Boat excursions: group tour vs. boat rental
Renting a boat or participating in a boat excursion is something that you should experience at least once during your holiday in Zakynthos. In fact, as already explained in other articles on this blog, half of Zakynthos Island can only be reached by sea. This unique and unforgettable experience will give you the opportunity to visit the island’s most beautiful bays and beaches, such as the Mizithres sea stacks, Keri caves, Porto Stenitis, White Beach and many other unnamed and less touristy coves along the south and west coast of the island.
Our advice is to set aside at least 2 days of your Zakynthos holiday for a boat rental or excursion, in other words, one day to visit the southern area (ex. the Marine Park) and one day to visit the western coast (ex. Shipwreck Beach). In fact, as you can see by looking at the map above, Marathonisi Island and Shipwreck Beach are very far from each other and it would take almost 2 hours by boat to reach them both within the same tour, requiring a considerable amount of time and significant spending on gas, as well as the risk of missing unique features along the coast.
Renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license vs. renting a boat with skipper
Before assessing what is better between a group tour or boat rental, let’s understand the difference between renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license and renting a boat with skipper. Renting a boat gives you the option to choose where to go, where to stop and for how long, while providing a level of privacy that only a private boat can give.
There are differences between renting a boat to visit the southern coast (ex. the Marine Park) and renting a boat to visit the western coast (ex. Shipwreck Beach). Let’s analyze them in detail.
Some of the limitations of the Zakynthos Marine Park
The Zakynthos Marine Park is located on the southern coast of the island and extends from Gerakas to the Mizithres sea stacks. The area is divided into 4 areas, zone A (in red) doesn’t allow boats to cruise through, whereas zone B doesn’t allow boats to anchor. Furthermore, this area hosts Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles and therefore, boats cannot exceed a speed of 6 nautical miles. For more info: “Zakynthos Marine Park’s map and rules“.
Marine Park: What are the differences between renting a private boat with skipper and renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license?
Renting a private boat with skipper will give you the option to see the entire Marine Park, from our office to the Mizithres sea stacks, including several less touristy caves, Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles, Marathonisi Island, the Mizithres sea stacks and countless beaches and bays with breathtaking colors. The recommended time is about 4 hours, with cost starting at 260 euro, including gas (the cost for a family of 5 is about 52 euro per person).
Renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license will still give you the option to visit the entire Marine Park, including several less touristy caves, Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles (although with some more difficulties than with a boat with skipper), Marathonisi Island and countless beaches and bays with breathtaking colors, but it won’t let you reach the MIzithres sea stacks, because cell phones have no connection in that part of Zakynthos Island and therefore, you wouldn’t be able to contact us in case of an emergency. The recommended time is about 4 hours, with cost starting at 150 euro including gas (the cost for a family of 5 is about 40 euro per person). At the time of rental, our staff will provide instructions on how to operate the boat.
Marine Park boats have limited engine power, and therefore speed, to avoid hitting and injuring Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles that inhabit the southern side of the island. This is why Shipwreck Beach cannot be reached by this type of boat.
Shipwreck Beach limitations
Shipwreck Beach is the most famous beach on the western side of the island. As result of several landslides, a ban was set in place in 2023 to prevent access to the beach and anchoring in the bay. By renting a boat with or without skipper or by participating in a group tour, you can still stop at a safety distance from the beach and take some of the most beautiful pictures of your entire vacation in Zakynthos.
Renting a boat with skipper vs. renting a boat that doesn’t require a boating license on the western side of the island
Unlike when renting a boat for the Marine Park, you have no limitations when renting a boat with skipper or a boat that doesn’t require a boating license to visit the western side of Zakynthos; in other words, you can visit the same areas. In addition, the boats have more powerful engines, since they are not subject to the speed limits set in place by Marine Park regulations. Having a skipper is what makes all the difference: a skipper is, in fact, very familiar with the area and can, therefore, take you inside caves that remain hidden to most tourists. The price starts at 220 euro for a 4-hour rental of a boat that does not require a boating license, whereas it doubles when renting a boat with skipper for 4 hours (prices vary based on the number of people, engine power and season).
Group excursion vs. renting a boat in Zakynthos
The choice of participating in a group excursion vs. renting a boat with or without skipper is often based on the available budget. Group excursions have a price of 25 to 30 euro per person and are designed to show you the main attractions of both the Marine Park (turtles, Keri Caves, Marathonisi Island, Mizithres sea stacks) and the western side of the island (Shipwreck Beach, White Beach, Caves, Porto Stenitis, etc). Renting a boat with or without a skipper is much more expensive, but it does provide privacy and a more customized tour. Group tours are the perfect solution for those who want to make new friends and save money from renting a private boat.
Group Excursion in Zakynthos: why we advise against a tour of the island
The Zakynthos coast offers interesting rock formations and numerous caves, which can be visited only with small to medium boats that can cruise close to the coastline and enter inside the caves. On the other hand, boats offering tours of the island are much larger (up to 400 people); consequently, they cannot access the caves and must keep a distance of a few hundred meters from the coast to avoid shallow waters or surfacing rocks. Furthermore, excursions with large boats make spotting Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles almost impossible. This is why our group excursion boats are all small to medium in size.
How to book an excursion or rent a boat in Zakynthos
You can book an excursion or rent a boat directly on our website, by clicking here: BOOK EXCURSION OR BOAT RENTAL.
By booking online, you will be entitled to a date change or refund in case of bad weather or rough sea. You will also receive 3 promotional gifts to be picked up at our office.
