Turtle Island Cruise
Fancy cruising Zante’s waters in search of its most famous residents – loggerhead sea turtles. These graceful creatures have been nesting on the island’s beaches for thousands of years but, sadly, they’re now a rare and endangered species. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.
Cast out to sea and you’ll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos before sailing towards Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet nicknamed ‘Turtle Island’. The reason’s simple – one of its beaches is a favourite nesting site. Keep a look out for loggerheads and for dolphins, too.
Next, cruise to the Keri peninsula, passing its sea caves and lighthouse, and dropping anchor for a swim stop. Come ashore and there’s free time to explore the small village of Keri. You can shop for souvenirs, relax in a restaurant or hit the beach. On the return cruise there’s a chance to swim in a hidden bay and you may even spot some more turtles. What’s more, conservation group Archellon will be on board to tell you about their work.
The smuggler’s bay
The smuggler’s bay is a white pebble beach with a surprise – because here is the shipwreck of an alleged smuggler whose ship stranded here in 1980. This boat tour takes you along the coast to discover this famous bay and other secret bays, swim in the sea and enjoy the scenery.
After being picked up at the hotels, the bus takes you to Porto Vromi, the journey takes around 90 minutes before being welcomed on board a boat that is now heading towards the smugglers’ bay. You have about half an hour to enjoy the view before the imposing white cliffs emerge from the sea and reveal the view of the mysterious bay. The shipwreck can now be admired from the boat, you can also enjoy the landscape and take one or the other Insta selfie.
Next, your captain will anchor in a nearby bay and you will have time to swim in the turquoise water. On the way back to Porto Vromi you will discover the Stegnitis Bay and the Sugar Sea Caves – both places are so secret that they do not even appear on Google. Enjoy two more swim stops here and take some pictures.
Boat trip to the turtle island
Caretta-Caretta is the Latin name for the loggerhead turtle, an endangered species that you will get to know on this excursion. These elegantly swimming animals have been laying their eggs on the beaches of this island for thousands of years, but are unfortunately now threatened with extinction.
This boat tour takes us past the golden beaches of Vassilikos before heading for Marathonisi, a pine-covered island also known as the turtle island. The reason for this is obvious – one of its beaches is often used by the turtles as a breeding ground. With a little luck, you can spot some of these primeval creatures or see dolphins here in the sea.
We continue to the Keri peninsula along the sea caves and the lighthouse. Here is anchored for a swim break. Now we go ashore to explore the small village of Keri. You can look for souvenirs, relax in a restaurant, or linger on the beach. On the way back you can swim in a hidden bay and watch other turtles if necessary. The Archellon Conservation Group will also be on board to inform you about their work to protect turtles.
Boat trip to the turtle island
Green mountains – blue grottos
No wonder that the Venetians called Zakynthos “Flower of the East” – discover the highlights of the beautiful island on this tour. Look forward to visiting the villages of Kampi, Volimes and Lithakia, the monastery of Anafonitria and a boat trip to the famous blue grottoes. This is one of the exclusive TUI Collection excursions that give you the highlights of your travel destination in a special way – unique, authentic, responsible.
It starts at Solomos Square – in the heart of the old town of Zakynthos – before we continue to the Bochali viewpoint with a fantastic view of the Ionian Sea. Next is a boat trip to the Blue Caves – surrounded by brilliant blue water, they are a real natural spectacle.
Back on land, we make a pit stop to enjoy a wine tasting in Volimes before arriving at a 14th-century monastery in Anafonitria, famous for its frescoes. After lunch, a traditional sweet treat is offered in Kampi before a final stop for a tasting of organic olive oil in a mill in Lithakia.
Green mountains – blue grottos
Secrets of Zante
- Discover traditional villlages such as Lithakia and Kampi
- Organic olive oil mill tour and tasting
- Visit the Anafonitria Monastery
- Boat trip to the Blue Caves
- Local wine and sweet tastings
- Exclusive TUI itinerary
It’s easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East’. This exclusive tour takes in the villages of Lithakia and Kampi as well as the Anafonitria monastery and a boat trip to the Blue Caves. Along the way, you’ll get to taste some sweet local delicacies and wine produced on the island.
Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic Games is just across the Ionian Sea on mainland Greece. Catch the ferry over from Zante and head to ancient Olympia for a journey through the centuries at the site. You’ll also visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum.
After docking at Kyllini, we’ll drive to one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. Discover where the Olympic Games began in the 8th century BC and see the stadium where 45,000 spectators cheered on their favourite athletes. Wander about the site and revel in the faded glory of the site.
You’ll also see the ruins of the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame was first lit, and of the Temple of Zeus, where the statue of Zeus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – once stood. Afterwards, head to the superb Archaeological Museum to see more treasures and relics before heading into Olympia town. Here, you’ll have time for lunch and a browse around the souvenir shops.
More than the sea
This boat trip around the northern tip of Zakynthos has it all – secret caves, sunbathing on board and to round off Greek dances. The boat goes on an unforgettable excursion to head for one of the most beautiful parts of the coast of the island and to take you to the famous Blue Caves and the Smugglers’ Bay.
On this boat trip you can experience the best sights of Zakynthos in a relaxed way. If you have the camera ready, you can take the first worthwhile photos immediately after the departure. The trip goes around the picturesque Cape of Skinari, known for its lighthouse and windmills. White cliffs contrast here with the turquoise blue water.
After about two hours on the sea, the next destination is the Smugglers Bay to see the legendary shipwreck in its dreamlike setting – voted one of the top 5 most beautiful beaches in the world by the renowned Forbes magazine. The perfect place for one or two Instagram posts. Here we can also look forward to a Greek snack with a glass of wine for adults or a juice for children. Anchor near Makris Gialos and Xigia Beach to refresh yourself during a swim break or to relax in the sun on deck. Greek dance is entertaining on the way back to the harbor.
Taste Zante
Zante is famous for its beautiful beaches and landscapes – but it has plenty of other riches, too. Its sweets, cheeses, wines and vegetables are among the finest in Greece. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.
The fun kicks off at the heart and soul of any Greek town – the market. Wander among stalls overflowing with fresh local vegetables, where you can load up on whatever takes your fancy. Then it’s on to a traditional mandolato factory. This local variety of nougat – made from almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites – is one of the definitive tastes of Zante.
Next, visit the Callinico winery to understand the science behind the local reds and whites. Your food experience is then rounded off with a cooking demonstration of typical meze in a taverna in Alykanas, where you’ll also sit down to nibble on meze among new friends.
Blue Cruise
This cruise around the northern tip of Zante has it all – secret coves, on-board sunbathing and some Greek dancing to top it off. You’ll see some of the island’s most mesmerising coastline, including the famous Blue Caves and Smuggler’s Cove.
The best part of this cruise is that you’ll get to catch all of Zante’s top coastal bits in one relaxing boat trip. We’ll scoot around Cape Skinari, famed for its stone lighthouse, windmills and white cliffs against the turquoise water.
After about two hours at sea, we’ll reach Smuggler’s Cove. It’s the site of a shipwreck, which made Forbes magazine to rank it as one of the world’s top five beaches and the perfect spot for those Instagram uploads. After a few photos there’s Greek snacks to enjoy with a glass of wine for adults or juice for kids. Drop anchor for swim stops near Makris Gialos and Xigia beach then as we make our way back to the port, there’s entertainment in the form of Greek dancing.
Smuggler’s Cove
Smuggler’s Cove is a picture-postcard white pebble beach with a surprise – a shipwreck from an alleged smuggler who ran ashore in 1980. On this trip, you’ll cruise along the coast to see this famous cove, discover a few secret coves, swim and soak up the scenery.
After pick-up, head by coach to Porto Vromi – it takes about 90 minutes – and hop on a boat towards Smuggler’s Cove. You’ll have half an hour or so to take in the vistas before the imposing white cliffs emerge out of the sea to reveal the cove. Enjoy some free time to visit the famous beach, admire the scenery and take a few Insta-perfect selfies.
Next, your captain will drop anchor at a nearby bay and you will have time to swim in the dazzling turquoise waters. Then, as we cruise back towards Porto Vromi, you’ll discover Stegnitis Bay, a place so secret it dosen’t even show up on Google. Cool off with a swim stop here and take some pics.
Sunset Cruise
Watching the sun set over the Ionian Sea is one of those must-do Zante experiences. This evening boat trip features a swim before the main event. Catch the sunset itself between the Misithres Rocks out in the open sea and then relax on a leisurely cruise back while enjoying the music on board. Holiday bliss.
You’ll stop off Turtle Island, first, for an early-evening dip. Discover caves and private beaches before cruising to the west coast to watch the sun go down near the Misithres Rocks. There’s an amazing view of the sunset from here and with the help of an on-board photographer, you’re sure to get the perfect shot.
The romantic atmosphere will carry you back to port as you sail along to the sounds of waves lapping gently against the hull and relaxing music while sipping on a sparkling wine. The sort of night that sprinkles a bit of magic over your holiday memories.
Corelli’s Kefalonia
Mystical mountains, verdant valleys, secluded coves and azure waters that glitter in the sunlight. Kefalonia is a beauty. Take the ferry across from Zante for the day and then hop on the bus for a tour of the island’s most picturesque spots, including Melissani Cave and Myrtos Bay.
Just north of Zante, Kefalonia is an island that’s big on beauty. You’ll cruise over, watching the mountains and cliffs rise high from the sea to Pessada harbour. Your first stop is Drogarati Cave, where you’ll step inside a vast cavern and be dazzled by the numerous stalactites and stalagmites. We’ll continue to Lake Melissani for a boat trip across this underground lagoon with aquamarine waters that glisten in the sun.
Next, we’ll head to the seaside village of Agia Efimia. Here, you’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, there’s a photo stop at Myrtos Bay – a famous filming spot from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Rounding off the trip is some free time in Argostoli, the island’s capital.
Scene Sunset Session
There’s nothing like a beach party to kick off those holiday vibes so your SCENE team have you covered. Sand in your toes and sun on your face, we lay down the biggest tunes of the summer on Zante’s number one beach, the legendary St. Nicks. Throw in a barbeque, banana boating and a 1-hour open bar and you’ve got the perfect package.
Zante is full of great beaches – but St Nick’s gets top billing, making it the ideal spot to host one of our famous SCENE parties. We’ve got the best sound system on the sands and a 1-hour open bar.
To the sounds of pumping tunes, we’ll fire up the barbeque for a buffet feast as you cool off with a dip in the sea or try a few water sports. Adrenaline addicts can hop on the banana boats or take a ride on the crazy couch. After a few hours partying, it all ends around sunset, giving you enough time to change out of your flip-flops, ready to hit the strip.
Transport- 1 hour free bar
- BBQ buffet
- One watersport activity – Banana Boat or Crazy Sofa
- Rack pack containing a T-shirt, whistle, bandana, and face painting kit
Scene Rain dance party
There’s nowhere you’d rather be than slipping and sliding with your SCENE team at Zante’s Raindance party. You’ll hit the club in time for an exclusive hour-long open bar to whet your whistle then keep an eye on the weather report as you’ll be in for some wet and wild action.
The exclusive-to-SCENE open bar gets the night going just as you mean to go on. And Laganas is about to be hit by some bad weather, so get ready to brace the storm.
Then the countdown begins – three, two, one and the heavens will open on the dancefloor, pouring rain inside the club as you keep up your dancing momentum to the summer’s biggest hits. And like any storm, it’s about to get worse as even more water drops from the sky, drenching you from head to toe.
SCENE Wonderland
It’s Zante’s newest summer staple that’s got fantasy and a whole lot of confetti to keep you going till the early hours of the morning. Step into Wonderland for a night of full-on partying, face painting, live saxophone music and a DJ belting out your favourite anthems. An open bar and drinks deals complete the line-up.
Once you’ve peeked inside the doors of Wonderland, there’ll be no going back. You’ll be sucked into a whole other realm of a party dream world with face painting to kick off your night. After your transformation, you’ll be let loose on the dancefloor where the resident DJ will be rolling out a mash-up of the latest summer anthems.
Now the party’s in full swing, the countdown begins…one…two…three…and the confetti cannons will blast colour into every corner of the club. There’ll be something else, too, live saxophone music and an open bar until the early morning.
SCENE SILENT DISCO
Whether it’s thumping deep house, urban beats or the latest chart-toppers you’re after, a SCENE silent disco has you covered. In a packed club, you’ll have your own set of wireless headphones, so you choose the tunes you want to groove to. And when it’s time for a break, take them off and see the bizarre sight of a whole room dancing in silence.
Silent discos have swept the globe as one of the world’s weird and wonderful party events. Grab some headphones at one of the biggest and best clubs in Zante and you’ll be good to go.
There could be chart-topping pop on the green channel, or bumping EDM music on the blue channel – you decide what tunes you want to bounce to. And with a 1-hour free bar, down a few drinks and you’ll soon be singing along like nobody’s listening – and on this night, they won’t be.
SCENE Pukka Up Boat Party
If you thought the clubs in Zante were the business, wait till you hit the decks of our Pukka Up party boat. The SCENE Team has prepared an afternoon of fun under the Ionian sun that’ll have you making waves.
We’ve got the best floating sound system on the island, some of Laganas’s top DJs manning the turntables and an on-board bar – so don’t forget to bring some notes. After a sail around Zante’s south coast, we’ll drop anchor off the legendary St Nick’s beach so you can cool off with a swim.
Adrenaline addicts can have a go at a few different watersports, too, before we make the return journey in time for a pre-party power nap. Get ready for an afternoon of sun, sea and seriously good tunes on board the SCENE Pukka Up party boat.
SCENE Joel Corry
Let Rescue club save your Thursday nights from boredom. Kick off your Laganas weekend early with DJ Joel Corry. At the biggest and best club on the strip, the star of MTV’s Geordie Shore spins everything from old school classics to the biggest bangers of the summer.
Whether its big beats from back in the day or the latest summer sounds you’re after, Thurdays at Rescue have you covered. Experience one of the best clubs in Zante as DJ Joel Corry spins the soundtrack to your weekend.
Take advantage of discount drinks at the bar and you’ve everything you need to dance ‘til dawn. This is your pass to the perfect party night out.
SCENE Sizzle Pre-party Event
Set off your night at the most sizzling spot on the strip. Sizzle bar brings you the hottest pre-party event in Laganas to warm up your evening. With discount drinks, a few games and some flirty fun to get you started, you’ll be more than ready for the main event – the infamous paint party. This one’s about to get messy.
SCENE Waikiki Pre-party Event
Warm up your night at Waikiki bar – the hottest pre-party spot on the strip. Kick things off with a cool cocktail by the sea, a few games and some flirty fun. Then, keep an eye on the weather report as you’ll be in for some wet and wild action at the main event – the Raindance party.
Fishing Boat Trip
There’s the potential to fall hook, line and sinker for the serenity of fishing in Zante on this trip. You’ll master the art of traditional fishing while trundling from one secluded bay to the next and grilling your catch for lunch. It’s an early start for this one – but the peace and quiet out at sea is well worth getting up for.
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, so you’ll set sail from Zante port to make the most of the morning on the Ionian Sea. Coffee and baked goods will be served as you glide towards your first destination. Then get to grips with Greek-style fishing by throwing nets overboard before anchoring up at a quiet beach.
Try your hand at line fishing or snack away on fresh fruits between dives, waiting to see what you catch. Nets collected, lunch will be prepared at the next stop – the catch of the day with risotto, salad and wine. There’ll be time to relax before heading back to the port, hopefully joined by loggerhead turtles.
Zante experience – with all 5 senses
Zakynthos is known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes, but it has much more to offer. The local desserts, cheese, wines and vegetables are among the best in Greece. This is one of the exclusive TUI Collection excursions that give you the highlights of your travel destination in a special way – unique, authentic, responsible.
The excursion starts right at the market – the heart of every Greek city. The stands bend among fresh local fruits and vegetables. Then it continues to a traditional mandolate factory. This local nougat variety – made from almonds, honey, sugar and protein – is one of the main flavors of Zante.
Next, visit the Callinico winery to understand the science behind the local red and white wines. Your culinary experience is rounded off by a cooking demonstration with typical meze in a tavern in Alykanas, where you can of course take a seat and enjoy the meze snack with the newly won friends
Zante experience – with all 5 senses
Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Village
For spills and thrills, you can’t beat a day at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Village in Sarakinado. It’s got enough slides, rides and sunbathing terraces to keep all ages happy for a few hours.
Speed freaks will want to brave the beastly Black Hole, tackle the scary new Sinkhole and scream their way down the Kamikaze slides. If you prefer a more relaxing day there’s a gentle Lazy River to float along and plenty of sunloungers for snoozing and topping up your tan. There are play areas for the smaller kids, too.
Add bars and cafés to decamp to for some refuelling, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great day out.
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