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Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zakynthos with optional transfer

4/5
288 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.


Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA


What people say about this experience

4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 288 reviews


Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5


36%
41%
15%
5%
3%

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  • J

    JJ family

    Travelled with family


    23 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Loved this experience! The coach transfer picked us up on time and the driver was waiting for us on return. The two swim stops were gorgeous and the swim noodles on board were a great extra. The staff from the turtle rescue centre were very knowledgable and friendly.

  • J

    J

    Travelled with family


    20 August 2026
    2.6

    United Kingdom

    This trip was not remotely aimed at children as stated. Absolute chaos at the port with very little help from any rep. The views and scenery were beautiful but that's down to the landscape not the tour itself. I even wondered at times if we were even on the right trip

  • A

    Amber

    Travelled with family


    20 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    It was brilliant

  • V

    Vicky

    Travelled with family


    17 August 2026
    3.8

    United Kingdom

    The coach journey back was a little scary, the coach driver did not seem to like anyone else on the road, nearly hitting pedestrians several times. The overall experience was good. When we had swim stops we were precariously close to the over hanging limestone that you could see had had a recent fall. Stopping to see the turtles felt like they were being hounded rather than protecting them.

  • E

    Ellie

    Travelled with family


    16 August 2026
    2.2

    United Kingdom

    There was not any activity or drawing for kids as showing on the photos, only reason i booked was this for my daughter so she will not be bored as she cannot jump to swim

  • S

    SV

    Travelled with family


    16 August 2026
    3

    United Kingdom

    Overall ok with one exception which makes no sense. There were 5 or 6 boats raving the engines in a circle around the turtles to force them to the surface. Then later in the cruise we get a 20 mins presentation about turtles and how people stress them. What the actual **********?!