Scene Laganas shuttle bus from Kalamaki, Argassi and Tsilivi

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.

Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zante

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.

Excursion to Olympia Archeological Site from Zante

The birthplace of the Olympic Games is just a short hop across the Ionian Sea on mainland Greece. Catch the ferry over from Zante and head to ancient Olympia for a journey through the centuries. You'll also visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum. Konstantina, one of our guides, says, ‘Olympia has been standing there for more than 2,500 years, still inspiring as a must-stop on the way to a personal Odyssey. To wander around its ruins and to feel the connection with the past is a special feeling.'After docking at Kyllini, we'll drive through the ‘garden of Greece' – fields of tomatoes, melons and cotton – to one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. Alongside a licenced Olympia guide and our own local expert, you'll discover where the Olympic Games began in the 8th century BC. See the remains of the stadium where 45,000 spectators cheered on their favourite athletes, including the finishing line and waterside gym. What's more, you'll share the use of an iPad to bring to life the ruins and see how they once looked.You'll also see the ruins of the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame was first lit, and of the Temple of Zeus. It was here that the statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Afterwards, head to the superb Archaeological Museum to see its collection of statues and bronzes. Finally, head into Olympia town, where you'll have time for lunch and a poke around the souvenir shops.

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.

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.

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.

Half-day sea kayaking tour in Zante

Set off on a sea kayak adventure along Zante's stunning coast. Choose between the north or south of the island for an up-close look at its natural beauty. The southern Turtle Island starts in Keri and offers an easier route. You'll be guided through calm sparkling waters, past hidden caves and around turtle nesting grounds. For more of a challenge, the northern Blue Caves tour takes you across vibrant turquoise waters to explore several hard-to-reach glowing sea caves. Both tours include stops so you can give snorkelling a go.

Scene Laganas shuttle bus from Kalamaki, Argassi and Tsilivi

Hop on the party shuttle and head straight to the wildest Scene events in Laganas. From Barmy Bingo to Switch Disco and Sunset Session Wonderland, the biggest parties go down at iconic clubs like Sizzle, Rescue, and Zeros. We'll pick you up near your hotel and drop you right in the middle of the action. Return trip? That part's up to you.

Half-day Greek cooking adventure in Zante

A relaxed half-day experience exploring Greek food and culture, the perfect way to start your morning. You'll be welcomed with coffee and intros before getting hands-on in a kitchen set in a beautiful garden on Zante. Under expert guidance, you'll dive into preparing five traditional dishes, including an appetiser, main, salad and dessert in this fun, relaxed and interactive class that's suitable for all skill levels. You'll learn to craft Greek favourites like stifado, spinach pie and feta saganaki as you sip soft drinks and sample your creations along the way. As you cook, you'll discover more about Greek culture, cuisine and island life. To end the day, you'll sit down to savour the dishes you've created, served alongside a local beer or wine. All the ingredients and tools are provided, just bring along your enthusiasm and appetite. Finally, you'll receive a PDF recipe booklet to recreate the authentic flavours of Zante at home.

Boat tour to Zante’s Navagio Beach shipwreck

Between the towering cliffs of Navagio beach lies Zante's famous shipwreck, Panagiotis. On this boat trip you'll get plenty of photo ops with the wreck and hear about its modern-day pirate story. Your trip starts at Porto Vromi Maries on the northwest of the island, where you'll cruise up the coast, dropping anchor at beaches and caves along the way for a swim and snorkel. On your return, you'll see Poseidon's Profile in the rockface – some locals still believe the god of the seas brings good luck to visitors.