Zakynthos, one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, is a prime destination for sea lovers. The crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastline, and world-famous attractions like the Shipwreck Beach make it a perfect place for boat tours. Whether you’re eager to spot loggerhead turtles, explore sea caves, or cruise in privacy, Zakynthos offers a variety of options that suit different interests and budgets. Among our favorites is the Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise with Glass-Bottom Boat — not only does it bring you close to the island’s iconic turtles, but it also offers a glimpse inside the famous Keri Caves. The private boat tours provide a more personalized experience, perfect for families or couples wanting exclusivity. And for those who love a sunset view, the Exploration Sunset Cruise combines scenic beauty with a relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re considering which tour to choose, think about what kind of experience you’re after: wildlife encounters, sightseeing, private adventures, or sunset moments? We’ve broken down the top options below to help you pick the perfect trip.
1. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise with Glass-Bottom Boat

This 3-hour cruise is a hit for wildlife lovers and water adventurers alike. The eco-friendly glass-bottom boat takes you through the waters around Zakynthos, with chances to spot Caretta-Caretta turtles—a highlight many travelers rave about. The tour includes stops at the Keri caves, where you can cross underneath the arches and marvel at the rock formations. The swimming spots, especially at Marathonisi Island’s Golden nesting beach, are perfect for cooling off after some turtle watching. The guide, Dennis, gets high praise for his informative and friendly approach, making the experience more engaging.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wildlife viewing and scenic exploration in a relatively short, 3-hour window. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, especially with the chance to get close to turtles without stressing them out. The trip is ideal for travelers who want a compact, well-organized experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for nature enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to see turtles in their natural environment while exploring beautiful sea caves.
2. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Cruise

This slightly longer 3.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive eco-friendly cruise that emphasizes turtle spotting. The main draw is the swim stop at Marathonisi Island, famous for being a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The tour also takes you to the Keri Caves, where you can enjoy swimming in striking waters while soaking in the scenery. The glass-bottom vessel ensures you get a good view of the underwater world.
Reviewers highlight the small size of the boat, which enhances the chance of spotting turtles and enjoying personalized attention. Captain Dennis again earns praise for his helpfulness and skill. The tour balances wildlife encounters with scenic stops, making it a good fit for travelers who want more time in the water and a chance to see multiple sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine turtle watching with multiple swimming stops, especially lovers of marine life and small groups.
3. From Porto Vromi: Shipwreck Beach Private Boat Cruise

For a private, flexible experience, this 2-hour boat cruise around Zakynthos’s famous Shipwreck Beach is tough to beat. Costing $295 per group, it’s perfect for families or couples wanting total control over their itinerary. The private boat allows access to secluded caves and waters only reachable by boat, with the option to snorkel and explore at your own pace. You’ll get close-up views of the Navagio Shipwreck, an iconic photo spot that’s often crowded from the shore but more accessible by private boat.
Travelers mention the skilled captain Spiros, who navigates the narrow caves and explains the geological features, making it both a scenic and educational journey. The flexibility of a private tour means you can linger at spots you love or skip less-interesting places.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups seeking exclusivity and custom routes, especially if you want to focus on the Shipwreck and secret caves.

A 3.5-hour trip that hits some of Zakynthos’s most iconic sights, this tour combines the Navagio Shipwreck, the Blue Caves, and Xigia Beach. It provides a great overview of the island’s north and east coasts, with stops inside the Blue Caves where you can swim and take photos. The Xigia Beach, known for its sulfur springs, offers a unique swimming experience.
The tour is well-structured with detailed itineraries, offering plenty of photo stops and swimming opportunities. Passengers appreciate the passage inside the Blue Caves, which is a highlight. The reviews note the beauty of the coastline and the value of multiple stops in just over three hours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and photo ops in a shorter tour.
5. Famous Zakynthos shipwreck -daily cruise

This 6-hour cruise is longer and more laid-back, allowing plenty of time to explore Zakynthos’s icons. It’s built around the Shipwreck Beach, with a dedicated 20-minute stop for photos. The cruise also features visits to the Blue Caves and Xigia Beach, with music and dancing included to keep the mood lively.
Travelers love the relaxed vibe and the chance to snorkel and discover marine life. The longer duration means more time at each site and a more leisurely pace. The reviews are glowing, simply describing it as “amazing.”
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a longer, fun-filled day with social elements and ample time at each highlight.

Similar to our private option, this 2-hour tour for groups of up to 3 costs $339. It offers a personalized exploration of Zakynthos’s northeast coast, with a focus on the Shipwreck, Blue Caves, and lesser-known hidden bays.
Guests praise the captain’s expertise in navigating caves and the flexible itinerary. Snorkeling is included, and the secluded beaches accessible only by private boat give a sense of discovery. The personalized service makes every trip feel exclusive.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups or couples seeking a private, customizable adventure with expert guidance.
7. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Boat Trip in Laganas Bay

This 30-minute tour is a quick, budget-friendly option at just $17 per person. It focuses solely on turtle spotting in Laganas Bay, a well-known habitat for Caretta-Caretta turtles. It’s a straightforward ride, with a canopy for shade and the chance to capture photos of turtles in the wild.
It’s perfect if you’re short on time or on a tight budget but still want a chance to see these gentle creatures. Reviews reflect that it’s a simple, efficient experience, with many mentioning how easy it was to spot turtles with the captain’s help.
Bottom Line: For a quick, affordable encounter with turtles, this tour fits the bill.

This 7-hour cruise is the most comprehensive and is designed for those who want to see all Zakynthos’s major sights in one trip. You’ll cruise past Navagio, stop at the Blue Caves, and enjoy swimming at Kremmidi or Makri Gialo. The onboard bar offers drinks and snacks as you sail.
Reviewers mention the long swim stops as a major plus, though some note that shipwreck beach wasn’t open for swimming during their visit. This is ideal for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing and swimming in one day.
Bottom Line: Best for those who have the time and want to pack in as much as possible, from caves to shipwrecks.
9. Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach Tour w/ Boat, Bus Transfer & View
This combined tour includes a boat trip plus bus transfers from Zakynthos town, with stops at the Shipwreck Viewpoint, White Beach, and Porto Stenitis. It’s a good choice for travelers who prefer a more structured day with scenery from both land and sea. The boat offers three swim stops, giving ample opportunity to enjoy the water.
While reviews are limited, the tour’s highlights include breathtaking panoramic views and easy access for those who want a guided experience without the worry of logistics.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who appreciate a mix of land and sea sights with a bit more convenience.
10. Zakynthos: Daily cruise around the island

This 7-hour VIP cruise offers a luxurious experience with stops at Navagio, Kabi Beach, and the Keri Caves. It’s designed for travelers who want comfort and a premium experience. The cruise includes three swimming stops and allows a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery.
Reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and the well-organized itinerary. It’s a good fit for travelers seeking a more upscale, less crowded tour.
Bottom Line: For those who value comfort, style, and quality time on the water, this cruise is a top choice.
11. Exploration Sunset Cruise – A Magical Day in Laganas Bay

This 3.5-hour sunset cruise offers a spectacular view of the sunset over Myzithres. It includes swimming at Marathonisi Island and the Keri Caves, with a free glass of wine to toast the day’s end. It’s perfect for romantics or anyone who loves ending the day with a beautiful view.
Travelers mention how the sunset at Mizithres makes this trip extra special, creating a memorable backdrop. The afternoon swim and sea cave exploration keep the experience lively.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for couples or solo travelers seeking a scenic, relaxing, and romantic evening.
12. Zakynthos : Cruise Around the Island Boat tour Max 5 Pax

This private 8-hour boat tour is the ultimate in flexibility and exclusivity. With a brand-new 2025 boat and a fluent English-speaking captain, you get a fully customized journey around Zakynthos. The itinerary includes Navagio, Blue Caves, Myzithres, Keri, and Marathonisi, allowing you to see every major highlight in one epic day.
Travelers love how the small group size (max 5 pax) makes the experience intimate and personalized. The guided tours and snorkeling add a layer of adventure, making it perfect for families or groups wanting a tailored trip.
Bottom Line: The best option for those who want total control, privacy, and a comprehensive island exploration in one day.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Zakynthos
Picking the perfect boat trip depends on your interests, budget, and time. If wildlife is your focus, the Turtle Spotting Cruises (#1) or #2) offer unforgettable turtle encounters. For a private, customizable adventure, the private tours and Max 5 Pax give you exclusivity. Longer cruises like #5 suit those wanting a full day on the water with a lively atmosphere.
If stunning scenery and sunset views are your priority, the sunset cruise provides a romantic finish to your day. Budget travelers might opt for the quick turtle spotting ride or #7 for a quick encounter. Those with more time should consider the 7-hour shipwreck tour, which covers most highlights.
Remember, booking early during high season (summer months) ensures availability, and always check the reviews for recent feedback.
Final Thoughts
Zakynthos offers a broad spectrum of cruises and boat tours that can match any traveler’s desire. If wildlife and tight schedules are your thing, the turtle spotting cruises are excellent choices. For a more private experience, the customizable private tours will give you flexibility and exclusivity. And if you want a memorable sunset or a full-day adventure, the options for longer, scenic cruises are plentiful.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance is wise—these tours fill up quickly in summer. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family, or group of friends, there’s a boat trip in Zakynthos that will make your visit unforgettable. So, pick your adventure and enjoy exploring this stunning Greek island from the water!