Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
It lies inside the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, and that is the single most important thing to know before booking a boat.
What visiting looks like
Boats run from Limni Keriou and from Laganas. A typical trip anchors off the islet so people can swim, passes the caves and arches on its far side, and may land briefly on the beach where landing is permitted.
There is nothing built on the islet: no tavernas, no facilities, no shade beyond the vegetation. Everything you need comes on the boat with you.
The rules exist for a reason
The marine park sets the terms, and they change as the science and the season demand. In general terms:
- Nesting beaches have restrictions, including seasonal limits on access and on being on the sand at night.
- Boat speed and approach distances are regulated inside the bay.
- Nothing should be left behind, including anything organic.
Operators working legally know the current rules. If a boat offers you something that sounds like an exception, that is a reason to choose a different boat rather than a bargain.
Do not treat wildlife encounters as guaranteed, either: turtles are wild animals in open water, and no page and no operator can promise you a sighting.
Where it fits
Marathonisi is usually combined with the Keri caves in one southern boat day. The island’s other headline sights, Navagio and the blue caves, are on the north coast and belong to a separate trip.
Last checked August 2026. Marine park rules and boat operations change - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
Why is Marathonisi called Turtle Island?
Its outline resembles a turtle from certain angles, and it sits in Laganas bay, a major loggerhead nesting area, so the name has stuck twice over.
Can you land on Marathonisi?
Boats commonly stop to swim, and landing is possible where permitted. Access is governed by the National Marine Park and can change by season.
Are there facilities on Marathonisi?
None. It is uninhabited, with no tavernas, no shade to speak of and nothing to buy. Take water with you.
Will you see turtles at Marathonisi?
Sometimes. They are wild animals in open water and sightings cannot be promised by anyone, including boat operators.
How do you get to Marathonisi?
By boat from Limni Keriou or Laganas, usually as part of a trip that also takes in the Keri caves.
Next
Read things to do in Zakynthos, the Keri caves, or best beaches in Zakynthos.