Laganas Zakynthos: Marathonissi, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting

An Honest Look at the Zakynthos Marine Park & Caves Boat Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Zakynthos and want to explore the island’s famous caves and marine life, this boat tour from Laganas offers a well-rounded way to see some of the most iconic spots. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of the stunning scenery, wildlife, and secluded beaches—without the long hours or hefty price tags of more extensive excursions.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines close turtle sightings with visits to the beautiful caves and deserted islands. The boat’s small size (maximum around 25 guests) means you’ll likely get a more intimate feel and better chances to see wildlife. And, of course, the price point is quite attractive, making it accessible for most budgets.

However, a potential downside is that not everyone will see turtles—some travelers find that the chances are a bit hit or miss. Also, the stops at some beaches can be crowded, and the overall boat ride might feel a little long if you’re not into extended cruising. This tour suits those who love a mix of wildlife spotting, scenic vistas, and relaxed swimming stops but might not be ideal if you’re solely chasing a guaranteed turtle encounter.

This trip is a good pick for nature enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a quick, scenic dose of Zakynthos’ most accessible highlights. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate comfortable, small-group outings and value the chance to snap some memorable photos of caves, sea turtles, and unspoiled beaches.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers good value for the variety of stops and sights.
• Small group size (max 26 seats) means a more personalized experience.
• Wildlife encounters like turtle spotting are possible but not guaranteed.
• Comfortable boats with shaded areas, sundecks, and glass bottoms enhance the experience.
• Multiple scenic stops include caves, beaches, and an island, with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities.
• Tour duration is about 3 hours, making it a manageable trip without feeling rushed.

The Full Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure kicks off right at Laganas beach. It’s super convenient if you’re staying nearby—just a short walk or drive to the meeting spot. The tour operates on a mobile ticket basis, so you can easily keep things simple with your smartphone. The departure times are flexible enough for most schedules, but note that on average, most travelers book about 12 days in advance, indicating it’s quite popular.

Turtle Spotting at Laganas Bay

Within the first 10 minutes of setting out, you’ll be on the lookout for Caretta Caretta turtles, which are what makes this area famous. The tour promises about a 40-minute window to see these gentle creatures in their natural environment, and many reviews mention success in spotting them. One reviewer even pointed out they managed to see a turtle during the trip, which makes the effort feel worthwhile.

That said, some reviews highlight that turtle sightings can be hit or miss. For example, a reviewer named Farris called it a “tourist trap,” saying they only saw one turtle hanging out at the boat dock and felt the trip didn’t deliver enough turtle viewing. Others appreciated the guide’s effort and the opportunity to take photos—so your chances depend a lot on luck and timing.

Visiting Marathonissi Island and Its Caves

Next, you’ll head towards Marathonissi, often called Turtle Island, which is the highlight for many. Here, you get about 50 minutes to relax on the sandy beach—a perfect chance to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the sun. The waters around this island are clear and full of beautiful colors, and many reviews affirm the quality of these swimming stops, with some noting they’re great for families or anyone wanting a quick escape to nature.

The boat then takes you inside the Marathonissi sea cave for about 20 minutes, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a closer look at the cave’s formations. Entering the caves by boat is a highlight, especially since many caves can only be accessed by sea—so this is a unique experience.

Exploring the Keri Caves and Capo Marathià

Sailing along the coast, you’ll pass Capo Marathià and the Keri Caves, with about 20 minutes dedicated to admiring these geological marvels. The caves are only accessible by boat, forming a complex series of crevices, large entrances, and hidden spots perfect for photography and marveling at nature’s artistry.

A review from Sophie_W mentioned that the caves are “a few caves along the ocean with blue water” and that they’re picturesque, though not necessarily enough to justify a long trip if caves are your main focus. Still, the views are undeniably stunning, especially if you love rugged coastlines.

Oasis Bay and Final Swimming Stop

The last stop is at Oasis Bay, a deserted stretch of beach that offers a peaceful break from the crowds, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming or just relaxing. The duration here is about 30 minutes, giving you a good amount of time to cool off or take more photos.

Some reviews mention that Oasis Bay can get crowded when many boats arrive, and some visitors felt it was “a tourist trap” with kiosks selling water and snacks. But if you’re there for the swim and the scenery, it’s a lovely spot to finish the trip.

The Value of This Tour

Pricing is around $28.91 per person, which is quite reasonable given the stops included. For that price, you get a small, comfortable boat with shaded and sunny areas, multiple scenic and wildlife-focused stops, and the chance to see some of Zakynthos’ most scenic caves and beaches.

Most travelers agree that the trip is well-organized, runs on time, and is a relaxing way to see the coast without much fuss. The small group size means you won’t be in a crowded, noisy boat—something many appreciate, especially when trying to get good photos or enjoy a peaceful swim.

However, keep in mind that the turtle sightings are not guaranteed. Some reviews say they only saw one turtle, and others felt the caves and beaches weren’t as spectacular as expected. It’s a trip that offers a nice collection of scenery, wildlife, and swimming, but patience might be needed if you’re there mainly for turtles.

How It Compares to Other Tours

If you’re interested in other Zakynthos excursions, this one is fairly straightforward—focused on a handful of iconic spots with a relaxed pace. Some alternatives like the Navagio Beach trips or Blue Caves tours might offer more extensive days or different scenery, but this tour’s strength lies in its combination of wildlife, scenery, and small-group comfort.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a short, scenic escape that combines wildlife spotting with some of Zakynthos’ best caves and beaches. It works well for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed outing without committing to a full-day trip.

If you’re okay with the possibility of missing out on seeing a turtle or are happy to take a few photos of caves and beaches, this is a solid, budget-friendly option. It also caters to those who prefer smaller boats, as the maximum capacity is around 25 people, which means less noise and a more intimate experience.

Not ideal if you are obsessively chasing turtles or looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, since sightings are not guaranteed, and some reviewers found the overall trip a bit underwhelming. Still, for a quick taste of Zakynthos’ natural beauty, it hits many of the right notes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers find it suitable for kids, especially since the boat is small and the stops are relaxed. Just keep in mind that you’ll be walking in knee-deep water to get on the boat at some stops, so children should be able to handle that.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat trip, stops at caves, beaches, and the island, plus the chance to see turtles. It doesn’t include food or drinks, but some kiosks might be available at Oasis Bay.

How long is the boat ride?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, with most of that time spent sailing between stops, swimming, and exploring.

Can I guarantee seeing a turtle?
No, turtle sightings depend on luck and wildlife activity. Some travelers see them, others don’t, so don’t book solely for turtle viewing.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, towel, swimwear, and waterproof camera or phone. Water shoes may be helpful for walking in the water.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

In summary, this boat tour from Laganas offers a friendly, scenic way to explore Zakynthos’ caves, beaches, and the chance to spot a turtle or two. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed, reasonably priced outing that combines wildlife with stunning views. Just keep your expectations realistic about turtle sightings, and you’ll likely have a memorable, enjoyable time.