Last updated: August 2026 · By Ioneon Travel
Quick answer: Yes — you can still visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island) and see the wild loggerhead turtles in Laganas Bay in 2026. But it happens inside the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, which means strict rules that protect the turtles: boats go slow, can't anchor, and stay clear of the nesting beach; you can land only in the designated cove, only in daylight. Done properly, it's one of the most special things you'll do on the island — here's how it works.
What is the Zakynthos Marine Park?
The south of Zakynthos — Laganas Bay, Marathonisi and the surrounding coast — is a protected national park created to safeguard the Caretta-caretta (loggerhead) sea turtle, one of the most important nesting populations in the Mediterranean. The bay is divided into zones with different levels of protection, and the strictest rules apply from 1 May to 31 October, right through the season you're most likely to visit.
This is exactly why turtles still thrive here — and why a trip done the right way feels so different from a crowded tourist stop.
Can you visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island) in 2026?
Yes. Boat trips run to Marathonisi from Agios Sostis and Laganas. A few things to know for 2026:
- You can land only in the designated cove on the north side — the sandy southern beach is an active turtle-nesting site and is off-limits.
- The island is a daytime-only visit (roughly 07:00 to sunset). Staying after dark is not allowed.
- There's a visitor cap on the island, so earlier trips are calmer.
- No umbrellas or parasols on the nesting beaches, no fires, no litter — nothing that disturbs the sand where turtles lay their eggs.
Seeing the turtles responsibly
The turtles are wild, and the rules exist to keep them that way:
- Boats keep to a maximum of 6 knots in the bay and anchoring is not allowed — captains use the permitted mooring zones only.
- Keep a distance of about 15 metres from any turtle. No touching, chasing or feeding.
- During peak nesting (May–August) there are exclusion zones around active nests, and good skippers give them a wide berth.
A responsible captain who knows the bay will find you turtles without crowding them — that's the difference between a real wildlife moment and a stressful one for the animal.
The best way to see it with Ioneon
We run the south coast the way the park intends — slow, respectful, and led by people who grew up on this water. You'll find the turtles, the Keri Caves, Marathonisi and the Mizithres rocks on our south-coast trips:
- National Marine Park excursion — the classic turtle-and-caves day.
- Eros Cave and Marine Park Sunset for something different.
- Want your own boat? A self-drive rental from Agios Sostis puts you in the bay at your own pace (the rules still apply). Or go fully private with a south-coast private charter.
What not to do
- Don't land on or picnic on the southern nesting beach of Marathonisi.
- Don't touch, chase or feed the turtles.
- Don't bring umbrellas onto nesting sand, light fires, or leave anything behind.
- Don't book with anyone who promises to "swim with the turtles up close" — that's not how a protected bay works, and it's not good for the animals.
The best way to experience it
For most visitors the sweet spot is a morning south-coast trip: turtles in Laganas Bay, a stop at Marathonisi's permitted cove, and the Keri Caves — all at an easy pace before the bay gets busy. Tell us your dates and group size and we'll match you to the right trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Turtle Island (Marathonisi) in 2026?
Yes. Boat trips from Agios Sostis and Laganas visit Marathonisi. You can land only in the designated northern cove, in daylight hours — the southern nesting beach is protected and off-limits.
Can you see the loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos in 2026?
Yes, in Laganas Bay, the protected heart of the Marine Park. Boats keep to 6 knots, don't anchor, and you keep about 15 metres from any turtle.
Why are there so many rules?
Because this is one of the Mediterranean's most important loggerhead nesting sites. The rules (May–October) are what keep the turtles here — and what make the experience real.
Can you swim with the turtles?
You may see turtles while swimming in the bay, but you keep your distance (about 15 m) and never touch, chase or feed them. Anyone promising "swimming with turtles up close" isn't respecting the park.
Can you rent your own boat to visit?
Yes — a self-drive boat from Agios Sostis lets you explore the south coast at your own pace. The Marine Park speed and distance rules still apply.
What's the best trip to see the turtles?
A morning south-coast excursion that combines Laganas Bay turtle spotting with Marathonisi and the Keri Caves, before the bay gets busy.
Plan your days
Ready to plan it properly?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will match you to the right route, timing and departure point.
