Blue Caves

The Blue Caves stretch along the northwest coast of Zakynthos, starting near Cape Skinari and continuing south toward Shipwreck Beach (Navagio). This is one of the most rugged parts of the island: sheer cliffs, no road access and calm, deep water ideal for small boats.

Because the caves face open sea, conditions are usually best on calm mornings when the water is flat and the colour inside the chambers is at its most intense. Most boat trips depart from Agios Nikolaos, Skinari or Alykes and follow the coastline west toward Navagio.

The caves are not a single opening but a series of arches, tunnels and chambers eroded into the cliff. Sunlight enters from above and from the sea surface, bouncing off the white limestone floor and walls so the water glows electric blue, turquoise and violet. In deeper sections you may also notice orange and purple tones from submerged rock and marine growth.

Larger boats often cruise past the main openings; smaller vessels can enter the Big Cave and the Small Cave, letting you drift inside and look up at the sculpted ceiling. Many cruises include a short swimming stop in the clear water outside the caves, refreshing, even on hot summer days.

Nearly every visitor combines the Blue Caves with Navagio Shipwreck Beach on the same trip. The two sights sit on the same northwest coast and are best reached by boat in a single half-day route. Abba Tours runs dedicated Shipwreck & Blue Caves cruises by small boat and larger group boats, with optional stops at Xigia Beach and St. Andreas Cove depending on the itinerary.

If you prefer land and sea, our North Zante Full Day Tour includes cliff viewpoints above Navagio plus a boat visit to the beach and caves for a full picture of this spectacular corner of Zakynthos.