Exploring Zante: The Best Excursions on the Greek Island

Zante (also known as Zakynthos) is a stunning Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant nightlife. If you're planning a trip to this paradise, you'll want to explore beyond your resort. This comprehensive guide covers the best excursions available in Zante, where to book them, and what you can expect to pay.

Popular Excursions in Zante

1. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) Tour

What to Expect: The iconic Shipwreck Beach is Zante's most famous attraction, featuring a rusty shipwreck on a stunning white pebble beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Options Available:

• Boat tour from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos (3-4 hours)

• Full-day cruise with multiple swimming stops

• Private speedboat charter

Price Range: €25-35 for standard boat tours, €70-150 for private charters Where to Book: Tour operators in Laganas, Tsilivi, and Zante Town; hotel reception desks; online through GetYourGuide or Viator

2. Blue Caves Experience

What to Expect: Explore the magical Blue Caves where sunlight reflects off the water to create a mesmerising blue glow inside the caves.

Options Available:

• Combined with Shipwreck Beach tour (full day)

• Dedicated Blue Caves tour (half day)

• Glass-bottom boat tours

Price Range: €20-40 for group tours, €60-100 for private tours Where to Book: Makris Gialos and Agios Nikolaos harbors; most hotels; street vendors in tourist areas

3. Turtle Island (Marathonisi) Excursion

What to Expect: Visit the protected breeding grounds of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta-caretta) on this uninhabited island shaped like a turtle.

Options Available:

• Glass-bottom boat tours

• Swimming and snorkeling trips

• Combined with Keri Caves tour

Price Range: €15-30 for standard tours, €40-80 for premium experiences Where to Book: Laganas and Keri beach tour operators; online platforms; hotel receptions

4. Zante Town and Bohali Village Tour

What to Expect: Discover the cultural side of Zante with a visit to the island's capital and the picturesque hilltop village of Bohali with panoramic views.

Options Available:

• Half-day guided tours

• Evening tours with dinner

• Combined with wine tasting experiences

Price Range: €20-45 depending on inclusions Where to Book: Tour agencies in major resorts; hotel excursion desks; online booking platforms

5. Island-Hopping to Kefalonia

What to Expect: Visit Zante's neighbouring island of Kefalonia, famous for its Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, and charming fishing villages.

Options Available:

• Full-day tours with ferry crossing

• Guided tours of Kefalonia highlights

• Combined with wine tasting experiences

Price Range: €60-100 including ferry transfers and guide Where to Book: Larger tour operators in Zante Town; select travel agencies; ferry terminals

6. Olympia Day Trip

What to Expect: Visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games on mainland Greece with a day trip to ancient Olympia.

Options Available:

• Full-day excursion with ferry crossing

• Guided tour of archaeological site

• Lunch and museum entrance included in most packages

Price Range: €70-120 for full-day experiences Where to Book: Major tour operators; hotel excursion desks; online travel agencies

7. Inland Safari Adventures

What to Expect: Explore the rugged interior of Zante with 4x4 jeep tours through traditional villages, olive groves, and mountain viewpoints.

Options Available:

• Half-day tours to central villages

• Full-day adventures with lunch in mountain taverna

• Private or group jeep safaris

Price Range: €40-60 for group tours, €120-200 for private jeep rental with guide Where to Book: Adventure tour specialists in resort areas; hotel activity centers; online

8. Water Sports and Activities

What to Expect: Enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, and other water activities at the main beaches.

Options Available:

• Individual activities

• Water sports packages

• PADI diving courses and experiences

Price Range: €15-30 for single activities, €50-150 for diving experiences Where to Book: Directly at beach kiosks; water sports centers at Laganas, Tsilivi, and Argassi beaches

Where to Book Excursions in Zante

1. Resort Tour Operators

Every major resort area (Laganas, Tsilivi, Argassi, Kalamaki) has multiple tour agencies along the main streets. These typically offer the standard range of island excursions with competitive pricing.

2. Hotel Reception Desks

Most hotels have excursion desks or can recommend reliable tour providers. While sometimes slightly more expensive, these often provide convenient pickup directly from your accommodation.

3. Online Booking Platforms

Websites like GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor allow you to book excursions in advance, often with free cancellation policies:

• GetYourGuide Zante Excursions

• Viator Zakynthos Tours

4. Street Vendors and Beach Kiosks

You'll encounter many vendors selling excursions along beach promenades and main streets. While these can offer good deals, ensure you're booking with reputable operators.

5. Port Areas

Harbours like Zante Town port, Agios Nikolaos, and Porto Vromi have direct booking options for boat tours.

Tips for Booking Excursions in Zante

1. Compare prices between different operators as they can vary significantly for identical experiences.

2. Book early in your holiday to secure spots, especially during peak season (July-August).

3. Negotiate group discounts if traveling with family or friends.

4. Check inclusions carefully – some tours advertise low prices but charge extra for entrance fees, meals, or transportation.

5. Read reviews on TripAdvisor or Google before booking with unfamiliar operators.

6. Consider the season – some excursions like turtle spotting have better success rates during specific months (May-June for nesting, July-August for hatchlings).

7. Verify safety credentials for adventure activities and water sports.

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Package deals: Many operators offer discounts when booking multiple excursions.

2. Early booking discounts: Book within your first day or two for potential early bird rates.

3. Off-peak timing: Excursions in May, early June, September, and October are typically 10-20% cheaper than high season prices.

4. Self-guided options: Rent a car (from €30/day) to visit many attractions independently.

Seasonal Considerations

• April-May: Fewer crowds, lower prices, cooler weather, but some boat tours may have limited schedules

• June-August: Full availability but higher prices and advance booking necessary

• September-October: Pleasant weather, reduced crowds, good deals on most excursions

Conclusion

Zante offers a wealth of excursion opportunities for every type of traveler, from adventure seekers to culture enthusiasts. With proper planning and the information provided in this guide, you can create unforgettable experiences exploring this beautiful Greek island without breaking your budget.

Whether you're swimming in the crystal waters of the Blue Caves, watching the sunset from Shipwreck Beach, or spotting endangered sea turtles, Zante's excursions provide memories that will last long after your tan has faded.