Zakynthos: Marathonisi, Cameo Island and Keri Caves Tour

Zakynthos: Marathonisi, Cameo Island and Keri Caves Tour offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences. For around $63 per person, this 5-hour excursion from Laganas takes you across some of the most iconic sights of Greece’s Ionian Island—Cameo Island, the turtle-shaped Marathonisi, and the stunning Keri Caves.

What we love most about this tour is the opportunity to see Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat without disturbing them, thanks to the glass-bottom boat. Plus, the visit to the Olive Oil Museum adds a cultural and culinary touch that’s both tasty and educational. On the downside, the entry fee for Cameo Island (about €5) is not included, which is easy to overlook but good to know upfront.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded day of scenic sights, wildlife, and local culture. It’s ideal if you prefer not to self-organize and enjoy guided experiences that combine boat rides, swimming, and food tasting. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth wildlife encounter or more time on each stop, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride with glass-bottom windows for viewing marine life without getting wet.
• Visit to Cameo Island for memorable photos and a swim in its crystal waters.
• Opportunity to see Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural environment from a respectful distance.
• Swim and snorkel at Marathonisi, a turtle-shaped island with protected beaches.
• Explore the Keri Caves with their dramatic limestone formations and sea arches.
• Cultural highlight at the Olive Oil Museum, tasting free olive oils and learning about local production.
• Flexible pickup options from multiple locations in Zakynthos.
• Price reflects a value-packed experience blending natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Zakynthos’ Highlights

Starting with the Basics: What the Tour Covers

From the moment we hop into the van for pickup (with options from Argassi, Lithakia, Laganas, and other spots), the day promises a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration. The tour lasts about five hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. It’s priced at $63, which covers most activities, boat tickets, and the olive oil tasting, but keep in mind the €5 entry fee for Cameo Island.

The Journey Begins: Cameo Island

Our first stop is the tiny, fairy-tale-like Cameo Island. The bridge connecting it to the mainland makes for a fantastic photo backdrop, and the island itself looks like something from a storybook. It’s a popular spot so expect some crowds, but the views are worth it. For a small extra charge (€5), you can step onto the island itself, though many choose to simply snap photos from outside. As one reviewer put it, “The island itself was beautiful and we did not have to pay for entry,” which makes it a good value.

Swimming in the clear waters here is relaxing—you might find tiny fish nibbling at your skin, which, according to some reviews, is gentle and harmless. The shallow waters and scenic surroundings make it perfect for a quick dip and photo session.

Marine Park and Turtle Spotting

Next, you board a glass-bottom boat to search for the Caretta Caretta turtles. This part truly impresses many travelers. From the boat’s floor, you can glimpse these endangered creatures gliding peacefully beneath you. As one reviewer noted, “We saw a turtle really up close, which was a highlight.” The boat cruise also takes you past the Keri Caves, carved into limestone by nature over centuries.

The caves are a sight in themselves—white beaches, sea arches, and towering limestone cliffs. There’s a 20-minute swim stop outside one of the caves, which is perfect for cooling off and taking photos of the dramatic coastline. The boat is comfortable, though sometimes crowded, and the scenery along the coast simply cannot be beat.

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Marathonisi: Turtle-Shaped Island

The highlight for many is Marathonisi Island, shaped like a turtle and part of the National Marine Park. It’s a protected haven for sea turtles, and during our visit, we had about an hour to swim, snorkel, and relax on its soft white sand. The waters are warm and calm, ideal for both novice and experienced snorkelers. Many reviews mention the stunning clarity of the water—”Bring snorkels because the water is so clear,” one said.

The island’s natural beauty is complemented by the chance to spot turtles nesting, which reinforces the importance of respecting wildlife. The peaceful environment here makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely swim.

Olive Oil and Cultural Insights

The final stop takes you to the Aristeon Olive Oil Press Museum in Lithakia. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll learn about olive oil production, tasting free samples of local oils flavored with lemon, orange, or garlic. The visitor experience is educational but also delicious—many reviewers raved about the olive oil tasting and the friendly guides.

While some found the olive oil presentation a bit promotional, most appreciated the chance to connect with an authentic aspect of Greek culture. It’s a great way to end the day with a sensory experience and a chance to pick up some quality olive oils as souvenirs.

Logistics, Tips, and Practicalities

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of the operator’s office, making it convenient if you’re staying in Laganas or nearby. For accommodations further out, there’s an extra charge of €25. The itinerary is flexible to match cruise schedules, which is helpful for cruise ship passengers.

Bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Remember, there are no toilets on the boat or on Marathonisi Island, so plan accordingly. Snacks and drinks are available at floating stalls, but bringing your own is advisable if you want to skip extra expenses.

The group sizes are manageable, but some reviews mention feeling a little cramped on the boat—so don’t expect a private yacht. Still, the crew is friendly, and the guides are knowledgeable. The tour is child-friendly, though not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchairs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a balanced day of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and local culture, this tour is a fantastic pick. It suits travelers who enjoy short hikes, snorkeling, and photography. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Zakynthos’ top sights without the hassle of organizing everything independently.

However, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast looking for an extended or more intimate encounter with turtles or caves, you might find this tour a bit limited. It’s also not suited for those with mobility difficulties or who prefer a very relaxed, unstructured experience.

Final Thoughts

This Zakynthos tour offers a well-rounded experience—blending breathtaking scenery, marine wildlife, and Greek cultural flair. For the price, it provides a convenient way to see some of the island’s most iconic sites, with the added bonus of tasting free local olive oils. The highlights—seeing turtles in the wild and swimming in crystal waters—are what make this trip memorable.

It’s best for travelers seeking an active, guided day that covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The mix of boat rides, swimming, and cultural stops makes it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for an authentic glimpse of Zakynthos.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people who can’t swim?
Yes, there are stops at beaches and caves where you can relax on the sand or enjoy a boat ride, but swimming is optional. If you’re comfortable in the water, you’ll enjoy snorkeling; if not, there’s still plenty to see from the boat.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll have about 30 minutes at Cameo Island, an hour at Marathonisi, and 30 minutes at the Keri Caves, with additional time for the olive oil museum and transfers. The schedule is designed to give a taste of each without rushing.

Are the boat rides comfortable?
Most reviews say yes, though some mention feeling cramped with up to 24 people on the boat. The boat has a glass bottom for marine viewing, which is a highlight.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, underwater gear if you have it, cash for optional extras, and a camera. There are no toilets on the boat or on Marathonisi Island, so plan accordingly.

Is there any extra cost besides the tour price?
Yes, the €5 fee to enter Cameo Island is not included. Food and drinks are not included either but are available for purchase at the floating stalls or bring your own.

Is the olive oil tasting worthwhile?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how good the local oils and bread are, and it’s a nice cultural addition after the boat excursion.

Can I join this tour if I’m on a cruise?
Yes, the tour can be adjusted to match cruise schedules, and pickup is available from the port or nearby locations.

How big are the groups?
The tour is designed for small to medium groups, but some reviews report feeling a bit cramped on the boat. It’s best suited for those comfortable in group settings.

Overall, the Zakynthos Marathonisi, Cameo Island, and Keri Caves Tour stands out as a well-organized, scenic, and culturally enriching day. Its blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and local flavor makes it a strong choice for travelers wanting a taste of everything Zakynthos has to offer—without breaking the bank or overextending your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: