Laganas, on the island of Zakynthos, is famous for its lively atmosphere and stunning seascapes. But beyond the bustling beach bars and nightlife, you’ll find some of Greece’s best boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise or a private day exploring caves and turtle habitats, Laganas offers a variety of ways to see its natural beauty from the water. We particularly like the Zakynthos Mizithres Sunset Cruise for its combination of scenic views, chance to spot Caretta Caretta turtles, and the calming experience of watching the sunset. It’s a perfect, relaxed way to end a day on the island.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Zante Private Cruise Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres offers tailor-made routes, flexible timing, and the ability to go further than conventional boats. If you want a quick, fun outing, the Turtle Boat Tour is a straightforward, budget-friendly way to encounter the island’s famous turtles in their natural environment. Below, we cover these options and more, helping you find the perfect boat adventure for your trip.
1. Zakynthos: Mizithres Sunset Cruise with Swimming & Turtles
This 3-hour evening cruise offers a relaxing way to experience Zakynthos’ coast. The tour focuses on spectacular sunset views, with the boat gliding past the dramatic Mizithres Rocks, which jut sharply from the water. Along the way, the crew often spots Caretta Caretta turtles grazing peacefully as you cruise the turquoise Ionian Sea. If you’re lucky, you might see these gentle creatures swimming nearby—an unforgettable sight.
The highlight, of course, is the sunset itself. As the sky shifts from blue to fiery orange, the island’s cliffs glow with an almost otherworldly light. During the trip, you can take a quick dip to cool off, floating in the calm waters of Zakynthos. The boat’s crew is friendly and safety-conscious, making this trip suitable for families and couples alike. With reviews praising the safety, fun vibe, and stunning sunset, this cruise delivers a peaceful, beautiful evening on the water.
Bottom Line: If you love sunsets, marine wildlife, and a relaxed pace, this cruise is a top choice—and at just $39.52 per person, it offers great value. It’s a mellow way to savor Zakynthos’ natural beauty without the crowds.
2. Zante Private Cruise Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizithres
For a personalized adventure, this 7-hour private cruise is hard to beat. It’s perfect if you want to customize your itinerary, whether that’s spending more time at Turtle Island (Marathonisi), exploring the Keri Caves, or relaxing at Mizithres Beach. The tour is entirely tailor-made, and you can choose the start time, making it ideal for travelers with specific interests or schedules.
This cruise takes you further than standard tours—visiting remote caves and beaches that are difficult to reach on your own. The guide will adjust the stops based on your preferences, whether that’s snorkeling, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. The group size is small, which means more interaction and flexibility. Guests have raved about the stunning views, the chance to see turtles in their natural habitat, and the overall sense of exclusivity. The guide, James, is praised for his insights and relaxed attitude, making the experience even more memorable.
Bottom Line: For around $632, this private tour offers a luxury, customizable day on the water—great for couples, families, or groups who want a personalized, in-depth exploration of Zakynthos’ coastlines and marine life.
3. Zakynthos Small Boat Tour to Keri Mizithres and Marathonisi
This 5.5-hour small boat trip provides a more intimate look at Zakynthos’ famous spots. Starting from Agios Sostis, a quick transfer gets you aboard a cozy boat with a friendly crew, ready to show you the Keri Caves and Marathonisi (Turtle Island). The small size of the boat allows for access to narrower caves and quiet beaches inaccessible to larger vessels.
The itinerary includes a pass-by of the Keri Caves, where you can marvel at the natural rock formations and beautiful waters. Then, the boat heads to Marathonisi, where you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. The highlight is the chance to see Caretta Caretta turtles swimming close to the boats, which many travelers find magical.
Guests love the relaxed pace and the opportunity to take photos of stunning landscapes. The trip is perfect for travelers who want a manageable, scenic, and wildlife-focused day without the expense of a full private charter.
Bottom Line: For about $107.58 per person, this tour offers a great balance of intimacy and adventure, ideal for travelers wanting a personal touch with memorable wildlife encounters.
4. TURTLE BOAT TOUR
This 3-hour tour is all about finding and observing Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural environment. The boats are equipped with glass bottoms, allowing you to spot turtles and marine life below the surface without getting wet. It’s a straightforward, affordable option for those who prioritize wildlife viewing.
The tour focuses on turtle spotting and marine life, with the boat cruising through the clear waters, keeping a lookout for these gentle creatures. The experience is relaxed and educational, with crew members sharing insights about the turtles’ habits and conservation efforts. It’s suitable for families, solo travelers, or anyone eager to see these iconic animals.
While the trip doesn’t include extensive sightseeing or cave exploration, it offers a close-up look at Zakynthos’ most famous marine residents. It’s a good choice if your main goal is turtle viewing without the fuss of a longer tour.
Bottom Line: At $54 per person for three hours, this tour offers excellent value for wildlife lovers who want a simple, focused experience.
$54 per person
5. Zakynthos: Private Boat Tour to the south of the island
This 2-hour private tour is ideal if you want a quick, personalized look at Marathonisi Island and its surroundings. Starting from Razis Tours, the boat takes you around the island’s hidden caves and beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The tour emphasizes the natural beauty of Marathonisi and the chance to see turtles in the marine park. You’ll have time to swim in crystal-clear waters, explore caves, and take photos. The guide will customize the stops based on your interests, providing a flexible, intimate experience. Reviewers mention how the refreshing swims and scenic caves make this a worthwhile outing.
While this tour is shorter and less comprehensive than the full-day options, it’s a great choice for travelers with limited time or those seeking a private, relaxed outing.
Bottom Line: For $282 per group of up to 5, this private tour offers a quick, customizable trip perfect for couples or small groups wanting a personal island exploration.
$282 per group up to 5
6. Zante Private Cruise to Turtle Island, Keri Caves & Mizitres
This 7-hour private cruise is a comprehensive, all-day experience. It’s tailor-made to your wishes, allowing you to explore Marine Park, spot turtles, visit Keri Caves, and relax at Mizithres Beach. For about $779 per group (up to 9 people), it’s a luxury way to see everything Zakynthos has to offer from the water.
The tour goes further than typical boat trips, visiting Eros Cave and Piscines Beach, both spectacular and less crowded. The flexible schedule means you can spend more time at your favorite spots or explore hidden caves, making it ideal for those who want a personalized, in-depth experience. The reviews highlight how the customizable nature and the chance to go beyond standard routes make this a top-tier choice for groups.
Bottom Line: If budget is less of a concern and you want a completely tailored, full-day private experience, this cruise offers exceptional flexibility and access to Zakynthos’ most beautiful and secluded spots.
$779 per group up to 9
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour or Cruise
Picking the best boat experience depends largely on your priorities. If you’re after romantic sunset views and wildlife, the Mizithres Sunset Cruise is hard to beat. For a customized, private day with plenty of swimming and cave exploration, the Private Cruise is ideal. If your main goal is spotting turtles without fuss, the Turtle Boat Tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly option.
Consider your budget, time available, and whether you’d prefer a guided group or a private experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season—these tours fill up fast. For those with limited time, the shorter private or half-day tours are practical, while full-day excursions suit those wanting a more comprehensive adventure.
Final Thoughts
From sunset cruises to private explorations, Laganas offers a broad range of boat tours tailored to different interests and budgets. For a peaceful evening with stunning views, the Mizithres Sunset Cruise is perfect. If you want to explore in a private boat with the flexibility to go further and customize your trip, the private tours provide incredible value and memorable experiences.
Travelers looking to see turtles up close should prioritize the turtle-focused trips, like the Turtle Boat Tour or the private options that venture into marine parks. Whatever your preference, booking early and choosing the right tour will ensure a memorable aquatic adventure on Zakynthos.
Now is the time to plan your water-bound adventure—grab your spot early, and enjoy the best boat tours Laganas has to offer!