Zakynthos (sometimes called Zante) pairs craggy limestone cliffs with calm Ionian waters, making it one of Greece’s easiest—and most photogenic—places to explore by boat. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a turtle-spotting day trip, or a week-long sailing adventure at your own pace, this guide covers the weather, formalities, routes and boat types you need to know—plus a quick way to secure the right yacht on Boataround.

Why Choose a Yacht Charter in Zakynthos?

The island’s rugged coastline, scattered with hidden caves, white-pebble coves and turquoise waters, is best approached from the sea. Many headline spots—Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, the Blue Caves, Keri Caves and Marathonisi (Turtle Island)—are only reachable or best appreciated by boat. Meanwhile, sheltered anchorages and light morning breezes create forgiving sailing conditions that suit newcomers as well as experienced crews.

Planning Your Charter

Best Time to Sail & Typical Sailing Conditions

• High season (mid-June – early September) brings predictable sunshine, sea temperatures around 77 °F, and afternoon north-westerlies of 10–18 kn (Force 4–5).

• Shoulder weeks (May, late September, October) deliver quieter anchorages, milder winds and lower charter rates.

• Winter is mild but wet; most charter fleets lay up between November and April.

Morning hours are often glassy—ideal for a swim in crystal-clear waters—while the breeze builds after lunch, easing again by midnight. Check local forecasts daily; rare summer squalls do occur.

License Requirements and Skipper Options

To charter bareboat in Greece, at least one crew member must carry an internationally recognised skipper’s certificate (e.g., ICC, RYA Day Skipper) and a second competent crew member must be aboard. Day-light-only cards and some coastal “Type B” licenses are not accepted; operators may impose a professional skipper if your experience looks marginal.

• Skipper hire runs roughly €220–€250 per day in Zakynthos and surrounding islands.

Choosing the Right Boat

• Sailboats (monohulls) – Classic handling and lower fuel costs. Shoulder-season rates start near €1 680 per week for a 38-footer.

• Catamarans – Extra beam for families and a shallow draft that slips into knee-deep lagoons; summer pricing often begins around €2 400 – €3 000 per week.

• Motor yachts and RIBs – Ideal for a fast day trip to Shipwreck Beach or Cameo Island; daily rates range roughly US $400–$1 500 depending on size and season.

Book early for July–August or look at May and October for lower prices and easier mooring.

Top Sailing Routes & Must-See Stops

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach & Porto Vromi

The Insta-famous bay is still under landslide watch; landing is restricted, but boats may enter the cove for photographs before noon, when swell is weakest. Anchor instead at Porto Vromi for a swim in sapphire water ringed by cliffs.

Blue Caves & Agios Nikolaos

Northeast Zakynthos features limestone arches glowing electric blue around mid-morning. Shallow-draft ribs and small sailing yachts can nose inside for snorkelling; deeper-keeled yachts anchor off Agios Nikolaos and use the tender.

Marine-Life Hotspots: Marathonisi (Turtle Island) & Laganas Bay

Marathonisi and the sandy arcs of Laganas Bay form the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. From 1 May–31 October Zone A is completely off-limits and Zones B–C enforce 6-kn speed limits and anchoring bans to protect loggerhead turtles—plan to drift or pick up a day mooring outside the exclusion buoys.

Keri Caves, Cameo Island & Southern Bays

Sail west from Laganas for the stone arch of the Keri Caves, snorkelling in crystal-clear turquoise waters under sheer cliffs, then stop at Cameo Island’s wooden bridge for sunset cocktails.

Zakynthos Town & Nearby Harbours

Zakynthos Town quay offers water, limited shore power, tavernas and a lively night scene; fees hover around €7–€25 for a 12-m yacht depending on season. If you prefer a quieter night, anchor off Tsilivi or head north to tranquil Agios Nikolaos.

Practical Tips for Responsible Cruising

Anchoring & Environmental Etiquette

• Use sand patches in 4–8 m; avoid seagrass meadows.

• Keep 15 m from turtles; prop-strike is a leading injury cause.

• Follow Marine Park zone rules and respect night-time beach closures during nesting season (May–Oct).

Mooring Fees and Services

Expect €15–€40 per night for a mid-size yacht with water and (where available) electricity. Cash is still king; harbour staff often collect fees quay-side in the evening.

Ready to Set Sail?

Boataround lists the largest choice of yacht charter in Zakynthos—from budget day-boats to crewed catamarans—complete with transparent pricing, real-time availability and 24/7 customer support. Secure your ideal boat in a few clicks and focus on discovering Zakynthos’ hidden gems from the water.

Yacht rental in Zakynthos

Charter a yacht and explore Zakynthos! Prices start from 2042 kr per day. Choose from the largest selection of motor boats, motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and gulets.

Popular cities are Zakynthos Town, Keri, Mikro Nisi, Planos, Agios Sostis, Alikanas and Maries.