Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise with Glass-Bottom Boat

If you’re planning a trip to Zakynthos and love the idea of combining nature, adventure, and a touch of sightseeing, the Turtle Spotting Cruise with a glass-bottom boat might just be a highlight of your visit. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews, descriptions, and feedback paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. This experience offers a wonderful blend of wildlife observation, stunning scenery, and relaxing fun on the water.

Two things we genuinely like about this cruise are the opportunity to see turtles in their natural habitat — guaranteed sightings are a big plus — and the chance to explore the beautiful Keri caves and caves around Marathonisi. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to enjoy the coast, which is always a good thing. On the flip side, one consideration is that the duration of stops at certain spots, especially Turtle Island, might feel a bit long for some, especially if you’re not used to the heat or just want a more varied itinerary.

This tour is ideal if you’re eager to experience Zakynthos from the water, love wildlife encounters, or want a mix of sightseeing and swimming. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities and are comfortable with a group setting.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Guaranteed turtle sightings and nesting areas offer a unique wildlife experience.
• Beautiful Scenery: The tour features scenic caves, stunning coastline views, and the iconic Turtle Island.
• Relaxing Stops: Swimming in crystal-clear waters and on beautiful beaches is a highlight.
• Eco-Friendly: The boat is designed to be environmentally conscious, adding peace of mind.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides help you learn about the area and the turtles.
• Value for Money: Multiple reviews mention the trip offers great value, especially with the variety of stops and sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Entails

Starting Your Journey

Your experience kicks off with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting spot, which many reviews commend as punctual and comfortable. The meeting point is usually marked clearly with signs for “Best of Zante,” though some travelers note that finding it can be a little tricky if you’re not familiar with the area or if the app map isn’t very detailed.

Once aboard the eco-friendly glass-bottom boat, you’ll start your cruise around the National Marine Park that surrounds Zakynthos. The boat’s glass bottom allows those less inclined to snorkel or swim to still see plenty of marine life, especially turtles, which are the star of the show here.

The Stops and Sights

The itinerary includes several stops designed to maximize your experience. Here’s a breakdown with some insights:

• Cameo Island (10 minutes): This tiny island, created by a 1633 earthquake, offers a quick photo stop. It’s picturesque with its swing bridge and charming setting. Many travelers find these brief visits enough to snap some photos without feeling rushed.

• Laganas and Surrounding Areas (20 minutes): These are primarily photo stops and sightseeing moments along the coast. They set the scene for the cruise and give you a taste of Zakynthos’ lively coast.

• Keri Caves (30 minutes): Exploring these caves is likely a highlight. The boat passes underneath Kamares, creating fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of adventure. The caves are stunning, and many reviews mention how close and accessible they feel from the boat.

• Marathonisi or Turtle Island (1 hour): This is the main star. The island is shaped like a turtle and is home to loggerhead sea turtles, also known as Caretta Caretta. Here, you’ll have the chance to swim in the clear waters, relax on the Golden Nesting Beach, and possibly see turtles in their nesting areas. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment of swimming here, especially as the water is described as “crystal-clear,” perfect for snorkeling or just floating around.

The Experience of Spotting Turtles

Several guests have shared their excitement about seeing turtles in their natural habitat. The guides are praised for their knowledge and respectful approach, ensuring that the turtles aren’t stressed by boats. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention seeing a turtle quite close, with one guest describing a turtle coming up for air right next to the boat — an experience that tends to stick in your memory.

However, as some reviews suggest, October might be less ideal for turtle sightings since it’s near the end of the season. Yet, many still appreciated the opportunity to see them, alongside the vibrant scenery and swimming spots.

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The Return Journey

After the main stops, the boat heads back along the coast, with a brief stop at Cameo Island again. The whole trip lasts about 3 hours, which many find perfect for a half-day outing — enough time to relax and see plenty without feeling rushed.

The Practicalities

This tour is generally well-rated for its value, with reviews emphasizing the quality of the guide and the scenic stops. The price includes hotel pickup, the boat ticket, and safety insurance, making it a straightforward, hassle-free experience.

Notable details include:

• What’s Included: Pickup from your hotel (or a nearby meeting point), boat ride, safety measures, and insurance.
• What to Bring: Sun protection (sunscreen, hat), sunglasses, a towel, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater closer.
• Not Included: Food and drinks, so consider bringing snacks or purchasing them beforehand.
• Duration and Times: The cruise runs for about 3 hours, with multiple start times depending on availability.

Accessibility and Considerations

While the boat and tour are suitable for most, it’s worth noting that wheelchair users might find limitations since the experience isn’t specifically adapted for mobility aids. The tours are designed for group participation, and some stops may involve minimal walking or standing.

Reviews and Feedback

The consistent praise for guides like Dennis highlights the importance of a knowledgeable, friendly guide. Several reviews describe guides as fun, funny, and very informative, making the experience more engaging. Many travelers also mention the value for money — considering the variety of sights, wildlife, and swimming opportunities, most feel it’s a worthwhile expense.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love nature and wildlife, particularly sea turtles, and enjoy water-based activities, then this cruise is a solid choice. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming. While it’s not tailored specifically for families or children, most age groups enjoy the stops, especially those who love the outdoors and marine life.

If you’re after a longer, more in-depth exploration or want to visit additional islands or beaches, you might find this tour a bit limited in scope. However, for a short, memorable outing focused on turtles and caves, it offers fantastic value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s best for children who can comfortably be on a boat for a few hours and enjoy swimming. Be mindful of the hot sun and ensure kids are protected.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), a towel, snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater, and maybe a water bottle. Food and drinks are not included, so pack some snacks if needed.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
Many reviews mention guaranteed sightings, but since turtles are wild animals, sightings can depend on the season and weather conditions. October may have fewer turtles, but many guests still saw them.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, with stops at key sights along the coast and around Marathonisi.

Are there any accessibility issues?
The tour isn’t specifically designed for wheelchair users, and some stops may require minimal walking. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Spring and early summer tend to be more lively for turtle sightings, but many reviews indicate that even in October, the experience remains worthwhile due to the scenery and swimming stops.

Final Thoughts

This Zakynthos Turtle Spotting Cruise with a glass-bottom boat offers a chance to enjoy the island’s remarkable coastline, see turtles in their natural environment, and relax with some swimming stops. It’s a well-rounded trip that balances wildlife viewing with scenic exploration, all within a friendly and informative setting.

If you’re after a half-day escape into nature with excellent opportunities for photos, swimming, and wildlife, this tour ticks most boxes. It’s especially great for those who appreciate smooth logistics, guided insights, and the beauty of Zakynthos from the water.

While it might not be perfect for those seeking an ultra-active or extended adventure, it’s a dependable choice that many travelers highlight as a value-packed experience, leaving them with lasting memories of the island’s best sights and creatures.

Final note:

Remember to book in advance, especially in peak season, and check the availability of pickup options if you need door-to-door service. And don’t forget your sun gear — you’ll be glad you came prepared to enjoy every minute in the sunshine and splashing in those beautiful waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: