Three swims in one half day sounds good. On this 20-seat speedboat, I like how quickly you get to the island’s big hits, starting with Navagio Shipwreck Bay for the classic photos. The best part is that the ride is small enough that the whole day feels focused, not like a bus tour where you barely get to look up.

I also love the water time. You get multiple chances to swim in turquoise spots, then you end at Xigia Beach, where the cave affects both the color and the smell of the sea. And in the Blue Caves area, you don’t just look from the outside, you pass inside for that wow moment.

One consideration: if you’re prone to seasickness, this is open-water speedboat travel, and there can be stretches that feel long when conditions are choppy.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small-boat feel (20 seats) keeps the trip more personal and photo-friendly
• Navagio Shipwreck Bay is the big photo stop that anchors the whole outing
• Weather-dependent first swim gives you flexibility, but not total predictability
• Blue Caves inside passage is the signature experience, plus a real swimming stop
• Xigia sulfur beach is unusual, with the cave changing the sea’s color and smell
• Early start matters because the day moves fast and seats are limited

Getting to Alykes and finding the pier with confidence

Your tour starts in Alykes, at the end of the pier (the Alykes peer). The meeting point is specific, so don’t wing it. Check the provided pier photo and arrive early enough to get your bearings.

Also note this is one of those tours where you handle your own arrival. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, but the meeting point is accessible by local buses. If you’re staying in Alykes or nearby, you’ll probably find it easier. If you’re farther out, plan time to get to the pier before the 9:30 am departure.

One more practical detail: the boat is named GOLDEN, and the captain and crew wait at the pier. You’ll recognize the group by the boat name and the staff gathering at the meeting spot.

Why the 20-seat speedboat is the real value

This tour is built around a speedboat with only 20 seats, which changes the whole experience. You’re not stuck in a long line of people, and it’s easier to hear instructions, take photos, and get in and out for the swims.

That matters at Zakynthos’ most popular spots, where time is the currency. You’re visiting three of the island’s headline natural attractions in a single morning-to-afternoon session. A small boat helps you spend more time at the water and less time waiting around.

Price is about $50 per person, and the value comes from what’s included: the speedboat time, visits to Navagio Shipwreck Bay, the Blue Caves, and Xigia Beach, plus multiple swimming stops. Food and drinks aren’t included, so bring snacks or budget for what you can buy before or after.

Navagio Shipwreck Bay: the photo stop that defines the trip

Navagio is the name most people know for Zakynthos, and this tour uses it as the anchor. You’ll head straight out from Alykes toward the shipwreck bay and then enjoy a dedicated photo and sightseeing stop.

The goal here is simple: get your camera ready, look for angles that show the shipwreck setting, and soak up how famous this beach has become. You only get about 20 minutes at the bay, so you’ll want to avoid wandering too far. If you’re traveling with companions, agree beforehand on where you’ll meet the group after the photos.

If seas are calm, this is a great segment because the bay looks dramatic from the water and from the viewing angles you can reach quickly. If it’s choppy, you’ll likely feel the speedboat part more strongly during the run in, since you’re moving across open water to get there.

The first swim stop: wild bay energy, chosen by the weather

After Navagio, you head to a secret stop for your first swimming break. This is one of the smarter parts of the plan because it’s weather-dependent.

Depending on conditions, your first swim is either in a wild, picturesque bay or in Porto Sellinas Bay. You’re getting a break from the crowds and trading shipwreck views for an easier, more relaxed swim setting.

Expect this stop to feel like the tone-setter for the day. If the water is welcoming and the shoreline is easy to reach from the boat, this swim often becomes the first true relief from sightseeing. The time on this break is around 30 minutes, which is enough for a solid swim and a quick reset before heading to the Blue Caves.

Blue Caves: passing inside, then getting your swim in

The Blue Caves are the reason this route feels special even if you’ve seen photos before. This is the segment where the tour leans into the signature moment: you don’t just view the caves, you pass inside the cave area.

You’ll have a 30-minute window in the Blue Caves area, including sightseeing, photo time, and your second swimming stop. The mechanics of a “pass inside” experience can be hard to picture until you’re there, but that’s exactly why it’s worth prioritizing. You get closer, the cave walls feel more dramatic, and the whole place starts to look like a natural set built for photos.

One tip that helps: keep your plan flexible. You might be tempted to jump straight into the water the second you stop, but sometimes your best views happen just before you swim. If you have a phone camera, do quick shots first, then go for the swim.

Xigia Sulfur Beach: the cave that changes the sea

Your final stop is Xigia Sulfur Beach, known for a cave that affects the sea’s color and smell. It’s probably the most particular beach stop on the tour because it’s not just pretty. It has a sensory twist.

You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, with photo time and a third swimming stop, plus a little sightseeing. If you’re the type who likes unusual natural features, Xigia hits that sweet spot. If you’re expecting something like Navagio, it’s a different vibe: less “famous wreck beach” and more “odd and memorable nature.”

The boat ride back includes a shorter cruise stretch before you return to the pier in Alykes. At that point, you’ll probably feel like the day flew by, but you still got three swims and two of Zakynthos’ biggest attractions.

Captains, crew, and the calm-with-a-joke factor

A big part of a speedboat tour is how the captain manages the day. The crew is where comfort and safety come together with the fun.

From the experience accounts tied to this trip, I’d pay attention to the role of the captain. People highlight the captain’s humor and a friendly, informative approach. Names like Niko and Nicki come up, and they’re described as helpful and engaging.

That matters because you’re dealing with open water and multiple stops. When the captain explains what to expect, you make better choices in the moment, like when to get ready for boarding, where to position yourself for photos, and how to handle water time without rushing.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to plan your day

Included:

• A total tour time of about 195 minutes on the only 20 seats speedboat
• Visits to Navagio Shipwreck Bay, the Blue Caves, and Xigia Beach
• Swimming stops at unspoiled bays plus at Xigia
• The Blue Caves cave-area experience and boat time for sightseeing

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So think of this as a half-day water adventure. If you’re hungry, sort food before you go or plan a meal after you return. Bring simple essentials and keep your day light.

What to bring for three swim stops

You’ll save yourself stress by packing the basics listed for this tour:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat

Then add a couple of personal extras you might find useful: a dry change of clothes for after, and a small waterproof bag for phone and money if you’re the type to carry valuables on your swim.

Also follow the rules: no smoking and no pets.

Seaworthiness, timing, and how to pick the right departure

The tour runs daily at 9:30 am, and there’s an additional 13:30 departure from 10th June. The total duration is listed as 195 minutes, so you’re not signing up for a full day at sea. It’s a focused outing.

Still, timing affects how you feel:

• Morning departures can feel fresher and may help if you want fewer crowds later.
• If you hate early starts, the later 13:30 option is your out, at least for the season window mentioned.

For choppy-water days, plan for discomfort risk. This trip is not suitable for people with back problems or people prone to seasickness. Even if you don’t usually get sick, the speedboat portion and the open-water runs can change how your stomach handles the ride.

Who this Zakynthos speedboat tour fits best

This is best for:

• People who want the biggest Zakynthos natural hits in one go
• Swimmers who like multiple water stops rather than just sightseeing
• Photographers who want dedicated time at Navagio and another set of chances at Blue Caves

It’s not the right choice for:

• Anyone with back problems
• Anyone prone to seasickness
• People who need long, slow pacing with lots of walking time between viewpoints

Also, it’s ideal if you enjoy guided, small-group energy. The guide and captain interaction is part of what makes the experience feel smooth.

Should you book this Alykes to Navagio and Blue Caves speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a tight, high-impact day: Navagio Shipwreck Bay photos, a Blue Caves inside passage, and three swim opportunities, all on a small 20-seat speedboat. At around $50, the cost feels justified because the included experience hits multiple top sights rather than just one big attraction.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to motion or you know you get seasick fast. Also be honest about meeting point logistics. You’ll be meeting at the Alykes pier at the end, so check the location and give yourself buffer time.

If you’re comfortable on boats, you’re a confident swimmer, and you want Zakynthos’ highlights without spending the whole day coordinating, this is a smart, efficient way to do it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Alykes Peer, at the end of the pier in Alykes. The tour info specifically says to check the pier picture in the photo gallery.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts every day at 9:30 am. There is also an additional departure at 13:30 from 10th June.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 195 minutes (about 3H15′).

What stops will I make during the trip?

You’ll visit Navagio Shipwreck Bay, then have a weather-dependent first swim stop, continue to the Blue Caves for sightseeing and a swim, and finish at Xigia Sulfur Beach for a swim.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The tour includes swimming stops at unspoiled bays plus at Xigia Beach.

What should I bring?

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

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are used on the tour?

The captain/driver and team operate in Greek and English.

Who should not take this tour?

It’s not suitable for people with back problems or people prone to seasickness.