ECO-TOURISM EXCURSIONS
Catamaran Cruise & Turtle Spotting in NMPZ
Far and away our most popular and well-known trip, this superb cruise is a unique experience aboard The Argo and a must for those who want to see the Loggerhead Sea Turtles in their beautiful natural surroundings of Laganas Bay. |
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We sail past the island of Pelouzo, on the edge of A-zone, taking photographs as we go of the ruined monastery on the beach and sea birds. You will see Sekania Beach from afar. Sekania holds the highest nesting density in the world for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, approximately 1 nest every 30cm length of beach. The WWF bought the land behind the beach, so the beach itself is a restricted area, patrolled by Marine Park staff and WWF and Archelon volunteers, and closed to the public.
Our first stop is the island of Marathonissi, or Turtle Island — it looks like the profile of a turtle. We stop at the caves and small white pebble beach at the back for approximately half an hour. We do not visit the nesting beach, as it is already under enough pressure from visiting tourists, though you can take photographs as we sail past.
We then make our way to the magnificent caves at Keri, outside the NMPZ area. Here we drop anchor and spend approximately an hour and a half swimming, snorkelling, exploring, sunbathing, diving and feeding the fish. It is an ideal opportunity for you to eat your picnic lunch too!
After our visit to Keri we will then spend time in Laganas Bay, to see the turtles. We have a volunteer on board from Archelon, Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece who gives a presentation on the sea turtles and their habitats.
The catamaran leaves Zakynthos Port at 09:00, for those staying in Vasilikos there are alternative boarding places at St Nicholas beach at 09:45, Mavratzis beach at 10:00 and Porto Roma at 10:15. We arrive back at Porto Roma at 16.00 and Zakynthos Port at 17.00.
Maximum capacity: 20 people
Trip frequency: daily, according to demand and the weather
Adults: 40 Euros; Children under 12 yrs: 25 Euros; Infants (under 2 yrs): free
On board facilities: WC and snackbar, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch
Please note: Disabled people can board only at Zakynthos Port & all children on board will be under their parents’ responsibility
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