Zakynthos stands out as a top destination for travelers craving stunning coastline scenery, marine wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and legendary shipwreck make it ideal for a variety of tours. We love how some trips, like the Porto Vromi: Shipwreck, Local Caves, White Beach with 3 stops, combine sightseeing with multiple swimming stops—perfect for those who want to splash around in turquoise waters. Meanwhile, eco-friendly Turtle Spotting Cruises let you glimpse loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat, blending wildlife with scenic boat rides. Whether you prefer relaxing on a private boat or exploring Greek cuisine through a cooking class, Zakynthos offers a diverse range of memorable experiences.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ll cover 15 of the best tours on Zakynthos, including boat trips to iconic spots like Navagio Beach, eco-friendly turtle watching, full-day sightseeing excursions, and hands-on cultural activities such as ceramic making and Greek cooking classes. Each offers a unique way to experience the island’s natural beauty and local flavor. To help you decide, we’ll outline what makes each tour special, who it’s ideal for, and any practical tips. Now, let’s explore these adventures in detail.
1. Porto Vromi: Shipwreck, Local Caves, White Beach with 3 stops
This 3-5 hour cruise is a classic Zakynthos experience that hits all the highlights. You start at Porto Vromi and visit the world-famous Shipwreck of MV Panagiotis at Navagio Beach for photo ops. The trip then takes you to the Blue Caves, Sfogio, White Beach, Porto Steniti, and Poseidon’s profile. The boat makes three stops for swimming in turquoise waters beneath towering cliffs, perfect for a quick refresh. The guide shares stories and insights as you explore these natural wonders. Priced at $35, this tour offers great value for those wanting a comprehensive half-day outing. Guests have praised the trip for its beautiful scenery and plenty of swimming opportunities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a flexible yet complete boat trip with multiple swimming stops and iconic photo moments.
2. Zakynthos boat tour: Shipwreck & Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops
For around $34.76, this group boat tour offers an affordable way to see Zakynthos’s top sights. Depart from Porto Vromi and cruise past seaside coves and sea grottos. The highlight is a stop at Navagio Beach with its famous shipwreck, where you can snap photos and admire the coves from the water. The tour includes three swimming stops, with gear provided, making it perfect for families or budget travelers. The skilled captain navigates rough waters comfortably, and reviews are glowing—one calls it “an unforgettable swim in crystal waters.” You can choose a morning or afternoon departure to fit your schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for cost-conscious travelers who want to experience Navagio and Blue Caves with multiple swimming opportunities.
3. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise with Glass-Bottom Boat
This 3-hour eco-conscious tour is a must for wildlife lovers. Utilizing a glass-bottom boat, you’ll get close-up views of loggerhead turtles nesting on Marathonisi Island. The tour also explores the Keri Caves, crossing famous arches and swimming in azure waters. The guide shares expert insights about the turtles’ nesting habits and the caves’ geology. With reviews emphasizing the “wonderful experience” of spotting turtles and swimming in crystal-clear waters, it offers an intimate way to enjoy Zakynthos’s marine environment. The itinerary includes stops at Cameo Island, Marathonisi, and Keri Caves, with flexible timings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature enthusiasts, especially those eager to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat while enjoying scenic boat rides.
4. Ceramic Making Experience in Zakynthos
If you’re looking for a hands-on activity that produces a tangible souvenir, this ceramics class is a gem. Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, you’ll learn pottery techniques from an expert potter. During 2.5 hours, you can create a turtle or a vase—something to remember the island by. The class is suitable for all ages, and after a few days in a kiln, you’ll get your masterpiece to take home. Guests describe it as “the most fun activity” they did, with good instructions and a relaxed atmosphere. The cost is $56.77, making it a great value for a memorable cultural experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for families or art lovers wanting a meaningful craft activity that results in a keepsake.
5. Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour
This full-day tour (8 hours) covers Zakynthos’s iconic sights in one go. You’ll enjoy panoramic views from Bochali Hill, then sail into the Blue Caves, and explore Navagio Beach with its famous shipwreck. The tour includes a visit to Therianos Farm for local olive oil tastings, which offers a taste of authentic Greek flavors. The boat cruise is relaxed, with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling, perfect for active travelers. Reviews highlight the flexible schedule and beautiful landscapes. Expect a well-rounded day that combines natural beauty, culture, and leisure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an all-encompassing experience of Zakynthos’s best sights with time to relax and enjoy local tastes.
6. Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch
For those who love food and culture, this 4-hour cooking class is a highlight. In a shady outdoor garden, you learn to prepare souvlaki, spinach and feta pie, and stiffado with a local family. This hands-on experience includes stories about the island’s culinary history and a hearty lunch of your own making. The class is suitable for all skill levels and provides a behind-the-scenes look at Greek cuisine. Guests mention Dionysia as a fantastic teacher, and many find it “the most fun activity” of their trip. At $104.66, it offers excellent value for an authentic and personal culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies or travelers wanting a meaningful connection to Zakynthos’s culinary traditions.
7. Zakynthos: Turtle Island & Keri Caves Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
This 3-5 hour boat trip combines marine wildlife, nature, and scenic views. It’s ideal if you want to see sea turtles and spectacular caves like the Keri Caves. The boat’s glass bottom allows you to observe marine life without getting wet, and reviews praise the friendly crew and stunning landscapes. The tour includes a stop at Turtle Island for swimming and snorkeling, plus a visit to Cameo Island. It’s suited for those who want a relaxed yet adventure-packed outing, with a focus on wildlife.
Bottom Line: For travelers eager to combine turtle spotting with cave exploration in a short, relaxed trip, this tour hits the spot.
8. Zakynthos All Day Tour Shipwreck beach, view point-Blue Caves
Spending a full 8-9 hours, this small-group tour offers a detailed exploration of Zakynthos. You’ll visit Bochali Viewpoint, view Navagio Beach from afar, and cruise the Blue Caves. The trip also includes a visit to Therianos Farm and local food tastings. The itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure, and reviews note the personalized attention and stunning scenery. It’s perfect if you want to see the most famous spots without rushing and enjoy some local flavors along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed, and well-paced day covering Zakynthos’s top highlights.
9. Zakynthos: Marathonisi, Cameo Island and Keri Caves Tour
This 5-hour tour is a favorite for combining island hopping and marine exploration. You visit Cameo Island via its iconic bridge, then cruise to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) for swimming and turtle sightings. The trip includes a stop at the Keri Caves, with options for snorkeling and marine life viewing. Guests love the beautiful scenery and the chance to see turtles up close. The tour also features a visit to the Olive Oil Museum for tastings. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those looking to see multiple islands and wildlife in a manageable timeframe.
10. Private 7m 250hp Speed Boat Tour Shipwreck & Blue Caves
For travelers craving exclusivity, this private speedboat tour offers the chance to customize your itinerary. Led by a local skipper, you explore the Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and hidden coves at your own pace. You can swim or relax on the padded deck with Bluetooth music and drinks. The 4.5-hour trip costs $690.28 but provides total privacy and flexibility. Guests describe the experience as “magical,” with the skipper accommodating special requests and making every moment personal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups or couples looking for a luxury, private experience tailored exactly to their interests.
11. Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves
This 5-hour tour offers a broad overview of Zakynthos’s key sites, including Cameo Island, the Marine Park, Turtle Island, and Keri Caves. It’s a great choice if you want to combine wildlife viewing with scenic boat rides. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Olive Oil Press for tastings. Travelers appreciate the well-organized schedule and the chance to swim in crystal waters. It’s best suited for those who want a comprehensive half-day experience with a mix of nature, culture, and leisure.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a full but manageable overview of Zakynthos’s highlights.
12. Shipwreck and Blue Caves – Private Speedboat Tour
This private tour provides an intimate exploration of Zakynthos’s northern coast. Led by your own skipper, you visit the Blue Caves, Shipwreck Beach, and hidden bays. The tour accommodates up to 6 people and costs $487.65, making it an excellent choice for small groups or couples. You can swim in caves, relax on secluded beaches, and capture stunning photos without the crowds. Guests love the personalized service and the ability to craft a custom itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a luxury, private experience with complete control over the day’s stops.
13. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Cruise
This 3.5-hour eco-friendly cruise focuses on turtle watching and marine exploration. Using a glass-bottom vessel, you’ll see loggerhead turtles in their natural environment. The trip includes swimming at Marathonisi and Keri Caves, with reviews praising the “amazing experience” of spotting turtles and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Perfect if wildlife is your priority but you prefer a shorter trip.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers eager to combine marine wildlife encounters with shorter cruise timings.
14. From Porto Vromi: Shipwreck Beach Private Boat Cruise
Offering a customizable private experience, this 2-hour cruise takes you around Zakynthos’s coast in your own boat. You’ll visit Shipwreck Beach, explore hidden caves, and enjoy snorkeling in secluded spots. The small group or private boat allows flexibility and intimacy, making it perfect for families or couples wanting exclusivity. Reviews highlight the personalized service and beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, flexible tour tailored to their preferences.
15. Zakynthos Private Tailor-Made Tour
If you want a completely personalized experience, this two-day private tour is unmatched. You decide the itinerary—whether it’s the Navagio Shipwreck, Blue Caves, Turtle Island, or Keri Caves—and your guide customizes the trip. This is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and see specific sights. The tour costs around $696.65 but offers ultimate flexibility. Guests appreciate the customized pacing and personal attention.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a bespoke experience, with the freedom to choose what they see and do.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Zakynthos
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For wide-ranging sightseeing and iconic sights, full-day tours like Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour offer excellent value. If wildlife is your priority, Turtle Spotting Cruises or Turtle Island & Keri Caves will satisfy. Want a more cultural or hands-on experience? Check out the ceramic-making or Greek cooking classes. For those seeking privacy or a personalized trip, the private speedboat options are hard to beat.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, and consider combining a boat tour with a local cultural activity for a well-rounded trip.
Final Thoughts
Zakynthos offers diverse experiences—from breathtaking boat excursions to cultural activities—catering to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culinary enthusiasts alike. If you’re after iconic scenery, the Shipwreck Beach tours and full-day trips deliver unforgettable views. For wildlife encounters, the turtle cruises are fantastic, while those interested in local culture should consider the Greek cooking class. Regardless of your choice, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these top experiences.