Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos
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Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos

4.5
·360 reviews·, Greece

Uninhabited islet in Zakynthos Marine Park, famed for its turtle shape and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer seas

CrowdLow
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Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos

Marathonisi Turtle Island Zakynthos

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer seas

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Uninhabited islet in Zakynthos Marine Park, famed for its turtle shape and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

4.5
(360 reviews)

"Stunning but small beach with nice views and ability to see the turtle nesting sites."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐢 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.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 360 reviews

Type

Island

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Turtle Shape

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

Crystal-Clear Waters

Around Marathonisi

Experience some of the bluest, clearest waters in Greece, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Sea Turtle Spotting

Sea Turtle Spotting

Laganas Bay

Witness the majestic Caretta Caretta sea turtles in their natural habitat on a responsible boat tour.

Marathonisi Caves

Marathonisi Caves

Coastal Marathonisi

Explore stunning sea caves accessible by boat, offering unique swimming and photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Turtles' Nesting Grounds

Marathonisi is a protected nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. Access to the main sandy beach is restricted to protect nests. Avoid disturbing wildlife and stick to designated areas to ensure the turtles' safety and future generations.

Choose Your Boat Trip Wisely

Many boat tours visit Marathonisi, but not all allow you to land on the main beach due to its protected status. Opt for smaller tours or water taxis from Agios Sostis or Laganas for a better chance of landing and to avoid large crowds. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer boats
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Turtle island, also known as Marathonisi, is a must see when visiting Zakynthos!🤩💙 Crystal clear waters, turtles and wonderful nature🌿🌟🐢 What more can you wish for? #fy #fyp #foryou #fypシ #foryoupage #viral #zakynthos #zakynthosgreece #zakynthosisland #traveltiktok #travelzakynthos #zante #zanteholiday #summer2023 #greece #greekislands #summer #europeansummer
@nefistravelzakynthos
5.1K likes • 127K views

🐢 Respect Turtle Nesting Sites

The sandy beach is a protected nesting area. Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Instagram

🚤 Choose Smaller Boat Tours

Smaller boats offer better access to the main beach and a more intimate turtle spotting experience. TikTok

Turtle Island #greece🇬🇷 #zakynthosgreece #zante #zante2025 #greecetiktok #greece🇬🇷 #marathonisi #turtleisland #fyp #tiktokviral
@thedroneguy01
1.3K likes • 35K views
Magical Marathonisi (Turtle Island) in the heart of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos 💙🌊 📲 Download ZakynthosAPP (free) 🔗 Link in bio 🌍 www.eatndo.com . . 🎥 @calypsoboatrentals 👈 follow for more excellent content. . . Follow @zakynthosapp Hashtags #zakynthosapp #greekapps . . Follow our other galleries: @santorini.app @rhodes.app @naxosapp @corfuapp @parosapp @athens.app @crete.app @greek.a...
zakynthosapp
583 likes • 7.2K views

💧 Swim in the Caves

Don't miss the chance to swim in the beautiful sea caves around the island. TikTok+1

💰 Taxi Boats Available

Water taxis from Agios Sostis or Laganas are a convenient way to visit the island. Reddit

Zakynthos was their home first 🐢🇬🇷 With recent news of construction on Marathonisi island (Turtle island: an important conservation habitat for the endangered Caretta caretta on Zakynthos) it is heartbreaking that we forget that the loggerhead turtles have been coming to Zakynthos far longer than we have. We need to remember that they are wild animals that do not exist for our entertainment and w...
zanteturtlecenter
51 likes • 1.2K views

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. Instagram

🚤 Choose Smaller Boat Tours

Smaller boats offer better access to the main beach and a more intimate turtle spotting experience. TikTok

💧 Swim in the Caves

Don't miss the chance to swim in the beautiful sea caves around the island. TikTok+1

💰 Taxi Boats Available

Water taxis from Agios Sostis or Laganas are a convenient way to visit the island. Reddit

☀️ No Beach Umbrellas Allowed

Bring your own shade or be prepared for direct sun on the beach. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The island offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for photography enthusiasts. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.5
(360 reviews)

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

Crystal-clear turquoise waters
Unique turtle shape
Sea turtle spotting opportunities

What People Dislike

Overcrowded beach
Concerns about turtle nesting impact

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok+1

No, there is no public transport to Marathonisi as it is an uninhabited island. Access is exclusively by boat. TikTok

Laganas Harbour and Agios Sostis port are common departure points for boat trips to Marathonisi and the surrounding Keri Caves. TikTokReddit

The journey to Marathonisi by boat is usually short, often around 15-30 minutes depending on your departure point and the type of boat. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Yes, you can hire a water taxi or rent a small boat to visit independently, giving you more flexibility. Reddit

Yes, the main sandy beach is a protected nesting area for loggerhead turtles, so access may be restricted or managed to protect the nests. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🧭 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. TikTok+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. Reddit

Yes, swimming is allowed in the designated areas around Marathonisi. However, access to the main nesting beach might be limited. TikTok

There are small cantinas on the island offering sandwiches and drinks. However, there are no beach umbrellas provided, so bring your own shade. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The island's unique turtle shape, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, the sea caves, and the surrounding coastline offer fantastic photographic opportunities. TikTok+1

Drone usage might be restricted in protected marine park areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for photos, with fewer crowds. TikTok

Yes, but always from a respectful distance and without disturbing them. Many boat tours are designed for responsible turtle spotting. Instagram

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. TikTok

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