Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
Marathonisi, nicknamed Turtle Island for its shape, is an islet in Laganas Bay whose front beach is a loggerhead turtle nesting site. Diver's Paradise moors in the sheltered bay: certified divers descend to about 8 m, follow rock formations and small canyons out to the prominent rock outside the cove (average about 10 m, maximum 18 m behind it), while snorkellers and Discover Scuba divers stay in the bay.
Facts
- Region: Greece – Ionian Islands
- Area: Zakynthos
- Depth: 0–18 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: reef
- Coordinates: 37.6847, 20.87583 (approximate)
- Highlights: loggerhead turtle nesting island, sheltered bay, small canyons, white sand
- Permit: Inside the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (Laganas Bay). Local centres dive here and package prices include park fees, but we could not find the park's own published diving rules online, so the exact permit regime is unverified: dive only with a licensed centre that confirms current park rules, and respect the turtle-nesting beaches.
- Issuer / contact: NECCA (Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency), manager of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos – national office in Athens
- Phone: +30 210 808 9271
- Email: info@necca.gov.gr
- Website: https://necca.gov.gr/
- Tips: Easy, calm dive suited to beginners and snorkellers. Never go ashore on the nesting beach and do not touch turtles; follow your guide's park briefing.