Zakynthos Cruise Ship Port Guide

Port Facilities and Getting Ashore

Getting to Zakynthos Town’s Port

You’ll need to take a tender boat from your cruise ship to reach the shore, as ships cannot dock directly at the harbour. The journey brings you to the port area, next to the old town and Solomos Square.

The deboarding process takes up to 2.5 hours for all passengers. You get priority tender boat access if you book cruise line excursions.

For your return:

• Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes before departure
• Follow crew instructions for tender boat boarding
• Keep your cruise card ready for checking

This simple process helps you reach the charming port town smoothly and return to your ship on time.

Essential Travel Planning Tips

You need to plan ahead to make your Zakynthos trip successful. Book your activities early, as you’ll have between 5-10 hours to explore the island. Local tour operators offer better prices than cruise packages, though cruise tours provide more structure.

Your ship will take 2.5 hours to complete passenger deboarding, so include this in your schedule. Add extra time for unexpected delays. If you choose to explore by yourself with a rental car or public transport, you must track your own time to return to the ship.

Keep these safety basics with you:

• Local emergency numbers
• Ship contact details
• Port location information
• Your cruise card

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Must-See Attractions and Activities

Zakynthos offers four main attraction types for your cruise visit: natural landmarks, historic sites, water sports, and lookout points.

Start your day at Navagio Beach, where you’ll see a shipwreck framed by white cliffs and blue sea. Next, take a boat to explore the Blue Caves‘ glowing waters. You can visit the Venetian Castle and Byzantine Museum to discover the island’s past. Watch for rare loggerhead turtles near Marathonissi Beach, or grab your snorkel to explore underwater.

End your day at either Keri Lighthouse or Bochali Hill – both spots give you amazing sunset views across the Mediterranean. These viewpoints let you wrap up your Zakynthos visit with unforgettable photos.

Transportation and Tour Options

You’ll need to take a tender boat from your cruise ship to Zakynthos port, as ships anchor offshore. The disembarkation process takes up to 2.5 hours for all passengers. You can get priority tender boarding if you book a cruise line excursion.

You have two main transport options on the island:

1. Private transfers from the port
2. Local tour companies with smaller groups

Local tours give you:

• Flexible schedules
• Custom itineraries
• Visits to Shipwreck Beach
• Access to the Blue Caves

Remember to:

• Tell your tour operator your ship’s schedule
• Return to port 30-60 minutes before departure
• Allow enough time for tender boat return

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Near the Cruise Tender Port?

ATMs and currency exchange services are located in the town centre, not at the tender port itself. You can reach these services with a 5-10 minute walk from the port. The town’s high street offers multiple ATMs and bank branches for your currency needs.

What Is the Best Time of Year for Cruise Ships Visiting Zakynthos?

The best months for your Zakynthos cruise are May and September. You’ll experience pleasant temperatures between 20-30°C whilst avoiding peak tourist crowds. These months offer you better value for money and a more authentic Greek island experience. You can explore the island’s attractions with greater ease and comfort during these quieter periods.

Is Wifi Available in the Port Area for Cruise Passengers?

Yes, you can access WiFi in the port area through several options:

• Free public WiFi hotspots from the local council
• Ionian WiFi service (paid option with better connection)
• Your cruise ship’s internet package whilst docked

The public WiFi is suitable for basic browsing, but you might want to use paid options if you need a more stable connection.

Are There Medical Facilities Close to the Cruise Tender Point?

You’ll find Zakynthos General Hospital “Saint Dionysios” 3km from the cruise tender point. The hospital provides full medical services and accepts both local and visiting patients. You can reach it quickly by taxi or local transport whenever medical attention is needed.

What Happens if Weather Conditions Prevent Tender Boats From Operating?

Tender boats stop operating when waves reach 3-4 metres in height. Your ship’s crew will arrange additional onboard activities if this happens. Your captain might also choose a different port to dock at. You’ll stay comfortably aboard whilst the crew manages these weather-related changes to your journey.