Zakynthos Private Boat Tour Review: Is it Worth it?
Picture this: you’re on a sparkling turquoise Ionian Sea, the sun feels just great on your skin, and the shoreline seems that it’s showing these gorgeous hidden beaches and also secluded coves. Too it’s almost, what I experienced during my private boat tour in Zakynthos, Greece. This review aims to provide an inside look at the whole experience, so you, too can tell if it’s actually something you should treat yourself to.
Why Choose a Private Boat Tour, Really?
Why settle for a crowded tourist boat, you ask? Well, that was my initial thinking, too. See, there are a couple of upsides to actually going private. First, you get total flexibility. Feel like you want to linger longer at the Blue Caves? You can. Want to find a specific, hidden beach that, just perhaps, only locals know about? Your captain might be able to make it happen. In some respects, it’s really about crafting your very day and not, you know, sticking to a pre-set schedule. Also, the whole privacy thing, is something that, at least for me, made the cost worthwhile. With family, with your love, and a couple of your close friends, you will not have to bother to scramble to, you know, get a good spot for taking pictures or listen to what those large tour groups can, you know, get noisy as all hell.
Booking Your Boat: What You Need to Consider
Before handing over your hard-earned cash, give it a little bit of forethought when it’s about exactly what you want your tour to include. Think: duration of the excursion, which sites you would just simply love to visit (Navagio Shipwreck Beach is basically a must, really), if there are any on-board facilities (a toilet is very useful), and what all is included in the price (fuel, drinks, snacks). Most companies provide different boat sizes, so find a boat, in some respects, it’s big enough so that it won’t make you feel cramped, and one that fits your budget. Getting quotes from various companies is worth doing, too, that, sometimes, have slightly different offerings or some great promotional offers.
Tip: Reading other visitor’s reviews, especially the recent ones, provides really valuable insights on boat conditions, the crew’s helpfulness, and the whole experience. So be sure to make your way through what past customers have shared and, too it’s almost, get to know what your booking will get you in store.
The Captain: Your Local Expert
Your captain really, isn’t only a driver; that person’s your local guide, storyteller, and possibly, that of a savior if you end up running out of sunscreen. The most memorable part of my trip really, was how informative and friendly our captain happened to be. He showed a bit of knowledge of the region, and he seemed he had stories of hidden caves and of the island’s past. Do not be reluctant to get to know the captain’s thoughts, and he, too it’s almost, could modify the route to your preferences or inform you of lesser-known, nicer swimming spots far from, you know, the throngs of tourists.
Recommendation: Talk a bit with your captain concerning what you hope you’d get to do with this tour as soon as you meet up with him/her, which is actually the best strategy you could implement. The captains frequently possess secret information for ensuring your enjoyment while considering any, very important, time limitations and weather factors that must be observed.
Must-See Spots: Beaches and Caves
No Zakynthos boat tour, whether private or public, really seems complete without having gone to Navagio Shipwreck Beach, yet known for the stranded ship and amazing bluffs around it. Get there as early as you can to skip the huge crowd of people. In some respects, it looks amazing; I have to say! Though, Navagio is hardly the whole story. The Blue Caves, in the closeby northern area of the island, are similarly deserving of a peek. You, or possibly the captain, will likely find secluded bays and also swim spots dependent on the path taken that are great. Porto Limnionas along the western coast seems that it is an ideal instance. Make certain you bring the snorkeling gear with so that you can thoroughly get to explore the vibrant aquatic life there!
Essential Items: To get all of the enjoyable elements through your whole private Zakynthos experience it usually is essential to have products for swimming. So grab a water-proof camera to get those wonderful underwater images. Also grab biodegradable sunscreen if you want to take an eco-friendly path in making it great!
Food and Drink Onboard
Check in advance what refreshments the boat will stock. A lot of private tours come with refreshments as an option (water, soft drinks, and then maybe local fruits and that of snacks), but feel free to stock-up. Perhaps add a deli or store before heading to set sail to fill your coolers containing the most scrumptious regional cheeses, olive oils, and what I crave most is always something that reminds me of house like a well stuffed pie for picnic! Likewise don’t leave your favourite alcoholic drink for when you start seeing off somewhere in isolation that only the captain happens know of. (Please hydrate for when doing so however!) Then you can really just unwind as you explore all kinds of those immaculate, incredible beaches!
Is a Private Boat Tour Worth It? My Final Thoughts
Thus, is a private boat tour in Zakynthos actually worthwhile? It may be slightly pricey. If the freedom to move anywhere whenever, the ability to, maybe, dodge the crowds, and that personalized experience seem like it’s appealing for you, then I would say definitely. My favorite Zakynthos recollection actually, occurred throughout that personal boat trip, and that may be for sure; memories are priceless!
Key Takeaways
- Flexibility is Key: Personalized itineraries makes everything perfect.
- Captain’s Expertise: Embrace local expertise so you do not overlook treasures and also avoid tourist crowds.
- Prepare & Pack: Bring required sunblock together along with water-resistant camera in ensuring comfortable travel without pressure.
- Value for Cash: The added solitude coupled including freedom usually provide great experiences!