Zakynthos: Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour

Three famous stops, one fast boat. This 195-minute trip from Alykes packs Zakynthos’ best-known northern sights into a lively half-day on the water. I like the small-group format, capped at 20 seats, and the three chances to swim in clear coastal water. The friendly captain, often praised as Niko or Nicki, adds humor and useful commentary without turning the ride into a floating lecture.

I also like the route’s variety. You get the dramatic view of Navagio Shipwreck Bay, the strange colors and sulfur scent of Xigia Beach, and a close look at the Blue Caves. The main drawback is the long first run to Navagio, which can take close to an hour and may feel rough if the sea is choppy or you are prone to seasickness.

Key details before you book

• Three swimming stops: You may swim at a wild bay or Porto Sellinas Bay, inside the Blue Caves area, and at Xigia Beach.
• Small speedboat setting: The boat holds no more than 20 people, though some departures have had around 10 to 14 passengers.
• Navagio comes first: The tour heads directly to the shipwreck bay, with about 20 minutes for photos and sightseeing.
• Blue Caves from the water: You get a boat-level view and a chance to pass inside the caves, weather and sea conditions permitting.
• Alykes departure: The boat named GOLDEN waits at the end of the Alykes pier, not at your hotel.
• Good half-day value: At $50 per person, the trip includes three major coastal sights and three hours and 15 minutes on the water, but food, drinks, and transfers cost extra.

Why this small boat trip works well

Zakynthos has plenty of boat excursions, but the size of the boat changes the feel of the day. A 20-seat speedboat gives you a more personal ride than a large sightseeing vessel. You can see the coast from a lower position, move quickly between stops, and spend less time waiting for a big group to board or disembark.

The boat is not private, of course. On a full departure, you will still share the space with up to 19 other people. But the capacity is limited, and one account described a boat carrying only about 10 to 14 passengers. That makes this a sensible middle ground between a private charter and a crowded cruise.

I especially like the balance between sightseeing and swimming. This is not just a photo trip where you remain seated all morning. You get three breaks in the water, each with a different character. The first is usually a quiet bay chosen according to the weather, the second comes near the Blue Caves, and the third is at Xigia.

The captain is part of the appeal. Niko, also spelled Nicki in one account, is praised for being friendly, funny, and informative. That matters on a short excursion. A good skipper helps you understand what you are seeing while also making the ride feel relaxed.

Leaving Alykes and heading north

The meeting point is at the end of the Alykes pier. Look for the boat GOLDEN. The meeting area can be reached by local bus, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the port.

The standard departure is at 9:30 in the morning. From June 10 onward, an additional 1:30 afternoon departure is available. The morning trip is likely the better choice if you want the fullest possible day and cooler conditions, but the afternoon option gives you more flexibility if you are staying nearby.

Once aboard, the boat heads along the north and east coast. The opening cruise lasts about 30 minutes. This part is not a formal stop, but it sets up the trip well, since you get coastal views before reaching the main attraction.

Bring a hat, towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included, so take care of those before departure or bring what you need if permitted by the operator. Smoking and pets are not allowed.

Navagio Shipwreck Bay and the first long ride

Navagio is the headline stop. The famous shipwreck sits in a steep-sided bay with pale sand and striking blue water, making it one of Zakynthos’ most photographed places. This tour takes you there first, after roughly 30 minutes of sightseeing cruise time and a longer open-water run that can approach an hour in unsettled conditions.

You get around 20 minutes at Navagio for photos and sightseeing. That is enough to admire the setting and take pictures, but it is not a long beach visit. The tour information describes this as a stop at the bay, so you should not plan on a relaxed afternoon ashore.

The biggest practical point is the sea. The route to Navagio can be choppy, and one passenger found the almost hour-long ride uncomfortable because of the conditions. If you get seasick, this is a real concern, not a minor footnote. Sit where the motion feels manageable, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and consider choosing another activity if rough water usually spoils your day.

For everyone else, the fast boat makes the long run worthwhile. You reach the island’s most famous coastal sight early, then spend the rest of the tour moving through smaller bays and cave areas. That order also means you are not left wondering if the main attraction will fit into the schedule.

The secret bay and a proper swim

On the return from Navagio, the captain chooses a swimming stop based on the weather. It may be a wild, picturesque bay or Porto Sellinas Bay. This flexibility is useful because the safest and most enjoyable swimming spot depends on the day’s wind and sea conditions.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes in the planned schedule, though one account described the swimming breaks as closer to 15 minutes. In practice, you should think of each stop as a refreshing swim and quick look around, not a long beach session.

This is one of the more valuable parts of the trip. Navagio is famous, but it can feel like a checklist sight. A quiet bay gives you time to enjoy the water without focusing only on taking the perfect photograph. You may also spot small marine life while swimming, as one enthusiastic account noted.

The boat remains the base for the day. There is no hotel transfer, beach chair, meal, or organized beach activity. You step into the water from the boat, so bring a towel and be ready to climb back aboard when the captain calls time.

Entering the Blue Caves by speedboat

The Blue Caves are one of Zakynthos’ signature coastal sights. Their pale rock openings and unusual reflections look different from a boat than they do from land. This tour promises a particularly close visit, with the boat passing inside the caves where conditions allow.

You get about 30 minutes in the Blue Caves area for sightseeing, photos, and swimming. The water here is a major part of the attraction. It is clear, bright, and well suited to a quick swim, though the length of time in the water depends on the captain’s schedule and sea conditions.

The speedboat is useful here. Its smaller size allows a more direct cave visit than a large vessel may offer, and you are close to the water rather than viewing the caves from a distant deck. Still, do not expect a private cave exploration. The tour is built around a quick, shared visit, so keep your camera ready and listen for instructions.

The cave stop also gives the trip a change of pace. After the open-water run to Navagio and the first swim, you move into a more enclosed coastal setting. That variety is one reason the tour feels fuller than its three-hour duration might suggest.

Xigia Sulfur Beach and its unusual water

Xigia is the final major stop before Alykes. It is known for sulfur-rich water flowing from a cave, which gives the beach a distinctive color and smell. This is not the typical postcard beach scent, and that is exactly what makes Xigia different.

You get around 30 minutes for photos, sightseeing, and swimming. The sulfur water is the main reason to stop, but you should be prepared for its particular smell. If you dislike strong mineral odors, you may prefer to enjoy the view from the boat or limit your swim.

For most people, Xigia works well as the last stop because it offers something the other locations do not. Navagio is famous for its setting, and the Blue Caves are about rock and reflected water. Xigia adds a natural oddity, making the route feel more varied.

After Xigia, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes back to Alykes. The full outing lasts three hours and 15 minutes, so you still have much of the day left for lunch, a beach visit, or exploring the resort area.

Is $50 a fair price?

At $50 per person, this is good value if you want to see all three headline locations in one outing. The fare covers the 195-minute speedboat trip, Navagio Shipwreck Bay, the Blue Caves, and swimming stops at unspoiled bays and Xigia Beach.

The value comes from the route rather than from luxury. You are paying for access to several coastal sights without arranging separate boats or private transport. The small capacity and fast boat also improve the experience compared with a very large cruise.

There are limits. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach Alykes pier yourself, and food and drinks are extra. The swimming stops are short enough that anyone seeking a slow beach day may feel rushed.

One account considered the trip expensive and found the meeting point out of the way, while several others described it as excellent value. Both views make sense. I would call the $50 reasonable for an active sightseeing trip, especially if your priority is seeing Navagio, the caves, and Xigia in one morning. I would look elsewhere if you want a private boat, a meal, or long stays at each beach.

Who should book this Zakynthos tour?

This tour suits you if you want a short, active introduction to Zakynthos by sea. It is especially useful for visitors staying in Alykes or Alykanas, since you can reach the departure point without a long transfer. It also works well for anyone with only a few days on the island and a firm list of coastal sights.

You will probably enjoy it if you like swimming, photographs, and changing scenery. The captain and guide create a friendly, informal mood, and the shorter format leaves time for other plans.

Think carefully before booking if you have back problems or seasickness. The boat can move sharply, and the ride to Navagio may be rough. The operator also requires booking at least 24 hours ahead, and early booking is wise because seating is limited.

The tour runs in Greek and English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

My call: book it for sights and swims

I would book this tour if I wanted the main northern Zakynthos sights without committing to a full-day cruise. The combination of Navagio, the Blue Caves, Xigia, and three swimming stops gives you a lot for $50, and the small boat keeps the outing friendly rather than anonymous.

I would skip it if rough water is a serious problem or if you want long, lazy beach time. For everyone else, choose the morning departure when possible, arrive at the end of the Alykes pier with your swim gear ready, and treat the trip as a brisk coastal sampler. You will see a great deal, get wet several times, and still have your afternoon free.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts 195 minutes, or three hours and 15 minutes.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from the end of the Alykes pier. The boat is named GOLDEN.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts daily at 9:30 in the morning. An additional 1:30 afternoon departure is available from June 10.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The speedboat is limited to 20 seats. Some departures have had around 10 to 14 people.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Navagio Shipwreck Bay, the Blue Caves, and Xigia Sulfur Beach.

How many swimming stops are included?

The tour includes three swimming stops: one at a wild bay or Porto Sellinas Bay, one near the Blue Caves, and one at Xigia Beach.

Is swimming at Navagio included?

Navagio is scheduled as a photo and sightseeing stop. The swimming stops take place at other bays, the Blue Caves area, and Xigia Beach.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the ride to Navagio can be choppy.