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- Caretta caretta nesting beaches (Laganas Bay & Gerakas) — The park’s headline act: loggerhead sea turtles come ashore here to nest between spring and autumn. It’s one of the Mediterranean’s most important breeding areas, so you’ll see fenced-off nests, nighttime patrols and strict beach rules. Watch from a distance and follow local signs — it’s incredible to witness but easy to harm if you’re careless.
- Marathonisi (“Turtle Island”) — A tiny, crescent-shaped islet inside Laganas Bay with soft sand, crystal water and turtle activity in the shallows. Short boat trips stop here for swimming and snorkeling; the island’s shape and calm coves make it perfect for spotting turtles and small fish. (Personal favorite — small, pretty, and you can snorkel right off the beach.)
- Posidonia seagrass meadows
- Caretta caretta nesting beaches (Laganas Bay & Gerakas) — The park’s headline act: loggerhead sea turtles come ashore here to nest between spring and autumn. It’s one of the Mediterranean’s most important breeding areas, so you’ll see fenced-off nests, nighttime patrols and strict beach rules. Watch from a distance and follow local signs — it’s incredible to witness but easy to harm if you’re careless.
- Marathonisi (“Turtle Island”) — A tiny, crescent-shaped islet inside Laganas Bay with soft sand, crystal water and turtle activity in the shallows. Short boat trips stop here for swimming and snorkeling; the island’s shape and calm coves make it perfect for spotting turtles and small fish. (Personal favorite — small, pretty, and you can snorkel right off the beach.)
- Posidonia seagrass meadows — These underwater prairies aren’t glamorous land sights, but they’re the backbone of the park’s ecosystem. Clear water lets you see dense Posidonia beds that feed and shelter fish and turtles — don’t anchor on them and try a guided snorkel or dive to appreciate how vital they are.
- Eco-friendly boat trips and wildlife watching — Guided, licensed boat tours around Laganas Bay give you the best chance to see turtles (and oftentimes curious fish) without disturbing them. Good operators teach you where to float, when to stay back, and which coves are sensitive — pick those, not the noisy mass tours.
- Gerakas Beach dunes and coastal habitat — A protected sandy beach with fragile dune vegetation and nesting spots. Access is regulated in high season to protect nests; you get long views, a clear sand strip for sunrise/sunset, and a real sense of why protection matters.
- Snorkeling/diving sites inside the park — Clear water, rocky outcrops and shallow reefs make for easy snorkels and beginner-friendly dives. You’ll see small caves, fish life, and often turtles patrolling the shallows — again, choose responsible operators who respect the park’s rules.
- Strofades Islands (remote seabird islands) — Part of the marine park’s wider protection zone: two rugged, remote islets south of Zakynthos that are vital stopovers for migratory seabirds and have an ancient monastery. Visits are rare and feel wildly off-grid — bring water, a patient skipper and an interest in birds rather than beaches.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.