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Marathonísi

Marathonísi: Our most recommended tours and activities

Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting, Marathonísi, & Keri Caves Cruise

1. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting, Marathonísi, & Keri Caves Cruise

Depart from the Gulf of Laganas where your cruise begins. After boarding the boat your guide will give you some information about the loggerhead turtles "Caretta Caretta", while the crew will try to spot some turtles as they surface for air. Grab the opportunity to observe the turtles and take some great souvenir photos and videos. Continue to the stunning caves of Keri and stop for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters. Arrive at the turtle-shaped island of Marathonisi. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling as the clear turquoise waters surround you and explore the Golden Nesting Beach, where sea turtles lay their nests. Return to the Gulf of Laganas at the end of the tour.

Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

2. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

After being picked up from your accommodation, set off to begin your 3-hour eco-friendly turtle spotting cruise. Climb aboard a special glass-bottomed boat and embark on your journey through the National Marine Park surrounding the island.  Make a photo stop at the famous Cameo Islet, which was created by the 1633 earthquake. Take unique photos (guaranteed sightings) of the turtles from up close, and take the opportunity to swim amongst them in their natural habitat.  After this, explore the enchanting Keri Caves, and pass underneath the “Kamares”, before enjoying another swimming opportunity in the clear waters. Finally, arrive at the turtle-shaped island of Marathonisi. Swim and have fun at the Golden Nesting Beach which is home to the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta Caretta. You will also have the chance to admire the stunning caves.

Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves

3. Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves

Spend the day at sea on this multi-stop boat tour in Zakynthos. Visit Kalamaki Beach, Laganas, Turtle Island (Marathonisi), and a local olive oil press. Meet the resident turtles, swim near the Keri Caves, and taste olive oil samples.  After hotel pickup, start discovering the highlights of the southern region of Zakynthos. The first stop will be at Kalamaki Beach to learn about the turtle nests in the area. Next, embark on a 3-hour cruise on a glass bottom boat around the beach of Laganas. Stop at the nearby island of Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island. Admire its beautiful caves and white sand beaches, and keep an eye out for the Caretta turtles who inhabit the surrounding waters. Continue sailing to the Keri Caves, located on the southern coast of Zakynthos. Make a stop for swimming before returning to the port and traveling to the Aristeon Olive Oil Press.  At the press, learn about the long history of olive oil production on the island and taste some samples before returning to your hotel.

Zakynthos: Marathonisi and Cameo Islands & Keri Caves Tour

4. Zakynthos: Marathonisi and Cameo Islands & Keri Caves Tour

After a convenient pickup from your hotel, head to Kalamaki beach on Zante's southern shores. Enjoy the pristine beach with soft sand and warm waters, protected by National Marine Park. See where the endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest. Next, head to Laganas beach to board the glass-bottom boat. Sail to the Keri Caves, carved by time, tides, and wind. Follow the coastline, admiring the white beaches, rock arches, forested hills, and enormous limestone cliffs that fall into the sea. Pass through the famous rock arch, Kamara.  Stop for a 20-minute swim just outside the entrance to a vast cave. Climb back on board to head to Marathonisi Island, an exotic, green, and coincidentally turtle-shaped island. Enjoy an hour on the golden sandy beach where you can swim and snorkel. Head back and pass the famous Cameo island bridge. Enjoy the idyllic views of secluded beaches surrounded by steep white limestone. Enjoy a final stop at the award-winning Aristeon ecological olive oil press museum in Lithakia. Explore the history of olive oil making on the island with experts.  Enjoy free tasters of local olives and traditional bread with different flavored extra virgin olive oils (most likely lemon, orange, and garlic). Take a sample of olive oil shampoo, soap, body cream, or face cream. You can also buy these products to support local businesses.

Zakynthos: Guided Boat Cruise to Turtle Island & Keri Caves

5. Zakynthos: Guided Boat Cruise to Turtle Island & Keri Caves

Marvel at the works of nature as you sail through blue waters on this boat cruise. Explore various islands and get the chance to see exotic and protected species. After being picked up from your accommodation, begin your cruise from the port of Agios Sostis. From there, sail south with your guide to the stunning Keri Caves, where you will be given fantastic photo opportunities. Then, cruise to the small island of Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island because of its shape. It is one of the nesting beaches for the Loggerhead turtles, and it houses other exotic species. While there, you can swim in the clear blue waters. Continue sailing around Marathonisi and Laganas Bay for turtle spotting. Have the chance to personally see the Caretta-Caretta (Loggerhead turtle), which is a protected species and is one of Zakynthos' most famous inhabitants. Upon your return to Agios Sostis port, the buses will be waiting to return you to your accommodation.

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What people are saying about Marathonísi

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 932 reviews

The boat trip was really great, even though turtle season is over we were able to see a turtle in the harbor. Furthermore, we drove to the Keri Caves where wonderful turquoise water invited for a short swim and snorkeling. The last stop at Marathonisi was also very nice for swimming and eating ice cream. Thanks to our wonderful skipper Stella!

We really enjoyed the boat tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves. We were picked up on time, driven to the port and directed to our boat. The guide gave us information on Turtle Island and the caves and we were able to spot a turtle! The tour is well worth the money and we would happily book again.

Loved the smaller boat as easier to go into caves for a close up look… Excellent value! Captain was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of area. Drove around on the way back in the harbor which took us over our time but we saw turtles!!

Great trip, tour guide was very accommodating and saw some beautiful places! Would’ve been nice to see a few more turtles (we saw 3) but it was off season so still great to see and visit the other places.

The guide was very nice to everyone making sure we were okay asking if this was good enough for us everything was fine