Zakynthos Small Boat Tour to Keri Mizithres and Marathonisi

Turtles and caves in one smooth day. This Zakynthos small boat trip is built around two big sights, Keri Caves and Marathonisi (Turtle Island), with time to cruise fast by the coast and pause for water fun. The whole day feels relaxed, but you still pack in plenty of photogenic coastline.

I especially like the small group size (max 12 people). It helps the boat ride feel personal, and you get enough attention to spot what matters, like turtle-spotting possibilities and the cave shapes around the shore. One key consideration though: there are no restrooms at Agios Sostis port or on the boat, so plan your timing.

If you get sea sickness easily, take that seriously before you go. The route runs by boat for several hours, and the day starts at 10:00 am, with pickup arranged by Cretan Holidays a few days beforehand.

Key highlights before you go

• Keri Caves views on the water: you pass them during the first cruise leg, great for photos and cave-watch time
• Marathonisi (Turtle Island) time: a chance to enjoy turquoise water and the feeling of a protected island
• Small boats, calm group energy: max 12 people total, often with only about 8 on a boat
• Lunch included, but drinks not: plan ahead for hydration and snacks you may want
• No restroom stops: bring a game plan since nothing is available at the port or onboard

A small-group motorboat day around Zakynthos

This is one of those tours that feels like the island in fast-forward, without feeling rushed in a stressful way. You start from the Laganas area, then settle into a boat day built around two classic Zakynthos highlights, the Keri Caves side and Marathonisi, the famous Turtle Island.

The best part is the mix of moving and stopping. You get to watch the coast slide by, then you also have time to enjoy the water up close. And because the group stays small, the captain and guide can keep things orderly.

Price and what $112.23 buys you

At about $112.23 per person, you are paying for more than a ride. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, an in-person guide who works in English and French, and lunch during the tour. Drinks are not included, which is common on boat trips, but it matters for your budget and packing list.

The math gets easier when you compare it to doing everything separately. A guided, small-boat outing plus lunch usually costs more if you try to build it on your own, and you are also outsourcing the timing headaches, especially the pickup portion.

Two value signals stand out here. First, the max group size (12 people) usually translates to smoother boarding and less waiting. Second, the tour is set up around specific sights like Keri Caves and Marathonisi, not a random coast cruise.

Getting to Agios Sostis, and why 10:00 am matters

The tour starts at 10:00 am. Pickup is offered, but you only get the exact pickup details a few days before your tour when Cretan Holidays contacts you. That means you should keep your phone and email handy after booking.

Plan to arrive with a little patience. Even when the schedule looks simple on paper, the day is shaped by port timing. And here, timing is extra important because there are no restrooms at the port.

Bring what you need before you step into the pickup rhythm. If you want coffee, water, or a snack, grab it ahead of time. Since there is nothing to buy at the port, you will be glad you did.

Cruise leg one: passing the Keri Caves and the Keri coast vibe

The first big water segment is where you pass by the Keri Caves during a cruise lasting about 3 hours. You do not just stare at the coastline from a distance. From the boat, the caves read as shape and depth, and you get that “how is this even carved?” feeling that makes these spots famous.

What you will like here is the rhythm. You are moving, so the coast looks lively instead of static. You also tend to get better angles for photos than you would from land, especially if you are hoping to catch the cave entrances and cliff lines at a good angle.

A practical note: since this leg is several hours of boating, it is the part of the day most connected to sea comfort. If you are prone to sea sickness, this is where you will feel it first.

Cruise leg two: Marathonisi, Turtle Island, and swimming time

The second water segment runs about 2.5 hours and focuses on Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island. This is the part of the day where the atmosphere can shift from “look at that” to “this is where you want to be in the water.”

Marathonisi is all about the feeling of a protected island and the contrast between calm, shallow-looking water and the deeper coastline beyond. You are also in prime territory for spotting turtles, which is one of the big reasons people love this tour.

Many people also enjoy the actual time spent in the water. You may get chances to swim from the boat, and that is a big value point for a small-boat day. The water is the point, not just the view.

Lunch at Restaurant El Greco, a real break in the day

Lunch is included, and it is commonly served at Restaurant El Greco. This matters because boat tours often give you a meal that is more like a snack than a reset.

A proper lunch does two things for you. It gives you energy for the rest of the day, and it creates a social pause when you can sit down, cool off, and decide what you want to prioritize next.

The only drawback to know is that this is still part of a scheduled tour day. So if you are the kind of person who likes to wander off for dessert somewhere, you may find the timing does not leave much wiggle room.

Boat comfort, timing, and who actually guides you on the water

This tour is maxed to keep the day manageable, and each small boat is often run with about 8 people onboard. That scale makes it easier to hear directions and keep things organized when you switch between moving and pausing.

You will have an in-person guide who speaks English and French. On the water, the captain also provides information and handles the practical side of the cruise. The practical takeaway for you: you may not get a constant, stand-on-the-shore style narration, but you can still expect commentary while underway.

Timing is usually solid, but it is smart to stay flexible. If you have a very tight plan later the same day, build in buffer time. Boat days can run a little long based on sea conditions and how the crew manages stops.

What to bring, since there are no restrooms or drinks sales

This is the part that most affects your comfort. The tour is clear on it: there are no restroom facilities at Agios Sostis port or on the boat. There are also no options to purchase snacks or drinks at the port.

So pack like it is a mini day hike. Bring:

• Water for the morning and between swimming moments
• A snack if you think you get hungry on the move
• Sunscreen and a hat, since you are on open water
• Swimwear and a towel (if you rely on having one later, bring it)
• Anything for motion comfort if you are sensitive to sea conditions

Also remember, lunch is included, but drinks are not. If you like a soda, water, or something with electrolytes, plan on paying for it elsewhere or bring your own where allowed.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This works well for people who want big scenery without doing lots of transfers. If you like the idea of seeing coastline caves and having time near Turtle Island, this is a strong fit.

It is also a good choice if you prefer small-group logistics. Max 12 people keeps the vibe from becoming a floating crowd.

Think twice if:

• You are very prone to sea sickness, because a good chunk of the day is by boat
• You strongly need restroom access during short intervals, since there are none at the port or onboard

If you do not fall into those categories, you will probably appreciate the combination of fast motorboat pacing, cave views, and water time.

The decision: should you book this Zakynthos boat tour?

If you want a focused, high-impact boat day, I think this one is worth booking. The value is strongest when you care about three things: Keri Caves views, Marathonisi on Turtle Island, and getting actual water time plus lunch included in a small-group setup.

Book sooner rather than later if you are traveling in peak season, because this is commonly reserved about 30 days in advance. Also, check the weather assumptions and keep your plans flexible. Good conditions matter for comfort and for whether the tour can run as scheduled.

If you are the type who forgets basic comforts like snacks and water, set yourself up now. With no drinks for sale at the port and no restrooms, your preparation is the difference between a great day and a mildly stressful one.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

Where is pickup offered, and how do I get the exact details?

Pickup is offered. Cretan Holidays contacts you a few days before your tour with the exact pickup information.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Lunch is included. Drinks are not included.

Are there restroom facilities at the port or on the boat?

No. There are no restroom facilities at Agios Sostis port or on the boat.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, English is offered. The in-person guide speaks English and French.

Is the group small?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 12 people.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.