Posted by 🐢 Turtles, Dolphins & a Fascinating Underwater World
Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse islands in Greece. Not only above water, with its dramatic cliffs, pine forests, and white beaches, but also beneath the surface of the sea, lies an astonishingly diverse marine life.
The island is located in the Ionian Sea, which is exceptionally clear and nutrient-rich compared to other regions of Greece. The waters around Zakynthos are home to sea turtles, dolphins, numerous fish species, octopuses, sea urchins, and even rare Mediterranean monk seals.
Most of these animals are protected – especially within the Zakynthos National Marine Park, one of the most important marine protected areas in Europe.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ) was established in 1999 and encompasses the southern region of the island, including Laganas Bay and the offshore islets of Marathonisi, Pelouzo, and Strofades.
Many endangered species find a protected habitat here, including the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
The park is divided into different zones, where boat traffic, diving, and swimming are partially restricted to protect nesting sites and habitats. Nevertheless, many animals can be easily observed—while snorkeling, on boat trips, or even from the beach.
The most famous marine inhabitants of Zakynthos
1. Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta)
The loggerhead sea turtle is the symbol of Zakynthos. Nowhere else in the Mediterranean are they as numerous as here.
See our main article about turtles around Zakynthos
Habitat:
Primarily in Laganas Bay, where they lay their eggs in the sand between May and August.
Appearance:
Up to 1 meter long, 100 kilograms in weight, with a reddish-brown shell.
Behavior:
During the day, they can often be seen gliding leisurely through the water – especially near the coast.
Sighting:
Good chances of spotting them at beaches like Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, or near Cameo Island.
There are also guided turtle boat tours that respect the animals.
Tip:
Please never touch or chase them. Turtles are protected – those who leave them in peace usually have the most beautiful nature experience.
2. Dolphins in the Ionian Sea
With a bit of luck, you can also spot dolphins off the coast of Zakynthos.
Species:
Mostly the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and occasionally the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).
Lifestyle:
Dolphins live in small groups and are frequently seen between Zakynthos and the Strofades Islands.
Best time to see them:
In the morning, when the sea is calm.
Tours:
Several operators in Laganas and Agios Sostis offer dolphin watching tours – many of which combine the excursion with a visit to the Blue Caves.
Dolphins in Greece are considered a symbol of happiness and freedom. Those who see them in their natural habitat rarely forget the moment.
3. Fish and colorful underwater world
The sea around Zakynthos is remarkably clear – often with visibility exceeding 30 meters. This makes the island a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
The most common fish include:
Sea bream, bass, and groupers
Parrotfish with their vibrant colors
Sargos (silver bream)
Red mullet in the sand
Barracuda, sometimes seen swimming by in groups
Many small species live in shallow bays, hiding among rocks, seagrass, and anemones. Particularly popular for snorkeling are:
Agios Nikolaos (Vassilikos)
Limni Keri
Porto Limnionas
Mikro Nisi
Makris Gialos
Those who dive deeper might be lucky enough to spot tuna, mackerel, or even stingrays.
4. Octopuses, cuttlefish, and other mollusks
The rocky coasts of Zakynthos are an ideal habitat for octopuses and cuttlefish.
These intelligent animals are perfectly camouflaged and often hide in crevices or under rocks. You can sometimes see them while snorkeling, as they change color in a flash.
Also living here are:
Sea anemones, which cling to rocks and shells
Snails, mussels, and squid, especially in calmer bays
The diversity of small creatures is impressive – those who look closely will constantly discover something new.
5. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest seal species in the world. Only about 700 animals remain, a few of which live on the west coast of Zakynthos.
Habitat:
Hidden sea caves and rocky coves between Keri and Kampi.
Sighting:
Very rare, usually only with binoculars or from a distance by boat.
Special feature:
Seals give birth to their pups in caves that are difficult to access from the sea.
If you’re lucky, you might see a monk seal lying on a rock in the distance during your boat trip – a truly rare moment.
6. Dolphin Lovers and Other Marine Mammals
Besides dolphins, there are occasional sightings of pilot whales or porpoises, though these are much less frequent.
These animals usually stay in deeper waters south of the island.
Smaller whale species may also pass by during their migrations through the Ionian Sea – but for tourists, this is a real stroke of luck.
7. Sharks in the Sea Around Zakynthos
Many vacationers wonder if there are sharks around Zakynthos.
The answer: Yes, but none dangerous.
Article: Sharks in Greece
Over 30 species of sharks live in the Ionian Sea, mostly small or harmless. Examples:
Small-spotted catshark
Sand shark
Thresher shark
Blue shark, which is found far out in the open ocean
You will practically never see a shark near the beach. The animals avoid shallow bays. Nevertheless, they are an important part of the ecosystem and completely harmless to swimmers.
8. Coastal Animals and Life Between Water and Land
Even right on the coast of Zakynthos, there are fascinating animal species that live between the sea and the land:
Crabs scamper across rocks and hide in small crevices.
Sea urchins sit on the rocks underwater – so be careful when walking barefoot!
Starfish and sea anemones adorn the rocks below the waterline.
Shrimp, snails, and tiny fish live in small tide pools – ideal for children to observe.
These coastal inhabitants can be easily spotted on quiet beaches like Porto Roxa or Gerakas, especially in the morning when the water is clear and calm.
When and where you can best see animals
| Animal species | Best time to observe | Location / Area | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caretta caretta (tortoise) | May–August | Laganas, Gerakas, Cameo Island | Egg-laying season, many sightings |
| Dolphins | April–October | south of Zakynthos, Strofades | Morning, calm sea |
| Octopuses / Fish | year-round | Porto Limnionas, Agios Nikolaos | best visibility |
| Monk seals | rare, year-round | West coast near Keri | shy, protected zones |
| Sharks / Rays | mostly far outside | southern deep sea | harmless to humans |
Snorkeling & Diving – Tips for Wildlife Observation
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time – the light is soft, and the sea is calm.
Move slowly: Animals are sensitive to sudden movements.
Don’t feed them – this changes their behavior.
Prefer reefs and rocks: Most animals live there.
Observe conservation rules: Certain areas in the marine park are closed or only accessible with a guide.
Tip: You can rent snorkeling equipment cheaply in many places, such as Laganas, Kalamaki, or Alykes. Those who want to dive deeper will find several certified diving schools, for example, in Agios Nikolaos or Keri.
Threats and Conservation Measures
As beautiful as the wildlife around Zakynthos is, it is also threatened.
Main dangers:
Boat traffic and jet skis sometimes injure animals.
Turtles mistake plastic waste for jellyfish.
Light pollution on beaches disorients hatchlings.
Illegal fishing is destroying seagrass meadows.
Conservation initiatives:
The Zakynthos Marine Park monitors and protects breeding beaches.
Volunteer organizations like Archelon and Earth, Sea & Sky care for injured animals.
Visitor centers in Dafni and Kalamaki provide information on environmentally friendly behavior.
By being considerate while snorkeling, you actively contribute to the protection of this unique marine life.
Conclusion: A paradise for nature lovers
The sea around Zakynthos is a fascinating ecosystem – full of life, color, and movement.
Whether you see a turtle in Laganas Bay, watch a dolphin leap from a boat, or discover an octopus among the rocks – every moment is unique.
Those who travel with open eyes and respect will experience one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the Mediterranean.