The south coast of Zakynthos is a different world from the north. Where Navagio is dramatic and wide open, the south offers something more intimate: narrow sea caves, enormous rock formations rising out of the water, and the quiet presence of one of Greece’s most protected marine areas. Turtle Island, Keri Caves, and Mizithres Rocks form the backbone of the best southern route in Zakynthos, and the only way to experience all three properly is by boat.
Turtle Island: Laganas Bay and the Caretta Caretta
Turtle Island, known locally as Marathonisi, sits at the entrance to Laganas Bay. The entire bay is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, one of the most important nesting grounds for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in the Mediterranean.
What you see from the boat
Approaching the island by boat gives you a view of the coastline that most visitors never get. The island has a small sandy beach on one side, surrounded by low pines and scrub that reach almost to the waterline. The water in the bay is shallow and clear, and sea turtles are regularly spotted here, particularly in the early morning.
Swimming near Turtle Island
Swimming in this area is permitted but the rules of the marine park apply. You cannot anchor on the beach itself or approach nesting areas. A self-drive briefing covers the areas you can and cannot go. Spotting a sea turtle while in the water is genuinely possible here and is one of those experiences that stays with you.
Keri Caves: Sea Caves on the Southwest Coast
The Keri Caves are located on the southwestern tip of the island, carved into the base of the dramatic cliffs that define this part of the coastline.
Inside the caves
These are proper sea caves, some large enough to take a small boat inside. The water reflects blues and greens off the rock walls, and the interplay of light and shadow changes constantly depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun. The caves are quiet, sheltered from the open sea, and feel genuinely remote despite being reachable within a couple of hours from the main ports.
Snorkelling in the caves
The water clarity around the Keri Caves is exceptional. The rock formations extend underwater and provide shelter for fish and other marine life. If you bring snorkelling gear, this is one of the best spots on the island to use it.
Mizithres Rocks: The Unmistakable Formations
Mizithres is a cluster of large white limestone rocks that rise directly out of the sea off the southwest cape of Zakynthos. They are named after the Greek cheese, which apparently the shape resembles, though standing next to them on the water the scale of them is the first thing you notice.
Why they are worth stopping for
The rocks create a natural channel of calm, sheltered water between themselves and the cliffs. The sea here is a deep, rich blue and the contrast with the white limestone is sharp and striking. This is a very popular anchoring spot for swimming and photographs, and it earns that popularity.
The light at different times of day
Late afternoon light hits the Mizithres from a low angle and turns the white rock face gold. If you are on the sunset tour, this is the moment where the route really delivers.
The Route: How It All Fits Together
This southern route works well as a 5 to 7 hour trip. The stops are geographically close enough that you are not spending the majority of your time travelling, which means more time in the water and anchored in interesting spots.
Suggested route order
- Depart from port
- Turtle Island and Laganas Bay: swim, look for turtles
- Keri Caves: explore the caves, snorkel
- Mizithres Rocks: anchor, swim, take in the scenery
- Return to port
This route is available as a or as a . It also forms the basis of the , which runs the same stops in the late afternoon and finishes with the sun going down over the cliffs.
What to Bring for This Route
- Snorkelling gear: the Keri Caves are one of the best snorkelling spots on the island
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Sunscreen and water: the south coast is fully exposed to summer sun
- Food and drinks: no facilities at any of the stops on this route
- Binoculars if you want a better chance of spotting sea turtles from the boat
FAQ
Is it guaranteed I will see sea turtles near Turtle Island? It is not guaranteed, but the chances are good, particularly in the morning. The bay is one of the most active nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
Can I land on Turtle Island? Landing on the island itself is restricted to protect nesting sea turtles. Swimming in the water around it is permitted within the marine park rules.
Are the Keri Caves accessible in a self-drive boat? Yes. The main cave openings are wide enough for a small speedboat to enter. The briefing covers how to navigate into and out of the caves safely.
How far is this route from the main port in Zakynthos Town? The south coast route is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from the port at a comfortable speed.
Is Mizithres Rocks a good spot for swimming? Yes. The sheltered water between the rocks and the cliffs is calm, clear, and excellent for swimming.
The southern route is quieter than the north, more intimate, and offers something the Navagio route does not: the real possibility of sharing the water with sea turtles. and explore the side of Zakynthos that most visitors miss.
