Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 183 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island worth booking?
Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island is a 3.3-hour experience in Zakynthos, Greece, from $30 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 183 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (183)
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- From
- $30 per person
Avoid the crowded boats and enjoy a relaxed small-group turtle tour in Zakynthos. With just a few guests on board, there’s space to relax and enjoy a more personal experience with a friendly local skipper. We explore th
What you get
- Private transportation
- Use of snorkeling equipment
About this experience
Avoid the crowded boats and enjoy a relaxed small-group turtle tour in Zakynthos. With just a few guests on board, there’s space to relax and enjoy a more personal experience with a friendly local skipper. We explore the Zakynthos Marine Park, where turtles are often seen close to the boat. If conditions allow and it’s safe, you may even have the chance to swim near them. You’ll also visit hidden beaches and sea caves, and thanks to the smaller boat, we can enter some caves to experience the stunning blue water up close. This tour is ideal for those looking for a smaller group, a relaxed pace, and a well-organised experience from start to finish, including guests visiting Zakynthos by cruise ship. Please note: Due to Greek maritime law, every passenger — including children and infants — must be counted as a full seat. This allows us to keep groups small and comfortable. To make the experience more accessible for families, we offer reduced rates for younger guests.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Use of snorkeling equipment
Not included
- Gratuities
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Turtle Spot Zakynthos
Every year hundreds of Caretta Caretta sea turtles emigrate to the shores of Zakynthos. This tour gives you the perfect opportunity to see them swimming in their natural habitat. Our small boat does not bother or overshadow the turtles. They often swim happily by the side of the boat oblivious to the fact that we are there. This gives you peace of mind knowing that we are not disturbing them. this also allows us the perfect view and holiday photographs. Plus If your captain thinks that it is safe for you and the turtles he will allow you to jump in and swim peacefully alongside them giving you an experience that you'll never forget.
30 minutes here
Keri Caves
You'll explore the large caves and coves of Keri, where you'll stop for a swim in the crystal-clear blue waters. One advantage of using a small boat is that you can actually enter the caves—something larger boats can't do. Inside, you’ll witness spectacular sunlight reflections off the deep waters, turning them bright blue. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even swim through a small connecting tunnel between the caves.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Marathonisi
More commonly known as 'Turtle Island.' Not only is this an important nesting beach for the sea turtles, but the island is also shaped like a giant mother turtle! You'll sail around Turtle Island discovering its small caves and hidden beaches before stopping on its main beautiful beach for sunbathing, swimming, and maybe even a treat from one of the floating bars offering cold drinks and ice cream.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zakynthos
The map shows the port car park for arrival. The boat is a short walk further along the beach. We will send the exact meeting point the day before the tour and will be available on WhatsApp to help ensure a smooth meeting.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The map shows the port car park for arrival. The boat is a short walk further along the beach. We will send the exact meeting point the day before the tour and will be available on WhatsApp to help ensure a smooth meeting.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Boat Share Greece
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The boat is easily accessible via the beach but not wheelchair accessible. It is a 100 meter walk from the car park. The captain will meet you at the carpark (official meeting point of tour) and show you to the boat. To enter the boat we must walk to the boat and enter via a small step onto the back of the boat. The captain and crew will assist you. To reach the boat we must walk through shallow water for ten meters.
- In accordance with local port authority regulations, we may require one valid photo ID (passport, national ID card or driving licence) from at least one member of each booking group before departure. The ID is only required to record the passenger details and will be returned immediately.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 183 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
183 verified traveler reviews for Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best way to spend our honeymoon
We took this boat tour on the off season of turtle activity just hoping for the best and they definitely delivered! Our captain had an eye for spotting turtles when they were around and when we even got to see one in a swimming area he made sure we got right in the water before the boats started crowding. On the island we were even lucky enough to see a hatched baby turtle make its way to the water! He showed us some hidden gems in many caves that we could go right inside, and even gave us a unique opportunity to jump from a high rock in one of the caves. We could not say enough good things about this experience and the captain that created it for us, it was the perfect way to spend our honeymoon!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing us to be part of such a special moment on your honeymoon. 💙 We’re delighted you had such a memorable experience, especially seeing the turtles and even witnessing a baby turtle hatch and make its way to the sea! 🐢🌊 We’ll also make sure your kind words are passed on to your captain — he’ll be very happy to know he helped make the day so special. 😊 We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together ❤️ and hopefully we can welcome you back to beautiful Zante again one day! 🇬🇷☀️ Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷
via Tripadvisor
Very disappointing experience — nowhere near 5 stars
We booked this tour based on its excellent Viator reviews, specifically to see turtles, and because it was advertised as an intimate/semi-private small group tour with private hotel transfer included. Unfortunately, the experience fell well short of what we expected. The transport was a very basic Fiat van, with wet towels on the seats when we were collected. The boat trip lasted around three hours, with two swimming stops, but despite the main purpose of the tour being to see turtles, we saw literally just one turtle getting their head out of the water very briefly towards the end. The return was also poorly organised. We were dropped at the port and told we could watch a man on his boat feeding a big turtle while the driver went to get the car, meeting him by a small church. We waited around 10–15 minutes in the full sun with no shade before he arrived. Most concerningly, when we were eventually dropped back at our hotel, the driver unexpectedly asked us for €5 each for the transfer. The Viator booking clearly stated that private transfer is included. When I questioned this and told him I didn’t have cash; his response became defensive/aggressive, including saying that he would have his brother contact me on WhatsApp. As I was travelling with my daughter, this left us feeling extremely uncomfortable and intimidated. And I think he demanded this because we didn’t give any tips. I am very happy to tip when I feel a service deserves it, but tipping is voluntary and should never be presented or implied as an additional charge. The timing of this request, immediately after the tour, was particularly concerning and frankly embarrassing. Overall, this was not the experience we expected from a highly rated tour, and the way additional payment was requested was very alarming. Future customers should be aware of that, before booking the experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, Celine. We’re very sorry that the experience did not meet your expectations. We have already contacted you directly because we would genuinely like to understand the situation fully and see what we can do to make things right. Regarding the €5 transfer fee, your accommodation is right on the border of Tsilivi, where we normally apply a small transfer charge which is clearly stated in the tour description. However, in your case no fee was due, so the request from the driver was simply a misunderstanding on our side. We are very sorry for the confusion and particularly for the way it made you feel. With the turtles, they are of course wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed. Our captains also have a responsibility not to crowd or disturb them, especially when several boats are already nearby, so sometimes a sighting may be brief. We are also sorry that the transfer experience and waiting time fell below the standard we aim to provide. We operate a small-group tour at an accessible price, including return hotel transfer, but that should never come at the expense of good organisation or respectful service. We are particularly disappointed because this experience is not representative of the standard reflected in the many excellent reviews our tours normally receive, and on this occasion we clearly fell short. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We take your comments seriously and will use them to improve. Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team
via Viator
A must do!!! Fantastic!!!
Simply a fantastic experience. Compared to what else was on offer from elsewhere, this was real value for money. We were picked up from our hotel and dropped back too. The boat was fairly small and accommodated our party of 3 plus 4 others plus the captain, so 8 in total. I'm glad we didnt do the other more crowded boats. We saw turtles swimming in the sea. We saw many caves and sailed through some of them. We also had a chance to swim in the sea and in a stunning cave. The penultimate stop was on a beech where we could purchase hot or food and beverages plus ice creams. Don't hink twice, just book and enjoy!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this fantastic review and for such a strong recommendation! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We’re delighted that you enjoyed the small-group experience, the hotel transfer, the caves, swimming stops and, of course, seeing the turtles 🐢🌊 It means a lot to hear that you felt the tour offered great value compared with the larger, more crowded boats. That is exactly the kind of experience we aim to provide at Boat Share Greece. Thank you again for recommending us so highly — “don’t think twice, just book and enjoy” is about as good as it gets! 😄💙 Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷
via Tripadvisor
Amazing boat trip and we saw a turtle !
What an amazing trip, it felt like we had been out the whole day. We didn't want the big party boat experience and this small boat was perfect for us with only 6 passengers. The large noisy party boats were around all the areas we visited, but due to their size, could not get in the caves like we did. We saw so many sights and swam in the beautiful clear warm sea. We were lucky enough to see a turtle shortly after we set out, sadly it was the only one, we had hoped to see more, but not the right time of year for lots. Later in the afternoon whilst snorkelling we also saw a lion fish, which was pretty amazing. The blue caves were stunning, a real nature's miracle. The boat trip back was amazing, speeding through the sea with the wind and sea spray in your face was lovely. Hang onto your hats! My husband didn't and we had to turn round to rescue his 😆 There was a fisherman feeding a turtle at the harbour on our return, but this was a bit uncomfortable for me personally, as the poor thing seemed like it had little choice being surrounded by boats and the harbour wall. It was far nicer to see the one we did swimming freely. When you go to the boat you will have to wade out thigh deep so bear that in mind. The guide and driver (brothers, I am so sorry i didnt get your names) were both so knowledgeable and friendly and clearly care about the turtles and their environment. The collection and drop off were really appreciated due to the distance we had to go. 100% recommend the trip, book it, you won't regret it.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderfully detailed review 🙏💙 We really appreciate it. It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the small-group experience 🚤, our friendly and knowledgeable captains 😊, and the collection and drop-off service 🚐. That is exactly what we try to offer at Boat Share Greece — smaller groups, a more personal experience, and a relaxed day without the crowds 🌊🐢🇬🇷 And please don’t worry too much about Sotiris, the big turtle in the harbour! 🐢 He is very familiar with the fisherman there and seems to know exactly where to come for an easy meal 😄 He is extremely well fed — which probably explains his impressive size! We’re so pleased you had such a memorable day with us and thank you again for recommending the trip so highly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We’d love to welcome you back on board again one day 🌊🚤🐢💙 Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷
via Tripadvisor
Recommended small boat tour
Small boat experience makes a huge difference. It was a great day and we had fun plus managed to see turtles real close without bothering them
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review! 🐢💙 We’re so pleased you enjoyed the small-boat experience 🚤 and were able to see the turtles up close while respecting their space 🌊🐢 That’s exactly how we want our tours to be. Thank you for recommending us! ⭐️🇬🇷 Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $30 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 64
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zakynthos.
How much does Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island cost?
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Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zakynthos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island take?
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Plan for about 3.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zakynthos is not rushed.
Is Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 183 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Zakynthos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island?
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Around 64 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zakynthos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zakynthos and add a light layer if any part of the 3.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zakynthos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zakynthos?
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On Outty we rank every Zakynthos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch, Zakynthos : One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view, Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zakynthos?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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