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Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zakynthos with optional transfer

4/5
303 reviews

Surround yourself with the beauty of Ionian nature on this half-day cruise geared for children. You'll sail past Marathonisi Island, anchoring up for swimming along the way, before gaining an insight into local conservation efforts. Kay, one of our guides, says, ‘We love to show everyone this beautiful place and maybe spot a turtle to understand why and how we protect our environment. It's a fun tour, which makes sustainability visible.'

You'll cast off from Agios Sostis, sailing past pine-clad Marathonisi Island in Laganas Bay. This uninhabited islet is nicknamed ‘Turtle Island' because its beaches are a favourite nesting site for loggerheads. Kids will love this one, too – there'll be activities aimed at teaching them more about turtle conservation. They'll also learn about respecting the island's environment, protecting it from litter.

Next, you'll swing by the Oasis sea cave for a swim stop before heading closer to the island. We'll drop anchor once more for an extra dose of snorkelling. Remember to keep an eye on the water for signs of loggerhead turtles and dolphins. What's more, the boat has an integrated sewage drainage system, so nothing harms the sea.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Zante
Duration: from 2 hours to 4 hours
Language:English
Printed ticket only

Additional features

Instant confirmation
Hotel pick up

Why choose TUI Musement experiences

Get to the heart of every destination with our unique tours and activities. Created by locals, curated by us.

Only the best

The extra details that make the trip. One more stop. That hidden corner. Only the best stuff makes it in.

Made by us

Built around what you love. Shaped by what you tell us. Crafted with TUI's 50+ years of travel know‑how.

Local touch

The right time to visit. The view most miss. Do it like our creators and guides – who live and love it there.

Why you’ll love this…

  • You'll sail past Marathonisi Island, known as Turtle Island, with stops for swimming and snorkelling
  • There's a chance to spot loggerhead turtles and dolphins in their natural habitats
  • You'll cool off with two swims, including one by the Oasis sea cave
  • The trip includes fun activities for kids to learn about turtles and the island
  • An expert local guide will share their unrivalled knowledge of Zante and Turtle Island

Important to know

  • Please bring your own snorkelling equipment
  • This excursion is also bookable without the transfer, if you choose this option, please meet at 8:30am at Elafonissos boat in Agios Sostis Harbour, Laganas, 291 00 Zante
  • Just so you know, this tour is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or wheelchair users
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring a hat
  • Food and drinks not included
  • English-speaking guide for all nationalities
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Boat cruise
  • Escort
  • Swim stops

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Location

Pickups are available from selected hotels in the following resorts::
Keri
Porto Koukla
Agios Sostis
Laganas
Kalamaki
Argassi
Tsilivi
Tragaki
Kypseli
Amoudi
Alykanas
Alykes

Provider

TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA


What people say about this experience

4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 303 reviews


Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

4.2/5


35%
41%
16%
5%
3%

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  • L

    Lucy P

    Travelled with family


    1 September 2026
    3.4

    United Kingdom

    We had a bad experience booking via the app and we missed a previous tour so booked the titles as a second option. The turtle tour was good and we liked the volunteers but it felt like our boat trip was causing discomfort for the turtles as well as all the other boats

  • L

    Louise

    Travelled with family


    31 August 2026
    3

    United Kingdom

    Whilst it was billed as a ‘turtle cruise’ apart from first few mins….it was all about swim stops…..for €70 I felt it was overpriced…..the’ turtle cruise’feels like a bit of a hook to get you on the trip….esp when your told on the boat the ‘turtles are obv happy as coming up for air(around the many boats….) but on the turtle talk….this is a sign of them being stressed….also, the harbour at laganas is chaos!!

  • F

    Family of 3

    Travelled with family


    31 August 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    We booked a transfer to the boat, but there was no rep to show us off the coach to the correct vessel so several families waited in the wrong queue for a while. Similar when coming off the boat, had to walk around the many coaches looking for the right one. Trip itself was amazing for sights and swimming but only one turtle with a lot of boats crowded around it - would be better marketed as a swimming trip rather than a turtle-spotting trip!

  • W

    Will

    Travelled with family


    30 August 2026
    3

    United Kingdom

    We have young children and believed that the swim stops would be at a beach, and not off the side of a boat, so this pretty much became redundant. The stops and scenery were beautiful though. We didn’t see any turtles except one in the harbour which isn’t part of the trip. :)

  • A

    Abbie Carr

    Travelled with family


    30 August 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    All we could smell was the toilet and diesel fumes on the boat. The crew were constantly smoking. We saw one turtle in the bay which was surrounded by 15 other boats all within about 3 m of the poor animal. Totally against the rules. The boats were trying to smoke the turtle out to come up for air some people Could see. It was very distressing

  • A

    Andrew

    Travelled with family


    25 August 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    Very much of a shambles from the start no clear direction when leaving the coach only got a chance to see one turtle in the water and the boat was overcrowded the scenery was lovely the stopes for swimming were rushed however the man in the harbour feeding a turtle was the saviour