Zakinthos is a standout Greek island for those who love a mix of stunning scenery, lively boat trips, and authentic local experiences. Unlike some crowded tourist spots, Zakinthos offers a rich combination of natural wonders like Shipwreck Beach, the Blue Caves, and therapeutic Xigia Beach, which make guided tours particularly worthwhile. Whether you want a full-day boat adventure or a personalized private tour, the island’s variety of options ensures there’s something for all. We particularly appreciate tours that highlight the island’s unique beauty—like cruising past the iconic Shipwreck or swimming through the kaleidoscope of blue in the caves—and sharing those moments with knowledgeable guides.
Among all the offerings, some stand out for their detailed itineraries and quality reviews. For example, the Zakinthos: Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour provides a comprehensive day out with multiple stops, including Xygia’s natural spa beach, while the Shipwreck, Blue Caves and Highlights Tour combines scenic boat rides with easy access to the island’s most photographed sights. The options below give you a good sense of the best ways to see Zakinthos.
1. Zakinthos: Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour
This top-rated tour (4.6/5 from nearly 2800 reviews) offers a full-day adventure exploring Zakinthos’s most famous sights. The tour includes a visit to the Shipwreck Viewpoint and a boat ride to Navagio Beach, along with stops at the Blue Caves and White Beach. You’ll board a glass-bottomed vessel or speedboat, which makes the experience more interactive—peering beneath the surface to glimpse marine life or marveling at the caves’ striking blue hues.
What makes this tour stand out are the carefully curated stops like Xygia natural spa beach, where you’ll swim in waters renowned for their electric blue color, and scenic viewpoints like Bohali hill and Makris Gialos beach. The itinerary includes multiple scenic photo stops, giving you plenty of chances to capture the island’s beauty—from the shipwreck itself to the panoramic vistas from Bohali. The guide, with their local knowledge and friendly vibe, keeps the day engaging without feeling rushed.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience—combining scenic boat rides, swimming, and sightseeing—without sacrificing depth. Reviewers mention that Petros, the guide, added a personal touch that made the long day very enjoyable. The balanced mix of activity and relaxation makes it excellent value for money.
Bottom line: If you’re after a well-organized, all-in-one boat and land tour that hits all the highlights, this is your best choice.
2. Zakynthos: Shipwreck, Blue Caves and Highlights Tour
At 4.4/5 from 69 reviews, this tour offers a slightly shorter, more focused day exploring Zakinthos’s key sights. It’s ideal for those wanting a less intense, but still immersive experience of the island’s most famous attractions. Starting with a boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach, the tour explores the wreck and allows time for photos. Then, it continues to the Blue Caves, where you’ll enjoy swimming in the caves’ 50 shades of blue—a highlight for many visitors.
What’s notable is the combination of on-water exploration and scenic bus rides that provide different perspectives of the island’s landscapes. The tour emphasizes Xigia’s natural spa waters, giving you a chance to relax in the sulfur-rich, collagen-supporting waters, which many find soothing. Guests rave about the friendly guides and the fabulous scenery, making it a very worthwhile experience.
This tour suits travelers who prefer a more flexible schedule with stops that balance sightseeing and downtime. The boat cruise arrangement ensures you get close to the caves and wreck, with the added bonus of relaxing in Xigia’s therapeutic waters.
Bottom line: For a shorter, scenic trip that still covers Zakynthos’s most iconic sights, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.
3. Zakyntos: Island Tour, local sites seeing, South 1/2 day
If your time is limited but you want a taste of the island’s authentic charm, this half-day tour is perfect. Rated 5/5 from just 2 reviews, it focuses on local villages, traditional sites, and olive and winery visits. The tour is led by a local guide with 40 years of experience, which ensures you’ll get insights that go beyond the usual tourist trail.
During this trip, you’ll explore up to 10 villages and attractions, including Perfumery, Lacey’s Market, and local tavernas. The highlight is the chance to sample local products and learn about the island’s culture firsthand. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in culture rather than extensive sightseeing, making it an ideal short trip for those who want a local flavor.
While it doesn’t include boat rides or beach visits, it provides a relaxed and informative experience focusing on Zakynthos’s authentic side. Expect a more personalized approach from guides who know the island intimately.
Bottom line: For those craving a cultural, off-the-beaten-path experience in a short time, this tour hits the mark.
4. Zakynthos: Private Customizable Tour
For travelers who want full control over what they see and do, the Private Customizable Tour offers flexibility and privacy. Costing around $666 per group (up to 7 people), this 8-hour private experience allows you to create a tailored itinerary, whether that means relaxing at Xigia Sulfur Beach, wandering through Bochali Village, or visiting the Shipwreck Beach on a private boat.
The tour’s strength is that it adapts to your interests—your guide will help select the most suitable sights and activities. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a personalized day without fixed schedules. You can include swimming in blue waters, taking scenic photos, or simply relaxing in charming villages.
The main advantage here is the customization—you won’t be stuck with a generic schedule. The downside is the higher price point, but for those seeking an exclusive experience, it’s worth the investment. The reviews note the flexibility and attentive service.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a tailored, private day that matches their specific interests and pace.
5. Zakynthos & Kefalonia: Private Guided Tours and Excursions
If you’re planning to explore beyond Zakynthos, this 6-hour private tour combines the best of both islands—though most travelers use it to see Zakynthos and nearby Kefalonia. Starting at $271 per person, it offers options like luxury yacht trips, scuba diving, or sunset tours. Many reviews highlight the personalized service and the chance to experience Zakynthos’s natural beauty in a more intimate way.
This tour is well-suited for travelers who want more exclusivity and tailored activities, especially if they seek luxury experiences like private yacht cruises or underwater adventures. It’s a fantastic way to maximize your time with a custom itinerary, whether you prefer scenic drives or relaxing boat trips.
Given the positive reviews, it’s clear this option is best for those seeking high-end, personalized excursions. The main consideration is the cost, which reflects the private nature and bespoke experiences.
Bottom line: For premium, flexible experiences, this tour elevates your island exploration with comfort and exclusivity.
6. Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour
Rounding out our list is a comprehensive 8-hour boat tour that covers the east and north coasts of Zakynthos. With a 4.9/5 rating from many reviews, it’s a favorite for travelers wanting to see as much as possible without multiple bookings. The tour includes photo opportunities at Shipwreck Beach, swimming in the Blue Caves, and relaxing at Xigia Beach.
What sets this apart is the focus on covering more ground in one trip, making it ideal for those who want a full overview of the island’s highlights. Pickup is available from Laganas and Zante Town Port, adding convenience. The tour balances scenic boat rides, swimming stops, and photo ops with relaxed sightseeing.
This tour is best suited for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing in a single day. The reviews praise the organized structure and beautiful scenery.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive boat experience that hits the must-see sights along the coast, this tour delivers.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re after a full-day adventure with both land and sea highlights, the Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Tour offers great value. For a more flexible, private experience, the Private Customizable Tour lets you craft your perfect day.
Those seeking culture and shorter trips might prefer the Island Tour with local sites, while the Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour provides a wide coast-to-coast tour in a single day.
Booking early is recommended, especially during the high season, as popular tours fill up fast. Consider the best times to go, typically late spring through early fall, for calmer seas and better weather.
Final Thoughts
Zakinthos offers a diversity of tours that highlight its stunning sea caves, shipwreck, and local culture. Whether you prefer a full-day boat trip, a tailored private experience, or a short cultural tour, there’s an option suited to your style. For instance, those who love seascapes and photography will find the Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour hard to beat. Meanwhile, travelers seeking maximum flexibility should consider the private options.
No matter which you choose, booking early and clarifying your interests will help ensure a memorable time on this beautiful Greek island. Zakinthos’s natural beauty and welcoming guides promise a trip filled with incredible views and authentic experiences—so pick your adventure and get ready to explore.
Happy travels, and don’t forget to pack your camera!