Laganas, on the island of Zakynthos, is renowned for its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters, and abundant sea life—making it a top spot for boat tours. Whether you’re after a relaxing sunset cruise, a private adventure, or a self-driven day at sea, Laganas offers a variety of options. We especially like the Zakynthos Mizithres Sunset Cruise for its stunning evening views and the chance to spot Caretta Caretta turtles. The Private Turtle Island & Keri Caves tour wins for personalized planning and exclusive access, perfect for travelers wanting a more intimate experience. And if you’re comfortable renting your boat, the License Free Boat Rental gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the chance to swim and see turtles up close.
In this guide, we’ll cover sunset cruises, private tours, small group trips, and self-driven boat rentals—each offering something different for all types of travelers. Whether you’re on a budget, seeking adventure, or prefer a guided experience, one of these options will match your style.
1. Zakynthos: Mizithres Sunset Cruise with Swimming & Turtles
This 3-hour sunset cruise around Zakynthos is perfect for those who want a memorable evening on the water. Starting with a cruise around the island, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the Mizithres Rocks, which look like giant stone sculptures emerging from the sea. The highlight is watching the sky turn orange and pink as the sun sets, casting a magical glow over the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for Caretta Caretta turtles, which sometimes swim near the boat—an unforgettable sight if you’re lucky.
During the cruise, you’ll also get a chance to swim in the Ionian Sea. The water is refreshingly clear, ideal for a quick dip. The experience is highly rated at 4.5/5 with glowing reviews praising the captains Panagiotis and Dionysus for their safety skills and fun attitude. The price is reasonable at around $39.52 per person, making it a fantastic value for a short, scenic adventure.
Bottom line: This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic evening with a chance to see turtles and enjoy a picturesque sunset. It’s perfect for couples or small groups looking for a memorable, budget-friendly outing.
2. Zante Private Cruise Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres
If you want a customized day on the water, this 7-hour private cruise is hard to beat. The tour is completely tailored to your wishes, whether you want to focus on swimming, sightseeing, or just relaxing in secluded spots. You’ll cruise around the Marine Park, where the likelihood of spotting Caretta Caretta turtles is high, and explore Marathonisi (Turtle Island), famous for its beaches and turtle nesting sites. You’ll also visit the Keri Caves, with their stunning rock formations, and Mizithres Beach, a relatively new paradise that’s perfect for swimming and lounging. The trip extends further to Eros Cave and Piscines Beach, both known for their breathtaking beauty.
The flexibility and personalized experience are what make this tour stand out. The reviews average an impressive 4.8/5, with visitors praising the friendly guide James, who makes the trip memorable and insightful. The cost is $632 per group (up to five people), which is excellent value if you’re traveling with family or friends.
Bottom line: This private tour suits those wanting an exclusive, flexible day at sea with plenty of time to explore caves and beaches. It’s a superb choice for celebrating a special occasion or just avoiding large crowds.
3. Zakynthos Small Boat Tour to Keri Mizithres and Marathonisi
For around $107.58 per person, this small-group boat tour offers a more intimate setting to explore Zakynthos’s most iconic spots. You’ll depart from Agios Sostis and cruise around the Keri Caves, famous for their impressive limestone formations. Then, the boat heads to Marathonisi, where you can admire the beaches, the turtles swimming nearby, and the caves along the coast. The tour lasts about 5.5 hours in total, making it a manageable yet comprehensive day out.
What sets this trip apart is its balanced itinerary, combining cave exploration with turtle sightings and time to relax on the beaches of Marathonisi. The reviews are perfect score 5/5, with travelers mentioning the beautiful scenery and the smooth, well-organized trip. It’s ideal for those who want a guided experience with a small group to enjoy personalized attention.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for a well-rounded, affordable boat day with a focus on caves, turtles, and beaches. It’s great for couples and small groups wanting a classic Zakynthos boat adventure.
4. Turtle Boat Tour
At just $54 per person, this 3-hour boat trip is all about seeing the Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat. The tour features boats with glass bottoms, so you can observe underwater life without getting wet. The focus here is on watching turtles on the move and enjoying a peaceful day at sea.
While the tour’s shorter length means less time for extensive sightseeing, the up-close turtle sightings make it a top pick for animal lovers and families. The single review scores it a 5/5, emphasizing how well the trip was organized and how many turtles they saw. If your main goal is turtle spotting and you prefer a straightforward, no-fuss trip, this tour fits perfectly.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if your main priority is seeing turtles and you want a short, affordable trip with the novelty of glass-bottom boats. It’s perfect for families with kids or anyone eager for a close encounter with marine life.
5. License Free Boat Rental to Turtle Island & Keri Caves
If you’re confident navigating a boat, this license-free rental offers freedom and flexibility to explore Zakynthos on your own. You can drive your own small boat, stopping wherever you like—whether that’s swimming at Keri Caves, relaxing on Mizithres Beach, or trying to spot turtles at your own pace. The 6-hour rental makes it easy to customize your day at sea without a guide.
The main benefit of this option is independent exploration, especially if you have some boating experience. You’ll receive a quick lesson on how to operate the boat, which makes it accessible for beginners comfortable with a little instruction. The reviews aren’t available, but the value lies in the freedom to create your own itinerary and the chance for a personal adventure.
Bottom line: This is best suited for confident boaters who want a flexible, self-guided day exploring Zakynthos’s caves, beaches, and turtle spots. It’s a great way to combine independence with sea adventure.
6. Zante Private Cruise to Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres
This 7-hour private cruise is similar to the earlier private option but is priced at $779 per group up to nine people. It offers complete customization, with the ability to pick your departure time and itinerary. You’ll cruise around the Marine Park, see Caretta Caretta turtles, explore Marathonisi, and visit the Keri Caves and Mizithres Beach. The tour also includes trips to Eros Cave and Piscines Beach, both renowned for their stunning scenery.
The personalized itinerary combined with the luxury of exclusivity makes this cruise perfect for families, friends celebrating special occasions, or travelers seeking a private, flexible adventure. The reviews are excellent at 4.8/5, with many highlighting the customized experience and expert guidance.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups that want control over their day, a private experience, and the ability to explore Zakynthos’s most famous spots without the crowds.
How to Choose the Perfect Boat Tour in Laganas
When selecting a boat tour, consider your budget, interests, and group size. If you want a quick, scenic sunset experience, the Mizithres Sunset Cruise is excellent. For a personalized day with tailored stops, the Private Turtle Island tour offers the most flexibility. Budget travelers or animal enthusiasts might prefer the Turtle Boat Tour, while confident boaters who want freedom can opt for the License Free Boat Rental.
Timing is everything—most tours run from spring through early fall, when the weather is warm and sea conditions are favorable. Booking early is advised, especially for private tours and summer weekends, to secure your preferred time and group size.
Final Thoughts
Laganas offers a wide array of boat experiences that cater to different tastes and budgets. From the stunning sunset cruise to the private, tailor-made day on the water, there’s a perfect option for everyone. If you’re traveling as a family, consider shorter tours like the Turtle Boat Tour. For honeymooners or couples seeking romance, the Sunset Cruise is ideal. Groups of friends or families celebrating a special occasion might prefer the privacy and flexibility of the Private Cruise.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure a smooth experience. Pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for some of the most memorable days on the water in Laganas.
