REVIEW · LAGANAS
Zakynthos: Laganas Bay, Myzithres & Turtles Speedboat Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by ISOLA TRAVEL AGENCY · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Turtles, caves, and a speedboat shake-up. This Zakynthos Laganas Bay tour strings together three star stops in the Zakynthos National Marine Park area, with swim time and a real sense of speed from harbor to harbor. You start with hotel pick-up and end with a drop-off, which is a big deal on a day this active.
I especially like the way Myzithres Beach is reached only by boat. That makes the swim feel more special than a standard shoreline stop, and you get a decent chunk of time to cool off in the bright water. I also like the mix of snorkeling-style pauses and sightseeing at the Keri Caves, including a stop where you can swim near the arches.
One key drawback to know: turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed. Marathonisi is a major loggerhead nesting spot, but you might just see them briefly—or not at all—depending on the time of year and conditions. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness or have back issues, the fast speedboat ride and saltwater swells can be a problem.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Plan Around
- From Your Hotel to Agios Sostis Harbor: The Start Matters
- Speedboat Style on a 210-Minute Schedule
- Laganas Bay and the Zakynthos Marine Park Focus
- Myzithres Beach: The Boat-Only Swim Stop You’ll Remember
- What can make this stop less perfect?
- Keri Caves: Photos, Arches, and Another Chance to Swim
- A timing note
- Marathonisi Islet: Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Country
- How to get the most out of this stop
- Included Perks: What You Actually Get for the Price
- Who this feels like good value for
- Price and Logistics: When $42 Feels Like a Steal (or Not)
- Packing Checklist for a Wet, Sun-Heavy Day
- Respecting Wildlife While You Swim
- Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Think Twice)
- It’s a great match if you:
- You may want a different option if you:
- Should You Book the Zakynthos Laganas Bay Speedboat Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Zakynthos Laganas Bay speedboat tour?
- Do I get hotel pick-up and drop-off?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- Which places do we visit and swim at?
- Can I see loggerhead turtles on this tour?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Is it suitable for people with back problems?
Key Things I’d Plan Around
- Myzithres Beach access by boat: a secluded swim stop with cliffs and a pebbly white shoreline.
- Keri Caves timing: a long enough photo stop plus another swimming opportunity at an arch.
- Marathonisi turtle chances: loggerhead nesting area, but sightings can be hit-or-miss.
- Three swim moments total: you get multiple chances to get wet, not just one quick dip.
- Pickup and drop-off included: you’re not solving transportation all day.
- Speedboat pace: thrilling for some, rough for others if the sea has teeth.
From Your Hotel to Agios Sostis Harbor: The Start Matters

This tour is built around convenience. You get pickup directly from your accommodation in Zakynthos, then you head by coach toward Agios Sostis Harbor. The transfer is short—about 30 minutes—so you’re not spending the first part of the day stuck in traffic.
From the harbor, you switch to the speedboat, which is where the whole tone changes. Speedboats move fast, and you feel it right away: quicker travel between locations and a more stop-and-go schedule. If you’re the type who likes to control the day, this tour still works—but you’ll go with the flow.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Laganas.
Speedboat Style on a 210-Minute Schedule
The full experience runs about 210 minutes. That’s roughly 3.5 hours of “on the move + swim time,” not a slow cruise where you watch waves from a deck for half the day. You’re scheduled for guided time, then several breaks for photos and swimming.
A practical mindset helps: think of the day as a series of short missions. Get to the beach. Swim. Move on. Get to the caves. Swim again. Then reach Marathonisi for your turtle-focused stop. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to prepare in advance, because fast water and chop can happen in this area.
Laganas Bay and the Zakynthos Marine Park Focus
The boat route centers on the Zakynthos National Marine Park. This park was set up to protect native species, especially loggerhead sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. Even if you don’t spot turtles, the purpose of the trip adds meaning to what you’re seeing—this isn’t just sightseeing for photo ops.
It also explains the tone of the day: you’re meant to respect wildlife while keeping your distance. The tour’s structure—swim stops, controlled boat time, and a specific wildlife-focused location—aligns with that mission.
Myzithres Beach: The Boat-Only Swim Stop You’ll Remember
Myzithres is your first major water break. You’ll stop at Myzithres Beach for about 40 minutes of swimming and relaxing. The standout here is access: it’s a beach that’s only reached by boat, which gives it a secluded feel right away.
Expect pebbly white shoreline, steep cliffs, and bright water. The time window is long enough that you’re not just dipping your toes—you can swim, float, and actually enjoy the place. It’s also a good stop for people who don’t want to rely on finding turtles to feel like the tour was worth it.
What can make this stop less perfect?
If sea conditions are rough, getting in and out of the water can feel less calm than you hoped. The tour does involve speedboat travel and swim steps, so wear gear that makes changes quick and safe.
Keri Caves: Photos, Arches, and Another Chance to Swim
After Myzithres, you head to the Keri Caves area. Your schedule includes about an hour for a photo stop, plus a specific cave-related swim moment. The tour route includes stopping at a second arch for another swimming opportunity, which means you’re not only photographing dramatic rock formations—you can also get in near them.
This part is great if you like variety. One moment you’re on a shaded or open deck, watching the coast change. Next, you’re aiming your camera at cave entrances and archways. Then you’re in the water again, using the caves and arches as a visual backdrop.
A timing note
Because this is both sightseeing and swim-time, you’ll want to be ready when the boat stops. Plan your camera bursts fast so you’re not wasting minutes once the chance to swim appears.
Marathonisi Islet: Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Country
Marathonisi is your big turtle stop. The tour takes you out to the offshore islet, known as a nesting spot for loggerhead turtles. The stop is about 50 minutes, which is a meaningful window for looking, scanning, and staying patient.
Here’s the reality check: turtle sightings are not guaranteed. Some people have reported not seeing turtles at all, while others have had short sightings from the boat. That doesn’t mean the location isn’t important—it means wildlife isn’t on a schedule.
How to get the most out of this stop
- Be ready to look when the boat slows down.
- Don’t expect a long nature documentary moment.
- Use the full time window to scan the water surface rather than only looking once.
If you come for turtles only, you might leave frustrated. If you come for a great day at sea with a strong wildlife chance, you’re more likely to feel satisfied even when sightings are limited.
Included Perks: What You Actually Get for the Price
This tour is listed at $42 per person, and the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re paying for:
- Speedboat tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Visits and swim stops at Myzithres and Marathonisi
- Exploration of the Keri Caves area
- The opportunity to see loggerhead turtles
Meals aren’t included, so you’ll want to handle food on your own. But the big win is transportation solved. In a place like Zakynthos, not having to arrange multiple bus hops for a day with several remote coastal stops is real money saved in time and hassle.
Who this feels like good value for
It’s best if you want a packed coastal highlight day without planning logistics. It’s also a strong fit if you’re happy to swim on a schedule and don’t need long lounging hours.
Price and Logistics: When $42 Feels Like a Steal (or Not)
$42 is in the range where you should ask: am I paying for convenience, scenery, and water time—or just hoping for turtles? This tour gives you multiple swim moments and dramatic coastal scenery, so even a slow wildlife outcome can still feel like a win.
Where value can wobble is when conditions change. Speedboat days depend on sea state. And turtle sightings vary. If you’re the type who needs a guaranteed wildlife encounter, you should temper expectations before you book.
Packing Checklist for a Wet, Sun-Heavy Day
This trip is simple, but don’t underpack. Bring:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen (the guide recommends biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life)
- Water
- Camera
- A change of clothes
You’ll also want to think about sea conditions. The tour notes that swells can lead to seasickness. If you know you’re sensitive, bring what you normally use for motion issues.
Respecting Wildlife While You Swim
The tour is wildlife-focused in a practical way. You’re visiting a protected marine park with emphasis on sea turtles (and monk seals in the bigger mission). That means you should keep your behavior calm and respectful:
- Don’t harass wildlife for a better shot.
- Keep a steady, non-panicky approach in the water.
- Follow any guidance from the skipper and crew about where to go and when.
Even when you don’t see turtles, the right behavior supports the whole reason these places are protected.
Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Think Twice)
This tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a real plus for travelers who need that accommodation. Still, it’s not suitable for people with back problems, likely because of the speedboat ride and the boat-to-water movements.
It’s a great match if you:
- Want a speedboat day with multiple swim stops
- Like caves, arches, and coastal views
- Want a shot at loggerhead turtles at Marathonisi
- Prefer having pickup and drop-off included
You may want a different option if you:
- Get seasick easily
- Have back issues
- Only want wildlife and nothing else
Also, based on real-world reports, the day runs on a tight timetable and relies on smooth coordination. That’s normal for this kind of tour, but it’s worth keeping your expectations grounded.
Should You Book the Zakynthos Laganas Bay Speedboat Tour?
If your ideal Zakynthos day includes Myzithres Beach swimming, cave views at the Keri Caves, and a genuine turtle-focused stop at Marathonisi, this tour fits your plan. The included transport is a strong value lever, and the schedule gives you multiple chances to enjoy the water rather than banking everything on one species sighting.
But book with eyes open. Turtle sightings can be brief or absent depending on timing and conditions. And the speedboat ride may not feel comfortable if you’re sensitive to motion or have a back problem.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether your top priority is turtles or beaches. I can help you decide if this is the right day trip—or suggest a better match for your style.
FAQ
How long is the Zakynthos Laganas Bay speedboat tour?
The tour duration is 210 minutes, about 3.5 hours.
Do I get hotel pick-up and drop-off?
Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet on the side of the beach at the location with a big white umbrella marked ZANTE MARE.
Which places do we visit and swim at?
You visit Myzithres Beach for swimming, explore the Keri Caves area, and have a swim stop at the Keri Caves arches. You also visit Marathonisi for swimming.
Can I see loggerhead turtles on this tour?
You’ll have the opportunity to see loggerhead turtles at Marathonisi, a popular nesting spot. Sightings can depend on conditions.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Is it suitable for people with back problems?
No. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems.








