Zakynthos: Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour

Discover Zakynthos’ Iconic Sights on a 3.5-Hour Boat Tour

The Zakynthos: Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck, and Blue Caves Boat Tour offers a compact yet comprehensive way to see some of the island’s most famous natural attractions. Departing from Alykes or Alykanas, this 3.5-hour excursion takes travelers to the most photographed beach in Greece, the Navagio Shipwreck, as well as the mesmerizing Blue Caves and the distinctive Xigia Beach.

This tour stands out thanks to its well-organized stops for swimming and sightseeing, with the passage inside the Blue Caves providing a unique experience. With a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 19 reviews, the trip is praised for its smooth navigation, helpful commentary, and stunning views. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a mix of sightseeing and water-based relaxation, although it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat trips and not prone to seasickness or back problems.

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Key Points

• Duration of 3.5 hours makes this an efficient way to see Zakynthos’ top sights.
• The tour begins at Alykes and includes multiple swimming stops in beautiful bays and beaches.
• Visitors will visit Navagio Shipwreck Beach, with plenty of time for photos.
• The Blue Caves are explored both from the boat and inside the caves for a unique experience.
• The last stop at Xigia Beach features sulfur waters and a cave that gives the sea a distinctive color and smell.
• The guide’s commentary and smooth navigation are highlighted as strong points.

Starting Point and Daily Schedule

This tour departs every day at 9:30 am, with an additional departure at 13:30 from June 10th. The meeting point is accessible by local buses and is located at the Alykes Peer, where the large gold-colored boat named GOLDEN waits. The tour begins promptly at the scheduled time, so arriving a little early is recommended.

The Route and Key Stops

From Alykes to Navagio Shipwreck Bay

The journey starts with a direct cruise from Alykes to Navagio Shipwreck Beach. This is the highlight for many, offering 20 minutes to take photos and admire the view of the famous shipwreck resting on the sandy cove. The sight of the wreck against the steep cliffs often leaves a lasting impression, making it a prime photo opportunity.

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Swimming in the Hidden Bays and Porto Sellinas Bay

On the way back from Navagio, a choice of swimming stops is offered. Depending on the weather, the boat may stop at Porto Sellinas Bay or a more wilder, picturesque bay. Each stop allows for around 30 minutes of swimming in turquoise waters, giving guests a chance to relax and enjoy Zakynthos’ unspoiled coast.

Exploring the Blue Caves

The Blue Caves are reached next, with the highlight being the passage inside the caves. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing and photography both from the boat and inside the caves themselves. The area’s natural beauty is accentuated by the reflections of sunlight on the water, creating the caves’ signature blue hue.

Xigia Beach and Its Sulfur Waters

The final swim stop is at Xigia Beach, renowned for its sulfur waters and the cave that contributes to the water’s unique color and smell. Here, visitors have 30 minutes to swim, take photos, and relax at this peculiar beach. The cave and sulfur springs give this location a distinctive atmosphere, different from the other stops.

Logistics and Practical Details

Meeting and Ending Point

The meeting point is at the Alykes Peer, with clear instructions and a picture available in the gallery for easy identification. The tour ends back at the same point after the last swim at Xigia Beach.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The 3.5-hour boat tour includes visits to Navagio Shipwreck Bay, swimming stops, and a visit to the Blue Caves. The boat experience itself promises passage inside caves for a more immersive experience. However, food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup or drop-off is unavailable, so guests need to arrange their own transport.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Guests should bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during stops. The tour is not suitable for pets or smokers. It is not recommended for people with back problems or those prone to seasickness, which is an important consideration given the open sea navigation.

Booking and Cancellation

Reservations require booking at least 24 hours in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing flexibility for travelers. Payment can be made at the time of booking, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The Experience with YOTOMU

The experience provider, YOTOMU, emphasizes friendly service, with guides delivering helpful commentary during the cruise. Travelers consistently mention the smooth handling of the boat and close proximity to major attractions, ensuring a comfortable and engaging trip.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this boat tour especially appealing is its balanced itinerary—covering Navagio Shipwreck, Blue Caves, and Xigia Beach—all within just 3.5 hours. The passage inside the Blue Caves offers a rare glimpse into nature’s artwork, while the multiple swimming stops give a relaxed pace to the trip.

The high rating of 4.9/5 stems from the reliable organization, helpful guides, and breathtaking scenery. Reviewers note that the smooth navigation and close-up views make this an enriching experience, especially for those eager to photograph the island’s iconic sights.

Final Thoughts on the Zakynthos Boat Tour

This 3.5-hour boat excursion provides an efficient and memorable way to see Zakynthos’ most famous natural landmarks. It suits travelers looking for a mix of sightseeing and water activities without a lengthy commitment. The small group size and expert guidance ensure an intimate experience, while the multiple stops make it ideal for families and active visitors.

While food and drinks are not included, the spectacular scenery and unique passage inside the Blue Caves compensate for this. The limited seats mean early booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, the tour starts at the Alykes Peer. Guests need to arrange their own transport to the meeting point.

What should I bring for the trip?
It’s best to bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Items such as pets or smoking are not allowed on the boat.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing flexibility in case plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with back problems?
The tour is not suitable for people with back problems or those prone to seasickness, due to boat movement and open sea navigation.

How many stops are there for swimming?
There are multiple swimming stops: at Porto Sellinas Bay or a wild bay, inside the Blue Caves, and at Xigia Beach—each around 30 minutes long.

This boat tour from Zakynthos offers a well-rounded experience of the island’s most iconic sights, wrapped in a comfortable, scenic cruise that’s perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.

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