Zakynthos West Coast Navagio Bay Cruise Review: Swim Stops & Tips

Alright, Zakynthos, that amazing Ionian island, right? I mean, Zakynthos has a ton to offer, yet the star attraction is very, very clearly Navagio Bay, which folks know as Shipwreck Beach. Honestly, there’s a reason why everyone and their grandma seem to have a photo of this place on their bucket list. Therefore, I thought I would jot down my own personal experience from the recent ‘Zakynthos West Coast Navagio Bay Cruise with 2 Swim Stops’ because that seemed to be something right up my alley.

What to anticipate from your Cruise

So, a few of these cruises, or maybe I should say the ‘Zakynthos West Coast Navagio Bay Cruise,’ can, generally speaking, kick off from a bunch of spots across the island, like Zakynthos Town, Laganas, or even Saint Nikolaos. Like your starting spot tends to affect the length of your trip, with options anywhere between three and eight hours, very nearly. These tours commonly feature a smaller vessel that is much, much better to get into the smaller bays and inlets, which the bigger cruise boats may miss out on. One might visit spots such as the caves at the coast and of course, the must-see Navagio Bay itself.

As a matter of fact, the heart of the matter tends to be Navagio Bay, more or less, right? Seeing the shipwreck sitting there on that shining white sand, against those tremendous cliffs, is like seeing a photo postcard that’s been brought into the real dimension. And it is very real. That beach is mostly pebbles, so do be wary, at the end of the day, as it may pose a bit of challenge if you have sore or weak feet. And believe you me, you will find yourself in a crowd, or bunch of folks, all trying to catch that picture-perfect moment. Now you know that you’re able to just spend an hour there, at best. That’s ample time to get your shots and go for a quick dip, right?

Swim Stops & Hidden Gems

Yet the Navagio Bay boat trips, very clearly, bring more to the table than *only* a stop at Shipwreck Beach, obviously. That is that numerous cruises go out of their path to add two or so swim stops at some completely idyllic locations, in some respects. One might find themself snorkeling through several sea caves, with the sunlight filtering on the water, or taking a dip in crystal clear bays, in fact. Some boats may, to be honest, even bring snorkeling kits or other aquatic toys to amp things up.

As a matter of fact, if you have a penchant for caves, keep an eye open for cruises that take in the Blue Caves. Just picturing myself, swimming within those caves while the blue hue around reflected all over! One might take a shot to explore some of Zakynthos’ somewhat remote beaches, such as White Beach. We ended up seeing marine life on our swims.

Picking Your Cruise: Things to Consider

Okay, that is that not all cruises come off the same, usually. Or so it seems. Therefore, when trying to make the call on what tour would work out well, check on this stuff:

Starting point and Timetable: Certain locations, clearly, will be much nearer depending on where you are lodged, in some respects. Saint Nikolaos is usually known to be nearer to Navagio Bay, actually slicing travel time in comparison with trips out of Zakynthos Town.
Boat Magnitude: Tiny boats could allow closer access into certain caves and bays, while on the other hand, large boats may be much more roomy. And I mean far roomier. The boat magnitude does come into play when one has sea sickness concerns.
Inclusions: Okay, check what is encompassed in the fee, in fact. It’s almost that particular cruises cover food and drink, but others might tag it on for extra. Similarly, it is valuable to check the fine print for additional add-ons like fuel surcharges or possible docking taxes.
Reviews: See what other cruisers are talking about. Customer reviews can often reveal a whole load about the feel of the excursion and could bring up warning signs, very nearly.

Tips for a fantastic time

One tends to make things easier if some consideration is given for some fore planning, right?

Come prepared for sun and heat: So, be sure one has the correct apparel – sunlight protection, wide hat, and eye protection. And of course, a very important thing – sunlight protectant.
Dress Strategically: To be honest, slip-on footwear goes well with ship outings, particularly because you are liable to get sand everywhere. Pack the swimwear under any garments.
Secure your stuff: Keep telephones, photographic gear and important belongings into some form of a waterproof bag. Or so I hear. There’s an occurence for sea splashes whilst onboard.
Come with hard cash: Particular boats might not accept card. It would do well to bring euros should the want for treats or keepsakes on ship crop up.
Keep well hydrated: Transport a water bottle to fill again and refill. That sun seems rather very brutal!
Time considerations: During the busy months, aim to hop on the first tour to head off a multitude of people, actually. The afternoon sessions get really quite swamped, which, clearly, eats into one’s overall delight.
Sea Sickness: At the end of the day, for those inclined to seasickness, maybe a ginger sweet, and probably consider having tablets alongside just in case, too it’s almost.

Personal Anecdote

You realize, my memory of Navagio Bay can still be remembered rather plainly. As a matter of fact, the azure hue on those waters hit me immediately while the ship angled across, is that right? However, arriving early gave us that much-needed breathing place and the privilege of taking pictures minus masses of other voyagers, in a way. It is just magnificent!

That is that when the boat anchored to permit swimmers to get in, I couldn’t wait to hop on. Therefore, the crisp Mediterranean seas experienced very pleasurable on the face while the climate really ramped. As I floated regarding, gazing upwards, or up on such gigantic cliffs while being conscious of just one small boat beside me felt surreal!

Yet what struck a chord that had impact felt really to be those unheralded moments in those bays. Or so I’ve found. Each plunge looked almost to be straight from a traveling brochure! These seas exhibited amazingly translucent and excellent to have around us for extended swims, basically.

Is the Cruise worth your investment?

To be honest, without hesitation I would say absolutely! Basically, I realize ‘Zakynthos West Coast Navagio Bay Cruise accompanied by a pair swim stops’ will present value when weighed as opposed to those solo trips due mostly on easy route. Therefore, it makes it likely someone would just make it straight to the greatest spots whilst enjoying swimming holes they are not able to usually visit themselves. For persons searching to take everything to its finest out during any time upon Zakynthos, this option definitely should have some recognition!

By the way, in essence? Check available ship routes in regards Zakynthos Westside; this spot seriously isn’t just one destination to browse – *and* definitely must instead feel absolutely on point by way related to marine exploration too of course, very!