Are you a secret pirate or a nature-loving mermaid? If you take one of the Zakynthos boat trips, a favorite among visitors, you can experience a bit of both. My sister lives on Zante (as the Brits call it), so I’ve been lucky enough to holiday in Greece every year.

Over the years, we’ve taken several Zante boat trips, each offering different experiences. Typically, you can choose between exploring the rocky north or the golden beaches to the south of the island.

If you’ve seen photos of Zakynthos, you’ve likely seen Shipwreck Cove or Navagio, with its crescent of sand, rusty wreck, and high cliffs. It’s one of Greece’s most photographed beaches. To reach Navagio on the northwest coast, you usually depart from St Nicholas port or Makris Gialos, a small beach nearby. We started our trip from Makris Gialos.

Our boat, which could hold up to 20 people, had a shaded awning and a powerful motor. Initially, the waters were calm as we passed the Blue Caves, limestone cliffs carved by the sea. However, as we rounded the northern tip, the sea became rough, and after about 40 minutes, we were all feeling seasick. Relief came when we finally saw Shipwreck Beach.

The shipwreck on the beach is said to be a cigarette smuggler’s boat from the 1980s, adding intrigue to the beautiful beach, which is larger than it appears from above. The beach is only accessible by sea due to the sheer limestone cliffs. On our visit, the swell was high, and the captain couldn’t get the boat right up to the beach, so we had to swim ashore through the surf. Despite being knocked over by waves, we spent about 20 minutes exploring the beach and the shipwreck.

On the return trip, the captain showed no mercy to our seasickness, speeding through the waves until we reached calmer waters and explored the sea caves. The water in the caves was a stunning cobalt blue and turquoise. We anchored for a while, allowing us to swim and snorkel before heading back to Makris Gialos.

This boat trip in Zakynthos takes around 2-3 hours. Check the sea conditions beforehand, as rough seas can affect your experience. Consider the boat size; larger boats are more stable, but smaller ones can get closer to the beach. If you prefer a gentler trip, head to the southern end of the island for a boat trip through Laganas Bay and the Keri caves, known for their golden sandy beaches and Loggerhead turtles.

We’ve taken the Laganas boat trips twice, each offering slightly different experiences. The first was a half-day trip on a catamaran from Porto Roma, with plenty of space to relax. We traveled along the coast, crossed Laganas Bay, and swam in the Keri caves. The second trip was on a smaller, glass-bottomed boat from Agios Sostis, a shorter 2-hour trip.

In Laganas Bay, you might see turtles swimming. Beware of boat owners who guarantee sightings, as this often means the turtles are chased. There are strict rules about turtle interactions, including not swimming close or pulling them out of the water. Only a limited number of boats are allowed near a turtle at any time.

The second part of the trip takes you to the far side of Laganas Bay, under the high limestone cliffs at Keri, where you can swim or snorkel. You might also stop at Marathonisi or Turtle Island, a nesting beach for turtles. You’re not allowed to land on the nesting beach, but you can relax and swim on the opposite side of the island.

If you’re interested in a turtle spotting trip, many boats offer this from Laganas resort, Agios Sostis marina, or Keri harbor. Shorter trips cost around €20-25 per person, and you can also rent small boats for a fun group outing.

The boat trips in Zante to see the Blue Caves, turtles, or Shipwreck Beach are well worth it. They offer a lovely way to see the island and were a highlight of our holiday. There are plenty more things to see and do on Zakynthos, making it a fantastic destination.