An Introduction to Marathonisi
Marathonisi, also referred to as Turtle Island, is a captivating destination situated in the Ionian Sea, near the southwestern coast of Zakynthos. This small but significant island is positioned just off the coastline of Laganas and covers an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers. Known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Marathonisi is a part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, which serves to protect the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that nest on its shores.
The beauty of Marathonisi lies in its unspoiled nature, featuring a combination of lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and dramatic rocky cliffs. The island’s vibrant marine life and diverse ecosystems make it a sanctuary for various species, enhancing the island’s ecological importance. As part of the marine park, Marathonisi is designated as a protected area, creating a safe haven for loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs and for numerous other marine species to thrive. This biodiversity is one of the island’s key attractions and appeals to nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Visitors have opportunities for swimming and snorkeling and boat tours are a popular way to explore the island’s secluded coves and serene beaches while concurrently emphasizing the importance of preservation efforts in safeguarding this unique space.
How to Visit Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
There are several ways to discover the beautiful island of Marathonisi, depending on the type of experience you are looking for.
🚤 Water Taxis from Agios Sostis Harbour
During the summer months, small water taxis operate from Agios Sostis Harbour, offering visitors a simple way to reach Turtle Island independently. This option allows you to spend time on the island’s famous beach and explore the surrounding waters at your own pace.
⛵ Boat Excursions and Cruises
One of the most popular ways to experience Marathonisi is by joining a boat excursion. Various cruises depart from the Bay of Laganas and often combine Turtle Island with turtle spotting, swimming stops, and visits to the spectacular Keri Caves. Depending on the type of boat, experiences can range from large group cruises to smaller, more intimate excursions.
🛥️ Private Boat Experiences
For those seeking complete flexibility and privacy, private boat charters offer the opportunity to explore Marathonisi and the surrounding coastline at your own pace. This option is particularly popular with couples, families, and small groups looking for an exclusive experience.
Discover Marathonisi
We have chosen to focus on a responsible and eco-friendly way of discovering Turtle Island and its surrounding waters. Our Eco-Friendly Turtle Spotting Tour combines respectful turtle observation with beautiful swimming stops at Marathonisi and the spectacular Keri Caves.
Working together with ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, we follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines to help protect the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles while still providing our guests with an unforgettable experience.
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, we also offer private boat charters, allowing you to discover Marathonisi, the Keri coastline, and the crystal-clear waters of southern Zakynthos entirely at your own pace.
What Makes Marathonisi So Special?
Marathonisi, better known as Turtle Island, is much more than one of Zakynthos’ most beautiful landmarks. This small, uninhabited island plays a vital role in the survival of the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle and is considered one of the most important nesting sites in the entire Mediterranean.
What makes Marathonisi particularly unique is the colour and composition of its sandy beach. The pale, reflective sand absorbs less heat than darker beaches, creating cooler incubation temperatures beneath the surface. This is extremely important because the sex of a sea turtle hatchling is determined by the temperature of the nest: cooler sand temperatures generally produce more male turtles, while warmer temperatures result in more females.
As temperatures continue to rise throughout the Mediterranean, the cooler nesting conditions found on Marathonisi have become increasingly important. Scientists believe that a significant proportion of the male Caretta Caretta population in the Mediterranean may originate from nesting beaches such as Marathonisi, making this small island one of the most important locations for the long-term survival of the species.
Beyond its scientific importance, Marathonisi is also a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden caves and dramatic limestone coastline, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of the Mediterranean’s most precious ecosystems.
At Nefis Travel, this ecological importance is exactly why we have chosen to work together with ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. Through our Eco-Friendly Turtle Spotting Tour, we aim not only to show our guests the beauty of Marathonisi and the Caretta Caretta turtles, but also to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these remarkable animals and the unique environment they depend on. For us, visiting Turtle Island is not simply about seeing turtles, it’s about helping to ensure that future generations will be able to experience this extraordinary place as well.
Tips for Visiting Marathonisi
A visit to Marathonisi offers the opportunity to experience one of the Mediterranean’s most important protected ecosystems. The island is not only famous for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular scenery, but also for its vital role in the survival of the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle.
The best time to visit Turtle Island is between end of May and end of September , when the sea conditions are ideal and the turquoise waters surrounding the island are at their most beautiful. Morning excursions often provide the calmest conditions and the best opportunities to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
As Marathonisi forms part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, protecting the nesting beaches of the Caretta Caretta turtle is of utmost importance. For this reason, during our Eco-Friendly Turtle Spotting Tour, we do not visit the protected nesting beach on the front side of the island. Instead, we take our guests to the spectacular back side of Marathonisi, where they can swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy the island’s natural beauty without disturbing the important nesting areas.
