shipwreck trip zante

[email protected]

+30.699.580.6809

North Coast Tour

• Information

€30 per person

Enjoy a fantastic boat tour to the island’s top attractions, the world famous Shipwreck Beach and the majestic Blue Caves! The tour will depart from the northern port of Zakynthos Island. After a 25-minute boat ride, our first stop will be at Shipwreck Beach. After a stop to take pictures of the most photographed bay in Greece, we will head to Agios Andreas cove , where we’ll enjoy a 25-minute swim. The next stop will be at the Blue Caves , a unique geological formation creating a series of caves, which can only be accessed by small-to-medium boats. After showing you the inside of these caves, we will enjoy an additional swim stop. In this tour you’ll have the chance to enjoy views of the entire northern coast of Zakynthos and of Cape Skinari.

Our boat tours to the famous Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio Beach, depart from the northern port of Zakynthos Island (31 km from the city of Zante, 16 km from Alykes); if you prefer to depart from the West Coast you can check our West Coast Tour . Those looking for more privacy can rent a boat that doen’t require a boating license or a boat with captain .

N.B. 1. In case of bad weather or for any health reasons, you can reschedule the day or time of the excursion at no additional cost (prior notice).

N.B. 2. If you do not have a reservation, we recommend that before going to the port, you contact us   to check availability and sea conditions.

General information about this tour:

The departure port is the one north of Zakynthos (31 km from the city of Zakynthos, 16 km from Alykes). For reservations, fill out the form in the Book section Booking form or book from our office in Agios Sostis  https://g.page/welcometozante?share

This excursion uses a 50-passenger boat, which takes about 25 minutes to reach Shipwreck Beach. After a stop to take pictures of this beautiful, deserted beach, we will head to Agios Andreas bay for our first swim. Once back on board, we will continue on to the Blue Caves, cruising along the coast and showing you other coves and caves typical of this area.

Conditions:

Price: € 30 per person

In case of adverse weather conditions the tour can be rescheduled

The departure port must be reached independently

Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour stops:

Shipwreck beach swim stop, blue caves swim stop, departure time, return time, from our gallery, swim stops: shipwreck beach and blue caves.

Shipwreck Beach Zakynthos: Everything You Need to Know to Visit Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante, Greece!

Posted on Last updated: October 29, 2023

Planning to visit the famous Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

Navagio Beach in Zante, Greece, is also known as Shipwreck Beach due to the huge ship wrecked on the beach (as you may have guessed from the name). It’s one of the most famous beaches in Greece, if not all of Europe.

As such, if you’re planning a trip to Zante, it’s only natural that you will want to add this iconic spot to your Zante itinerary.

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about visiting Navagio Shipwreck Beach. Including its exact position, how to get there, how to get to its famous viewpoint, the best tours to join, what to do and more!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover how to make the most of your time at Shipwreck Beach in Zante!

• 1 What is Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos?
• 2 Where is Navagio Shipwreck Beach
• 3.1 How to get to Navagio Beach 
• 3.2 How to get to Shipwreck Navagio Beach viewpoint
• 4 How to see that iconic Shipwreck Beach view
• 5 Best Zakynthos shipwreck tours
• 6 What can you do at Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos?
• 7 Is it worth visiting Navagio Shipwreck Beach?
• 8 Where to stay in Zante to visit Navagio Beach

View over the iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante, Greece

What is Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos?

Whether you call it Navagio Beach, Smuggler’s Cove, Agios Georgios (its original name it was previously known with) or Shipwreck Beach, there’s no denying the beauty of this amazing slice of coastline.

And as you can probably tell from the names, it’s a beach with a shipwreck on it. But how did it get there?

The famous Zante shipwreck is the remains of the MV Panagiotis , a ship that ran aground during bad weather in 1980. There are different rumours around how exactly this happened.

Some say it was smuggling contraband cigarettes for the Italian mafia, and was wrecked while being chased by the Greek authorities! But that’s just a story.

Either way, the wreck provides a cool contrast to the white cliffs, gleaming white sand beach and bright turquoise sea of the cove.

Plus it’s been made even more famous thanks to it featuring in the 2016 Korean TV series Descendants of the Sun , with K-drama aficionados making the pilgrimage to the famed location.

The famous shipwreck on Navagio Beach in Zante, Greece

Where is Navagio Shipwreck Beach

Navagio Shipwreck Beach is located on the Northwest corner of Zakynthos Island. As we will soon see, you can’t directly access the beach via land, but you can go to its famous viewpoint by driving to this spot .

It’s a 50-minute drive from the south of the island, where most of the tourist towns like Zakynthos Town, Laganas and Keri are located.

How to get to Navagio Shipwreck Beach

If you want to see the Zakynthos shipwreck and the stunning beach where it sits, it’s not as simple as just rocking up with your beach towel.

Due to the beach being accessible only by boat, I’ll divide this part into two sections: the first one telling you how to get to the actual Shipwreck Beach, Zante, and the second one sharing how to get to the iconic Navagio Beach Viewpoint.

How to get to Navagio Beach 

Like I said just a moment ago, there is no way to reach the actual beach via land.

This means that the only way to get to Navagio Beach in Zante is via boat, and you’re probably not going to have access to your own boat while you’re there.

So that means you’ll be taking to the high seas on a boat tour from Laganas to Shipwreck Beach (or from other parts of the island). I have listed below some of the best Shipwreck Beach tours, but will go into more detail about them in just a moment.

Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour

Navagio Shipwreck: Private Tour with Sunset Viewing Point

Porto Vromi: Cruise to Navagio, Turtle island & Keri Caves

Cruising inside the cove of Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece

How to get to Shipwreck Navagio Beach viewpoint

While the beach itself is without a doubt beautiful, what most people want to see is the iconic view over it from the top of the cliffs.

After all, that shot of the shipwreck lying on the white sand, turquoise water in front of it and towering cliffs surrounding it features on everyones Europe bucket list .

How do you actually get to the Shipwreck Beach viewpoint? It’s pretty simple to drive to the viewpoint by yourself (be warned however, the road leading up to it is narrow and winding!). Simply drive to this Google Maps location .

There’s free parking area here, which is super handy, plus there’s also a food truck close to the free viewing deck, with some tables and seats in the shade.

The free viewing platform is pretty cool! It protrudes out of the cliff itself, allowing for unobstructed views of the Shipwreck Cove down below, even though the cliffs partly block the wreck itself …

Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante, Greece

How to see that iconic Shipwreck Beach view

Let’s expand a bit on Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint, as it deserves a little more detail.

The “official” viewing deck that I linked above consists of a metal platform with railings, which sticks out from the cliffs. It’s the safest way to get a fairly decent view of Shipwreck Beach.

But to be honest with you, this view isn’t the best or the iconic view of Shipwreck Beach that you will have seen in photos. And not only that — you have to queue in a long line for quite a while under the sun to see it, which is never fun.

The view over Navagio Shipwreck Beach from the “official” viewing deck

There is another viewpoint, an “unofficial” one. If you look to the right of the food truck you’ll see a metal fence with a sign that says “do not pass” — but there’s also a very big hole in the fence.

Through here you’ll also see a well beaten trail, as well as numerous other tourists walking through the hole and on the trail.

If you go through the railing you will have to do a short hike for 10-15 minutes, and you’ll the get the other Shipwreck Beach viewpoint.

As soon as you look back to Shipwreck Beach, you will see the breathtaking views of Navagio Beach that you always see in photos. This “unofficial” viewpoint has no railings, no viewing deck, and no safety measures of any sort in place.

As such, if you do choose to come to this viewpoint, I advise you stick to the path and to keep a safe distance from the edge, and don’t take any risks to get the “best” photo.  People have fallen from the cliffs here while taking photos.

Enjoying the view over the iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece, from the “unofficial” viewpoint

Best Zakynthos shipwreck tours

Of course, the most classic way to see the Zakynthos shipwreck is by taking a tour by boat to the beach itself.

However, there are so many tours that it can be a little difficult working out which one is best. Here I’ve outlined some of the best boat tours in Zakynthos , so that you can find the best one for you.

This tour to Shipwreck Beach in Zante is a pretty comprehensive option.

Not only does it take you to the beach itself, as well as the viewpoint up above, but it will also take you to a number of different sights around the island. These include the famous Blue Caves and Bochali Hill.

The first part of the tour sees you whisked to Zakynthos Town, where you’ll head up Bochali Hill for views of the port below.

From there it’s onto the Shipwreck Beach viewpoint, where you can snap pictures of the surrounding cliffs. Then you’ll hop on the boat for a 3-hour mini cruise to Navagio Beach and then onward to the Blue Caves.

There’s also a collection of other interesting sights included on the tour, including local villages like Exo Chora with its amazing 2,000-year-old olive tree!

Check out prices & availability for your Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves tour here , or in the calendar below!

Enjoying our private boat tour around Zakynthos, with a stop at Navagio Shipwreck Beach

Visiting Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante, Greece, on a boat tour

So this is more of a transfer rather than a proper tour, but it’s still a good way to get from wherever you’re staying to the famous beach.

It doesn’t cover every town on the island though, covering travel from towns including Psarou, Kalamaki, Zante Town and Laganas, to Shipwreck Beach.

I’d say this is a great option if you don’t want to rent a car, but want to see the shipwreck at sunset.

From your accommodation, this transfer will take you past famous sights, with the driver on hand to explain the history of it all along the way.

They’ll take you to the top of the Shipwreck Beach viewpoint so you can see the beach in all its glory. You’ll have an hour or so to snap photos galore of a gorgeous sunset.

Check out prices & availability for your Navagio Shipwreck Sunset private tour here , or in the calendar below!

The incredibly blue water in the cove of Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos

From Porto Vromi: Shipwreck Beach Private Boat Cruise

Feel like a tour but want a bit more privacy? Then opt for a private cruise for you and whoever you’re travelling with! This private tour to Zante’s Navagio Beach offers up an adventurous day out exploring the island’s beautiful coastline.

The first stop is at Shipwreck Beach itself, where you can have a refreshing swim in the sea, before you’ll be whisked onward to Hidden Treasure Cave — another chance to float around in the crystal-clear water.  

Then you’ll head to experience marine life at White Beach, Sfogio Beach, Porto Steniti, the Blue Caves and Heart Caves. You’ll also get to see a fun rock formation at Poseidon’s Profile (the clue is in the name!).  

Click here to book your private boat tour to Shipwreck Beach in Zante , or see prices & availability in the calendar below!

Exploring the Blue Caves of Zakynthos in Greece during our boat tour

This is another private tour , ideal for couples or families who want to have fun without worrying about other people’s itineraries and schedules.

This tour is pretty good actually, as it takes you around the whole island, not only Shipwreck Beach. Your local skipper will take you to a collection of sights dotted around Zakynthos.

These include White Beach, Sfogio Beach, the Blue Caves, Keri Caves and Turtle Island, to name just a few. Of course, you’ll also head to Shipwreck Beach for a swim in the cove.

I’d recommend booking the evening schedule, as you’ll get to see a stunning sunset as part of the tour, too!

Click here to book your private Zante Island boat tour , including Shipwreck Beach, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Cruising along the coast and cliffs of Zakynthos, Greece

From Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Beach Excursion by Boat

This Shipwreck Beach boat tour offers an awesome way to experience the natural landscapes of Zakynthos, without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for solo travelers, as it’s a bigger boat than the previous tours, with other people onboard, hence the lower price.

Setting sail from the bay of Porto Vromi, the boat makes its way to Navagio Beach where you’ll stop in the cove and have a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters.

But it’s not just Navagio Beach that you’ll be hitting up. There’s also the Blue Caves, where the boat will take you inside to marvel at the rock formations.

You’ll also head to a hidden beach, Sfogio, then onto another beautiful beach called Porto Steniti. This tour is the perfect way to enjoy some of the best beaches and coastlines in Zakynthos.

Check out prices & availability for your Shipwreck Beach boat tour in Zante here , or directly in the calendar below!

One of the bigger boats for shared group tours in Zakynthos, Greece

Admiring Navagio Shipwreck Beach from the sea

What can you do at Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos?

Until 2022, you could still actually go onto the beach. It was fun!  

You could spend a chill day there, tanning, swimming — you know, the usual beach activities. Unfortunately, today the beach is closed, and there’s not a lot to do there anymore.  

It’s the one of the most popular attractions and most famous beach of Zakynthos, but you can’t actually go on the beach. It was closed due to rock falls last year, and the increased risk of landslides.

On land, you can head to the Shipwreck Beach view point to see it all from above, and take in one of the most photographed places in Greece.

Boat tours to the beach stop nearby, and you can swim, but not for long and it’s not the same as actually hanging out on the beach.  

Still, it’s a decent day trip, especially if you join one of the tour operators that takes you also to other sights on Zakynthos.

Enjoying the beautiful water of Zakynthos on a private boat trip

Is it worth visiting Navagio Shipwreck Beach?

If you are travelling to Greece solely to see the Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, then I would say no — it’s not worth visiting.

Nowadays there isn’t much to it, besides taking photos from the viewpoint of the rusty shipwreck on the gleaming sand.

It looks cool, it looks great in photos, but it’s not worth a trip in itself. And a reminder: it’s definitely not worth risking injury to yourself to get a photo of it!

That said, if you’re in Zakynthos anyway , and you’re wondering what to do with yourself, then of course I would say visit Shipwreck Beach. After all, it’s one of the must-see spots in Zante !

There might not be much to do, but it’s still one of the most iconic spots in Zakynthos, if not all of Greece. Plus a lot of boat tours of the island visit, so you might end up seeing Navagio Shipwreck Beach even if it wasn’t part of your itinerary!

Exploring the coastline and turquoise sea of Zakynthos, Greece, by boat

Where to stay in Zante to visit Navagio Beach

It doesn’t really matter where you stay in Zakynthos to visit Navagio Beach. The island isn’t particularly big, even if you stay in the south in Laganas or Keri you will just drive max 1 hour to reach the viewpoint.

As such, here are some of the best places to stay in Zakynthos for every budget, and in different areas around the island.

Budget: Gerovasis Apartments with Sea View – We spent five nights here and found it to be a perfect base for exploring Zante. Located in the quiet beach town of Keri, the apartment is spacious, clean, has epic views and is fairly cheap.

Click here to book your stay at Gerovasis Apartments with Sea View!

Mid-range: Joya Luxury Villas – Even though there is Luxury in the name, this beautiful villa is actually pretty affordable, while still offering a luxury service. It sleeps up to 10 people, has a private pool, and is perfectly positioned to explore the North East coast of Zante. We stayed here for the weekend and loved it.

Click here to book your stay at Joya Luxury Villas in Zante!

Luxury: Lesante Cape Resort & Villas – We had lunch here and fell in love with the venue. This 5-star hotel has beautiful little villas with private pools, amazing service, stunning views and is in a great position. Perfect to spoil yourself!

Click here to see prices & availability at Lesante Cape Resort & Villas!

The private pool at Joya Luxury Villas in Zante, Greece

Final thoughts on visiting Zakynthos Shipwreck

There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting the famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante! Have you visited this iconic beach before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

For me, Navagio Beach is just as iconic as the famous Oia sunset in Santorini . It’s one of those sights you simply have to add to your Greece bucket list.

There might not be much to actually do there, but it’s still a pretty fabulous spot, and you guys know how much I love a good viewpoint.

Like I said before, I wouldn’t travel to Greece just to see Shipwreck Beach, but if you’re already coming to Zante for a beach or island hopping trip, then it’s definitely worth visiting.

I hope you find this article useful in planning your trip to Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zante, Greece! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Greece travel tips? Check out my other Greece guides!

• How many days in Santorini do you really need?
• 22 best private pool hotels in Santorini
• 21 amazing Airbnbs in Santorini
• Best boat tours in Santorini
• 6 best areas to stay in Santorini
• Fira to Oia Hike in Santorini: Everything you need to know!

Enjoyed reading about how to visit the famous Navagio Beach Zante? Pin it!

Porto Vromi Maries Consortium

The bay of Porto Vromi is divided into two ports with different accesses that are not connected to each other. To avoid any inconvenience, we inform you that you will find our company only by following the link below:

Why Choose Us

Safety & experience.

• Professional captains and crew
• All boats pass the necessary checks and fully comply with all safety regulations
• Cleanliness on boats

ADVANTAGEOUS LOCATION

Nearest port for Navagio, the largest blue caves of Zakynthos and for the top destinations on the island

OUR SERVICES

• Organized Tours for the Shipwreck and the surrounding area with departures throughout the day
• Boat rental with captain
• Boat rental without a captain (no driver's license required)
• Private tours
• Friendly and courteous staff

ORGANIZED TOUR

• Departure from the nearest port in Navagio
• 3 hour excursion
• 3 stops for bathing
• Stop for photos from the boat at the Shipwreck beach
• The schedule may change due to weather conditions.

Explore Zakynthos

Top Destinations

Call us at +30 69732 47390  or

PORTO VROMI MARIES BOATS

WE TAKE YOU TO THE SHIPWRECK BEACH

Based in Zakynthos island, Greece, we organize boat tours to the famous Shipwreck Beach (“Navagio”) and the amazing sea caves found in the area nearby. Porto Vromi Maries is the closest organized port to the Shipwreck beach in Zakynthos. Our fleet consists of 12 boats that meet and exceed all safety regulations

• Departure Every 40 Minutes
• Private Trips Available
• Highly Trained Staff
• 3 Swimming Stops

What Our Travelers Say About Us

Zakynthos Weather Forecast

PORTO VROMI MARIES CRUISES & FUN Maries, Zakynthos, 29 100, Greece

Call Us: +30 6973247390 | +30 6970499758

[email protected]

PORTO VROMI MARIES BOAT TRIPS

We organize boat tours to the Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos.Apart from Navagio Beach, our tour includes a visit to the most beautiful blue caves of Zakynthos, Sfogio beach, White beach, Porto Steniti,Poseidon’s profile and many other amazing places.

• Shipwreck Tour
• Boat Rentals
• Shipwreck Beach

Operating Times

• April to October
• Daily, from 08.00 to 19.00
• Boats leave every 40 mins
• November to March (upon request)

Use the code “MARIES2024” and get 15% discount on your tickets

Navagio Beach in Zakynthos – how to get there and what to see

This is the beach that features on practically every postcard of Zante. On the Greek island of Zakynthos it’s known as Navagio beach, but to tourists as Shipwreck beach or Smuggler’s cove.

You’ve probably seen it in glossy coffee table books featuring beautiful shots of Greece. It regularly gets a mention on those lists of “ best beaches in the world “.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Greece’s most photogenic beach

Navagio is certainly one of the most photogenic beaches in Greece. The rusty old wreck is stranded on the crescent of pale sand, framed by the steep limestone cliffs and the turquoise sea. This makes it a winning photographic combination.

You can get that postcard shot yourself, from a metal platform that juts out from the cliff above the beach. Here you’ll also find a taverna, ice cream van and stalls selling local honey and souvenirs.

A couple of years ago I stood on the metal platform and took the postcard shot you see above. On this summer’s visit to Zante I thought it was about time that I paid Navagio beach a personal visit.

Discover the Windmill Bay Hotel in Zakynthos – a 4-star seaside hotel in Greece

Accessible only by boat

The only way that you can set foot on Navagio beach is by boat. Most of the boat trips around the north end of Zakynthos will take you there.

You can take one of the full day “round the island” trips that go from Zante town. These tend to be larger boats and a whole day in the sun and on the waves could be too much of a good thing.

We decided instead to drive further north to where the smaller boats go on frequent trips from either St Nicholas port or Makris Gialos. This small beach is just before the St Nicholas port on the north-east tip of Zakynthos.

There’s a little kiosk beside the road at Makris Gialos. From there we booked for a 2-3 hour trip on a speedboat that would take around 20 people.

The lady at the kiosk warned us that the sea around the Shipwreck beach was quite rough today. So, the boat might not be able to take us right up to the beach. “You don’t get seasick?” she asked and we all shook our heads, looking out at the gently lapping waves on the beach. We wondered how there could possibly be a problem.

You may also enjoy: 20 of the best beaches in Zakynthos – Greece

A choppy boat ride

The boat powered away from the jetty and soon as we were clear of land. The captain was a wiry Greek with an all over tan and a cigarette glued in his hand. He opened the throttle and the nose of the speedboat rose into the air.

At first the speed and spray felt thrilling and the girls clambered onto the front of the boat to sun themselves in their bikinis. However, the boat rounded the northernmost point of the island and entered unprotected waters. Here the sea became more choppy and the speedboat was banging up and down onto the waves.

The girls scrambled for the safety of their seats behind the captain. We all clung on, wishing that he would slow down a little. After around 40 minutes Shipwreck bay came into sight. We were all feeling distinctly queasy and wished that we could get off the boat.

Now we were close to the Shipwreck beach and the captain skillfully manoeuvred the speedboat as close to shore as he could. Now we could make the short swim to shore for a closer look.

Despite the swell, we all managed to swim ashore, although a large wave knocked me off my feet and tumbled me round like a washing machine. It sent seawater up my nose and dropped me spluttering into the shallows with a bikini full of gravel.

The shipwreck’s lore

Because we couldn’t bring our towels or picnic from the boat, we just walked around to look at the rusty hull of the ship. The girls lay at the water’s edge being washed by the surf. The boat was supposedly smuggling cigarettes when it went aground in the 1980s. That could just be a story the Greeks tell to give it a dramatic twist for the tourists.

The hull was broken open with a shady place to sit in the sand beneath. The metal had corroded away to make a lacework of holes in the side through which I could look back to our group on the sand.

I didn’t dare attempt to bring my iPhone through the surf to take any photos. My niece gave hers to the captain who put it in a plastic bag and swam one-armed with it above his head. He judged the swell just right and scrambled ashore.

I borrowed Sophia’s phone to take these pictures of the shipwreck from the beach. After around 30 minutes we all swam back to the boat which was pitching back and forth in the swell.

It was a bit grim speeding back around the northern point of the island, as we all felt seasick. The captain showed no mercy with the speed of the boat, intent on getting back as quickly as possible. The seas tend to get rougher as the day goes on.

The Blue Caves

Once we were around the point the sea calmed and the captain slowed down. We neared the second part of our boat trip, a visit to the sea caves known as the Blue Caves.

We had swum in similar sea caves on last year’s boat trip from Agios Sostis around Laganas Bay. Here we had spotted some loggerhead or Caretta Caretta turtles that nest on the southern beaches of Zante.

The captain nosed the boat into a couple of the sea caves to show us the intense sparkling blue colour of the water in the caves that gives them their name. We anchored for a while to give everyone a chance to swim and snorkel.

While exploring locations like this be sure to check out the beach shoes I recommend in this beach trip packing list

After around 30 minutes at the caves, we started back to the beach and this time the ride was much more leisurely and pleasant. By the time we docked we had all but forgotten the sea-sickness we felt before.

I highly recommend a boat trip to Shipwreck Beach if you want to see a unique side of Zante. I’d also recommend that you heed the warnings of the locals if they tell you that the sea is too rough. It may be deceptively calm on one side of the island but much rougher on the other side if the wind is high.

Tips if you’d like to take this boat trip

We took the boat trip from Makris Gialos, where there is a kiosk by the road above the beach and a small shop and taverna.

Other options are to take a similar boat trip from St Nicholas Port, on the north-east coast of Zakynthos where a number of different boats do the same 2-3 hour trip. Or, book a full day ‘Round the Island’ trip from Zante town or from other resorts on the island.

Some boat trips will also take you just to the Blue Caves which is a shorter 1.5 hour trip and may be better if you don’t like rough seas.

Our 2.5-3 hour boat trip cost €20 per person although you may be able to negotiate a discount if you have a group of 6 or more.

Additional considerations

You should take a look at the boat to ensure that it has full shade and consider the size of the boat. For this trip a boat that takes 15-20 people is best as it will be small enough to get into the Blue Caves and to get close to Shipwreck Beach. A larger boat may be more stable but you may not be able to get close to the beach.

The Blue Caves are on the north-east side of the island where the sea is much calmer, while Shipwreck beach is on the north-west side where the sea is rough. Take local advice on the best day to go when the sea is not too rough and if you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider medication or not go to the Shipwreck Beach but just do the trip to the Blue Caves.

If you are based at the southern end of Zakynthos as we were at Argassi, you may want to try a turtle spotting boat trip instead that will take you through Laganas Bay to spot for turtles , followed by swimming around the sea caves at Keri.

Visitor info for Zante

Jet2.com runs weekly flights to Zante from Manchester and Leeds Bradford and flights from many other local UK airports to your favourite holiday destinations. 

Need a guide book for Zakynthos? We recommend the Marco Polo Guide to Zakynthos and Kefalonia

More tales from Zante

Jetting off to Zante with Jet2.com Sunshine, beaches and freddoccinos – my week on Zante in Instagram photos Is this the best beach in the world? – Navagio on Zante

Thanks to Jet2.com for providing* flights for Heather’s trip to Zakynthos, Greece.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

Johan Miles

Monday 2nd of December 2013

@Olivia I think greek islands are offering plenty of beautiful sights. Santorini is a Great island with a wonderful sunset but in my personal opinion Zakynthos is way more beautiful.

Thursday 10th of October 2013

Heather, thanks for the beautiful pictures of Navagio! I'm glad I discovered your blog as I'm planning a trip to Greece (Santorini!) next summer, and now I think I have to add this to the itinerary. Thank you for the inspiration. Can't wait to visit Shipwrecked Beach!

Heather Cowper

@Olivia It's certainly a beautiful and unusual beach to visit

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

Greece looks breathtaking!I am planning on visiting Greece very soon. My travel agent has been trying to book me tickets with Lufthansa. I travel only with Lufthansa because they are extremely luxurious and worth every penny i spend on my traveling. Hopefully, i should be getting my tickets to Greece soon.

Friday 2nd of August 2013

I visited Zakynthos in 2009.It is such a beautiful island!!!I definitely want to visit it again. We went to Navagio beach, it was absolutely stunning!!!The water was so cold and so clear!!!But it was pretty windy, like the day you visited it.The sand was white and the cliffs around made you feel like a cast away...it was amazing!!We fortunately had rent a car , during our stay there. Hiring a car enabled us to visit many truly beautiful spots and get away from the touristy places.

Wednesday 31st of July 2013

There is a reason that this beach keeps showing up in photographs. It's beautiful. The boat trip sounds amazing.

• +30 6972137285
• +30 6972055711
• [email protected]

• Windmills Accommodation
• Location & Map

Zakynthos Boat Trips

We offer boat trips to the Blue Caves and the Shipwreck in glass bottom boats.

• Nicolaos (up to 50 people)
• Mihail (up to 35 people)
• Konstantinos (up to 22 people)
• Faros (up to 22 people)
• Dimitrios (up to 28 people)
• Dionisios (up to 60 people)

The boats run from 9:00am to 6:00pm, every 15 minutes, even if there is only a small group of people as long as the weather permits the trip. You can visit our tourist for more information and advice regarding all aspects of your holiday in Zakynthos.

• Blue Caves: 15€ per person
• Shipwreck and Blue Caves: 25€ per person

Private Cruises & Private events

If you prefer your privacy, you and your loved ones can arrange a private cruise. Let the captain know where you would like to go and he will do his best to offer you a marvelous day at sea.

We also organize private weddings, birthdays, and parties

Shipwreck and Blue Caves

The boat trip to both the Shipwreck and the Blue Caves lasts 2,5 hours. It includes stops in the caves. An experience well worth enjoying!

The boat trip to the Shipwreck lasts 2 hours .

We make frequent swim stops at small secluded beaches before we reach the Shipwreck so you can enjoy the trip to the fullest. If you would like to stay at the Shipwreck longer, you can let the captain know and return with a later boat.

The boat trip to the Blue Caves lasts 40 minutes .

The boat goes  inside the Blue Caves  and at one point we travel through a cave;  a truly magical experience . Do not miss the chance to swim in the unbelievably clear and blue waters!

Navagio “Shipwreck” Beach, Zakynthos (Zante)

A very special day trip from kefalonia.

I recently visited one of the most famous landmarks on the island of Zakynthos (Zante), Navagio Beach, a cove on the northwest shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat. The dramatic vertical rock face, lush greenery and pristine, crystal clear water make the beach a breathtaking experience. For me it’s one of the most impressive sights in the Greeks seas…as the boat enters the gulf its beauty is breathtaking. You can also get a birds-eye view of the beach from the platform at the top of the cliffs about 5km from the village of Anafonitria.

Not only does the beach exude outstanding natural beauty it is also home to a mysterious shipwreck.

The shipwreck lies on the beach nestled in the limestone gravel, the wreck is from 1980 so it’s not so old but its stunning location makes it worth a visit. The beach was originally called Agios Georgios but became Navagio Beach (literally translating to Shipwreck) after the freight liner MV Panagiotis ran aground on October 2nd 1980.

The Kefalonian born captain of the ship claims that the boat was returning to the port of Durres in Albania from Argostoli when a catastrophic combination of engine failure and terrible weather led to the boat running aground in the cove. Because of its inaccessible location he found it impossible to protect the vessel from possible thieves and called in the authorities. However some of the cargo and shipping equipment was stolen. The authorities were once again alerted and began an investigation. When the investigation finished around 30 people from local villages were convicted of stealing cargo and equipment which was recovered. The captain was cleared of all possible charges and it is said he was so overcome by the sight of the wreck that he deiced to leave it there. However, there are many theories and rumours as to how the boat became to rest on Agios Georgios Beach only to transform it into Navagio Beach.

Once story claims that the freight liner was used to smuggle taxable goods such as wine and cigarettes, another claims the same but in addition to the contraband the boat was used for human trafficking. Authorities pursued the boat down and chased into the cove where it became trapped and ran aground. Others say it was carrying the contraband but simply lost engine power and washed ashore.

Another theory suggests that the owner of the ship Haris Kompotheklas was indeed carrying contraband goods, previously smuggled from the former Yugoslavia and Albania en route to Italy, but was coerced into carrying two Italian smugglers. Kompotheklas decided to take advantage of the situation and arrest and detain the two smugglers in order to keep the cargo for himself, but due to terrible and sudden bad weather he was forced to run MV Panagiotis into the cove. Parcels of the smuggled goods were washed off the boat and carried onto shore where the villagers took and hid them whilst the captain and his crew tried to salvage it. Apparently the authorities heard about the incident, sent the two Italians back home to Italy, arrested the captain and his crew and convicted those necessary for smuggling.

It seems that the full, or true, story will never be known about what happened that night but the result is now one of the most iconic images of the Greek islands!

To visit Navagio Beach from Kefalonia there are several options: if you want to do the trip privately you can rent a vessel or yacht (with or without a skipper depending if you have a licence or not), if you prefer to be part of a group there are some companies that offer that trip from either Skala (this is the shortest route), from Lixouri or from Argostoli. Unfortunately mass tourism means the beach is usually crowded with tourists so it’s better if you can visit during the low season, or early in the morning.

Most day trips combine visiting Navagio Beach with a visit to the blue caves. Bear in mind that if the weather is windy the trip can be unpleasant.

Alternatively, if you have more than a week to spend in the Ionian sea, you could get a ferry boat from Pessada port at the south of the island and visit the neighbouring island for a few days, (more info to follow in a future post).

You may also like

Kefalonia is a fantastic destination for your 2024..., happy end on summer 2023, nature & outdoor activities for everyone, august’s vibe in kefalonia, mountain ainos announced as the first dark sky..., moon-gazing ideas for a full moon night in..., summer 2023 is here book your holidays now..., celebrating the 1st of may in kefalonia, early season in kefalonia, clean monday – spring is here.

Do you know the name of the companies that offer these trips from Skala OR Argostoli in May?

Try them https://kefalonia-cruises.gr/

Thank you for your message! I am sending you a pm

I want to organise day trip from Lixouri, Kefalonia to Zakynthos including navagio beach, blue caves and navagio viewpoint. Please could you suggest how best to do this

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

The Shipwreck

And finally you have arrived at the 'shipwreck' all you have been told, all you have heard and all you have seen on postcards does not do this beach justice.

Sightseeing

The shipwreck, anafonitria.

The 10 best things to do in Zante

Z ante is renowned for raucous nightlife, but there’s a far more authentic side to the Venetians 'Fiore di Levante' (flower of the Levante) . 

For such a small island, scenery is extremely varied: the southern coastline - home to Laganas’ notorious nightlife strip - also encompasses the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtle come to nest, whilst some of the island’s best-known attractions, including Navagio beach on the cliff-lined northerly coast, can only be reached by boat. 

Birthplace of the man who penned Greece’s national anthem, Zante was also a magnet for literary greats: Byron lay in state here and philhellene Edgar Allan Poe wrote a sonnet to the island’s ‘verdant slopes’.

Last but not least, food is a powerful lure here: sit in a rustic sea view tavern sipping local Verdea white wine with a plate full of traditional kouneli stifado garlic and tomato-soaked rabbit stew and you’ll be hooked.

For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the isalnds's best  hotels ,  restaurants  and  nightlife . Plan an extended visit with our  ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday.

Take the train

The white trainaki (little train) which trundles out of Zante town to Kalamaki’s café-lined beach – stopping off en route to discover perfume workshops (scents are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes), and ceramic workshops selling Byzantine-style crocks – is an ideal and eco-friendly way to see the island’s sights. Another train leaving from Alykes beach chugs through ancient olive groves to visit the high flung mountain villages of Katastari and Pigadakia, and culminates in a boozy tasting session – local Graigos wine served with spicy lado tyri cheese and other specialties in the tree-shaded tavern Kaki Rahi.

Insider's tip:  Travel sickness sufferers should sit near the front.

Contact: trainaki.com

Discover the wildlife

Zante is a haven for the endangered loggerhead turtle that clamber ashore to lay their eggs on the protected beaches of Zakynthos’ Marine Park. Other critically endangered species that can be found frolicking in this protected zone, which stretches from wild and lonely Cape Marathia to Gerakas’ talc-soft beach, include doe-eyed Mediterranean monk seals. To get up close without disturbing them, take a day trip to Marathonissi – better known as Turtle Island – with eco-friendly experts Nefis Travel.

Insider's tip: Never disturb the turtles, or stay on the beaches after sunset when they could be nesting or hatching out. 

Contact: nefis-travel.com

Hitch a boat ride

Some of the island’s best attractions can only be reached by boat: Skinari is the starting point for half-day excursions to get a glimpse of Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, the dramatically picturesque cliff-framed sandy cove which earns its name from the rusted hulk of the MV Panagiotis, washed up here after an epic storm in the 1980s. Most trips also stop off at the Blue Caves, so-called because their pale limestone walls give the sea a ghostly turquoise hue.

Insider's tip: The Navagio viewpoint near Volimes village is accessible by road, but it’s impossible to access the beach from this high-flung spot.

Contact: potamitisbros.gr

Meet the literatis

Dig deep into the soul of this culture-loving island at the Solomos Museum, which is dedicated to Greece’s national poet, who was born here in 1798. The poet’s primrose-yellow neoclassical home, which was bombed during the Second World War, contains an eclectic and fascinating selection of the writer’s personal artefacts: look out for the desk where Dionysios penned the country’s rousing national anthem in 1823 and the mausoleum on the ground floor which contains the poet’s bones.

Insider's tip: Don’t miss the other rooms dedicated to the life and times of other famous island scholars, including celebrated Greek Revolution poet Andreas Kalvos.

Contact: zakynthos-museumsolomos.gr

Stroll the streets of Zante town

Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1953, then rebuilt in Venetian style, Zante town’s (semi-pedestrian) paved streets are lined with an elegant collection of buildings – low and well proportioned, with porticoes and pastel-painted facades – many of them are home to cafés and craft boutiques. 

Insider's tip : Look out for the Provençal-style façade of Archontiko Roma. One of the few buildings that wasn’t reduced to rubble, this 17th-century mansion which once belonged to President of the Greek Parliament Alexander Roma is now a small museum – family portraits, works of art and period furniture give an intriguing insight into the once lavish lifestyle of the island’s aristocracy, but it is not often open so call before visiting.

Contact: 00 30 26950 28381

Admire the views

A winding road just outside of Zante town leads to Bochali, a pretty pine-scented suburb where the ruined battlements of the island’s battered 15th-century castle offer eagle-eye views over Zante’s red-tiled roofs, glittering harbour and the dense pine forests and sand beaches of distant Vassilikos peninsula. Enter the incense-scented Zoodoxo Pigi church to see richly gilded Byzantine icons, and then hike back down to Bochali village nearby and order a beer and meze snacks in one of the cafés clustered around the square.

Insider's tip:  Phone in advance to check that the church is open.

Contact: 00 30 26950 22293

Price: Free

Roam with local deer

Families will love Askos Stone Park, named for its pond-sized 13th-century stone cisterns, whose tranquil green waters now squawk with ducks. Friendly guides lead walks out along the wooded hiking trails of this small nature park surrounded by dense pine forest: to pluck and sniff the wild thyme and oregano used to flavour countless local dishes, or to (hopefully) encounter Roe deer that run wild here. Children can also pick peaches and apples in the orchard or pet the farm animals which include portly pot-bellied pigs and fluffy chinchilla rabbits. 

Insider's tip:  Buy handcrafted goats cheese and homemade jams from the farm shop.

Contact: 00 30 26950 31650; facebook.com

Visit a winery

Historically, most of the island’s grape production was exported as currants – even so, Zante’s dry, highly alcoholic wine is well worth sampling in one of the island’s half a dozen wineries. The typical local wine is the oak-barrel-aged, intensely flavoured, highly acidic white Verdea, which has been produced here since the 19th century – another must-try is the silky-sweet Lianoroidi white. Sample both at Art and Wine, the Giatras-Gkoumas family’s century-old wine estate in the island’s north east region. Owner Giannis is also a skilled icon painter. 

Insider's tip: Hire a car – most wineries are well off the beaten track.

Contact: artandwine.gr

Learn about the local olive oil

The 2,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Exo Hora is living proof that world class extra virgin olive oil has been produced on Zante for millennia. Aristeon Olive Press is a (rather characterless) modern factory producing some of the island’s best organic oil, but the small well-organised museum inside is packed with olive oil-making paraphernalia – age-pitted stone mills, ancient wooden presses and tall clay pots. An informative guided visit is followed by a tasting session, when crusty local bread is dipped into fruity green oil.

Insider's tip:  Visits are free but remember to tip the guide. 

Contact:  aristeon.gr

Price:  Free

Hike to a high place

From the resort of Kalamaki on Zante’s south east coast, it’s a long, steep hike along thyme-scented, boulder-strewn paths to reach Panagia Skopiotissa (the island’s oldest monastery), but it’s well worth it for the views from this lofty leafy mountaintop whose name – Skopos – means watchtower. The monastery has been abandoned for decades, but the walls of the stocky 15th-century church blaze with 17th-century frescoes – the real gem is the gilded Panagia Skopiotissa icon said to have been brought here from Constantinople in 1341.

Insider's tip: Ask for the keys to the church at Skopos’ small café.

Price:  Free

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Watch CBS News

"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from Florida

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 8:20 AM EDT / CBS News

Like to travel light? One cruise ship soon to set sail from Florida is making sure all you need is the bare necessities – no shoes, no clothes but plenty of service. 

" The Big Nude Boat " will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip offers a "stress-free, clothes-free experience" during which up to 2,300 passengers can roam the ship in the nude while out at sea. 

"It's our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear," Bare Necessities Tour and Travel says. 

@cbsmornings Would you dare to set sail on a nude cruise? 🚢 Cruisebare's upcoming full-ship nude cruise, departing from Miami in February next year, is making waves. Even #TonyDokoupil is down to go. 🌊 #cruises #vacation #experience #miami #sail ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

Passengers won't be allowed to be naked when the ship is docked, but can ditch their usual attire once they are anchored or out on the water. And when clothing is optional, standard nudist etiquette must be abided by, the website says. When sitting, nude passengers must either wear a thong or sit on a towel or some kind of fabric. And while the self-serve buffet on the pool deck is a clothes-free area, passengers must be dressed for all dining room meals – and no, bathrobes don't count. 

Photos and videos will also not be permitted unless all individuals being documented give consent. 

"The Big Nude Boat" is just one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities, which says on its website that the company has been "working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all." 

"Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful," the company says. "We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success."

• Cruise Ship

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

More from CBS News

Sen. Bernie Sanders, 82, announces he will run for reelection

Transcript: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on "Face the Nation," May 5, 2024

When and where you can see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower peak

Trump campaign woos donors at Florida retreat