Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 202 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 $74 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 202 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (202)
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- From
- $74 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 the Zakynthos Marine Park, where turtles are often seen close to the boat. If conditions are safe, you may even have the chance to swim near them. You’ll also visit hidden beaches and sea caves, with our smaller boat allowing us to enter some caves and experience the stunning blue water up close. For tours in May, September and October, turtle sightings can be less frequent than during the peak summer months. This tour is ideal for guests looking for a small group, relaxed pace and well-organised experience, including cruise ship visitors. Please note: Under Greek maritime law, every passenger, including children and infants, counts as a full seat. This helps us keep groups small and comfortable, with reduced rates available for younger guests.
What you get
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 are safe, you may even have the chance to swim near them. You’ll also visit hidden beaches and sea caves, with our smaller boat allowing us to enter some caves and experience the stunning blue water up close. For tours in May, September and October, turtle sightings can be less frequent than during the peak summer months. This tour is ideal for guests looking for a small group, relaxed pace and well-organised experience, including cruise ship visitors. Please note: Under Greek maritime law, every passenger, including children and infants, counts as a full seat. This helps us keep groups small and comfortable, with reduced rates available 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 202 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
202 verified traveler reviews for Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing trip out
This was an amazing trip. Our guide was very intent in ensuring we had a great experience. We saw 4 turtles and had 2 lovely swims. The smaller boat truly offered the better experience. Thankyou
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip. Book it.
Excellent trip. 🚤 Great communication day before and advised pick up time and what to bring. We were collected from hotel in Tragaki small surcharge which was expected. Ride to and from the hotel was pleasant and a safe driver. Approx 25 minutes. Straight off saw some turtles in the bay and a little bit of info on them too. Out on the boat we got right into the caves and some skillful driving by Pantelis in and out of them. His knowledge about the local area was superb as well All in all an excellent half a day out. Great value for money on a small boat, 6 people. Definitely recommend the company and Pantelis.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Matthew, for taking the time to leave such a fantastic and detailed review! 😊 We're delighted you enjoyed the whole experience, from the communication and transfers to the turtle sightings and exploring the caves. Pantelis will be especially pleased to hear your kind words about his driving skills and local knowledge! 🐢🚤 It's wonderful to hear you appreciated our small-group approach and felt the tour was great value for money. Thank you again for choosing Boat Share Greece and for recommending us to others. We hope to welcome you back to Zakynthos one day! 🇬🇷☀️ Warm regards, Ian & the Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷🐢
via Tripadvisor
Turtle, turtle island, caves, and swimming - fabulous!!
Fantastic customer service! We got upgraded to a private boat. The captain, Pantelis, was great company, very professional, skillful (going into the caves), and allowed plenty of time for us to swim. We saw one big female turtle. Exhilarating experience swimming behind the turtle! We had a swim through the cave too. Well worth the money we spent!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review 🙏🐢 We’re absolutely delighted that you had such a fantastic experience with us. As it’s now deep into October, participant numbers can sometimes be lower, but we really didn’t want to cancel your tour. We were very happy to make sure you could still enjoy the experience by upgrading you to a private boat instead 🚤✨ It’s lovely to hear that you appreciated our customer care and service, and that Pantelis made the trip so enjoyable with his professionalism, skill and company. Seeing a large female turtle, enjoying plenty of swimming time and even swimming through the cave sounds like a brilliant day 🌊🐢 Thank you again for choosing Boat Share Greece and for taking the time to share your experience. We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation ❤️🇬🇷
via Viator
Highlights of Zakynthos
This boat trip is truly a highlight of Zakynthos! Above all, the incredibly friendly and experienced local captain, Padelis, explains and shows you everything worth knowing about turtles and the island’s natural beauty. On this sunny day, we were very lucky enough to spot four turtles in the water and even watch two baby turtles hatching on a small island. We all thought it was worth mentioning that Padelis immediately attended to two other self-chartered boats (in different locations) and called for help via radio, as these boats were clearly having a major problem with their engines. We highly recommend him for his kindness and composure – thank you very much again for everything, Captain! Best wishes, Christian and family :-)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Christian, for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review 🙏🐢 We are absolutely delighted that your boat trip became one of the highlights of your time in Zakynthos 🇬🇷☀️ Pantelis will be especially happy to read your kind words 😊 He takes great pride in sharing his local knowledge, helping guests learn more about the turtles and the island’s natural beauty, and making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable throughout the trip. What an incredible day to see four turtles in the water and then witness two baby turtles hatching 🐢🐢✨ That really is a very special experience. We also truly appreciate you mentioning Pantelis’ response to the two boats experiencing engine problems. Looking out for others at sea is incredibly important, and we are very proud of the calm and professional way he handled those situations 🚤🤝 Thank you again to you and your family for choosing Boat Share Greece and for your very kind recommendation ❤️ It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Zakynthos again in the future 🇬🇷🌊 Best wishes, Ian & the Boat Share Greece team 🐢💙
via Tripadvisor
Excellent small boat trip to see turtles and stunning caves
Excellent small boat trip to see the turtles and the fantastic caves. Dimitri our skipper and tour guide collected us on time from our hotel. He was very informative and we saw 5 turtles. There were 7 people on the boat so it wasn't too crowded. We stopped twice to allow us to swim/snorkel in the deep clear water. The caves were stunning and with the boat being small Dimitri with his skilful handling of the boat took us right inside many caves so we could see the deep clear blue water. It was an amazing experience
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re delighted you had such a great experience with Dimitri and managed to see five turtles 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 We really value keeping our groups small so everyone has plenty of space, and so the boat can get right inside some of those beautiful caves and hidden spots. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the swimming stops, crystal-clear water and Dimitri’s skilful boat handling 🌊 Thank you again for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back to Zakynthos again one day! ☀️🇬🇷 Ian & The Boat Share Greece Team 🇬🇷
via Tripadvisor
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
- $74 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 71
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Boat Share Greece, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.
See everything Boat Share Greece runsWhy this scores 90
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 $74 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 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 202 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.
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 71 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 Ceramic Making Experience in Zakynthos, Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch, Zakynthos : One day small group tour to Navagio beach Blue Caves & top view. 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.
What is included in Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island?
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Included: Private transportation; and Use of snorkeling equipment. Not included: Gratuities; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 198 listed pickup locations in and around Zakynthos. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and The boat is easily accessible via the beach but not wheelchair accessible. It is a 100 met. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Zakynthos Turtle Tour Small Group Turtle Spotting & Turtle Island?
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Across 202 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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