Agios Nikolaos Zakynthos is a fantastic spot for exploring some of Greece’s most iconic natural wonders. Its harbor serves as a perfect launching point for boat trips that reveal the island’s stunning coastline, turquoise waters, and legendary landmarks like Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves. What makes this area especially appealing is the variety of options available—whether you want a quick glimpse of the caves or a full-day adventure. We’re particularly drawn to the Blue Caves and Navagio Bay Swim Cruise for its combination of scenery, swimming, and the chance to see the famous shipwreck up close.
While Agios Nikolaos offers a natural hub for boat excursions, each tour appeals to different types of travelers. Some prefer a brief trip with a photo stop, while others want an all-day experience with food and multiple sightseeing highlights. Below, we take a closer look at the top options so you can choose the one that best fits your pace, interests, and budget.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top-rated tours, each with its own charm. For those seeking a short but immersive experience, the 1-hour Blue Caves visit offers a quick peek into the caves with swimming opportunities. If you’re after a more comprehensive adventure, the full-day cruise from Kefalonia combines multiple stops, including Navagio and Agios Nikolaos village. Lastly, there’s a luxury multi-day Tour covering Zakynthos extensively — perfect for travelers wanting a relaxing, guided journey. Let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Zakynthos: Blue Caves and Navagio Bay Swim Cruise
This 2.5-hour boat cruise is ideal if you want to see some of Zakynthos’ most iconic sights without committing a whole day. Starting from Agios Nikolaos Harbour, the tour takes you along the dramatic northern coast, with stops at the Blue Caves and Navagio Bay, famous for its shipwreck. For many travelers, this trip hits the sweet spot of scenery, relaxation, and value.
The cruise includes a stop at Navagio Beach, where you’ll have a few moments for photos of the famous shipwreck and the golden sand. The Blue Caves are the highlight for most—swimming and snorkeling here allows you to experience the deep blue waters and the caves’ unique textures. The tour also features sweeping views of Agios Andreas Bay and a scenic cruise past an old monastery, which makes for fantastic photos.
What sets this tour apart is its detailed itinerary, with multiple stops tailored for swimming and sightseeing. The reviews are impressive, with a 4.6/5 rating from 236 travelers. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude—making it as much about the experience as the scenery. Starting times vary, so check availability early; this tour is perfect for those with limited time but a desire to see the highlights.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-organized, quick trip that hits the top spots like Navagio and the Blue Caves, this cruise offers excellent value and lasting memories.
2. From Zakynthos: 1-Hour Visit to the Blue Caves
For those who prefer a short, focused adventure, the 1-hour Blue Caves trip is hard to beat. Priced at around $22.58 per person, this tour delivers a quick but immersive experience of Zakynthos’ most striking caves.
This tour is centered around scenic boat ride into the Blue Caves, which are celebrated for their vibrant blue hues. During the 30-minute exploration inside the caves, you’ll have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters, which is often a highlight for visitors. The boat is small enough for you to get close to the caves’ formations, and guides often share interesting facts about their discovery in 1897.
Reviews praise the friendly staff and the ease of the experience, with many mentioning the accessible swimming and the remarkable visual effect of the caves’ colors. The tour runs about 15 minutes each way by speedboat and is ideal for travelers short on time or those who want a quick, memorable visit with minimal fuss.
Bottom Line: If a brief but visually stunning trip to the Blue Caves suits your schedule, this tour provides a compact dose of Zakynthos’ natural beauty.
3. Zante Cruise to Blue Caves & Shipwreck Beach Photostop
Looking for a full-day cruise experience? The Zante Cruise to Blue Caves & Shipwreck Beach Photostop offers an eight-hour journey that combines sightseeing, swimming, and even a chance to explore a Zante village. Starting from Kefalonia, this trip takes you on a boat ride across the water to visit Zakynthos’ most famous landmarks.
The highlight is undoubtedly the photo opportunity at Navagio Beach, with plenty of time to get great shots of the shipwreck and surrounding cliffs. The Blue Caves are also included, with an interior exploration that will satisfy those wanting an in-depth experience. Plus, the cruise includes time to relax in Kato Lagadi / Mounta Beach for swimming and snorkeling, plus a stop in a local village for a meal or coffee.
This tour garners high praise, with a 4.7/5 rating from three reviews. Travelers appreciate the friendly crew and the varied stops, which offer a good mix of sightseeing and leisure. Since it’s a longer day, it’s best suited for travelers with a full schedule and an interest in seeing multiple sights on one trip.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive, picture-filled day that covers Zakynthos’ best-known attractions, this cruise balances sightseeing with relaxation.
4. Zakynthos: Chinese Tour with Hotel Departure from Athens
For travelers wanting to explore Zakynthos over several days, the 3-day Chinese tour from Athens combines comfort with comprehensive sightseeing. It includes transportation, hotel stays, and guided visits to key sites like the Monastery of St. Dionysios, Blue Caves, and Navagio Beach, with a boat trip as a gift.
This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a stress-free, guided experience that covers multiple attractions at a relaxed pace. The inclusion of breakfast and the ability to stay in a 3 or 4-star hotel makes it a great value, especially since it avoids the hassle of arranging transportation and accommodations yourself. The tour emphasizes local food and hidden sites, with no forced shopping stops.
While it’s more expensive and longer in duration, travelers praise the quality of the hotels and the well-organized itinerary. It’s perfect for someone planning a multi-day trip from Athens, looking for a guided, all-inclusive experience.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a multi-day, guided exploration with comfort and convenience, this all-inclusive tour provides a thorough introduction to Zakynthos.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Zakynthos’ highlights, the Blue Caves and Navagio Bay Swim Cruise is ideal. Want a quick, scenic peek into the Blue Caves? The 1-hour Blue Caves visit is perfect. For those seeking a comprehensive experience with multiple stops, the full-day cruise from Kefalonia offers great value, especially if you love photography and swimming. Lastly, travelers with more time and a desire for a relaxed, guided multi-day trip should consider the 3-day tour from Athens.
Practical considerations include your budget, the amount of time you want to spend at sea, and whether you prefer a focused or comprehensive experience. Booking early is advised, especially for popular trips in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Agios Nikolaos Zakynthos offers a variety of boat tours that cater to nearly every preference—from quick photo stops to full-day explorations. For a short but memorable visit, the Blue Caves and Navagio Bay cruise is hard to beat. If you want to see more of the island’s natural wonders in one day, the full-day Kefalonia cruise provides a rich experience. For multi-day travelers, the guided tour from Athens combines comfort with depth.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get a spot on these popular trips. Each offers a chance to see Zakynthos’ stunning coastline, so pick the experience that fits your travel style, and get ready for some breathtaking views that will stay with you long after you leave Greece.