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Marathonisi

Marathonisi: Our most recommended tours and activities

Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

Laganas: Zakynthos Marine Park and Turtle Spotting Boat Tour

4. Laganas: Zakynthos Marine Park and Turtle Spotting Boat Tour

Discover the underwater world of Zakynthos Marine Park on a glass-bottom boat trip in Laganas Bay. See loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) in their natural environment, and make stops to swim in crystal-clear waters. Head to the meeting point to board the glass-bottom boat. Then, set off over Laganas Bay, viewing the world beneath the water's surface through the transparent floor of the boat. During the boat trip, feel free to relax on the sundeck or in the shaded seating area. Stop near the Keri Caves for a refreshing dip in the sea, then continue to Turtle Island to discover the large cave and enjoy another chance to swim. Next, make your way to Marathonissi. Stop on the islet's sandy beach, and buy a drink, snack, or ice cream. Cool off in the sea again before returning to the starting point in Laganas.

Zakynthos: Turtle Island and Caves Private Boat Trip

5. Zakynthos: Turtle Island and Caves Private Boat Trip

A 3 hour private boat trip where you will experience the magically National Marine Park in Laganas Bay. The adventure starts from Agios Sostis harbour where you wil be familiar with the experienced skipper. During the trip you will spot Caretta Caretta, the turtle that lives and nest in Laganas Bay. Admire and explore the hidden gems of the small islet "Marathonisi". Its shape looks like a turtle and it is one of the bech where turtles nest ots eggs. Adventure in Keri Caves and Mizithres rocks where you will dive into the clear crystal waters, admire the breathtaking landscapes and the turquoise waters. Snorkel in the caves and feel the essence of the island. Capture the momments up and under water with your family or your friends and live like a local for a day.

Zakynthos: Sunset Cruise to Myzithres with Wine

6. Zakynthos: Sunset Cruise to Myzithres with Wine

Cameo Island, Agios Sostis, Laganas After picking you up from your accommodation we will head to the small port of Agios Sostis which is located at Laganas bay from where our unique adventure will begin. We will stop for 15 minutes to admire the view of Cameo Island and its rope wooden bridge. Cameo is a privately owned little paradise and during the summer months, is connected to the land by this bridge and we will have the chance to cross and take some amazing photos! Our boat is waiting for us to start the sunset cruise along the South West Coast of Zakynthos. Marathonisi Island As soon as we are all on board, captain Panagiotis will set sail to Marathonisi, an exotic, green, naturally turtle-shaped island. Along the way, we will try to spot the unique and beautiful creatures, the Caretta-Caretta turtles, which choose Zakynthos sandy beaches every summer to lay their eggs. We will stay at this exotic golden beach swimming, snorkeling, or soaking in the sun. We must be very careful because this is a breeding area for Loggerhead turtles and we must stay only within the first 5 meters of the beach to avoid any harm to the nests of the turtles. Keri Caves Leaving Marathonisi island behind us and sailing along the coastline, you can admire the breathtaking Keri Caves carved by time, tide, and wind and also the white single beaches, the amazing rock arches, and views of the huge white cliffs. Our local captain Panagiotis is very experienced not only at getting into the small-sized caves with the Glass-Bottom boat but also passing right through the famous Keri rock arch (Kamara) as well. We will have 30 minutes to swim outside a magnificent large cave and admire the scenery around us with awe. Make sure you have with you snorkeling equipment to take a look under the crystal-clear waters and admire the sea life, (if you don't have snorkeling equipment ask the captain to borrow you). Myzithres (Keri Sea rocks) As we reach Myzithres Beach and the rocks we realize that is the most imposing landscape of Zakynthos after Navagio beach. These two towering white rocks, the small and large Myzithra are located below the lighthouse of Keri and the contrast between the crystal-clear blue-green waters and the white color of the rocks and the sand of the beach is absolutely amazing. And as the sun goes down with these marvelous colors of the sky the moment is truly enchanting. Enjoy it with a free glass of wine or soft drink.

Zakynthos: Guided Boat Cruise to Turtle Island & Keri Caves

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

Having been picked up from your resorts, your day will begin at the port of Agios Sostis. Here you will embark on your 3-hour trip taking in the spectacular scenery with caves, cliffs and arches. First we will gently cruise around Laganas Bay for turtle spotting. The Caretta-Caretta is a protected species and is one of Zakynthos' most famous inhabitants. Next we will cruise close to the small island of Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island due to its shape and can enjoy a swim stop at the caves at the back of the island. Sailing south to the stunning Keri Caves where you will have some fantastic photo opportunities. It should be noted that the boat does not stop at any beaches, but anchors in suitable waters and you can enter the sea via the ladders on the boat. Suitable for strong/confident swimmers, alternatively swimming aids will be required. Returning to Agios Sostis port, your coaches will be waiting to return you to your resorts. **Pick up information: There are no pickups from the resort of Keri. Anyone staying in this resort who wish to go on the excursion can meet the bus at the nearest pickup point, which will be advised at the time of booking. Things to remember: • Swimming aids for non-confident/ weak swimmers. • Camera, sunscreen, hat, swimwear & towels • Money needed for snacks and refreshments • Snack bar on board for refreshments • Turtle sighting not guaranteed as they are wild animals Included: • Transfer to and from the port • Boat ticket • Tour escort Not Included: • Snacks and refreshments ***Note: Changes in the order of itinerary are at the Guide’s discretion Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start of the excursion***

Private Cruise to the Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres

8. Private Cruise to the Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres

Relax on a large front leather sundeck and enjoy the comfort & luxury of italian pleasure craft, powered by 100 horses. Marinello Eden 18 offers shower & clear water, large canopy and leather front and rear lounge, cool and freeze boxes and snorkeling equipment, as you sail in the hands of a professional skipper. We cruise you round Marine Park, to spot Carretta Sea Turtles, stop at Marathonisi, swim at the famous Keri Caves and Mizithres Beach. Keri Caves are the absolute time and space escape. Crafted by the forces of nature, Mizithres Beach is a recently formed paradise. Offering pearless shades of blue along its sandy coasts, visitors call it the „new Shipwreck”! We will take your breath away further up to Eros Cave, swimming at still unknown Piscines Beach. You will beg us to leave you there forever as time seems to stop in this spectacular beauty ...

Agios Sostis: Marathonissi, Keri Caves and turtles Spotting

9. Agios Sostis: Marathonissi, Keri Caves and turtles Spotting

Uncover the secrets of the underwater world of the National Marine park of Zakynthos with this glass bottom boat tour from Laganas. Stop to swim at the Keri Caves and visit the island of Marathonisi, which is a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. Hop aboard a comfortable boat in the Agios Sostis harbor in Laganas. Choose from a shaded seating area and a rear sundeck where you can work on your tan. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide across the water to the protected waters of the National Marine park of Zakynthos. Go for a refreshing dip at the Keri Caves which are only accessible by boat. Have the option to swim inside the caves to admire the way that blue light plays off the limestone walls. Continue on to the island of Marathonisi and take in views of pine, olive and green oak forests as you approach. See the small beach where endangered Caretta Caretta turtles (loggerhead) lay their eggs. Have free time on the island to explore or visit a bar where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour with unforgettable memories.

License Free Boat Rental to Turtle Island & Keri Caves

10. License Free Boat Rental to Turtle Island & Keri Caves

Book a small boat to drive it yourself and enjoy a day out at the sea. Rent it from Laganas Beach and decide where you want to go. Don't forget to bring your own food, drinks and sunscreen. At the time of rental you will have support per telephone. Also, we suggest you take sunscreen, towels, swimwear and maybe a light summer jacket in case it gets windy. We will advise you where to go to ensure you don’t miss any of the most beautiful places. - 60hp engine - fuel - cup holders - ice box & cool boxes - sun deck lounge - snorkeling equipment

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What people are saying about Marathonisi

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