Zakynthos Private Boat Tour: Review of South Coast Swim Spots

So, you are dreaming of turquoise water, hidden caves, and sun-drenched shores? Very likely, Zakynthos, with its stunning south coast, has that very thing! Going on a private boat tour? That could be the absolute ticket to seeing all its hidden gems. We took the plunge ourselves and, like your tour, we are here to spill all the details about this experience, filled with visits to delightful swim spots and more than just a bit of exploring! This review? This is what we experienced so you could, like your own thing, have that idea of what’s waiting for you!

Why Go Private on Zakynthos?

Zakynthos’ south coast, a stretch festooned with inviting beaches and striking rock formations? Well it deserves a special look! Booking a private boat? It really gives you, like, so much control over the day. You can spend as long as you’d like at each stop, which is lovely. It is something a group tour just, like, can’t offer. We chose it that way and liked that flexibility, because we, like many, didn’t fancy feeling rushed. It means more time soaking in the views, grabbing that awesome shot, and generally just chilling in these incredible places, right? So the skipper and the boat itself? This is, so to say, yours! Need to stop? Need the volume down? Then do so!

Picking the Right Boat and Crew

The first thing, too, is researching those tour operators to begin with. The options for Zakynthos? Seem like they are virtually endless, and what matters is to find one with, arguably, fantastic reviews and, well, it appears committed to your safety and pleasure. Consider too, what kind of boat you’d actually like. Is that, that, a smaller speedboat, really good for nipping in and out of caves, your jam? Or is that a larger catamaran with plenty of deck space better? Either way? Verify that all safety equipment, so too life vests and first-aid, is readily available. It will also assist your general peace of mind, because you cannot say fairer than that! The crew? Chat with them and ask loads of questions! If they’re very friendly, and know all there is about the island and its waters, this tends to be a good indicator, generally speaking! The crew can either make or, well, sink, the entire experience in a way.

Must-See Swim Stops on the South Coast

Now, right, onto the gems themselves. Zakynthos’ South Coast? That truly has swim spots galore! Some of the really outstanding places? That too are waiting to be swum in!

Marathias Beach and Caves

Marathias Beach? A charming, lesser-known place and that too is one of the gateways, right, to the sea caves. Snorkeling here? In that really crystalline water, that means the sea life and underwater rock formations are both clearly seen. You, like many people, can ask your captain to anchor nearby! Very useful for swimming into some pretty awe-inspiring caves and secret grottoes. The water, as a matter of fact, reflects the sunlight, casting amazing blue hues on the cave walls. If you’re brave? Dare yourself and jump off the rocks into the water!

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

Marathonisi, so named because its shape’s almost like a turtle, really, that’s actually a protected national marine park area. It is really something. The reason? Caretta caretta sea turtles use its sandy beaches to nest, which is very serious and so it should be respected. Many boat tours often stop on one of Marathonisi’s two beaches. One’s sandy with shallow waters that, to be honest, it is absolutely brilliant for swimming, while the other is a pebbly beach near some sea caves. Always listen carefully to your skipper’s guidance, in fact it’s critical in these locations for protecting nesting sites and any local wildlife.

Keri Caves

Next up, Keri Caves! What too can you expect? Jaw-dropping rock formations and super-clear, blue water, really that’s just made for, well, swimming. Loads of tour operators stop at a few choice caves where that boat, well it maneuvers carefully, can nudge you in, letting you swim inside and discover its natural magnificence. Some caves, it is thought, have really small entrances that you only enter swimming, and the colors from the light reflecting? This actually makes that swimming feel completely surreal. Seriously, though, do not touch or grab any of those rock formations! Preserving that cave ecosystem? So very vital!

Blue Caves

Well, if it’s not a legend already, it soon will be. Right up at the north of Zakynthos, yet worth mentioning because it’s just gorgeous, lie the Blue Caves. Right, so many private boat tours leaving from the south coast can arrange an extension to take you there? What’s so special? The water has really reflective properties! It, like some kind of mad natural miracle, makes everything look intensely blue, and that actually makes it a really remarkable swim.

What to Bring on Your Private Boat Tour

Getting ready, it too really assists if you, like get this, do not want that holiday dampened just by the stuff you missed, is essential. Basically, you have everything prepared! The following essentials should see to your needs very nicely.

• Sunscreen: Go with a high SPF. The sun in Greece, by the way, is very intense, right, so that protection is vital.
• Swimsuit: Clearly you are going for a swim, anyway! Bringing a spare can keep that comfort up after swimming.
• Towel: Big and absorbent, if you can. Great for drying off and lounging.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Protection to ward off from the glare.
• Water: That heat gets, well, seriously dehydrating so sip steadily.
• Snacks: Pack light snacks! Staying powered up through your tour really makes your time more pleasurable.
• Waterproof Bag: Protect your valuables! Phones, cameras, and any devices, they really need safeguarding.
• Camera/Phone: Taking lots of photos, and capturing, seemingly, those breathtaking moments? Basically non-negotiable!
• Snorkel Gear: Some tours, honestly, provide it but bringing your own ensures that perfect fit and top hygiene.

Respecting the Environment

While, maybe, you have your dream boat tour it is vital that, you know, while doing so? Respect for that unique Zakynthos environment really must stay foremost in our thoughts, right? Keep to all the guidelines made, especially that concerning nesting sea turtles. Never litter, as it impacts both that water quality and wildlife seriously! Rather try to bring all of those recyclables back with you, which assists loads, genuinely. With that regard? When applying sunscreen, in that respect too, be sparing as those chemicals might too damage any delicate marine life! Enjoy all there is responsibly, that it’s sustainable, right?

More than Just Swimming: Additional Perks

Many private boat tours often pack a fair bit more than just swimming! What? It’s not something they highlight much? I will tell you here now!

• Sunset Views: Request a late afternoon tour. Those south coast sunsets are just absolutely, in a way, beyond belief!
• Secluded Beaches: Your captain has that ability to take you to many hard-to-reach beaches only reached by sea!
• Local Knowledge: So listen carefully. You get heaps of cool insights! Like where the local tavernas actually are! This isn’t some run-of-the-mill tourist trash.
• Onboard Amenities: A few boats will have features like sunbeds, toilets, showers, music systems… and very very moreish snacks! This all adds so too much to your comfort!

Making the Most of Your Zakynthos Boat Trip

OK, a successful Zakynthos boat trip? Right that comes with just so more than simply rocking up to a harbor with plenty of, arguably, euros to burn! Like getting all prepped well in advance really does reap that big payoff when done!

1. Early Booking: Right especially in the peak season. It does make the difference! That guarantees a spot for those desired dates and often helps that price remain decent.
2. Check that Weather: You would like a sun-drenched boat trip as against one rocked by heavy winds! Use a very reliable weather source to confirm those conditions.
3. Define those Preferences: Right communicate all preferences from your perspective in regard to itinerary stops or maybe even the onboard music with that operator. Very smooth for everyone that way.
4. Pack Responsibly: Get that essential kit together like we mentioned before? That assists you just simply getting on with things, without fretting you forgot stuff!
5. Engage: OK so do not just stay silent! Make contact with the captain, maybe even also some fellow passengers! Just so much makes that social element just rather more satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions