Excursions & day trips

Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zante

from

£32.00

Free cancellation

Language: English

Printed ticket only

Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours

Instant confirmation

Why you’ll love this…

Boat trip from Zante to the islet of Marathonisi
Find out about ongoing projects and local conservation efforts
Cool off with two swims, including one by the famed Oasis sea cave
Possibility of spotting turtles and dolphins in the natural habitat in Lagana Bay
Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Zante and Turtle Island

What to expect

Surround yourself with the beauty of Ionian nature on this half-day cruise geared for children. You'll set sail for Marathonisi Island, anchoring up for swimming along the way, before gaining an insight into local conservation efforts. Kay, one of our guides, says, ‘We love to show everyone this beautiful place and maybe spot a turtle to understand why and how we protect our environment. It's a fun tour, which makes sustainability visible.'

You'll cast off from Agios Sostis towards pine-clad Marathonisi Island in Laganas Bay. This uninhabited islet is nicknamed ‘Turtle Island' because its beaches are a favourite nesting site for loggerheads. Kids will love this one, too – there'll be activities aimed at teaching them more about turtle conservation. They'll also learn about respecting the island's environment, protecting it from litter.

Next, you'll swing by the Oasis sea cave for a swim stop before heading closer to the island. We'll drop anchor once more for an extra dose of snorkelling. Remember to keep an eye on the water for signs of loggerhead turtles and dolphins. What's more, the boat has an integrated sewage drainage system, so nothing harms the sea.

What's included

Boat cruise
Transport
Escort
Swim stops

What to remember

Please bring your own snorkelling equipment
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring a towel
Bring a hat
Food and drinks not included
English-speaking guide for all nationalities

Provider

TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Wei
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

35 - 44 years old

Great
Overall rated
4/5
Gemma Louise
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

18 - 24 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Absolutely amazing highly recommended the staff on our boat were terrific lovely amazing and very helpful would definitely do this again!! Do not hesi ...
Tim
From United Kingdom - July 2025

Travelled with family

35 - 44 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Well, we saw some turtles, albeit from a distance. The swim stops were great but not much sign of safety and security if any average swimmers were to ...
Es
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Powinna byc informacja o zabraniu butów do wody, macie postaje przy pieknych zatoczkach z mozliwoscia doplyniecia do brzegu ale sa one kamieniste. Re ...
Paul Howells
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Had a great holiday it ran seamlessly
Arkadiusz
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Excursions & day trips

Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula

Loggerhead sea turtles have been residents of Zante's beaches for thousands of years, and with a bit of luck, you'll see them first-hand on this boat trip. Join an expert local guide for an educational day out at sea, passing by nesting sites, swimming in hidden bays and spending time in the village of Keri. Bianca, one of our guides, says, ‘In just one trip, you get to jump into clear waters, cruise along the Keri peninsula and, with luck, see turtles.'Available either in the morning from Zante harbour or the afternoon from Keri harbour, this half-day cruise is a real treat for all the family. You'll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos and Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet dubbed ‘Turtle Island'. The reason's simple – one of its beaches is a favourite turtle nesting site. Bianca, who's lived on Zante for more than 20 years, says of the scenery, ‘You can do this tour a thousand times and every day is different.' Be sure to keep a lookout for loggerheads, and you may even spot a wild dolphin or two.Plus, you'll sail along the Keri peninsula, cruising by its sea-plunging cliffs, caves and lighthouse before dropping anchor for a swim stop at the Bay of Oasis. In the small village of Keri, you have a quick stop to shop for souvenirs, relax in a typical taverna or hit the beach. What's more, a volunteer from local conservation group ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – will be on board to tell give you the lowdown on its work.

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Excursions & day trips

Secret Zante Tour with Monastery, Blue Caves and Local Speciality Tastings

It's easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East'. This exclusive tour takes in some of the island's prettiest villages and the remote Anafonitria monastery, too. And that's not all. There'll also be local wine and sweets to taste, plus a short boat trip to the Blue Caves – one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.

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Excursions & day trips

Smuggler's Cove half-day cruise with panoramic drive

Smuggler's Cove is a picture-postcard white pebble beach with a surprise – a shipwreck from an alleged smuggler who ran aground here in the early 80s. On this half-day boat trip, you'll cruise along the coast to see this famous spot, discover secret coves, swim and soak up the scenery. Kay, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Smuggler's Cove is also known as Shipwreck Beach, or “Navagio” in Greek. It's only accessible by boat, and it's one of the most photographed places in the whole of Greece.'After pick-up, enjoy a scenic drive to Porto Vromi – it takes up to 90 minutes – and hop on a boat towards Smuggler's Cove. You'll have half an hour or so to take in the vistas from the deck before the imposing white cliffs appear, sheltering the cove and its famous wreck. The 200-metre-high cliffs curve and swoop down behind the beach, dwarfing the shipwreck. Kay says, ‘To preserve the natural beauty of the area, instead of disembarking at Smuggler's cove, we'll pause here to admire the scenery and take a few Insta-perfect snaps.'Next, your captain will drop anchor at a nearby bay, and you'll have time to swim in the dazzling waters surrounded by Zante's coastal landscapes – don't forget your snorkel mask for spotting the colourful fish, coral and starfish here. Then, as we cruise back towards Porto Vromi, your captain will take you to a smooth, white-pebbled beach, a place so secret it doesn't even show up on Google. Cool off with a swim stop here and hear the story of the 'Poseidon's Face' – a rock formation believed to depict Poseidon, God of the sea – before setting off for the final leg back to shore.

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Excursions & day trips

Zante Tour with Blue Caves Boat Trip and Wine Tasting

Timeless villages, wow-factor views and a coastal classic. This small group tour offers a snapshot of Zante's best bits. And if that wasn't enough, you'll get to try local olive oil and wine. Bianca, one of our local guides, says, ‘You get to discover those hard-to-reach places that are a relic of the past – the Skinari windmills, the narrow lanes of Volimes. Even after all these years on the island, I still feel a frisson when I see them.' And to top it off, this tour has a later starting time, meaning you won't miss out on your beauty sleep.We kick off with a tour and tasting at a family-run winery in Kallipado. For generations, it has produced wines made from local grape varieties such as robola and Pavlos. Next is a drive up the east coast with a photo stop at a famous beach. At Cape Skinari, drop in for homemade apple pie and a hot drink at the lighthouse and take some snaps of windmills before hopping aboard a boat for a trip to the Blue Caves. These sea arches have been carved by waves into white cliffs over millennia. And weather permitting, you'll get to dive in for a swim.Back on dry land, you'll enjoy a scenic drive through villages like Volimes and Anafonitria , as we head to Exo Chora. Here, there'll be a stop for a photo of a 2,000-year-old olive tree and a visit to a local cosmetics factory to see how olive oil products are made using the island's own produce, before rounding off the tour with a meal in a local taverna. And if you're a TUI Blue guest, you'll head to an exclusive restaurant in Agalas. Amidst the backdrop of Insta-worthy landscapes, toast to the days adventures and taste the flavours of Greece with some snacks washed down with Ouzo.

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Excursions & day trips

Cruise to Zante’s shipwreck and Blue Caves with Greek dancing

This cruise around the northern tip of Zante serves up plenty of camera-friendly scenery and swim stops in hidden coves. You'll see stretches of the island's most mesmerising coastline, including the Blue Caves and Smuggler's Cove – that famous Greek postcard of the rusting cargo shipwreck on a pristine cliff-ringed beach. Chrissy, one of our expert local guides, says, "the sea around the Blue Caves seems to glow electric blue because the white limestone underwater reflects the sun through the azure water.'" You'll get to catch Zante's top coastal draws in one relaxing boat trip. We'll scoot around Cape Skinari, famed for its lighthouse, cliffs, windmills and pastel-blue water. After about two hours at sea, we'll reach Smuggler's Cove and the onshore shipwreck. Back in the 80s, a ship carrying contraband cigarettes ran aground in this chalk-white, pebbly cove. Nowadays, in order to preserve the area, the beach itself is closed to visitors, however, you'll still get to snap up iconic pics of the rusty ship from the boat. Chrissy adds, "Zante's best-known beach is only accessible by boat and it's one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Greece. A crime gone wrong has left us with an unexpected treasure."After a dip, you'll continue to the shimmering Blue Caves, where we'll pause for a photo stop. Carved into the cliffs, the sea-smoothed walls form arches over the dazzling blue waters. You'll have Greek snacks and drinks on board, followed by some time anchored at a secluded beach gem. We'll end the cruise on a high note with some entertainment – Greek dancing – as we bob back to shore.

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Excursions & day trips

Zante St Dennis Festival Experiences

Street food, lively processions, fireworks and marching bands – the feast day of St Dennis is Zante's biggest event of the year. And you can enjoy the best views on this evening tour. See the procession of priests in their finest robes and then mingle with the locals in the festival bazaar. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘The celebration of our patron Saint Dennis – known as Dionysus locally – is the most important event in every Zakynthian's diary. A highlight of mine is seeing the town in all its festive finery as we weave through the bazaar.'To commemorate the island's patron saint, the whole of Zante comes out to celebrate on the 24th of August. You'll get to join in the festivities, heading into Zante town late afternoon. Take your spot in the crowd to watch the procession first, before a chance to mingle with the locals at the food stalls and bazaar. Maria says, ‘There'll be plenty of local delicacies on offer, including traditional sweet treats, roasted chestnuts, and my favourite – loukoumades – a typical Greek donut drenched in honey.'And for those who book the boat trip option, the best is yet to come. As the night starts to draw in, sip on a glass of wine and kick back while you cast out and cruise around the harbour. It's the ideal viewpoint for the fireworks display, so relax and enjoy front-row seats to the dazzling cityscape, wrapping up the evening's magic. Snap up those last pics before heading back to dry land, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

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Excursions & day trips

Zakynthos Town Transfer

Exploring Zante's capital is effortless with this transfer. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken directly into the city, where the evening is then yours to do as you wish – be it shopping, sightseeing or tasting local delicacies. There are loads to see and do.You'll have around four hours in the evening to discover the delights that Zakynthos Town has to offer. If you fancy a spot of souvenir shopping, then you'll be able to dip in and out of local boutiques, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the seafront Strada Marina, stopping for the odd aperitif or two.But if history and culture feature high on your agenda, then you've got museums and the famed Bohali Castle for sweeping views. Venetian-style architecture is abundant in the city, and Solomos Square is where you'll find both locals and visitors hanging out and watching the world go by. Enjoy the city as you want without the constraints of an itinerary, and soak up its magical atmosphere.

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Excursions & day trips

Captain Corelli's Kefalonia Tour

Mystical mountains, verdant valleys, secluded coves and azure waters that glitter in the sunlight. Kefalonia is a beauty. Take the ferry across from Zante for the day and then hop on a coach for a tour of the island's most picturesque spots, including Melissani Cave and Myrtos Bay.Just north of Zante, Kefalonia is an island that's big on beauty. You'll cruise over, watching the mountains and cliffs rise high from the sea to Pessada harbour. Your first stop is Drogarati Cave, where you'll step inside a vast cavern and be dazzled by the numerous stalactites and stalagmites. We'll continue to Lake Melissani for a boat trip across this underground lagoon with aquamarine waters that glisten in the sun.Next, we'll head to the seaside village of Agia Efimia. Here, you'll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, there's a photo stop at Myrtos Bay – a famous filming spot from Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Rounding off the trip is some free time in Argostoli, the island's capital.

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Excursions & day trips

Greek food and live music evening at Popolaros Taverna

Good food and good fun are on the menu at Popolaros Greek Taverna. Get in the holiday mood with this classic Greek evening – you'll try lots of typical local dishes, carefully prepared by Giorgios and his team. As the sun sets over the island, the candles are lit and the actors take to the stage. The sound of the bouzouki fills the air, and you find yourself tapping your feet to the rhythm. Dmitri, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Why not try dancing the zeibekiko traditional Greek dance? You follow the rhythm as the tempo gets faster and faster.'The evening begins with a transfer to the inviting taverna, where you can indulge in the traditional cuisine of Zante, prepared where possible with produce fresh from the family's own farm. Homemade bread is made from their own wheat, and most of the meat is reared on the farm, too. Organic vegetables are grown by the family for salads and sides, and you'll even get unlimited wine to sip on.Dmitri says, ‘My memories of family gatherings, holidays and special occasions all involve my mother, aunts and grannies baking. Frigania in summer, raisin and walnut-stuffed buns at Christmas and, all year-round, wood-fired oven-baked bread.' Popolaros is a traditional taverna where every dish is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of Greece. As you finish your meal, sit back and enjoy a performance of local theatre with infectious Zakynthian music.

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Activities

Zante Villages, Beach & Monastery 4x4 Tour

Only off-roaders are tough enough to take you on this tour. Hit the road in a 4x4 and travel through Zante's top-class countryside to explore tiny villages, time-worn towns and the monasteries of Yperagathos and Agios Georgios. After free time for lunch, it's time to relax on the remote Makri Gialos beach for free time to sunbathe and swim. There's also a sunset option, with Makri Gialos, Agios Georgios monastery, wine tasting in Exo Hora and free time in Kampi for dinner and sunset.

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Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zante

What people say about this experience

Great