels lack. Inside, you’ll see spectacular sunlight reflections and bright blue waters, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, swimming through small connecting tunnels between caves offers a memorable thrill.

Exploring the Keri Caves and Blue Caves

The Keri Caves are among the most iconic sights, with their large caverns and natural spring caves. As the boat glides through the caves, the reflected sunlight on the waters makes for stunning visuals. The swimming stop here lasts about 35 minutes, giving ample time to snorkel, take photos, and enjoy the serene waters. For those who love water activities, snorkeling equipment is included, allowing underwater exploration of the marine life in the area.

Marathonisi: The Turtle-shaped Island and Its Beaches

Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, is a highlight of the tour. Shaped like a mother turtle, this island is a key nesting site for sea turtles. The stop here lasts about 35 minutes, giving plenty of time to sunbathe on its beautiful northern beach, swim, or grab a cold drink from a floating bar. The island’s natural beauty and its significance as a nesting ground make it a meaningful stop for wildlife lovers.

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Marine Park of Zakynthos and Nature Viewing

The tour includes a 30-minute visit to the Zakynthos Marine Park, where you can observe marine life and enjoy photo opportunities. The guide leads you through the park, highlighting the local ecosystem and the importance of the Caretta Caretta turtles. This visit enhances understanding of marine conservation efforts and the biodiversity of the region.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What Not

The tour price covers the small boat, experienced captain, snorkeling equipment, and all fuel costs. It also guarantees viewing the Caretta Caretta turtles and exploring the Keri Caves. Food and drink are not included, but float bars on Turtle Island offer cold drinks and ice cream, making for a refreshing treat during the beach stop.

Personal expenses and hotel transfers are not part of this tour, so plan to meet at the designated Agios Sostis Beach location. The tour includes live English-speaking guides, ensuring clear explanations and safety instructions.

Meeting Point and End Location

The meeting point is at Agios Sostis Beach, in front of the villa with the palm trees, or at the Zantediving Center. The tour ends back at the same location, making logistics simple. The flexible scheduling allows for morning or afternoon departures—check availability for specific times.

Preparing for the Tour

Participants are advised to bring sunscreen, hats, swimwear, towels, cameras, snacks, and water. Since the tour involves swimming and snorkeling, comfortable swimwear and towels are essential. To ensure safety, littering, touching marine life, and touching plants are prohibited to protect the environment.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or with back problems due to the small boat and slight motion. Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to climb in and out of the boat for swimming stops.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience’s small group size ensures a more personalized approach, with the opportunity to enter caves and spot turtles in their natural environment. The combination of cave exploration, wildlife viewing, and beach relaxation offers a well-rounded half-day adventure. The ability to swim inside caves and the close-up wildlife encounters distinguish this tour from larger, less interactive options.

Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting and Keri Caves Boat Tour – Final Thoughts

This 3-hour boat tour from Agios Sostis Port delivers a balanced experience of nature, adventure, and relaxation. The small boat ensures access to hidden caves and quiet beaches, while the chance to see Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural environment adds a memorable element. Snorkeling, photo opportunities, and the unique shape of Turtle Island make this tour especially appealing for travelers seeking an active yet scenic outing.

While the 3-hour duration might feel brief for some, it covers key highlights efficiently without overwhelming. The limited group size fosters a more intimate atmosphere, and the professional captain ensures a safe, enjoyable journey. This tour is a fantastic choice for wildlife enthusiasts, water lovers, and anyone interested in experiencing Zakynthos’ natural beauty up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, with options for morning or afternoon departures depending on availability.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, allowing underwater exploration during the swimming stops.

Can I see the Caretta Caretta sea turtles?
Yes, the tour offers the chance to observe Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat at the Zakynthos Marine Park.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness or with back problems. Participants should be comfortable swimming and climbing in and out of the boat.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals are not included, but floating bars on Turtle Island provide cold drinks and ice cream during the beach stop.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Agios Sostis Beach, in front of the villa with palm trees or at the Zantediving Center.

Do I need to bring anything for the tour?
Participants should bring sunscreen, hats, swimwear, towels, cameras, snacks, and water to stay comfortable and prepared.

Is the tour environmentally friendly?
Yes, littering, touching marine life, and touching plants are prohibited to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of local wildlife.

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