Zakynthos Boat Tours: BEST Boat Trips in Zante, Greece

Looking for the best boat trips in Zakynthos, Greece? You just found them!

In this article I have outlined all of the best boat tours in Zante, for every travel style and budget. Including overviews of the different boat types and itineraries, what to expect, how to choose one and more.

Located in the Ionian Sea, to the west of mainland Greece, Zante is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.

With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, delicious cuisine and stunning natural beauty, it attracts thousands of travellers every summer. Being an island, boat tours are one of the most popular things to do in Zante.

Exploring the coast of Zakynthos by boat means reaching hidden beaches and caves that you can’t otherwise reach via land, as well as spending an enjoyable day out at sea.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover everything you need to know to choose the perfect Zante boat trip for you!

Should you do a boat tour in Zakynthos?

Absolutely! There are unique beaches to find and caves to discover, which are otherwise unreachable by land. You simply won’t be able to see some places without hopping on a boat and having an adventure.

I’d even go as far as to say that going on a boat tour is one of the best activities you can do in Zakynthos!

This article is all about the love of exploring by sea when you’re in Zante. Boat trips come in different shapes and sizes, and I’ve made sure to include some of the best ones in this post. 

 

Best Zakynthos boat tours at a glance

Though there are a lot of different boat tours to choose from, in my opinion choosing from one of the private boat charters is the best way to truly appreciate the beauty of Zakynthos.

That’s because you’re in a small boat – and not completely crammed in with hundreds of other people (not fun) – plus you have more flexibility on the itinerary.

Porto Vromi: Cruise to Navagio, Turtle island & Keri Caves: This particular private cruise is a great example of how cool boat trips in Zante can be. It’s what I did with my group of friends and we loved it.

Leaving from Porto Vromi, this tour sees you exploring around the whole island, checking out Turtle Island, Keri Caves, and the famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach among other sights.

Along the way, you’ll also swing by hidden beaches and coves, which you can’t usually reach by land.

Click here to book your private boat tour around the island of Zakynthos, or check prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Zakynthos: Turtle Island and Caves Private Boat Trip: This private boat trip has a focus on southern Zakynthos.

The main sights here are Turtle Island and Keri Caves, among others, but one of the coolest things is spotting loggerhead turtles that live in Laganas Bay.

You’ll have the use of snorkeling equipment to explore beneath the waves too!

Click here to book your half-day South Zakynthos boat tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

From Porto Vromi: Shipwreck Beach Private Boat Cruise: This time around you’ll be heading to northern Zakynthos on this private boat trip.

That means checking out Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves, to name a couple of spots, after leaving Porto Vromi.

Check out prices & availability for a half-day north Zante private boat tour here, or directly in the calendar below!

 

Different types of Zante boat tours

Not every boat trip Zakynthos has to offer is the same.

In fact, there are a whole lot of different boat tours that you can join in Zante – some of them may be more your thing, while others may not be what you’re looking for.

Generally speaking, they can be divided into the area of the island that they explore (with differing itineraries between the regions), and the types of boats that go out (i.e. private vs. big boat tours).

Itinerary-wise, they can be separated into the following:

Half-day tours to North Zante

These go to Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and some beaches in the north of the island, which you can usually only reach by sea.

Shipwreck Beach is particularly cool – it’s here that you’ll be able to see the rusting hulk of MV Panagiotis, a ship that ran aground in 1980 while (allegedly!) smuggling goods to Greece on behalf of the Italian mafia.

Whether that’s true or not, who knows, but it’s a dramatic sight and you can get some cool shots of the shipwreck against the white cliffs and bright blue sea.

The Blue Caves are also beautiful. Situated near the village of Volimes, they’re named because of the turquoise water reflecting on the white arches, giving the rocks a cool, eerie blue glow.

Half-day tours to South Zante 

Boat trips in South Zante head to Turtle Island, Keri Caves, and some lovely beaches in the area.

Turtle Island, known in Greek as Marathonisi (fennel island; named because fennel grew wild here), is located in Laganas Bay.

South Zante boat tours swing by here, stopping at the main sandy beach, and the cave-like shore on the opposite side.

Keri Caves are fun! Here among the various arches and sea caves the boat will stop at little beaches or shallow areas for you to swim and snorkel.

This is where I’d say a private tour is best, as you can be a bit more flexible with where you get to stop (or not).

Full-day full-island tours 

These comprehensive tours take in the whole of Zante, visiting all of the above.

While they are good if you’re short on time, and just want to hit up all the hot spots in one day, it’s not so good if you suffer from seasickness.

If that’s you, and you really don’t want to be at sea all day (and you’re in Zante long enough) then you could do two half-day trips on two separate days.

The other difference that you can choose between is the type of boat. Namely, these are:

Small private boat

Obviously, this is the more expensive option, but there are definite perks to this kind of Zakynthos boat tour. For a start, there’s more flexibility, as I’ve said before.

You can choose where you stop when you stop, and for how long.

It’s also great if you’re with your family or a group of friends, as you can hang out together, catch up, and chill, rather than getting overwhelmed by a boatload of people.

Small group tours 

These aren’t private tours, as you don’t hire the whole boat out, but since it’s a small group tour, it’s a bit more intimate.

It’s a good idea for solo travellers since you’ll be able to get to know your fellow passengers as you tour around. I’d also say it’s decent for couples as it’s a fun way to get around away from all the “romantic getaway” stuff.

Big boat tours 

These Zante boat trips are exactly what you imagine. One big boat, crammed with loads of people, and very chaotic.

If you’re here with a friend or two, this might be a fun option, and it’s definitely the most budget-friendly option, but it’s a lot to deal with. Not great if you don’t like crowds.

Best Zakynthos boat tours

Porto Vromi: Cruise to Navagio, Turtle island & Keri Caves

As I already said, this private Zante boat cruise around the whole island is great. It’s by far the best option for a group of friends who can afford to spend a bit more.

Basically, you get to see the whole island at your own pace, telling the captain where you want to go, skipping some stops if you don’t like them, and spending more time at the beaches you like. It’s perfect!

Check out prices & availability for your private full-day boat tour in Zante here, or in the calendar below!

 

Zakynthos: Turtle Island and Caves Private Boat Trip

You and a maximum of 5 other people can embark on this private boat trip to southern Zakynthos. Being a tour of the south of the island, you’ll hit up Turtle Island and Keri Caves, among other places.

The captain is great on this tour – he’ll make sure to explain about the marine reserve, the turtles, and the other stops you make along the way.

Click here to book your half-day South Zakynthos boat tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

From Porto Vromi: Shipwreck Beach Private Boat Cruise

If you want to see the north of the island, i.e. the famous Shipwreck Beach and the majestic Blue Caves, this Zakynthos boat trip is a nice option.

It includes snorkel equipment in the price, so when you stop by the amazing glimmering coves along the way you’ll be able to explore the underwater world as well as the scenery above.

Check out prices & availability for a half-day north Zante private boat tour here, or directly in the calendar below!

 

Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves by Boat

Head to northern Zakynthos on a bigger boat as part of a shared tour. Leaving Porto Vromi, you’ll head to Shipwreck Beach to check out the remains of the MV Panagiotis.

This tour then includes 3 swimming stops, and the beach options on this particular Zante boat tour include the hidden beach of Sfogio and the stunning Porto Steniti beach.

It’s a pretty similar itinerary to the north Zakynthos private boat tour, with the difference that it will be in one of the bigger 50-passenger boats.

Click here to book your North Zante big boat tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Zakynthos: Marathonisi and Cameo Islands & Keri Caves Tour

This shared group tour is a pretty good option. You’ll get to go to Turtle Island and Keri Cave, among other classic locations. Besides the boat trip, this tour will also take you to do a tasting of local products like olive oil!

It’s done with a glass-bottomed boat, which some people like, as it gives you the opportunity to see the seabed, marine life and the famous caretta caretta turtles.

Personally I don’t love it, as the glass bottom tends to get quite dirty, and it’s common for these tours to harass the sea turtles by cruising directly above them.

Click here to book your glass bottom boat trip to Turtle Island & Keri Caves in Zante! Or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour

I also recommend checking out a combination tour like this one.

The good thing about this particular Zante boat trip is that that, as well as travelling by sea on a 3-hour boat tour, you’ll also do some land travel by minibus.

That means you’ll be able to see the Navagio Beach from the clifftop viewpoint.

This is particularly good for those who don’t have long in Zakynthos, as it’s a pretty comprehensive tour and you see quite a lot in one day. On the other hand, expect big groups, a certain amount of chaos and a tight schedule!

Check out prices & availability for your boat & bus tour in Zakynthos here, or check it out directly in the calendar below!

 

Private Customizable Zakynthos Tour

If you want everything to be completely up to you, then take note of this combination boat trip.

Options include visiting a Venetian castle, Shipwreck Beach, charming villages, and a whole lot of beaches, including the intriguing Xigia Sulfur Beaches.

It’s a private tour that’s totally customisable and includes both a minibus and a boat. It’s not exactly cheap, but if it’s for a special occasion and you share the cost between a group of you, it works out pretty reasonable.

Click here to book your private boat trip in Zakynthos, Greece!

What to pack for your Zante boat trips

You don’t really need much besides your usual beach essentials to go on a boat trip in Zante, but I listed below a few essentials anyway, just to make sure you don’t forget.

Power bank – you don’t want your phone to run out of battery while you’re taking photos of the beautiful turquoise water of Zante!

Waterproof phone pouch – Boats usually have dry area, but it’s always a good idea to put your phone in a waterproof pouch, so that you can have it on your for photos, without risking it getting wet!

Fast-drying towel – These towels are great for boat trips since they take up little space and dry quickly.

Stainless steel water bottle – save money and reduce plastic consumption by bringing your own water bottle and refilling it.

Sunscreen – You’ll be out on the water and under the sun all day, you don’t want to ruin your trip by getting sunburnt.

Where to stay for your boat trip Zakynthos

Where you stay in Zante won’t really have much of an influence on your boat trip, as there are boat trips setting off from all the major ports around the island. Plus, many boat tours include also hotel transfers.

If you want to avoid having to travel around the island before embarking on your boat trip, you can stay in one of the major port towns like Laganas, Zakynthos Town or Keri.

Here are some great places too tay in Zakynthos for every budget.

Budget: Gerovasis Apartments with Sea View – This is where we stayed in Keri for five nights. This apartment spacious, clean, has epic views and for the amount of people it sleeps, it’s fairly cheap.

Click here to book your stay at Gerovasis Apartments with Sea View!

Mid-range: Joya Luxury Villas – Even though there is Luxury in the name, this beautiful villa is actually pretty affordable, while still offering a luxury service. It sleeps up to 10 people, has a private pool, and is perfectly positioned to explore the North East coast of Zante. We stayed here for the weekend and loved it.

Click here to book your stay at Joya Luxury Villas in Zante!

Luxury: Lesante Cape Resort & Villas – We had lunch here and fell in love with the venue. This 5-star hotel has beautiful little villas with private pools, amazing service, stunning views and is in a great position. Perfect to spoil yourself!

Click here to see prices & availability at Lesante Cape Resort & Villas!

Do you need travel insurance to join the boat trips in Zante?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Greece travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on the best Zakynthos boat trips

There you have it, the ultimate guide about boat trips in Zakynthos, Greece! Have you been on a Zante boat tour? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

It might not be as iconic as Santorini with its caldera boat tours, but I still loved visiting Zante, and especially discovering the island by boat.

Zakynthos may be a small island, but it’s blessed with beautiful scenery, incredibly clear blue water, white sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. Seeing this unique landscape from the sea is a truly unique experience.

It might sound cliché and touristy, but doing a boat trip in Zante really is one of the best things to do on the island. Regardless of what type of boat or tour you choose!

Personally I loved doing a full-day full-island private tour, but I understand everyone has different priorities and budgets.

I hope you found my Zante boat trips guide useful, and that it will help you choose the perfect boat tour for your style! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

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