Zakynthos: Pirate Ship Cruise to Shipwreck Beach & Caves

Name: Zakynthos: Pirate Ship Cruise to Shipwreck Beach & Caves
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 41.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.32 (89 reviews)

4.3 (89 verified reviews)

The rusted steel hull of the Panagiotis on pale sand at the foot of a vertical limestone cliff

A dark-hulled pirate ship with rigging and masts moored on calm water below a wooded shore

The pirate ship under way on brilliant blue water, seen from above

An aerial view of a steep green headland with the pirate ship anchored in the bay below

A costumed crew member climbing the rigging against a bright cloudy sky

About This Experience

Zakynthos Town's Navagio option is not a quick crossing. It is a seven-hour circumnavigation aboard the island's pirate ship, and it should be judged as a day out rather than as a way of reaching the wreck efficiently.

The route leaves the main port and heads north to Xigia's sulphur springs for the first swim, carries on to the Blue Caves and the Dragon Caves, then rounds the top of the island for the photo stop at Navagio. On the way back it calls at Shiza Oil Beach - a cove the ship can reach and most boats cannot - and the Keri caves in the south.

The entertainment is as much the point as the coastline: a welcome show as the ship leaves port, Greek dancing and pirate theatre through the day. Families with children tend to rate it highly. Travellers who want the wreck and nothing else will find seven hours a long way round.

Highlights

Enjoy live shows, Greek dancing and a pirate crew on Greece's only Pirate Ship
See Shipwreck Beach up close on a photo stop at Zakynthos' most iconic site
Swim at Shiza Oil Beach, a hidden gem only our ship can reach
Enjoy 3 swim stops, including Xigia's sulphur-rich natural spa waters
Sail inside the Blue Caves and Dragon Caves for unique photos

What's Included

✓ 7-hour guided cruise around Zakynthos island
✓ Three swimming stops (Xigia Natural Spa Beach, Shiza Oil Beach, Keri Caves / Oasis Beach)
✓ Live pirate shows, Greek traditional dancing and onboard entertainment throughout the day
✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off (included on the "with Hotel Pickup" option only)
✓ Onboard sound system, shade areas, and toilets
✓ Life jackets and all required safety equipment
✓ Multilingual commentary by the crew
✓ Onboard sewage treatment system (eco-friendly)
✓ Travel insurance

Not Included

BBQ souvlaki and snacks (available to purchase onboard)
Alcoholic and soft drinks (available to purchase onboard)
Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
Snorkelling equipment

What to Bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Camera
Cash for onboard purchases

Good to Know & Caveats

Seven hours - the longest Navagio itinerary on the island
Arrive at the port 30 minutes before departure
Hotel pickup must be booked by 23:00 the night before, and only on the pickup option
Navagio is a photo stop; landings and in-bay swimming are prohibited through 31 October 2026
Smoking indoors, alcohol, drugs and sharp objects are not permitted on board

Not Suitable For

Travellers wanting a short trip to the wreck
People prone to seasickness on long sailings

Meeting Point

Zakynthos Town Main Port. Look for the Cavo Grosso crew and arrive 30 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is available only on the 'with Hotel Pickup' booking option.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.3/5 by 89 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Denise being a great host, the whole crew being friendly and helpful. We were amaze with pick up and drop off was included in the price, the entertainment and music on the boat was lively. They also have information / history about stops and cliffs which was really good. We absolutely enjoyed the trip. Swim stops was a bit short but understand it is being whole island tour don’t want any delay
— Charlotte, August

Fantastic staff, fantastic boat and so, so, so wonderful swimming stops and places along the way. The staff is absolutely wonderful and dedicated!! Highly recommended!
— Lana, August

Wonderful views, we weren’t spaced like fish in a barrel - loads of place to be. Food was fine, yet it was cheap too. Swimming areas are beautiful too - and wests are available if ones needs those. Good experience with the local music too, so overall a nice trip. Dennis was our guide, such a nice trip.
— Magnus Olbæk, August

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the fastest way to reach Navagio from Zakynthos Town?

No - it is the slowest of any departure on the island, at seven hours for the full island circuit. Zakynthos Town sits on the opposite coast from the wreck. If speed is what you want, drive to Porto Vromi and take the 25-minute crossing instead.

Is hotel pickup included?

Only if you book the 'with Hotel Pickup' option, which must be reserved by 23:00 the night before. On the standard ticket you make your own way to Zakynthos Town Main Port. Pickup starts one to two hours before departure.

How many swim stops are there?

Three: Xigia natural spa beach, Shiza Oil Beach, and the Keri caves area. Navagio itself is a photo stop only, because the bay is closed to swimming through 31 October 2026.

Is it suitable for children?

It is one of the better family choices on the island. The ship has shade, toilets and a sound system, and the pirate shows and dancing run all day. Seven hours is still a long day for very small children.

What is Shiza Oil Beach?

A cove on the west coast that the pirate ship can reach but most tour boats skip. It is one of the genuine advantages of taking the long circuit rather than a short crossing.