Zante Private Cruise Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres

A Personalized Day on the Water: Zante Private Cruise to Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres

If you’re craving a day on the water that balances comfort, adventure, and unique sights, this private boat trip around Zakynthos offers just that. For around $632 per group (up to five people), you get to explore the Marine Park, spot Caretta Sea Turtles, visit remote beaches like Mizithres, and peer into caves along the coast — all tailored to your preferences. The trip lasts about 7 hours, meaning you can set a flexible schedule that suits your rhythm, whether you’re an early riser or prefer a late-morning start.

Two things we especially love about this experience: First, the customizable nature of the tour. You control where you go and how long you stay at each stop — no rushing, no fixed itinerary. Second, the luxurious boat — a Marinello Eden 18 with leather seats, canopy, and a powerful engine that lets you reach spots inaccessible to smaller or license-free boats. That combination of flexibility and comfort makes this trip stand out.

One potential consideration is the price, which, while offering exclusive privacy and a high-end boat, might be on the higher end for some travelers. Also, since it’s a private group experience, you’ll want to be comfortable with the idea of paying for the entire boat, not per person.

This tour is perfect for those who value personalized attention, scenic beauty, and the chance to relax away from crowded group tours. If you’re traveling with a small group or a partner and want a bespoke day on the water, this experience offers great value. It also suits adventurous travelers eager to explore beyond the usual spots, thanks to the boat’s ability to go further than self-driven speedboats.

Key Points

• Tailored Experience: You decide where to go and how long to stay at each stop, making it flexible for your interests.
• Comfort & Luxury: The boat features leather lounge areas, a canopy, shower, snorkeling gear, and cool boxes for drinks.
• Unique Sights: Spot Caretta Sea Turtles, explore caves, and enjoy beaches like Mizithres and Piscines, often called paradise beaches.
• Expert Skipper: A professional captain ensures safety, smooth sailing, and an insightful commentary about the sights.
• Value for Privacy: Private group booking offers an exclusive experience without the crowds of shared tours.
• Weather Dependence: Tours are subject to weather conditions; in bad weather, rescheduling or refunds are possible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What Sets This Tour Apart?

This private cruise is designed to be more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a luxurious, flexible adventure on the water. Unlike larger, group tours, this allows for spontaneous swimming, customized stops, and a relaxed pace. We’ll emphasize the personalized nature: you get to tell the skipper what interests you most, whether it’s turtle spotting, cave exploring, or just relaxing on deck.

The Itinerary and Stops

The main highlights include Marine Park, where your chances of seeing a Caretta Sea Turtle are high — many reviews mention actually spotting one within the first 10 minutes. This is a real treat, as these turtles are a protected species and a rare sight elsewhere.

Next is Marathonisi, a small island often called Turtle Island, famous for its natural beauty and the turtle sightings that gave it its name. Here, you might enjoy some quiet time for swimming or just appreciating the views.

The famous Keri Caves are crafted by nature into impressive sea caves that you can explore by boat or swim near. These are often described as a “time and space escape,” owing to their otherworldly formations.

Then there’s Mizithres Beach, a recent formation that many call the “new Shipwreck” because of its stunning blue waters and unique rock formations. Here, you can relax on the sandy coast or snorkel to enjoy the vibrant marine life.

Further up the coast, the Eros Cave offers dramatic scenery and interesting rock formations, perfect for a quick swim or photo op. Lastly, the Piscines Beach is a hidden gem, often described as “spectacular” and “a place you’ll wish you could stay forever.” It’s a pristine, quiet cove with crystal-clear waters that seem almost unreal.

The Boat & Comfort

The boat, Marinello Eden 18, is powered by a strong 100-horse engine, giving you the ability to go beyond the reach of standard speedboats. We loved the luxurious feel — leather lounges, large canopy for shade, and a shower for rinsing off after swims. The snorkeling gear and cool boxes with drinks make it easy to stay comfortable and refreshed throughout the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guide & Skipper

The reviews highlight Mario and other skippers as knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. They’re experts at navigating the coast, pointing out interesting sights, and making sure everyone gets to enjoy a swim whenever they desire.

Practicalities & Cost-Effectiveness

At $632 for the whole boat, this is a good investment if you’re traveling with a group of up to five. The included fuel, snorkeling equipment, and guiding make it a convenient all-in-one package. You’ll need to purchase your own food and drinks, which allows you to choose what you prefer and possibly save money.

The meeting point is close to Kavos Harbour, just a short drive from Tsilivi or Tragaki, making transportation relatively straightforward. The flexible start times allow you to choose when to begin your adventure, whether you prefer a morning departure or an afternoon escape.

Authentic Reviews and Real Experiences

Many travelers rave about the stunning views and the insightful guides. One reviewer mentioned how “the boat trip was STUNNING” and appreciated the “incredible views,” especially the chance to see a turtle early on. Another called it the “highlight of our holiday,” emphasizing the beauty and the flexibility to spend as much time as they liked at each stop.

The ability to swim at remote beaches and explore caves at your own pace makes this tour particularly appealing. The relaxed nature, combined with the opportunity to see rare wildlife and pristine beaches, offers a genuine escape from more commercialized tours.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for small groups or couples seeking a bespoke day on the water. If you value comfort, flexibility, and authentic encounters with nature, this cruise delivers. It’s perfect for those who enjoy peaceful beaches and quiet caves away from the crowds, as well as travelers eager to see turtles in their natural habitat.

Those who appreciate luxury but want an adventure tailored to their interests will find this a worthwhile splurge. Conversely, if you’re on a strict budget or prefer organized, large-group tours, other options might be more suitable.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat, fuel, snorkeling gear, sun deck, tent, shower, water, cool boxes, and the services of a captain.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks, as these are not included. Transportation from your accommodation to the meeting point is also not covered.

Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. One of the main advantages is the ability to tailor the trip to your wishes, spending more time at places you find most interesting.

Is it suitable for children?
While the experience is private and flexible, children should be comfortable on a boat ride and able to swim. It’s not specifically designed for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What about bad weather?
In case of poor weather conditions, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded, ensuring you won’t be left stranded in unsuitable conditions.

Concluding Thoughts

This private boat tour around Zakynthos offers a rare mix of luxury, flexibility, and authentic natural beauty. You’ll have the chance to see sea turtles, explore caves, and relax on newly formed beaches — all with a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way. It’s particularly well-suited for small groups or couples who want a personalized, leisurely day on the water, away from busy crowds.

While the cost might seem high, the inclusiveness and the ability to customize your experience make it an excellent value for those seeking a special day of adventure. The combination of comfort, unique sights, and the chance to create your own itinerary makes this cruise a memorable highlight of any Zakynthos trip.

If you’re eager for a private, scenic escape that balances relaxation with discovery, this cruise could be the perfect fit. Just remember to pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure — you’re in for a truly special day.

You can check availability for your dates here: