Zakynthos: Cruise to Navagio Shipwreck with swimming stops

Exploring Zakynthos: A Detailed Look at the Cruise to Navagio Shipwreck with Swimming Stops

Planning a day around Zakynthos’ most famous sights? A boat cruise to Navagio Beach, with stops at the Blue Caves and Kremmidi, offers a fantastic way to see the island’s natural beauty from the water. This tour promises a blend of picture-perfect scenery, light adventure, and relaxing swimming spots. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, understanding what this experience entails can help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we like about this cruise is how it combines sightseeing with opportunities for cooling off in the Ionian Sea’s clear waters. The Blue Caves, with their shimmering blue reflections, are a highlight that often leaves visitors speechless. Plus, the chance to snap photos of the infamous Navagio Shipwreck adds a pinch of history to your day. That said, the tour doesn’t include a guide, which means you’ll be relying on your own curiosity and the crew’s briefings to make the most of each stop. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace and appreciate authentic, unhurried experiences.

The main consideration? The duration is about 7 hours, so it’s a bit of a time investment. If you prefer shorter excursions or need flexibility around meal options, you’ll want to plan accordingly. This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy being on the water, taking pictures, and swimming in pristine environments. It’s a great choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Zakynthos’ natural wonders without the hassle of arranging multiple boat trips or transfers.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The Blue Caves and Navagio Shipwreck are truly photogenic highlights.
• Swimming opportunities: Multiple stops allow for refreshing dips in blue waters.
• Authentic experience: No guided commentary — you’ll explore at your own pace.
• Value for money: Includes the cruise, several swimming stops, and onboard refreshments.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Accessibility: Suitable for most travelers, including those in wheelchairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Zakynthos Shipwreck and Sea Adventure

When you step aboard the boat departing from Zakynthos port, you’re in for an adventure that mixes natural beauty with relaxed fun. The vessel, typically the Ikaros Palace, is designed to comfortably carry passengers for a day of sightseeing and swimming. We loved the way the boat provided plenty of space for lounging and taking in the views, with an onboard bar for snacks and drinks, making it easy to stay refreshed while enjoying the breeze.

Starting from Zakynthos port, the cruise heads toward the Blue Caves. These caves are famed for their shimmering blue water, created by sunlight reflecting through underwater openings. As you approach, you’ll notice the color intensifies, making it a photographer’s paradise. The crew usually provides a brief explanation of the caves’ formation, but there’s no guided narration, so bringing your own curiosity is encouraged. Once at the caves, you can jump into the water for a swim, or simply snorkel from the boat to catch glimpses of colorful fish and marine plants. Several reviewers praised the “brilliantly-colored water” and the chance to swim through many caves, making this stop a highlight.

Next on the itinerary is the famous Navagio Shipwreck, often called the “Shipwreck Beach,” due to its iconic rusty vessel stranded on white sands. This beach is one of Greece’s most photographed spots for a reason. The boat anchors near the cove, giving you time for photos and a close-up look at the wreck. However, keep in mind that swimming at Navagio Beach isn’t always possible, as regulations sometimes restrict access to swimming — something that some travelers noted in reviews, mentioning it was “not open for swimming by the government.” Even so, the sight of the shipwreck against the turquoise waters is worth the visit.

After Navagio, the boat departs for another swim stop, either at Kremmidi or Makri Gialo. These locations offer a second chance to cool off and enjoy the clear waters, typically for about 45 minutes. The water here is described as “stunning,” and many reviews highlight the opportunity to see underwater creatures and fluid plants as you swim. One reviewer appreciated the “lots of time for swimming,” emphasizing how these stops add real value for travelers who love being active in the sea.

On the return journey, you’ll enjoy a snack or a refreshing drink from the onboard bar while taking in the rugged coastline and scenic vistas. The entire cruise lasts around 7 hours, with the boat returning to Zakynthos port by mid-afternoon.

The Practicalities: What You’ll Need to Know

The tour’s meeting point is straightforward — look for the large boat named Ikaros Palace at the main port of Zakynthos Town. It’s advised to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding. The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers.

Packing essentials include sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and beachwear. Bring enough cash or cards to purchase drinks and snacks on board; these are not included in the tour price. The tour costs are reasonable considering the duration, multiple stops, and onboard amenities.

Cancellation policies are flexible, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you added flexibility in planning your trip.

What the Reviews Say

• Carlos raved about the “super fun activity” and enjoyed meeting “great people,” emphasizing the “beautiful blue water” as a key highlight.
• Lorelai appreciated that “everything was amazing,” highlighting the onboard bar, accessible prices, “wonderful views,” and friendly staff. She recommended it especially for solo travelers.
• Steph noted the “lots of time for swimming,” which she valued highly, though she wished she could swim at Navagio Beach — but noted it was not open for swimming at that time.

These reviews underscore that the cruise delivers on its promise of beautiful scenery and enjoyable stops, especially for those who love a mix of sightseeing and swimming.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water with multiple swimming opportunities. It offers excellent value, with plenty of time to enjoy the water, take photos, and soak up the views. It’s ideal for active travelers, families, and solo adventurers who want a hassle-free way to see Zakynthos’ highlights.

If you prefer a guided narrative or shorter excursions, this might not be your best fit. But if you love the idea of a leisurely day at sea, exploring caves and beaches at your own pace, this cruise fits the bill.

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The Sum Up

This boat cruise to Navagio Shipwreck, with stops at Blue Caves and Kremmidi, provides a well-rounded experience of Zakynthos’ natural beauty. You’ll enjoy stunning landscapes, colorful waters, and time for swimming, all while avoiding the hassle of organizing separate trips or transfers. It offers good value for its duration, especially for those who want to be active and take photos.

The lack of a guided commentary might be a downside for travelers craving detailed info, but the scenic vistas and opportunities for spontaneous exploration more than compensate. Plus, the onboard bar adds convenience for snacks and refreshments, making it a comfortable way to spend a long summer day.

This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy being in or on the water, and prefer a flexible, independent approach to sightseeing. It’s a simple, reliable way to tick off Zakynthos’ most iconic sights while having fun in the sun.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a boat cruise departing from Zakynthos port. The meeting point is at the main port, where you’ll find the large boat.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including swimming stops and time for photos at Navagio.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard at the bar. They’re not included in the tour price.

Is there a guide?
No guided commentary is provided during the cruise. You’ll explore and enjoy the scenery at your own pace, with some brief crew explanations.

Can I swim at Navagio Beach?
Sometimes swimming at Navagio is restricted or not permitted, depending on government regulations. Even so, the shipwreck view is impressive from the boat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is described as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Embarking on this cruise offers an inviting way to enjoy Zakynthos’ spectacular coastline and seascapes. Whether you’re after the iconic shipwreck, colorful caves, or simply a relaxing day on the water, this tour hits many of the right notes for a memorable Greek island experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: