Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos
Uninhabited islet in Zakynthos Marine Park, famed for its turtle shape and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Uninhabited islet in Zakynthos Marine Park, famed for its turtle shape and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
"Stunning but small beach with nice views and ability to see the turtle nesting sites."
🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Sites
The sandy beach is a protected nesting area. Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
🚤 Choose Smaller Boat Tours
Smaller boats offer better access to the main beach and a more intimate turtle spotting experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Turtle Shape
Marathonisi Island
This uninhabited islet is famously shaped like a sea turtle, a natural wonder and a symbol of Zakynthos' marine life.
Crystal-Clear Waters
Around Marathonisi
Experience some of the bluest, clearest waters in Greece, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Sea Turtle Spotting
Laganas Bay
Witness the majestic Caretta Caretta sea turtles in their natural habitat on a responsible boat tour.
Marathonisi Caves
Coastal Marathonisi
Explore stunning sea caves accessible by boat, offering unique swimming and photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Turtles' Nesting Grounds
Choose Your Boat Trip Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Sites
The sandy beach is a protected nesting area. Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
🚤 Choose Smaller Boat Tours
Smaller boats offer better access to the main beach and a more intimate turtle spotting experience.
💧 Swim in the Caves
Don't miss the chance to swim in the beautiful sea caves around the island. +1
💰 Taxi Boats Available
Water taxis from Agios Sostis or Laganas are a convenient way to visit the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Sites
The sandy beach is a protected nesting area. Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
🚤 Choose Smaller Boat Tours
Smaller boats offer better access to the main beach and a more intimate turtle spotting experience.
💧 Swim in the Caves
Don't miss the chance to swim in the beautiful sea caves around the island. +1
💰 Taxi Boats Available
Water taxis from Agios Sostis or Laganas are a convenient way to visit the island.
☀️ No Beach Umbrellas Allowed
Bring your own shade or be prepared for direct sun on the beach.
📸 Capture the Views
The island offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for photography enthusiasts. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marathonisi is praised for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and the unique opportunity to see sea turtles. Visitors enjoy the boat trips, swimming in caves, and the island's distinctive shape. However, some find the main beach overcrowded and express concern about the impact of tourism on the protected nesting sites.
"Stunning but small beach with nice views and ability to see the turtle nesting sites. Cannot touch for obvious reasons. Amazing afternoon turtle spotting with the family. Beautiful end to our Zakynthos holiday."
Carl Smith
"Perfect .I paddle here from laganas early morning flat calm sea .without the many motor boats ."
benben99
"You can buy a taxi boat for +€10pp they will drop you on the island and pick you up whenever you want to go back. I've seen some turtles in the water, and didn't visit the actual island as it wasn't part of our trip."
Alicja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Marathonisi is by boat tour from Laganas or Agios Sostis port. You can also hire a water taxi for a more direct trip. Some tours combine a visit to Marathonisi with the Keri Caves.
Yes, you can rent a small boat, but be aware that larger boats may not be allowed to dock directly on the main beach due to conservation efforts. +1
No, there is no public transport to Marathonisi as it is an uninhabited island. Access is exclusively by boat.
Laganas Harbour and Agios Sostis port are common departure points for boat trips to Marathonisi and the surrounding Keri Caves.
The journey to Marathonisi by boat is usually short, often around 15-30 minutes depending on your departure point and the type of boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't typically buy an entrance ticket for Marathonisi itself. The cost is usually included in your boat tour or water taxi fare.
While there isn't a specific landing fee, boat tours and water taxis will charge for the service. Some small cantinas on the island may offer services for a fee.
Marathonisi is a natural island and part of the marine park, so it doesn't have set opening hours. Access is dependent on boat tour schedules and weather conditions.
Yes, you can hire a water taxi or rent a small boat to visit independently, giving you more flexibility.
Yes, the main sandy beach is a protected nesting area for loggerhead turtles, so access may be restricted or managed to protect the nests.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the clear waters, explore the sea caves by boat, relax on the beach (in designated areas), and potentially spot sea turtles. +1
Marathonisi can get crowded, especially during peak season and when large tour boats arrive. Visiting early morning or late afternoon can help avoid the biggest crowds.
Yes, swimming is allowed in the designated areas around Marathonisi. However, access to the main nesting beach might be limited.
There are small cantinas on the island offering sandwiches and drinks. However, there are no beach umbrellas provided, so bring your own shade.
Yes, families can enjoy the boat trip, swimming, and the chance to see turtles. However, be mindful of the protected nesting areas and the sun.
📸 📸 Photography
The island's unique turtle shape, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, the sea caves, and the surrounding coastline offer fantastic photographic opportunities. +1
Drone usage might be restricted in protected marine park areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for photos, with fewer crowds.
Yes, but always from a respectful distance and without disturbing them. Many boat tours are designed for responsible turtle spotting.
A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be helpful for distant turtle spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a smaller boat tour or a water taxi for a more manageable experience with children. This allows for more flexibility and potentially easier access to the beach. Emphasize to children the importance of respecting the turtles' habitat and not disturbing any nests they might see.
🐢 Eco-Conscious Travelers
+1Be a responsible visitor by adhering to all guidelines regarding the nesting beaches and wildlife. Your presence should have minimal impact. Supporting local conservation initiatives or choosing tour operators committed to sustainability will further enhance your visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Bring your waterproof gear for capturing underwater shots or close-ups of marine life. Consider a drone for breathtaking aerial perspectives of the island's shape and surrounding waters, but always check local regulations first. The natural beauty here provides endless opportunities for both landscape and wildlife photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Marathonisi for Sea Turtles
+2Due to its ecological significance, access to the main nesting beach is often restricted. Visitors are urged to be mindful of these restrictions and to avoid disturbing the turtles or their nesting sites. Responsible tourism is key to ensuring the survival of this species. Many boat tours are now eco-friendly, focusing on observing the turtles from a distance without causing them stress.
Understanding the role Marathonisi plays in the life cycle of the loggerhead turtle enhances the visitor experience, turning a beautiful beach visit into an appreciation for conservation efforts. It's a reminder that we are guests in their natural habitat.
Navigating Boat Trips to Marathonisi
Some tours focus specifically on turtle spotting, aiming to find the Caretta Caretta in their natural environment. These tours are often led by guides knowledgeable about turtle behavior and the best locations for sightings. It's important to ask about the tour's approach to wildlife observation to ensure it's responsible and non-intrusive.
Be aware that not all tours allow disembarkation directly onto the main sandy beach due to its protected status. Some may only allow you to view it from the boat or disembark on a different, less sensitive part of the island. Always clarify what your tour includes before booking to manage expectations.
Exploring Marathonisi's Natural Beauty
The coastline is also characterized by dramatic sea caves, which are a highlight for many visitors. Taking a boat trip that includes stops at these caves allows for incredible swimming and snorkeling opportunities in secluded, azure waters. The vibrant blue of the water against the white rock formations creates a breathtaking spectacle.
While the island itself is small, its natural charm is undeniable. The feeling of being on a pristine, undeveloped island, coupled with the possibility of encountering marine life, makes Marathonisi a memorable destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit