My Private Boat Tour In Zayknthos

Planning a trip to Greece? Always wanted to book a boat tour? In this new article I will tell you all about my private boat tour in Zayknthos Greece.

My Private Boat Tour In Zayknthos

A sun-soaked journey across crystal blue waters, secret beaches, and making unforgettable memories.
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, has long enchanted travellers such as myself. It's azure waters, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-perfect beaches. But there’s something especially magical about experiencing this Ionian gem from the deck of a private boat — wind in your hair, salt on your skin, and a handpicked itinerary that feels like a dream unfolding in real time.

I had the pleasure of doing just that. Thanks to Ramo's Boats, my new friends and I set off on an intimate and personalized boat tour of Zakynthos that quickly became the highlight of my entire trip. From discovering hidden coves to lounging on a secluded beach with cocktails in hand, every moment was steeped in beauty, luxury, and freedom. Here’s everything you need to know about our unforgettable voyage, plus why Ramo's Boats should be your go-to for a private island-hopping adventure.

Setting Sail With Ramo’s Boats: The Dream Begins

Nestled along the southern coastline of Zakynthos, Ramo’s Boats is a family-run business that takes personalized sea excursions to the next level. From the moment we arrived at the marina, we were greeted like old friends. Ramo himself — sun-kissed, charming, and exuding island hospitality — welcomed us aboard with the ease of someone who truly has a passion for what he does.

Our boat for the day was immaculate, stylish, and comfortably equipped. Sleek brown leather seating, plenty of shade, Bluetooth speakers, and an onboard cooler filled with drinks — it felt more like stepping onto a private yacht than a tour boat. Safety was a clear priority, and the crew took time to make sure we were relaxed and ready to explore.

What truly set Ramo’s Boats apart, was the crew. Our captain, Nikos, and first mate, Eleni, were not only professional but deeply passionate about the island’s history, hidden gems, and marine life. They weren’t just taking us on a route — they were storytelling, curating, and enhancing the experience every nautical mile of the way.

A Secret Slice of Paradise: The Private Beach

Our first stop was something right out of a dream — a private beach cove inaccessible by land and unknown to most tourists. As the boat pulled into the tiny bay, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pine-covered hills, the water glowed an impossible shade of turquoise.

We dropped anchor and swam ashore, the sun warming our shoulders and soft white sand between our toes. There was no one else in sight. Nikos had brought a basket filled with fruit, cold water, and local wine. We picnicked under the shade of a limestone outcrop, the only sounds the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional chirp of cicadas.

Eleni explained that this beach had no name — “Only locals know it,” he smiled — and it’s that kind of exclusivity that made this experience so special. There were no beach bars, no music, no loungers — just raw, untouched beauty.

The Caves of Keri: Nature’s Cathedrals

Next, we cruised along the rugged southwestern coast to the famous Keri Caves, a network of sea-carved arches and passageways that look like nature’s own cathedrals. Here, the landscape becomes wilder, almost surreal — brilliant blue water contrasted against stark white cliffs.

Nikos carefully navigated the boat into some of the larger caves, explaining how thousands of years of erosion sculpted these masterpieces. The water inside the caves glowed electric blue from the way sunlight refracted off the limestone — a natural phenomenon I can only describe as otherworldly.

For the braver among us (read: me), there were opportunities to dive off rock ledges into deep pools and swim under natural arches. Eleni handed us snorkels, and we spent an hour exploring the underwater world — watching silvery fish dart through the shadows and marveling at the sheer clarity of the water.

This part of the trip was a thrilling contrast to our peaceful start — mysterious, dramatic, and humbling.

The New Beach: A Fresh Hidden Treasure

One of the surprises on our journey was a newly discovered beach — a slice of shore that had only recently become accessible due to a rockfall creating a natural stairway from the cliffs above. The locals had started calling it the New Beach, and true to its name, it felt untouched and pristine. This only happened in 2018 due to a massive earthquake they had that collapsed the rocks and formed a new beach! It was the skipper on the boat who had told us about this. I found it so fascinating and incredible.

We arrived early enough to have it all to ourselves. The water here was impossibly clear, with a soft gradient of blue that shifted with the sun. Eleni told us that no commercial tours had yet added it to their itinerary — it was the kind of insider secret you only learn from locals like him and Nikos.
We spent the afternoon basking in the sun, playing paddleball in the shallows, and enjoying watermelon slices served fresh from the boat. It was peaceful, perfect, and completely off the radar. A moment of pure joy and tranquility that I’ll remember for a lifetime.

Turtle Island (Marathonisi): A Living Symbol of Zakynthos

No trip to Zakynthos is complete without visiting Marathonisi, affectionately known as Turtle Island. Shaped like a turtle, this tiny islet is part of the National Marine Park and a protected nesting site for the endangered Caretta Caretta (loggerhead turtles).

We slowed the boat near the shore, and Nikos pointed excitedly — “There!” Sure enough, a turtle’s head bobbed briefly above the water. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat was a humbling experience. We kept our distance, respecting the island’s protected zones, but even from afar, the island’s significance was palpable.

The beach on Marathonisi was soft and powdery, its calm shallow waters ideal for a gentle float under the sun. As part of Ramo’s eco-conscious approach, we made sure to leave no trace behind — no trash, no feeding, and no stepping near turtle nests. This stop felt sacred in a way. A reminder of the fragile beauty of this island and the importance of responsible tourism. It was a shame for one of the members of staff in the hotel we stayed in, as she lives in Greece and has been twice to Turtle Island and had not seen any at all.

Cocktail Beach: A Sunset Toast to Adventure

As the sun began its descent, casting golden hues across the horizon, we headed to our final destination: Cocktail Beach — a secluded little strip of sand with a tiny rustic beach bar serving fresh fruit cocktails, ice-cold beer, and local snacks.

This place was straight out of a movie. Hammocks hung lazily between palms, bean bags dotted the sand, and chill music drifted through the warm air. The perfect way to unwind after a day of sun-soaked adventure. We each ordered a drink — mine was a passionfruit mojito, dangerously delicious — and sat watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange, pink, and lavender. The vibe here was relaxed and joyful, with other boat-goers sharing stories and toasting to the day.

As the stars began to twinkle overhead, Eleni passed around a final round of shots (homemade limoncello, naturally). It felt like a farewell toast from the island itself. Another stop off was a 45-minute stop at another little island that you could only stay for a little while, as we were due to go back soon.
I had a lovely iced coffee and a hot dog for lunch before we headed back to the marina.

Final Thoughts: Why This Private Boat Tour Was Everything

Looking back on the day, I realize this wasn’t just a boat tour. It was a tapestry of moments — laughter shared over salty hair and sun-kissed shoulders, the thrill of discovering hidden coves, the serenity of floating alone in nature’s lap, and the joy of being guided by locals who truly love their island. I was sad when I had to leave, as it was such a fantastic day out on the private boat. I definitely will be doing it again soon, hopefully! I'm already itching to get away somewhere hot again as we approach the colder winter months ahead.

P.S

Don't forget to subscribe to my website for all the latest travel news and more! Even if you fancy working together, drop me a line at evesaramcintosh@gmail.com or find me on social media @findingedenwitheve, @evesaraeden.

Eve

<3