Zakynthos: Laganas, Keri, & Marathonisi Turtle Spotting Tour

Exploring Zakynthos often involves breathtaking beaches and iconic blue caves, but this tour offers something even more special: the chance to see the gentle Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat. We’re reviewing the Laganas, Keri, & Marathonisi Turtle Spotting Tour by Bon voyage tours, a well-rated experience designed for those eager to combine adventure, nature, and authentic Greek scenery — all in just a few hours.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, the small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. Secondly, the quality of the boats and professional captains promises a safe, smooth ride with excellent views. And thirdly, the focus on turtle spotting and exploring caves adds a layer of uniqueness you won’t get on more generic boat trips.

A potential consideration is the duration — just 3.5 hours — which is perfect for a quick overview but not ideal if you’re looking for a long, leisurely day out. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a concise but enriching experience that balances sightseeing with wildlife encounters.

If you love the idea of combining sea adventures, stunning scenery, and wildlife, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting an active, scenic outing with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and relax in nature.

Good To Know

• Small group size enhances the experience and personal attention
• Quality boats and professional guides ensure safety and comfort
• Multiple swimming stops, including Turtle Island, Oasis Beach, and Keri caves
• Focus on turtle spotting, especially Caretta Caretta sea turtles
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• All transport included from key areas like Argasi, Kalamaki, and Laganas

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This 3.5-hour tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Zakynthos’ natural treasures with a focus on wildlife and scenic beauty. Starting from Zakynthos, the journey begins with a glass-bottom boat ride around Laganas Bay. This initial segment is not only practical — facilitating easy turtle spotting — but also highly visual, with clear waters making it easier to see the Caretta Caretta turtles swimming below.

Turtle Spotting in Laganas Bay

The main highlight is turtle watching. The guide will likely point out and photograph these gentle creatures, which are a protected species (Caretta Caretta). One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained about the turtles, and seeing them in their natural environment was a real highlight.” The chance to see these creatures up close in open water makes this tour special. The smaller boat size, compared to larger cruise options, allows for more flexibility and better photo opportunities.

Keri Caves and Inside Exploration

Next, the boat heads to the Keri caves, where you’ll get to visit from inside using the small boats. This is a significant advantage over larger vessels, as the smaller boats can navigate into tighter spaces, offering a more intimate view of the caves. The first swimming stop here lasts 30-40 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy the crystalline waters and explore the caves from the inside. Reviewers often mention the stunning rock formations and the tranquility of swimming in these sheltered waters.

Oasis Beach and Nature’s Serenity

The tour then moves to the Oasis Beach area, an underrated highlight. The scenery here is described as beautiful and rarely visited, making it a peaceful escape from crowded spots. The second swimming stop also lasts 30-40 minutes, allowing swimmers plenty of time to relax, sunbathe, or snorkel. Travelers note the calm waters and natural beauty—a perfect spot to unwind and take photos of the scenery.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

The star of the tour is undoubtedly the visit to Marathonisi, often called Turtle Island. The boat lands on the beach for a 45-minute swim stop, where you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the sea, or grab a refreshing drink from the on-board canteen. This island, shaped like a turtle, is famous for its scenery and turtle sightings. One reviewer highlighted that “the beach was stunning, and the opportunity to enjoy Greek sun and sea was a real treat.” The visit offers a nice balance—time to relax while still exploring the iconic island.

Scenic Return & Photo Moments

Finally, the boat heads back toward Zakynthos, passing by Cameo, the wedding island — a perfect photo stop. The guide often encourages guests to capture the beauty of the surrounding scenery and iconic landmarks, making for memorable keepsakes.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The price covers boat tickets and transfers from key points around Argasi, Kalamaki, and Laganas, simplifying logistics. The boats are described as safe and comfortable, with plenty of space for viewing and relaxing. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide, which helps with understanding the sights and wildlife.

What to Bring

Travelers should remember to pack a camera to capture the stunning vistas and wildlife, biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment, and beachwear for swimming stops. Given the limited duration, bringing only essentials helps keep the experience streamlined and enjoyable.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving peace of mind for spontaneous trip planning. You can reserve now and pay later, which is handy for flexible schedules.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the quality of the boats and the professionalism of captains, with some mentioning that guides are knowledgeable about the turtles and local scenery. Comments like “The boats are new and comfy, and the guide was very friendly and informative” are common.

Some mention the timing — with 3.5 hours feeling just right for a quick yet thorough adventure. While others note that the sea can be choppy at times, which is typical for open-water trips, so a bit of sea sickness might be expected for sensitive travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to see turtles in their natural habitat. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation without committing to a full day. Since the tour is small group, it’s also better suited for those seeking a more personalized and less crowded atmosphere.

It’s a top choice for families with kids, couples, or solo explorers looking for a quick, scenic, and wildlife-centered adventure. The short duration makes it accessible for those with limited time but still wanting a meaningful experience.

Final Thoughts

This Laganas, Keri, & Marathonisi Turtle Spotting Tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Zakynthos’ natural beauty, with the added thrill of spotting Caretta Caretta turtles in the wild. The focus on small groups and quality boats ensures a comfortable, intimate experience, complemented by stunning scenery and inviting swimming stops.

While it’s not a lengthy expedition, the tour hits the sweet spot for those who want a convenient, scenic, and wildlife-rich excursion. The combination of caves, beaches, and turtle sightings makes it an appealing choice for anyone craving a taste of Zakynthos’ best natural features, all in just a few hours.

If you’re after a value-packed, authentic, and visually stunning experience that combines wildlife, scenery, and comfort, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee includes boat tickets and transfers from Argasi, Kalamaki, and Laganas to the boat.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour’s small group size and gentle nature make it family-friendly and accessible for children.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear for swimming and sunbathing during stops.

Is it easy to book?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with flexible booking options including free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Who leads the tour?
It’s led by a live English-speaking guide, ensuring smooth communication and insightful commentary.

Are the boats safe and comfortable?
Yes, the boats are described as new, comfy, and operated by professional captains for a safe experience.

Where do the tours depart from?
Transfers are provided from key areas around Zakynthos, including Argasi, Kalamaki, and Laganas.

Can I expect to see turtles?
While turtle sightings depend on wildlife activity, this tour is known for quality turtle spotting, with many guests having memorable encounters.

What scenery can I expect on the return?
Expect beautiful views of Cameo, the wedding island, and other scenic landmarks as the boat heads back to Zakynthos.

This turtle-focused adventure offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and comfort, making it a standout choice for a quick yet meaningful Zakynthos experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: