Eco-Friendly Turtle Spotting Trip

An Amazing Turtle-Spotting Boat Trip in Zakynthos

Discover the south of Zakynthos on this eco-friendly turtle spotting boat tour, where adventure meets conservation. Swim in the turquoise waters at the back of Turtle Island, avoiding the turtle nests located on the beach at the front. Then we sail along the imposing coast with chalky white cliffs to the caves of Keri, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. With expert guides from Nefis Travel and Archelon’s Sea Turtle Protection Society, you will learn about the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles while sailing through the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Get up close to these magnificent creatures without disturbing their natural habitat and capture breathtaking photos. You can even support turtle protection by “adopting” a turtle or buying a souvenir from Archelon’s shop. Families can also enjoy a fun interactive pirate game upon request! The eco-friendly turtle spotting boat tour is both fun and educational, the ultimate day out for all ages! 
 

Tour Highlights

Observe the Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat.

Visit the mesmerizing Turtle Island and Keri Caves.

Swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by natural beauty.

Sail in the National Marine Park with stunning sea views.

Snorkel and explore the underwater world up close.

Capture beautiful photos of the turtles in an eco-friendly way.

Learn fun facts about the turtles from volunteers of Archelon (the sea turtle protection society of Greece).

Chances to “adopt” a turtle or purchase a souvenir from Archelon’s shop.

Interactive pirate game for children on board.

Be part of a good cause and help us create a better environment for the turtles.

  • "Firstly, I want to say thank you! You were absolutely amazing from start to finish when my sister-in-law booked our turtle tour. The tour was fantastic, we saw a turtle in the bay three times! She was beautiful! The boat ride was so relaxing, and the boat itself was perfect."
    Tripadvisor Review
  • "Everything they did from the booking, the pick-up, the coach, the crew on the boat, to the girls who gave us a presentation on the environmental work being done to protect the habitat of the turtles was 10 out of 10. If you are going to Zante, please book your trips with Nefis - you will not be disappointed."
    Tripadvisor Review
  • "They seemed to be one of the only boats in the area that were genuinely concerned for the turtles' welfare, so we are very happy we chose to go with them! We saw a turtle, and the rest of the trip was also fantastic, with beautiful views and amazing opportunities to swim and snorkel."
    Google Maps Review
 

How to Book

You can use our website's booking form to send your booking request for your preferred date. You can also book via email (info@nefis-travel.com), WhatsApp (+30 6987746506), or by sending us a private message on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).

Please note that our offices are open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 in May and October, and from 09:00 to 23:00 from June to September (EET), and that we respond to emails within 24 hours. If you need to make an urgent booking because you are already on the island, please contact us directly by phone at +30 2695048004 or via WhatsApp at +30 6987746506. For after-hours inquiries, please contact us on WhatsApp at +30 6984534687.

With Nefis Travel, you have the option to book now and pay later, after you arrive in Zakynthos. If you prefer to pay before your arrival on the island, we can send you a secure online payment link to pay with your credit card or provide an IBAN for a bank transfer. The choice is yours!

Tour Program

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the largest breeding ground for the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles in the entire Mediterranean Sea. These beautiful creatures have existed for millions of years but are now highly endangered. We work alongside Archelon, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, to support their vital conservation efforts. Additionally, all our turtle-spotting boat trips are eco-friendly and fully authorized by the Zakynthos National Marine Park.

On board our Nefis Travel boat, you’ll meet official Archelon staff guides who will share fascinating insights about the turtles and their biology. During the excursion, they also give a short presentation about their important work protecting the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles. On board, you’ll find a small shop where you can support their cause by purchasing a souvenir or even adopting a turtle. We are proud to share that last year alone, Nefis Travel helped raise €19,500 to support these vital conservation efforts.
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This turtle-spotting eco tour is the perfect way to see the Caretta-Caretta turtles while swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters around Turtle Island and the Keri Caves. You’ll be picked up by a luxury coach and depart around 8:30 AM, returning at approximately 1:45 PM (times may vary depending on your resort location). We also offer an afternoon tour, with pickup around 12:00 PM and return at approximately 5:00 PM, ideal for guests who prefer a later start.

We board our boat at the picturesque harbor of Agios Sostis and begin our first turtle-spotting experience. We almost always have the chance to observe these enchanting creatures up close. Next, we sail to Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, where we anchor at the back side of the island to swim and snorkel near its beautiful sea caves. By approaching from the rear, we leave the nesting area at the front of the beach undisturbed, helping to protect the turtles and their fragile eggs. We spend about 35 minutes here, giving you plenty of time to swim, relax, and take in the beauty of this peaceful location.

Continuing our journey from Turtle Island, we head to the Keri Caves, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery of Zante along the way. At the caves, we drop anchor for another swim stop. Here, you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters while listening to the Archelon guides’ engaging presentation about the turtles’ biology and ongoing conservation work.

For our younger guests, we offer an optional educational pirate game, where children learn about Greek mythology and the wonders of the sea. At the end, our young explorers receive a special pirate diploma as a memorable keepsake.

On the way back to Agios Sostis, we make one more stop to look for turtles, just in case we missed them earlier in the day.

Join us on this meaningful and eco-friendly cruise, where you can swim in some of Zakynthos’ most beautiful places while helping to protect the Caretta-Caretta turtles a truly unforgettable experience.

Important Information

1What should I know before I book this excursion?

The duration of this excursion is 4-5 hours.

The excursion includes a guided bus transfer to the south of the island and features two swim stops.

We will anchor at the back side of Turtle Island to avoid disturbing the turtle nests at the front.

Lunch is not included in the price; you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy on board.

There’s a small snack bar on board with coffee, chips, ice creams, sandwiches, and snacks.

For hygiene and safety reasons, we do not provide snorkeling equipment. You may bring your own if you wish.

Toilets are available on board.

Boarding the boat involves three steps and a short gangplank — our friendly crew will gladly assist you when getting on and off.

When booking a boat tour, we always strive to provide the best possible experience, but sea conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. We recommend planning your tour early in your holiday for flexibility. If changes are needed, we will communicate openly and offer you options to reschedule, receive a refund, or proceed with an alternative plan.

2Why should I book with Nefis Travel?

Nefis Travel is an award-winning travel agency in Zakynthos, with nearly two decades of experience providing unique tours and cruises. Our excursions are conducted in high-quality vehicles and boats, and our dream team includes professional, highly qualified drivers and captains, as well as the island’s best tour guides. Our prices are truly affordable, offering great value for money, while the thousands of glowing reviews received over the years highlight the exceptional service we provide to our guests and underscore our reputation as the leading travel agency on the island.

Excellent customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on paying meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring flawless and unforgettable journeys. We believe in providing not just a service, but a memorable experience that will stay with you long after you leave Zakynthos. With Nefis Travel, you can rest assured that you are in the care of the island's most trusted travel experts.

3How do I pay for my excursion and receive my ticket(s)?

With Nefis Travel, you have the option to book now and pay when you arrive in Zakynthos!

If you prefer to pay before arriving in Zakynthos, we can send you a secure online payment link for credit card or Apple Pay, or provide you with an IBAN for a bank transfer. In this case, your ticket will be sent via email or WhatsApp, along with details about your pick-up point.

If you are staying in the Planos–Tsilivi resort area, you can collect your tickets and pay by debit card or cash at one of our Nefis Travel offices. Please make sure to collect and pay for your tickets at least 24 hours before the tour.

For your convenience, we also offer ticket delivery to your accommodation. We provide this service when you are staying in Argasi, Zakynthos Town, Kalamaki, Laganas, Agios Sostis/Koukla, or Tragaki. In this case, payment can be made in cash only.

If you are staying in any other resort not mentioned above, we can send you a secure online payment link for credit card or Apple Pay. Once we receive payment confirmation, your ticket will be sent via WhatsApp or email.

Other Excursions You May Enjoy

Nefis Travel offers a wide range of excursions for travellers of all ages. We specialize in unique Zakynthos tours and cruises that showcase the very best of Zante -from hidden gems to iconic sights- as well as day trips to stunning nearby destinations such as Kefalonia and Olympia. Our professional and enthusiastic team is dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday memories for you, ensuring that you are always at the heart of our attention. We provide free transfers from nearly all Zakynthos resorts, and our Book Now - Pay Later policy allows you to secure your spot with no upfront payment. Explore our excursions and experience the magic of Zakynthos with us!