Zakynthos: Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour
About This Experience
The Alykes departure is the one most visitors overlook, and it is a genuinely different shape of trip: three hours and fifteen minutes, boat only, no bus leg, leaving from a resort town where a lot of people are already staying.
It runs straight to Navagio bay first - while the light is still good and before the day boats converge - then works back along the coast with two swim stops, the Blue Caves, and a final call at Xigia, the sulphur beach whose mineral springs give the water a milky green cast and a distinct smell.
Two boats operate the route: a 19-seat speedboat and a 60-seat vessel with a toilet and a snack bar. The smaller boat is quicker and gets further into the caves; the larger one is the more comfortable choice for families and anyone who wants shade and facilities on board.
Highlights
- Discover the famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach and take stunning photos
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Caves and Xigia Beach
- Explore the North and East coast of Zakynthos on a boat tour
- Enjoy a unique experience as you pass inside the Blue Caves
- Relax on the speedboat and take in the beautiful views of the coastline
What's Included
- ✓ 3H15' Tour in a Only 20 Seats Speed-boat
- ✓ Visit to Navagio Shipwreck Bay
- ✓ Swimming stops at unspoilt bays and Xigia Beach
- ✓ Visit to the Blue Caves
- ✓ Amazing boat experience for a unique cave visit
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Water
Good to Know & Caveats
- Departures at 09:30 daily, plus 13:30 from 10 June
- Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
- The pier is reachable by local bus from Alykes and Alikanas
- Navagio landings and in-bay swimming are prohibited through 31 October 2026
- Xigia's sulphur springs have a strong smell and noticeably colder water
Not Suitable For
- People with back problems
- People prone to seasickness
Meeting Point
Alykes pier, on the north-east coast. Departures at 09:30 daily, with an additional 13:30 sailing from 10 June. Book at least 24 hours ahead.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.5/5 by 292 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
The captain was very nice. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the shipwreck due to poor weather conditions. Instead, we went to another location.
— Ilknur, August
We chose this product because they offered a small group cruise tour for 20 people. It was very nice, and our group was quiet and pleasant! Super happy to have spent a little more for more privacy. Having chosen the 9:30 AM tour, there were also only a few of us visiting the Blue Grotto and swimming. Recommended! Thanks to the guide for a great tour and to the great boat guide!
— Mattia, August
We had a wonderful trip. There were 19 of us on the boat, but we all had a nice place to sit. A nice boat that can easily get anywhere, beautiful views and the best swimming stops. I would always recommend this over a boat with multiple people. Highly recommended!
— René, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Alykes and why leave from there?
Alykes is a resort town on the north-east coast, about 25 minutes from Zakynthos Town. If you are staying in Alykes, Alikanas or Tsilivi it is by far the most convenient Navagio departure - no long transfer across the island to Porto Vromi and no full-day bus tour.
What is the difference between the two boats?
The 19-seat speedboat is faster and can push deeper into the Blue Caves. The 60-seat boat has a toilet and a snack bar and is steadier, which matters if you are travelling with children or are prone to seasickness.
Do we stop at Navagio Beach itself?
There is no landing. The beach is closed to visitors and to in-bay swimming through 31 October 2026, and boats hold 50 metres offshore. This cruise goes to Navagio first for photographs, then makes its swim stops at a wild bay or Porto Sellinas and at the Blue Caves.
What is Xigia beach like?
It is a small sulphur-spring beach on the north-east coast. The mineral content turns the water a pale milky green and carries a noticeable sulphur smell, and the springs are cold where they enter the sea. Many people find it the most memorable stop after the wreck itself.
How far ahead should I book?
At least 24 hours, which is a condition of the trip, and earlier in high season since seat numbers are limited on both boats.
Other Departures to Navagio
Zakynthos: Glass-Bottom Boat to Navagio, Caves & White Beach
Porto Vromi: Shipwreck, Caves, & White Beach Swimming Cruise
Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour
From St.Nikolaos: Boat Cruise to Navagio Beach & Blue Caves
Zakynthos: Blue Caves and Navagio Bay Swim Cruise
Zakynthos: Pirate Ship Cruise to Shipwreck Beach & Caves
Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land & Sea Tour
