Zakynthos: Laganas Bay, Myzithres & Turtles Speedboat Tour

This speedboat tour is one of the most efficient ways to see Zakynthos by water, while still getting real swim time. You trade slow sightseeing for wind-in-your-face cruising across the Ionian Sea, with stops built around beaches, caves, and a turtle breeding islet.

I especially like the hands-on feel of the day. Captains like Pedro and Jimmy make it playful, even giving kids a chance to feel like captain for a moment, while the guides also explain what you are looking at as you go.

One thing to plan for is the boat ride itself. If the sea is a bit bumpy, it can feel rough for a speedboat, even when the crew is doing everything right.

Key things that make this tour work

• Small-group water time: You get multiple chances to swim, not just a quick stop at a single beach.
• Myzithres Beach access by boat: A secluded, only-by-water kind of beach with dramatic cliffs.
• Keri Caves with close sailing: The captain positions the boat well so you can actually experience the caves, not just see them.
• Marathonisi turtle breeding ground: This is the turtle-focused part of the trip, with a good third swim stop timed for viewing.
• Cave vibes plus photo moments: You get both water time and a dedicated photo stop near the caves.
• Crews that prioritize safety: Many guides run the day with clear instructions and keep checking in during stops.

Speedboat start from Agios Sostis, then straight into the Marine Park

Your tour typically begins with pickup by van from your accommodation area in Zakynthos. The transfer is short, about 15 minutes, then you head to Agios Sostis Harbor where the boats launch.

Once you’re at the harbor, expect a quick safety briefing. There are no onboard toilets, so use facilities before you board. Also, bring a towel, because you’ll be back and forth between sun, water, and changing conditions.

From there you cruise out into the National Marine Park of Zakynthos area. The vibe changes fast once you leave the harbor. The air cools from the sea breeze, and the coastline starts to look less like scenery and more like a playground.

Laganas marine life viewing, a quick taste before the swims

Early in the trip, there’s a marine life viewing moment from the water near Laganas. It is not a long stop, about 20 minutes, but it helps you get oriented and starts the day with that “we are in turtle country” energy.

If you are hoping for sea turtles right away, this is the first window. Many captains also adjust based on how the water and visibility look that day, so it is worth staying alert on the ride in and out.

There is also a later, shorter Laganas viewing moment on the return, about 5 minutes. It’s brief, but it keeps the day connected to the marine-life theme instead of feeling like a full beach day that happens to include wildlife.

Myzithres Beach swim, the secluded boat-only kind of stop

The first major swim stop is Myzithres Beach, a spot you can reach by boat. The whole point here is to get away from the busier parts of the island and enjoy water that feels like it belongs to you for a half hour.

You get about 30 minutes to swim. That is enough time to rinse off salt after you float around, find a comfortable entry, and do a quick snorkel if you brought gear. The beach is pebbly with striking cliff walls, so it feels dramatic even when you are just standing and catching your breath.

Practical note: if you have water shoes, wear them here. Some shore areas can be rocky or uneven, and even if the water is calm, your footing may not be.

Keri Caves, the close-sailing highlight

Next comes the part people talk about: Keri Caves. You get a stop for swimming near the cave area, about 20 minutes, plus a photo stop around 15 minutes where the crew positions the boat for pictures.

What matters is that you are not just staring from a distance. The speedboat can get close, and captains often aim for angles where you can see the cave shapes clearly while still keeping the schedule moving. Several guides are praised for driving the boat into tight spots safely, with one review specifically calling out how skilled the captain was when approaching the caves.

If you like caves, do not over-plan your expectations. You will probably want to swim and look up at the shapes while light moves through openings. It can be surreal, but it also depends on day light and water conditions, so keep your goggles ready and your camera waterproof if you use one.

Marathonisi, the turtle breeding ground and the final swim stop

After the caves, the day shifts into the wildlife finale with Marathonisi, an offshore islet known as a loggerhead sea turtle breeding ground. This is the third and final swimming stop, and it comes with a longer window, about 45 minutes.

This is where you should set your mindset. Turtle spotting is not a guarantee, but the timing, location, and the crew’s local knowledge matter. Some captains are very determined, and if turtles are not visible that day, guides may take you to a backup viewing spot where sightings are more consistent.

Also, Marathonisi can feel calmer for hanging out on land too, depending on conditions and what your crew allows. Even if you do not see a turtle in that exact moment, it’s still an excellent last swim with a strong sense of place.

If you are sensitive to sun, this part of the day is longer, so take shade breaks when you can and keep drinking water from off-boat sources. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

The National Marine Park photo stop, what you’re actually looking at

Right after Marathonisi, there’s a National Marine Park of Zakynthos photo stop. The stop is about 30 minutes, and it is usually positioned so you can get a feel for the bigger protected area you’ve been traveling through.

The marine park exists to protect native species, with a focus on loggerhead sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. Even though monk seals are not something you can count on seeing during a short speedboat tour, it’s a useful context reminder: this is not just a pretty coastline tour, it’s tied to conservation.

This stop also gives you a break between the water moments. Use it to look at the cliffs and coast shapes you just swam near, then connect it to what the guide told you earlier.

Boat comfort and safety, how the day really feels in motion

This is a speedboat, not a big ferry. The upside is freedom and closeness. The downside is that you will feel motion, wind, and sometimes chop on the water.

Many people love the adrenaline feel, especially when you are between stops and the sea is behaving. Other riders mention that if the waves are up, it can feel rough, even while the crew keeps it controlled. Either way, it is part of the experience, and the crew instructions matter.

On safety, the pattern is consistent: guides check in during swimming, explain boundaries, and make sure everyone follows boarding and emergency procedures. Captains like Fred, Petros, and Prodromos show up repeatedly in praise, and the common thread is how they manage the group around water access.

Pickup, timing, and the one snag to watch for

Most days run smoothly, and pickup is a real convenience. Your pickup time is communicated within 24 hours before the activity, and if the van cannot drive into your exact hotel, you’ll meet at the nearest main street or a pickup point within about 5 minutes walking distance.

Timing is the only common complaint. A few people report pickup delays and one late-dropoff situation. It does not sound like it ruins the tour itself, but it can shift the rhythm of the afternoon.

If you have dinner reservations right after, build in buffer time. If you are flexible, you’ll have an easier day because the views and swims do most of the heavy lifting.

What you get for around $38, and when it is best value

At about $38 per person, this tour is strong value if you want three things in one: speedboat cruising, multiple swimming stops, and the turtle and cave focus. Compared to tours that do only one beach or only one cave visit, you’re paying for time on the water and multiple locations rather than just transportation.

Also, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off (if you select it) is a big deal on Zakynthos. If you’ve tried organizing a boat day on your own, you already know how much time and hassle that can add.

The main cost outside the tour price is food and drinks, plus any water shoes or snorkel gear you need. Plan for a snack and water before you leave, because there is no onboard food included.

This is a smart pick if:

• You want a fast, water-based day that still includes real swim breaks
• You care about turtles enough to pick a specific turtle-focused stop
• You like caves and want to swim in and around them rather than just pass by

Who should book this tour, and who might prefer something else

You’ll be happiest if you like boat days and you don’t mind wind, sun, and a schedule with purpose. This tour tends to fit families too, since some captains add a little role-playing fun and keep things organized around the group.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that speedboats move differently than larger boats. You might still enjoy it if you plan ahead, but keep that in mind.

If you want a long, slow beach day with lots of lying around, this is not that. It’s a tour of stops, swims, and sights, and the value comes from getting between locations quickly.

Should you book the Zakynthos turtle, caves, and speedboat tour?

Yes, if your ideal Zakynthos day includes three swim stops, a real look at Keri Caves, and a chance at loggerhead sea turtles at Marathonisi. The price works when you want both the wildlife theme and the fun of a speedboat.

Hold off or choose a different style of day if you are very sensitive to rough water, because this is a speedboat experience. Also, plan for no onboard toilet access, so your timing around facilities matters.

If you book, pack simple: swimwear, towel, and consider water shoes. And give yourself scheduling slack for pickup timing, just in case the van runs late.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours, listed as 210 minutes.

Where does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at the side of the beach at Agios Sostis harbour. You can find the team under the big white umbrella that says ZANTE MARE.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the pickup option. The pickup is outside your accommodation, or at the nearest main street if the bus cannot enter the hotel.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat tour, a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), and 3 swim stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are there toilets onboard the speedboat?

No, there are no onboard toilets. The nearest facilities are available for a fee at a shop called Sabia in the port area.

What should I bring for the swim stops?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.