Zakynthos: Marathonisi, Cameo Island and Keri Caves Tour

The best part of this Zakynthos outing is the change of scene: one minute you are crossing a little footbridge to Cameo Island, and soon after you are looking through a glass-bottom boat for Caretta Caretta turtles. Then come warm-water swims, white sand, sea caves, and a taste of local olive oil. It packs a lot into five hours.

I like the mix of sea time and island culture. Marathonisi gives you a proper beach break, while the Aristeon olive oil stop adds something beyond sun and swimming. The main drawback is the pace. Cameo Island gets only about 30 minutes, and boat groups can feel crowded, so this is better for seeing several highlights than for lingering at one.

Key points at a glance

• Turtle spotting is never guaranteed: You may see one or several Caretta Caretta turtles, but sightings depend on the season and the animals.
• Marathonisi is the best swim stop: You get about an hour on a soft-sand beach, with warm, clear water and floating snack bars nearby.
• Cameo Island costs extra: Entry is usually €5 per person, though some groups have found it included or waived.
• Keri Caves are seen from the boat: You pass under the Kamara rock arch and stop for a roughly 20-minute swim near a cave.
• The olive oil visit is more tasting room than museum: You learn about local production and sample olive oils, olives, and bread, with products available to buy.
• The boat can feel tight: It may carry up to 24 people, and the small glass viewing panel is useful but not huge.

A fast route through Zakynthos waters

This Dali Tours excursion costs $66 per person and lasts about five hours, including hotel transport, boat time, island stops, and the olive oil visit. For that price, you are paying for a broad sampler of southern Zakynthos rather than a quiet private cruise.

Pickup is available from resorts and towns including Laganas, Kalamaki, Argassi, Zakynthos Town, Lithakia, Planos, Kipseli, Vanato, and Ano Vasilikos. The included pickup area is within 10 kilometers of the operator’s office, and cruise ship pickup can be arranged around the ship schedule.

The usual road transfer takes about 30 minutes before the boat portion begins. You may ride in a nine-seat minibus, and space can be snug when it is full. Some departures involve changing vehicles or waiting while groups are organized, so leave a little patience in your beach bag.

Guides have included George, Sakis, Nicholas, Ilias, and others. George has been especially noted for his friendly explanations about the island and for keeping the day moving. The quality of commentary can vary, though. On some departures, the driver provides useful background; on others, the boat crew says little beyond basic instructions.

Cameo Island and the five-euro decision

Cameo Island is reached by a wooden footbridge from Agios Sostis. The bridge is one of the photo moments of the day, with clear water below and a small island rising ahead. The setting has a storybook feel without requiring a long walk or a serious hike.

You normally get around 30 minutes here. That is enough to cross the bridge, take pictures, look around, and perhaps swim in the sheltered water. It is not enough for a slow afternoon at the island’s beach area.

Entry is listed at €5 per person, paid separately. The fee has not been handled identically on every departure, so carry cash and ask your guide before deciding what to do. One important point: a guide may suggest skipping the island because of the short stop or extra charge, but Cameo is worth visiting if you want the bridge, photos, and a quick swim.

If you prefer a relaxed visit, return to Cameo on your own another day. On this tour, it works best as a short scenic opener rather than the main event.

Looking for turtles from the glass-bottom boat

After Cameo, you board a boat for the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. The glass-bottom section lets you look into the water while the crew searches for Caretta Caretta loggerhead turtles. These endangered animals use the protected beaches around southern Zakynthos for nesting.

The boat crew typically slows or circles when a turtle appears. You are there to watch, not touch, chase, or crowd the animals. A sighting might last only a few seconds, or the captain may stay nearby long enough for everyone to get a look.

This is the most unpredictable part of the outing. Sightings have been excellent in some months, with people seeing one, two, or even three turtles. Late in the season, you might see none. That does not mean the boat ride has failed, but you should not book this as a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The glass panel is relatively small. Think of it as a viewing window, not a boat with most of its floor made of glass. The boat may carry up to 24 people, and the best view can go quickly, so listen for instructions and move carefully rather than trying to claim one spot for the whole trip.

Some boats travel at a brisk speed. That can be fun in warm weather, but spray may soak you, especially in cooler months. Keep your camera protected and bring a dry change of clothes.

Marathonisi, the turtle-shaped island

Marathonisi is the main beach stop and, for many people, the highlight of the day. From the water, its outline is said to resemble a turtle, which explains the nickname Turtle Island. The beach has pale sand, clear water, and a protected setting within the marine park.

You usually get about one hour here. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, lie on the sand, or buy a cold drink from one of the floating canteens. You can also bring your own snacks, but remember that food and drinks are not included.

The water is warm and calm enough for an easy swim, though you should judge conditions for yourself. Snorkeling equipment is not supplied, so pack your own mask and snorkel if you want to see more than the bright surface water. Towels are also not provided.

There are no toilets on Marathonisi. Use the facilities before boarding the boat, since there is no toilet on board either. This is a small detail, but it matters during a five-hour outing with several water stops.

Marathonisi is also a protected nesting area. Stay within permitted areas and do not approach nesting sites or cross barriers. The beach can show signs of heavy use, including litter, so carry your rubbish back to the boat if bins are not available.

The floating bars are handy, but they also mean this is not a completely empty beach. You get a beautiful natural stop with basic refreshments, not an untouched desert island.

Keri Caves, arches, cliffs, and a short swim

The boat continues along the Keri coast, where wind and water have cut openings into pale limestone cliffs. You pass rocky coves, sea arches, forested slopes, and bright beaches that can be reached only from the water.

The boat passes through Kamara, the famous rock arch. This is a good moment for photos, though the boat may be moving and the light can change quickly. Keep your phone ready before the captain enters the arch.

The tour also makes a swim stop near the entrance to a large cave. It generally lasts about 20 minutes, and the water is clear enough for snorkeling. You do not swim deep into the cave, and the stop is more about floating in a dramatic setting than exploring an underground chamber.

Several people particularly enjoy this swim because it feels different from Marathonisi. At the cave stop, you jump or climb down from the boat into open water. At Marathonisi, you walk onto sand and have more room to relax.

The boat ride itself is scenic, but commentary can be light. If you want detailed information about the geology or local stories, ask the guide or captain directly. Do not expect a full coastal lecture on every departure.

The Aristeon olive oil stop in Lithakia

Back at the port, you return to the minibus for the final stop at the Aristeon ecological olive oil press museum in Lithakia. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and gives you a look at how olive oil is produced on Zakynthos.

You taste local olives, traditional bread, and several extra virgin olive oils. Flavors may include lemon, orange, and garlic. This is a useful stop if you want to understand a familiar Greek ingredient in a local setting, and the tasting makes it more engaging than a display of equipment alone.

The visit also functions as a shop. You can buy olive oil and related beauty products, so expect some sales talk. Some people enjoy choosing gifts and island products; others find the presentation too promotional or would prefer another 30 minutes at the beach.

I see the stop as a fair trade if you like food traditions and want a break from the boat. If your only goal is turtles and swimming, it may feel like time taken from the sea.

Is $66 good value?

At $66, the tour offers a solid amount for a half-day: transport, the boat ticket to Marathonisi, turtle spotting, Cameo Island, the Keri coastline, two swimming opportunities, and olive oil tasting. You do not need to arrange separate transport between southern resorts and the port.

The value depends on what you want. A private boat would give you more control but cost much more. A simple beach trip would cost less, but it would not include the caves, wildlife search, or olive oil stop.

The trade-off is that the experience can feel tightly packed. The advertised duration is five hours, but transfers, group changes, and the museum stop reduce the time actually spent in the water. A few people have found the active portion closer to three hours, while others felt the schedule was well judged.

Boat space also affects value. A full boat is not necessarily unsafe, but it can feel cramped during longer rides. If you want room to stretch out and a quiet view, consider a smaller boat trip. If you want a convenient overview of several southern Zakynthos sights, $66 is reasonable.

What to bring and how to make the day easier

Wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes. There may not be a convenient place to change between stops, and you will have more than one chance to get wet.

Pack:

• Towel and spare clothes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Flip-flops or secure beach footwear
• Camera or phone protection from spray
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• Cash for the Cameo entry fee, food, and drinks

Use a toilet before boarding. Neither the boat nor Marathonisi has one.

Be outside your hotel about 30 minutes before the stated pickup time. If you drive yourself, you can meet at the Dali Tours office 10 minutes before departure. The company vehicle has a Dali Tours label on the front windshield.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You need to manage a bridge, boat boarding, beach access, and movement on a sometimes busy vessel.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check the current departure before booking.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this outing if you want a convenient first look at southern Zakynthos and like mixing nature, swimming, and local food. Families with older children, couples, cruise ship passengers, and first-time visitors can get a lot from it, especially when the sea is calm.

It is also a good fit if you want to see turtles but understand that wildlife follows its own schedule. The turtle search is genuine, yet no captain can promise a sighting.

I would choose something else if you dislike group boats, need generous time at the beach, or want a detailed history lesson at every stop. You might also prefer a separate Cameo Island visit if the bridge and island are your main reason for going.

FAQ

How long is the Zakynthos island tour?

The scheduled duration is five hours, including pickup and drop-off, boat time, island stops, swimming, and the olive oil visit.

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off within the stated service area, bottled water, a map, the boat ticket to Marathonisi, the Aristeon Olive Oil Press Museum visit, and olive oil tasting are included.

Is Cameo Island included?

The tour includes a visit opportunity, but the listed entry fee is €5 per person. Some departures have handled the fee differently, so bring cash and confirm with your guide.

Will I definitely see Caretta Caretta turtles?

No. Turtles are often spotted, but sightings depend on the season and the animals. Some departures see several, while late-season trips may see none.

Can I swim at Marathonisi?

Yes. You normally get about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the sand, and buying refreshments from floating canteens.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

No. Bring your own snorkeling equipment and towel if you want them.

Are there toilets on the boat or Marathonisi?

No. Use a toilet before boarding because there are no toilets on the boat or on Marathonisi Island.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Floating canteens operate at Marathonisi, and you can bring your own snacks. Carry cash for purchases.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments because it involves boat access, a bridge, beach access, and movement between stops.