Zakynthos Main Port: Full-Day Cruise by Unique Pirate Ship

Planning a day out on Zakynthos and considering a boat tour? This full-day cruise on a pirate-themed ship certainly catches the eye, promising a mix of scenic views, swimming, and a bit of adventure. We’ve looked into what you can expect, the highlights, and even the potential downsides to help you decide if this is the right fit for your trip.

What really stands out about this experience is the opportunity to see some of Zakynthos’ most iconic sights from the water—including the Blue Caves, Smuggler’s Wreck, and Keri Caves. Plus, the fact that the cruise is guided by knowledgeable staff and offers multiple swimming stops are definite pluses. However, there’s a notable caveat: the reviews show some inconsistency in scheduling and experience quality, which is worth keeping in mind.

This cruise is likely best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and leisure, don’t mind a scheduled day on the water, and are excited about a pirate-themed adventure. If you’re traveling with flexible plans and appreciate the idea of exploring Zakynthos’s coastline with all its famous landmarks, you’ll probably find this cruise worthwhile.

Key Points

• Iconic sights: The cruise hits most of Zakynthos’ must-see spots, including the Blue Caves and Smuggler’s Wreck.
• Multiple swimming stops: Two stops for swimming let you cool off and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
• Knowledgeable guides: The staff are praised for their organization and the information they share.
• Variable schedule: The itinerary can change due to weather, and some reviews mention last-minute cancellations or shortened trips.
• Family-friendly: The tour is accessible and could work well for families wanting a full-day outing on the water.
• Value considerations: At around 8 hours, it offers a lot for the price, but some guests felt their experience was cut short or less fulfilling during last-minute changes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The cruise departs from Zakynthos Main Port, right opposite the main square “Solomos.” Pickup options are available if you book through the provider, or you can arrive early and join directly. The boat leaves around 9:30 AM, with the exact timing depending on the day’s schedule.

The day includes transfer services following communication with Cavo Grosso, which adds a bit of convenience. The entire experience runs approximately 8 hours, making it a significant part of your day. It’s worth noting that the cruise is wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility needs should find it manageable.

What You’ll See and Do

Explore the Eastern Coast of Zakynthos

As you head north along the coast, you’ll pass by beautiful beaches like Tsilivi and Planos, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the shoreline. The stops include Alykanas and Alykes, small but charming sandy stretches, and the fishing village of Agios Nikolaos.

First Swimming Stop at Xigia Beach

The first 45-minute swim stop is at Xigia Beach, renowned for its sulfur springs. The water here is known for its supposed health benefits, and it’s a solid spot to relax, float, and enjoy the scenery. If you’re into nature and unique beaches, this is a quiet, interesting place to jump in.

The Blue Caves

Next, you’ll visit the Blue Caves, a real highlight of the cruise. The sunlight reflecting off the cave walls creates vibrant shades of purple, red, and turquoise, making for fantastic photos. It’s a brief visit but one of the most memorable parts of the trip, especially if you love dramatic scenery.

Sailing Around Cape Skinari

Heading southward, you’ll sail around Cape Skinari, where dolphin sightings are possible. The western coast here is steep and rugged, offering a striking contrast to the calmer eastern shores. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which many guests find exciting.

The Smuggler’s Wreck

One of the most iconic images of Zakynthos is the Shipwreck at Navagio Beach, and this cruise includes a stop to admire or explore the wreck. It’s a postcard-worthy moment, and many visitors enjoy a quick swim or some photos from the boat. However, some reviews mention that this stop can feel rushed, especially if the weather complicates the schedule.

The Agalas Caves

Continuing the adventure, the boat explores the Agalas Caves, a complex of about a hundred caves. The larger caves are entered by the boat, offering great photo opportunities. The caves add a sense of mystery and natural grandeur to the trip. Crowd watchers might find this part particularly satisfying due to the impressive geological formations.

Keri Caves and Oasis Beach

Further south, you’ll visit the Keri Caves. These extend into the mountains and are perfect for those who appreciate dramatic landscapes. The highlight here is Oasis Beach, where you can take another refreshing swim. The scenery here is often described as stunning, with cliffs and caves framing the water beautifully.

Turtles and Marathonisi Island

A special highlight for many is Marathonisi, an island connected to Zakynthos, shaped like a turtle. Known for Caretta-Caretta turtles, it’s a chance to spot these animals in their natural habitat. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the possibility adds an exciting element to the trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Return Journey and Scenic Views

On the way back to Zakynthos Town, you’ll enjoy views of Porto Zoro, Banana Beach, Porto Roma, St. Nicholas Beach, and Argasi. The coastline’s sandy beaches and rugged cliffs make for a scenic finale to the day.

What’s Good and What’s Not

The Positives

Knowledgeable Staff and Smooth Organization: Several reviews praise the crew for their organization and knowledge. We loved the way they managed the stops efficiently, giving us enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

Stunning Photo Opportunities: The Blue Caves and Shipwreck are exactly the kind of sights that look amazing in photos. The caves’ lighting makes for some of the most colorful and memorable images of your trip.

Swimming and Relaxation: The two swimming stops are well-spaced and let you cool off, which is especially nice on a hot day. The water is clear and inviting.

The Downsides

Schedule Variability and Cancellations: One review pointed out that the cruise was canceled last minute, and the alternative was a shorter trip with less time at each stop. This unpredictability can be frustrating, especially if you’re counting on a specific itinerary.

Limited Time at Major Sites: Even when the cruise runs smoothly, some travelers feel the stops are too brief. For example, the wreck site or Blue Caves might not give enough time to fully enjoy or explore.

Weather-Dependent Experience: As with many boat tours, weather conditions can cause delays or changes, which can impact your overall experience. It’s worth keeping flexible.

Price and Value

Considering the 8-hour duration, the cruise offers a pretty full day of sightseeing and swimming. The cost seems reasonable given the number of iconic sights included. That said, the value can be affected by schedule changes or if you end up on a shorter or alternative trip due to cancellations.

If you’re after a relaxed, guided day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities and a hint of adventure, this cruise offers good bang for your buck. Just keep in mind the reviews indicating that sometimes the experience can be cut short or feel less than ideal if weather or operational issues arise.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This tour is ideal if you enjoy a structured day of sightseeing with clear highlights. It’s suitable for those interested in exploring Zakynthos’s most famous natural landmarks, especially the Blue Caves and shipwreck. It’s also good for travelers who want to combine swimming with sightseeing.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a mix of adventure and relaxation, and don’t mind some unpredictability, you’ll probably enjoy this cruise. It’s also a good option for first-timers to Zakynthos who want a rundown of the coastline.

Final Thoughts

A full-day pirate cruise around Zakynthos offers an engaging way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights from the water. The combination of scenic caves, shipwreck, and the chance to swim in crystal waters makes for a memorable day, especially if you value guided commentary and well-organized stops.

However, it’s important to temper expectations regarding schedule reliability and the brevity of some stops. If you prioritize flexibility or want to spend more time at each site, you might find this tour a bit rushed. For those who enjoy a lively, guided day on the water with plenty of photo ops, it’s likely to be a worthwhile part of your Zakynthos trip.

This cruise is a solid choice for travelers seeking a structured, scenic adventure with a bit of a pirate twist. Just keep in mind the reviews mentioning last-minute changes or shortened stops, and plan your expectations accordingly.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s family-friendly nature and wheelchair accessibility suggest it could be suitable for children, especially those who enjoy boat trips and swimming.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you want to take photos at the caves, a waterproof camera or phone with a waterproof case could be helpful.

Are the stops long enough for sightseeing and swimming?
Generally, stops are around 45 minutes, which is enough for a quick swim and some photos. However, some reviews mention that the time can feel rushed at certain sites.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The schedule is weather-dependent, and cancellations or changes can occur. You might find the trip shortened or rescheduled, so staying flexible is wise.

How do I know if my pickup is arranged?
Pickup details are communicated with the activity provider, Cavo Grosso. You can also join directly at the main port of Zakynthos if you prefer.

Is the cruise worth the price?
If you value seeing the Blue Caves, Shipwreck, and enjoying multiple swimming stops in one day, it provides good value for an 8-hour tour. Keep in mind that some reviews mention the experience can be shorter or different than expected if last-minute changes happen.

Can I see dolphins during the cruise?
Sailing around Cape Skinari offers the chance to spot dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak English and Greek, so communication should be clear if you speak either language.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your plans aren’t set in stone.

If you’re craving a day of scenic views, swimming, and a touch of pirate-themed fun, this cruise on Zakynthos could be a memorable highlight—just keep an eye on the weather and schedule updates.

You can check availability for your dates here: