Zakynthos by boat

Tips for the perfect boat day:

• Ask if you can borrow a cooler. We rented our boat right across from a small kiosk, which was perfect – just before setting off, we stocked up on ice, water, and soft drinks. The result? Cold refreshments all throughout the trip.

• Bring towels. The seats get extremely hot under the sun, so it’s nice to have something to sit or lie on comfortably.

• Pack sunscreen, a sunhat, and wear something light and easy. You’ll wade into the water to board the boat, so sandals and swimwear under a loose dress or cover-up work perfectly.

• Don’t forget your snorkel gear. There’s not an overwhelming amount of marine life, but if you’re lucky, you might spot a sea turtle or two. Personally, I love seeing animals in their natural habitats, on their own terms – so I wouldn’t recommend chasing the turtles with your boat if you happen to see one. Respect their space.

We didn’t spot any turtles during our trip, but that was completely fine. We were treated to beautiful scenery, dramatic cliffs, and hidden caves. Honestly, the boat trip was one of the best experiences of the entire holiday.

Our Boat Route Around Zakynthos – A Dreamy Day at Sea

The sailing route is somewhat limited, but you’ll be given a map outlining exactly where you’re allowed to go as well as areas to be extra cautious of, like shallow rocks or restricted zones. It’s straightforward and well-marked.

My tip? Start with the furthest point on the route first. That way, you’ll be able to time your return more easily, knowing where you want to stop again – either to drop anchor and dive into the sea, or simply float in silence with a cold drink and some snacks on board.

Here’s the route we followed:

1. Mizithres

We began with the furthest spot – Mizithres, and we stayed there for around 1.5 hours.
The water? Unreal. Turquoise, crystal clear, and postcard-perfect – though the scene was completely untouched and unfiltered. It honestly looked like a place only found in dreams.

2. Keri Caves

Next up were the magical Keri Caves. Otherworldly beautiful, with steep white cliffs and hidden corners.
However, one downside to going without a captain is that you can’t easily navigate into the caves – doing so requires local knowledge and precision.
Also, anchoring can be tricky in some areas due to large rocks on the seabed. It didn’t always feel safe for both of us to leave the boat unattended, so we stayed nearby.

3. The Arches

Our third stop was The Arches, and it didn’t disappoint. Dramatic natural formations rising out of the sea – a stunning spot for a quick swim and a few photos.

4. Oasis Beach

A peaceful little cove and the perfect place for a moment of stillness.

5. Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

We didn’t stop here since it was a bit too crowded for our taste. In hindsight, we were so glad we’d spent more time at Mizithres instead.

6. Cameo Island

Our final stop before heading back. We floated near Cameo Island, taking in the view of this sweet little islet as the sun softened and the sea calmed. A perfect ending.

It was one of the most beautiful experiences of our trip; peaceful, playful, and full of natural wonder. If you’re up for it, renting a boat is without a doubt the best way to see this side of Zakynthos!