Explore Zakynthos Marine Park: Tours, Turtles & More

03 May, 2025

Ever wondered where the delicate dance between nature and human interaction is most vividly displayed? The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, a beacon of environmental stewardship in Greece, offers a compelling answer, inviting visitors to become active participants in its preservation.

Established in December 1999, by presidential decree, the Zakynthos Marine Park stands as a pioneering initiative in Greece, dedicated to the preservation of its unique marine and ichthyic environments. This protected area, a landmark in environmental protection history, relies heavily on the adherence to its rules by tourists, making their contribution indispensable for its smooth functioning.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z.) isn't just a geographical location; it's a carefully managed ecosystem designed to safeguard the nesting grounds of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and other marine life. It's a place where the beauty of the natural world is on full display, from the southern coast, spanning from the promontory of Marathia's cape to the beach of Gerakas. It encompasses the outback of several beaches, including Limni Keri, Laganas, and Kalamaki, and even extends to the Strofades, two small islands 50 nautical miles south of Zakynthos.

To better understand the park's scope, consider the following:

Aspect	Details
Official Name	National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z.)
Establishment Date	December 22, 1999
Legal Basis	Presidential Decree (Government Gazette 906d, December 22, 1999)
Location	Southern coast of Zakynthos, encompassing areas from Marathia's cape to Gerakas beach, including beaches of Limni Keri, Laganas, and Kalamaki, and the Strofades Islands.
Total Area	135 square kilometers (52 sq mi)
Marine Area	89 square kilometers
Key Habitats	Nesting beaches of loggerhead sea turtles, Laganas Bay, wetlands of Keri Lake, and Strofades Islands.
Main Goal	Protection and conservation of national and European interest's biotopes, flora, and fauna species.
Designation	Part of the Natura 2000 ecological network
Primary Species of Concern	Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Management	Administered by a management agency.

The park's creation was a decisive step towards conserving Greece's unique biodiversity. The N.M.P.Z. is located in the southern part of Zakynthos and includes three areas within the "Natura 2000" network, emphasizing its commitment to ecological preservation. The primary aim of the park's management agency is the protection and conservation of vital habitats and the diverse array of flora and fauna.

The heart of the park beats with the presence of the loggerhead sea turtle. Zakynthos is home to the largest colony of these turtles in Europe, making it a critical nesting site. The protected area offers a haven for these creatures, supporting their life cycle from egg to adult. The area covered by the marine park includes the sea area and islets of Laganas Bay, the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle, including the land area surrounding them, the wetlands of Keri Lake, and the Strofades Islands, which are located some 40 miles south of Zakynthos. The area is a testament to the importance of environmental stewardship.

A visit to the Zakynthos Marine Park isn't just a passive experience; it's an opportunity to connect with nature. Boat tours offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the marine life and witness the beauty of loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat. These tours, often departing directly from Laganas beach, allow visitors to spot turtles and experience the marine park's splendor. Several types of tours are available, providing diverse ways to engage with the environment.

For visitors interested in exploring the park, tours using boats with capacities ranging from 9 to 34 passengers are a practical and popular choice. One can embark on a Mizithres sunset cruise, a unique excursion within the Zakynthos Marine Park. The Laganas boat trip to the Zakynthos Marine Park begins from Laganas beach, conveniently close to Waikiki and Cherry Bay clubs, ensuring easy access for visitors. The Mizithres sunset cruise, offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 17:00, presents a unique opportunity to experience the marine park.

Within the park, Laganas Bay is divided into three zones: A, B, and C, reflecting the varying levels of protection and permitted activities. The presence of the loggerhead sea turtles, with their nesting habits, necessitates strict adherence to the rules.

The landscape surrounding the beaches, like Gerakas, is another facet of the park, providing a beautiful backdrop to the main attraction. There is free parking available, convenient for those visiting Gerakas beach or other parts of the park. This provides a practical aspect for a visit.

A visit to the Zakynthos Marine Park is more than just a vacation; it's a chance to be part of a conservation effort. The park's symbol, a turtle, encapsulates its core purpose: protecting the loggerhead sea turtle and its habitat. An information center near Dafni Beach provides an educational experience, allowing visitors to learn more about these creatures and the marine park. With explanatory panels in English, the center offers insight into the lives of the turtles, highlighting the fact that only one turtle hatches out of 1000 eggs laid.

The park embodies the spirit of a protected area where the fragility of the environment is matched by the commitment of those who work to preserve it. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a place where the beauty of the natural world thrives and beckons visitors to experience the beauty of the Greek Islands in their purest form.

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