Turtle spotting cruise to Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula
Excursions & day trips

Turtle spotting cruise to Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula

4.2/5
Excellent
Based on 366 reviews
from
£30.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • On this cruise around Marathonisi sland you'll be on the lookout for loggerhead turtles
  • There's an opportunity to learn about ongoing projects by local turtle conservation group ARCHELON
  • In the small village of Keri there's free time to shop, relax or simply soak up some rays
  • You can cool off with a swim in the Bay of Oasis near the Keri peninsula's dramatic cliffs
  • Your expert local guide knows the waters around Turtle Island well and will show you the best spots
What to expect

Loggerhead sea turtles have been residents of Zante's beaches for thousands of years, and with a bit of luck, you'll see them first-hand on this boat trip. Join an expert local guide for an educational day out at sea, passing by nesting sites, swimming in hidden bays and spending time in the village of Keri. Bianca, one of our guides, says, ‘In just one trip, you get to jump into clear waters, cruise along the Keri peninsula and, with luck, see turtles.'

Available either in the morning from Zante harbour or the afternoon from Keri harbour, this half-day cruise is a real treat for all the family. You'll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos and Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet dubbed ‘Turtle Island'. The reason's simple – one of its beaches is a favourite turtle nesting site. Bianca, who's lived on Zante for more than 20 years, says of the scenery, ‘You can do this tour a thousand times and every day is different.' Be sure to keep a lookout for loggerheads, and you may even spot a wild dolphin or two.

Plus, you'll sail along the Keri peninsula, cruising by its sea-plunging cliffs, caves and lighthouse before dropping anchor for a swim stop at the Bay of Oasis. In the small village of Keri, you have a quick stop to shop for souvenirs, relax in a typical taverna or hit the beach. What's more, a volunteer from local conservation group ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – will be on board to tell give you the lowdown on its work.

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What's included
  • check Exclusive TUI itinerary
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Boat trip
What to remember
  • There's a snack bar onboard the boat where you can purchase food and drinks
  • By choosing this excursion you are helping ARCHELON and contributing to the care of endangered turtles
  • Suitable for guests with reduced mobility as there is space for wheelchairs
  • Please provide your passport/ID details at time of booking
  • Please be aware that afternoon tours will start in Keri with same itinerary and end at Zakynthos town port where a coach will bring you back to your hotel
  • While sightings of loggerhead turtles are frequent on this tour, they are wild animals, so there's no guarantee of spotting them
  • Pick-ups are available from selected hotels in the following resorts:
    - Keri
    - Porto Koukla
    - Agios Sostis
    - Laganas AGANAS
    - Kalamaki
    - Argassi
    - Tsilivi
    - Tragaki
    - Kypseli
    - Amoudi
    - Alykanas
    - Alykes If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pick-up, please provide details at checkout
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • Food and drinks not included
  • This is one of our TUI Collection experiences, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.
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Provider
TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.2/5

Based on 366 reviews from verified customers

48%
32%
17%
3%
1%

Review categories

Value for money

4.2/5

Staff

4.3/5

Service

4.3/5

Safety

4.3/5

  • elaine

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    It was a shame there was no pool noodles or life jackets for the children to get in the ocean on the two swim stops provided. All the staff were reall ...

  • Chrissy Herring

    From United Kingdom - September 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Poor

    Overall rated

    2/5

    The trip was a big disappointment! Health and safety was non existent. No safety gear available for the swimmers. No loo seats on the toilets and the ...

  • Happy on hols

    From United Kingdom - September 2025

    Travelled with family

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    I think I could have booked this locally and got it cheaper not sure why booking it through TUI gave a better experience

  • D bennett

    From United Kingdom - September 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Didnt need 2 swim stops Couldn't hear the guide Expensive

  • StevenT

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Solo traveller

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Poor

    Overall rated

    2/5

    Thought it rather boring, total 1hr 10 min swim breaks too much. Thought TUI guide abrupt and rude. Too many people on boat, felt unsafe and squeezed ...

  • Jules

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    There was only 15 minutes in Keri to shop/relax/sunbathe. We didn't see any turtles which was quite disappointing- however appreciate it does say in ...

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