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

If you’re eyeing a trip to Zakynthos and want a taste of its famous wildlife and stunning coastlines, this Cruise to Turtle’s Island and Caves with a glass-bottom boat might catch your interest. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on reviews and available info, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a quick yet scenic escape into nature.

One thing we love about this experience is the opportunity to see loggerhead turtles in their natural environment, which is pretty special. Plus, the combination of snorkeling, cave visits, and scenic views gives you a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s coastal beauty. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the atmosphere can sometimes be quite lively and party-like, which might not be ideal for those seeking a more tranquil experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife spotting, water activities, and scenic cruising — especially those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and good value. But if you’re after a more exclusive or serene trip, you might want to explore other options. Still, for a fun, social outing with the chance of catching a glimpse of sea turtles, this is worth considering.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Chances to see loggerhead turtles up close in their natural habitat.
• Variety of Stops: Including Turtle Island, caves, and snorkeling spots.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Often lively and party-like, which adds energy but might be noisy.
• Value for Money: Compared to other tours, offers decent experiences for the price.
• Weather & Turtles: Visibility and turtle sightings depend heavily on water clarity.
• Booking Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

What the Tour Entails: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Starting Point & First Stop: Laganas Beach

The adventure kicks off at an unspecified meeting point, with early mornings or midday options available depending on your schedule. Travelers are welcomed aboard a boat, often with a friendly crew eager to share their knowledge. The initial part of the trip involves a 30-minute cruise where the crew actively tries to spot turtles in the shallow waters off Laganas Beach—home to the famous loggerhead turtles, Caretta Caretta.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Zoe_H mentions, “The staff were all very friendly and the speaker was very knowledgable about turtles and the islands that we visited.” However, some travelers, like Connie_B, express disappointment, citing that they didn’t see any turtles, which can happen if the water isn’t transparent or turtles are elsewhere.

Turtle Island (Marathonisi)

The highlight for most is the visit to Marathonisi, aka Turtle Island. This is where you’ll get a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax in beautiful turquoise waters. As Jenni_L notes, “It was lovely with the swim at the caves and the hour on the island,” and many find this stop the most memorable.

The waters here are clear and inviting, surrounded by greenery and golden sands. The reviews praise the scenery, with Zoe_H describing the experience as “seeing the turtle come up for air and swimming by the caves,” which seems to be a common favorite.

The Keri Caves

Next, the boat takes you to Keri Caves, a stunning stretch of coastline with striking white rocks and light brown sands visible beneath the crystal-clear waters. This stop lasts around 20 minutes and offers an ideal photo opportunity and a chance to float in the big blue. Many reviews, like Tracy_D’s, mention enjoying the beautiful sights and friendly guides.

Atmosphere & Group Size

The tour tends to be quite popular, with a maximum of 85 travelers, and reviews indicate that boat capacities can vary. Some travelers like Zoe_H appreciate the smaller groups, while others note that boats can be crowded, especially during peak season. The environment can be festive and lively, with floating food trucks and multiple boats in the vicinity, which adds energy but can detract from tranquility.

Duration & Logistics

The 3-hour duration makes it a manageable half-day activity. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, which is convenient if you’re staying in or near Zakynthos town or your accommodation. Be prepared for a bit of a wait or possible delays, as some reviews mention delays of up to 3 hours with no prior notice, which can be frustrating.

Cost & Value

At around $289 per person, the price might seem steep for a half-day cruise, but it includes snorkeling gear, the boat ride, and visits to multiple scenic sites. If wildlife viewing and water-based fun are a priority, the experience offers reasonable value—especially since several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the scenic stops.

The Reality of Wildlife Sightings

While the tour promises turtle sightings, several reviews, like Connie_B’s, remind us that wildlife is unpredictable. Sometimes, the turtles might not appear, or visibility might be poor. Others, like Ian_D, had the exciting experience of seeing two giant turtles, which made their trip memorable.

Tips for a Better Experience

• Book in advance and confirm your pickup time, especially if you’re traveling during busy seasons
• Arrive early to avoid missing the boat or being late
• Bring waterproof gear and snacks if needed, as the stops are short, and the environment can be lively
• Manage expectations around turtle sightings; they’re not guaranteed but can be rewarding when they happen
• Be aware of the party atmosphere, especially during peak times, if you prefer a quieter vibe

Honest Review: What We Like & What Could Be Improved

The Good

From reviews and the general setup, it’s clear that the guides and crew often are well-informed and friendly. Zoe_H mentions the “speaker was very knowledgable about turtles and the islands,” which adds value to the experience. The scenic stops at Turtle Island and the caves are genuinely beautiful and worth seeing. The opportunity to snorkel in turquoise waters is a real plus, giving you a chance to get closer to marine life.

Many reviewers, like Ian_D, describe their trips as fun and memorable, especially when they caught sight of turtles or enjoyed the scenic beauty of the caves. The value for money is another highlight, considering the included stops and activities.

The Cons

However, some common issues crop up. Delays of up to 3 hours, sometimes without any communication, can make the experience less relaxing. The overcrowding and noisy atmosphere may not suit travelers seeking peace and quiet, especially since floating food trucks and multiple boats can turn the area into a bustling scene rather than a tranquil nature experience.

A few reviewers express frustration about not seeing turtles or the tour being canceled last-minute, which shows the unpredictability of wildlife tours. Also, some mention that the beach at Turtle Island is less attractive—described as “very ugly” in one review—so don’t expect a pristine beach setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy lively group outings, scenic boat rides, and the thrill of possibly encountering sea turtles. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a half-day adventure with a mix of wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and sightseeing. If you’re flexible and open-minded about wildlife sightings, you’ll likely have a good time.

On the other hand, if your priority is a peaceful, exclusive experience or guaranteed turtle sightings, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re traveling with small children or prefer a quiet atmosphere, consider the lively vibe and potential crowding.

FAQs About the Turtle Island & Caves Glass-Bottom Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the tour involves swimming, snorkeling, and being on a boat, so children comfortable in water and with good supervision should enjoy it. Keep in mind the lively, party-like atmosphere.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the boat ride, stops at Turtle Island and caves, snorkeling gear, and the transportation to and from the meeting point.

Can I see turtles on this tour?
Turtle sightings depend on water clarity and turtle activity. Many reviews report seeing turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed due to wildlife unpredictability.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a quick but packed half-day experience with multiple stops.

What is the pollution or crowd situation?
The tour can be quite busy with many boats and floating food trucks, especially in peak season, which can reduce the sense of tranquility.

Is the boat glass-bottom?
Yes, the boat is described as a glass-bottom boat, offering views into the water, but some reviews mention that not all boats are glass-bottom, or that the experience may differ.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the trip, giving some flexibility if your plans change.

Are refunds available if the trip is canceled?
Yes, if canceled due to poor weather or other reasons, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

How crowded does the tour get?
Maximum travelers are 85, but reviews show that some trips can be quite full, especially during high season.

This Cruise to Turtle’s Island and Caves offers a lively, scenic, and wildlife-focused experience that many travelers find enjoyable and worth the price. It’s especially suited for those who want a fun, social outing with a good chance of seeing turtles and exploring beautiful coastal caves.

If you’re after a peaceful escape, a guaranteed turtle sighting, or a quiet beach experience, you might want to look for smaller or more exclusive options. But if you’re comfortable in a lively environment, enjoy snorkeling, and want a snapshot of Zakynthos’s marine beauty, this tour is a solid choice.

Just remember, wildlife sightings are always a bit unpredictable, and delays can happen, so approach it with flexibility and an open mind. Overall, it’s a good way to spend a few hours soaking in some of Zakynthos’s most iconic sights, with friendly guides making the journey all the more memorable.

Happy travels, and I hope you get to enjoy the stunning waters and maybe even spot a turtle or two!