Laganas: Private boat rental with or without captain

Laganas: Private boat rental with or without captain offers a chance to explore some of Zakynthos’ most iconic sights by speedboat. For around $63 per person, you get to set your own pace along the southwest coast, with options to captain the boat yourself or let a skilled skipper take the helm. The tour lasts about three hours, weaving through crystal waters, caves, and natural landmarks like Turtle Island and Mizithres Rocks.

What we love about this experience is how flexible it is — whether you’re eager to take control and learn the ropes with an instructor or prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery with a guide at your side. The chance to snorkel in caves and possibly spot the Caretta Caretta turtle makes this trip more than just a boat ride; it’s an adventure into the natural beauty of Zakynthos.

One consideration is that the reviews suggest there’s potential for disorganization or less-than-stellar service, so managing expectations about the experience and being clear about what’s included could help. This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, fun day on the water, especially those wanting to see Turtle Island up close or explore caves and rock formations at their own pace.

Key Points

• Flexible options to be your own captain or have a skipper guide you.
• Great value for the price, including snorkel gear, snacks, and photos.
• Unique stops at Turtle Island, Keri caves, Mizithres Rocks, and the caves of Keri.
• Authentic experiences with opportunities to see turtles and snorkel in crystal waters.
• Potential drawbacks include mixed reviews on organization and comfort.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, natural experience and adventure on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Works: What You Can Expect

This private boat experience is designed to showcase some of Zakynthos’ most breathtaking sights along Laganas Bay. Starting from Agios Sostis harbor, you’ll meet your skipper — either to take the wheel yourself or to enjoy a guided cruise. The trip lasts about three hours, giving you ample time to absorb the scenery without feeling rushed.

The itinerary includes several key stops, with the order depending on the day’s conditions and your preferences. You’ll visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island), a small islet shaped like a turtle, known for its turtle nesting grounds. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore, swim, or simply relax. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Caretta Caretta, the protected loggerhead turtle that calls these waters home — a highlight for many.

Next, the boat heads to Keri Caves, a network of fascinating sea caves perfect for snorkeling. You’ll have roughly 50 minutes to visit, swim, and take photos. The caves’ striking formations and crystal-clear water make them a favorite spot for adventurers.

The tour also includes a stop at Mizithres Rocks, a set of two small, towering limestone formations that jut out of the sea. From here, you’ll enjoy incredible photo opportunities and might snorkel in the turquoise waters surrounding the rocks — about an hour at this stop.

Throughout this journey, snacks, refreshments, and snorkeling equipment are included, along with underwater photos to help you remember the trip. Transportation to and from your hotel is also part of the package, making it a hassle-free experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Transfer

The tour starts with a pick-up from five different locations: Planos, Kalamaki, Zakinthos, Laganas, or Argassi. This flexibility helps travelers stay central to their accommodations. After a short 20-minute van ride, you’ll arrive at the harbor, ready for your sea adventure.

The Speedboat Experience

Once on board, you have two options: be the captain with a brief instruction from your guide or sit back as a guided tour with a skipper. If you choose to steer, you’ll receive training, but the reviews warn that some guests found the instructions more like a test, which could be nerve-wracking if you’re not experienced.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 1: Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

This is arguably the most famous stop. Known for its turtle-shaped form, the island provides a peaceful setting for swimming, taking photos, and exploring. The guide may offer a guided tour of the island’s natural features. Expect about an hour here, which is enough to soak in the scenery and look for turtles.

Stop 2: Keri Caves

A highlight for snorkelers, the Keri caves are known for their spectacular formations and clear waters. You’ll have about 50 minutes to snorkel, explore, and capture photos. The caves’ beauty is worth the visit, but be aware some reviews mention the caves can get crowded or you may not get as much time as you’d like.

Stop 3: Mizithres Rocks

This set of two limestone formations offers dramatic views and excellent photo opportunities. You’ll have about an hour here to snorkel, relax, and take in the scenery. The waters around Mizithres are famously clear, making it a favorite for underwater photography.

Return and Drop-off

The boat heads back to your starting point, with drop-offs at the same five locations. The entire trip is about three hours, including transfers and stops.

Authenticity and Practical Considerations

While the scenery and stops are undoubtedly stunning, the reviews highlight some issues that are worth considering. One reviewer noted a long wait for boat instructions, which was frustrating, especially when expecting a private experience. Another mentioned that the boat was small and cramped, with no food or snorkels provided, contrary to some expectations.

The value here is mainly in the personalized nature of the tour, either taking control of the boat or enjoying a guided experience. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, photos, snacks, and hotel transfers adds to the overall value. However, some travelers might find the organization a bit lacking or the comfort level less than ideal, especially if the boat feels crowded.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers eager for a self-guided or semi-guided boat trip and those interested in wildlife spotting, like the Caretta Caretta turtle. It’s perfect if you want to customize your day and see some of Zakynthos’ iconic seascapes without a large group.

However, if you prefer more structured tours with guaranteed comfort and amenities, or if you’re sensitive to organizational hiccups, you might want to look at other options or be prepared for some surprises.

In summary, this tour offers stunning views and good value but comes with some caveats regarding organization and boat comfort, making it best suited for independent-minded travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure.

FAQs

Can I choose to be the captain of the boat?
Yes, the tour offers an option for you to take control of the boat with a brief instructor’s lesson, or you can opt for a guided experience with a skipper.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, including transfers, stops, and cruising.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, flip-flops, and beachwear. Snorkel gear is provided, but you might want to bring your own if you have preferences.

Are snacks included?
Yes, snacks and refreshments are included in the tour price.

Is it suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm with the provider beforehand to ensure smooth access.

How many people will be on the boat?
Since this is a private group experience, the number depends on your booking, but the boat’s size might be small, so comfort levels vary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, but keep in mind the boat’s size and the duration when traveling with young children.

Overall, this private boat trip in Zakynthos presents a wonderful way to see the island’s highlights with a personal touch. While some reviews suggest there’s room for improvement in organization, the chance to snorkel in clear caves, spot turtles, and enjoy stunning rock formations makes it a memorable outing for those seeking natural beauty and a bit of adventure on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: