Zakynthos Shipwreck Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?
Okay, so you’re thinking about that cruise to Navagio Shipwreck in Zakynthos, Greece? Everyone’s seen the pictures – that amazing beach, clear turquoise water, and of course, the rusted shipwreck right in the middle of it all. The thing is, do those photos actually mirror the real experience? Is it genuinely a trip to write home about, or just a tourist trap dressed up for social media? I went ahead and checked it out myself, and now I’m going to spill the tea about the whole experience.
Picking the Right Cruise for You
So, you see, a big slice of your experience is all linked to which cruise operator you go with. The Zakynthos cruises to Navagio are, like, everywhere, starting from little boats to bigger ones that look more like floating party barges. You want something chill or a boat rocking music and drinks? That should play into which type of trip you choose. What I ended up doing, as I was wanting more photo time instead of party time, was going with a smaller company. This let us spend, apparently, quite a chunk of time actually at Shipwreck Beach. You might just find that larger boats tend to be seriously overcrowded and the time on the sand tends to get trimmed back quite a bit. And of course, apparently look into stuff like safety reviews and included features to make sure the company checks out!
What’s Included? Know Before You Go
Alright, before booking anything, be that sneaky eye to catch what comes inside your cruise package. Many cruises will seemingly toss in free drinks (or not), lunch, and sometimes even snorkeling gear. Is that snorkeling stuff something super important to you? Then look, make sure the boat you choose stops in spots good for sea life. We spotted a few cruises seemingly tacking on shuttle rides from your resort. Makes the whole thing apparently way less headache inducing when you don’t need to stress the ride to the departure spot!
The Navagio Shipwreck Experience: Hype vs. Reality
Okay, as a matter of fact let’s chat about Shipwreck Beach itself. See, I think, it’s impossible to truly trash it – the water genuinely is such a stunning shade of turquoise. The cliffs surrounding the bay look absolutely breathtaking. But yet, it might be a smart move to keep your expectations slightly grounded. And honestly, unless you arrive on the scene first thing in the morning (or late in the shoulder season), expect a bunch of other visitors. At the top of the season, like during August, the place will almost certainly be so packed, that moving about can be rather difficult. Also, that rusting ship looks super cool, although you can’t actually get inside for obvious safety concerns. You mostly take pictures with it, and just take in those cliff views.
Swimming Stops and Hidden Gems
Alright, let’s discuss one of the cooler slices of doing a cruise rather than going straight to Shipwreck Beach. As I recall, almost all the cruises feature a bunch of swimming stops around Zakynthos. Sometimes these end up actually outshining the shipwreck. And so it was, that we hopped off at some secluded bays along the coastline, finding a couple of spots that the public just couldn’t reach easily. The cruises took us, if I’m being honest, to seriously awesome sea caves where we just swam right through those arches. I kind of think this almost certainly becomes the highlight if Shipwreck Beach winds up crammed full of people. That, and getting a look at Zakynthos from the sea supplies some postcard views!
What to Bring on Your Zakynthos Cruise
Speaking plainly, showing up prepared turns a good cruise seemingly stellar. Remember that Zakynthos dishes out strong sun during summer. Pack plenty of sunscreen, more or less, wear a sunhat, and absolutely take those sunglasses with you. Want snapshots underwater? Well, think about taking along a waterproof camera or pouch to keep the cell safe. Towels almost never appear on the boats (just so you’re aware), and perhaps water shoes become great while wandering on the rocky beaches. Last, carrying some cash lets you then buy drinks or treats they sell onboard.
Making the Most of Your Trip: Tips and Recommendations
So, that being said, let’s sort of lock down how to apparently score your Zakynthos cruise trip. Try booking for May, early June, or September. Fewer people are around then, and temperatures feel totally doable. Snagging an early morning tour often ends up meaning arriving at Shipwreck before anyone gets there, delivering way better pictures plus a less crowded visit. One other idea – inquire when you are making the arrangements whether you can negotiate a cheaper fare. During the off season most operators usually give rebates. Lastly, unwind and savor the view. Let us face it: you find yourself cruising around among probably the globe’s loveliest locations! What is there not to love?
Key Points
- Select a tour seemingly matched for taste – bigger boat bash or smaller, relaxed pace.
- Think about shoulder season dates for much smaller audience numbers.
- Bring sunblock, water resistant bags, plus anything else guaranteeing day comfort.
- Ask regarding added swimming spots; those might simply prove main attraction
Hopefully, reading about my Zakynthos shipwreck cruise adventures is making that choice whether it matches your sort of occasion a bit more readily made. While sometimes touristy when lots people are present, it can easily still provide amazing minutes. Book that ideal business, follow our pro suggestions listed prior and arrange yourselves that excursion deserving lifetime of fondly treasured memories!
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