Zakynthos: Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Speedboat Tour

Travelers looking for a quick yet memorable adventure around Zakynthos are often drawn to the speedboat tour that promises encounters with sea turtles, visits to captivating caves, and scenic island stops—all for an accessible price. This tour, rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from 76 reviews, seems to hit the sweet spot between value, authentic experiences, and fun.

What we love about this experience is how it combines wildlife spotting with breathtaking scenery—all from the comfort and speed of a semi yacht. The guaranteed turtle sightings provide a sense of rarity and excitement, while the stops at caves and private beaches offer both photo ops and a chance to relax in warm Ionian waters. Plus, the knowledgeable crew ensures a safe and entertaining ride.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the tour’s duration of around 2.5 hours is on the shorter side—perfect for a quick escape but maybe too brief if you’re craving a full day of exploring. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for everyone, including pregnant women, those with back problems, or guests prone to seasickness.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers** wanting a fun, scenic, wildlife-focused excursion without breaking the bank. If you want a mix of adventure and nature with some fantastic photo opportunities, this might just be your perfect day out.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Guaranteed turtle sightings in their natural habitat.
• Scenic Exploration: Visit iconic caves and the famous Cameo Islet.
• Flexible Swim Stops: Two stops at private beaches and caves for swimming and relaxing.
• Expert Crew: Knowledgeable, friendly captains who make the experience enjoyable.
• Value for Money: At around $26.50, it offers a lot of scenic value and wildlife encounters.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour offers a 3-hour eco-friendly cruise that focuses heavily on turtle spotting—a highlight many reviews rave about. For just $26.53 per person, you get guaranteed turtle sightings, which isn’t always a given on wildlife tours, making this a solid choice for animal lovers. The inclusion of close-in cave visits, Cameo Islet, and Marathonisi makes it a comprehensive excursion packed in a tight timeframe.

The experienced captain and crew play a big role in making the trip smooth and fun. As one reviewer noted, the captain Christos was knowledgeable, funny, and attentive, often taking the time to point out the best sights and share interesting facts.

The Itinerary: From Start to Finish

Pickup is arranged from your accommodation or a designated point, simplifying the start to your adventure. After a brief 20-minute bus or coach ride, you’ll arrive at Agios Sostis Harbor, where the boat awaits.

The actual cruise begins with a passionate ride on a semi yacht speedboat, which not only ensures faster travel but adds an element of thrill. The first highlight is the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, a protected area home to loggerhead sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. Multiple reviews mention the guarantee of seeing turtles up close—a rare treat for wildlife watchers. As one reviewer shared, they even got the chance to photograph a 100-year-old turtle, which makes the experience feel truly special.

Next, you’ll cruise past Cameo Islet, a striking formation created by the 1633 earthquake. It’s a quick photo stop, but it’s well worth it as the islet’s unique shape and history add character to your trip.

Following this, the boat heads to the Keri Caves, a series of impressive caves on the southwestern coast. The crew takes care to get you close enough for spectacular photos inside the caves, and passing through the arches KAMARES provides an adrenaline rush. Reviewers describe the experience as exciting and visually stunning, with some even mentioning how the skipper let a guest drive the boat briefly, adding a personal touch.

The first swim stop at Oasis Beach offers a peaceful break in warm waters, perfect for taking a dip after the scenic cruise. The beach is described as private and clean, with reviews noting the crystal-clear water—ideal for snorkeling or relaxing on the sand.

The final stop is at Marathonisi, a turtle-shaped island famous for being a breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. The 50-minute swim allows for more water fun, sunbathing, or photography. Many guests appreciated the chance to soak up the sun or enjoy the warm waters before heading back.

Return to Agios Sostis wraps up the tour, with transfers back to your accommodation—a smooth, hassle-free process.

The Experience on the Water

The speedboat ride is frequently highlighted as a key thrill, with reviews describing it as fast and exhilarating. The crew’s attention to safety and friendliness makes even the more adventurous parts enjoyable, especially for those nervous about open water.

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeability of the crew—particularly how they share insights about local landmarks and wildlife, making the journey educational as well as fun. This level of engagement enhances the experience, especially for travelers who love to learn as they go.

Practical Tips for Travelers

The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long, so it’s perfect for those with limited time or looking for a quick escape. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.

What to bring? Pack essentials like a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, camera, and water. The waters are warm, but a biodegradable sunscreen is encouraged to protect marine life.

Since the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness, consider your health before booking. Also, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

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Authenticity and Quality Based on Reviews

Reviews consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides who go beyond just navigation, sharing interesting facts and making the trip lively. Guests also mention the fun experiences such as being allowed to drive the boat briefly—something that adds a memorable touch.

Many reviewers appreciated the value for money, emphasizing how the trip offered stunning sights, wildlife sightings, and fun stops at a reasonable price. The crystal-clear waters and beautiful caves are repeatedly highlighted as must-see highlights.

While turtle sightings are not always guaranteed depending on the season, the tour’s emphasis on sightings and cave exploration ensures that even if you miss a turtle, you’ll still walk away with a collection of beautiful photos and memories.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to combine wildlife spotting with scenic exploration in a short amount of time. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers will appreciate the friendly crew and easy logistics. If you’re someone who loves photography, marine life, or simply wants to enjoy Zakynthos from a different perspective, this tour delivers.

It’s especially suitable if you’re trying to keep costs reasonable while still packing in adventure and natural beauty. Just keep in mind that if you’re highly seasick, pregnant, or require wheelchair access, you might want to consider other options.

For under $27, this speedboat tour offers a genuinely engaging way to see Zakynthos’ highlights—turtles, caves, and islands—all packed into a 2.5-hour cruise. The guaranteed wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery make it a standout experience for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.

The friendly, knowledgeable crew makes all the difference, turning a simple boat ride into a lively adventure. While the short duration may leave some craving more, it’s a perfect quick escape to enjoy the best of what Zakynthos has to offer in a single, fun-filled trip.

This tour is best suited for those wanting an affordable, scenic, and wildlife-oriented boat experience with expert guidance. If you’re after a relaxed but thrilling day on the water with memorable photo opportunities, this is an excellent choice.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation or specified point are included, making it easy to start and end your day.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, perfect for those wanting a quick but memorable trip.

Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
Yes, the tour guarantees sightings of turtles in their natural habitat, which many reviewers noted they were fortunate enough to experience.

What should I bring?
Pack essentials like a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), and water for a comfortable experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children often love the adventure, check if they are comfortable with boat rides and the tour’s physical requirements.

Can I drive the boat?
Yes, at one point during the trip, guests are sometimes allowed to drive the boat briefly, which is a fun and memorable experience.

What about seasickness?
The tour involves high-speed boat rides, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions or avoiding this trip.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, so alternative arrangements may be needed for mobility-impaired travelers.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing your own snacks if desired.

This Zakynthos speedboat tour combines wildlife, scenery, and fun, all at a great value. Whether you’re after the chance to see turtles swimming free or exploring stunning caves, this quick but exciting cruise is well worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: