We Three Kings Blog: Zante Day 11

On day 11 we had another very welcomed change of scenery as we hit the sea's again heading out to the famous Turtle Island. We almost considered cancelling this excursion after the rough seas and sickness on the Smugglers Cove trip. However we decided to stick with it after being assured by numerous people that the sea's around the South of the island are much calmer. I am glad we made this decision as this turned out to be one of the best days of the holiday.

Apparently something like 90% of all the Mediterranean turtles originate from turtle island and as such turtles are a big deal in Zante. Every souvenir shop is rammed with turtle merchandise and every travel company is adverting trips to turtle island or glass bottomed boat turtle trips etc. So our day started with a short 15 min coach ride to the harbour where we boarded our vessel for the day called the Annula.

Boarding our boat for the trip to turtle island.

Then we were off heading South East around Zante.

Joshua sitting with Tina at the back of the boat.

Brandon on deck exploring the port and starboard sides.

On board the crew had a tiny little baby turtle in an open top fish tank. All the children were fascinated by the little baby and Joshua would not leave the poor bugger alone and kept prodding and pushing it around the tank. To be honest I am amazed he didn't smuggle it off the ship in an empty pringle box or something.

The baby turtle in the water.

And then up on its little island - probably trying to escape the wrath of Joshua.

It wasn't long before turtle island came into view and interesting to me is that its name does not come from the fact that it is a nature reserve with 90% of the med turtles originating from it. No, the name actually originates from the fact that the Island looks like the shape of a turtle swimming on the surface of the water.

Turtle Island coming into view.

Joshua busy exploring the inside of our boat and raiding the ice cram freezer.

The captain of the boat was extremely friendly and allowed both the boys to take it in turns to sit in the captains chair and to have a go at steering the boat.

Captain Joshua takes to the helm.

Brandon makes friends with the Greek captain as he awaits his turn.

Then Brandon gets his turn at steering the boat.

The boys navigation was great as we got closer and closer to Turtle Island.

Joshua and Brandon with Turtle Island in the background.

Out at sea with went past this amazing matt black James Bond style speed boat. The back of the boat opening out to expose multiple jet ski's, diving equipment etc.etc. Oh if only I could win the lottery!

The matt black James Bond speed boat.

At Turtle Island the captain anchored us up into a very calm little bay with a small beach area and some caves to explore. This was the first opportunity to jump off the boat and cool down in the Ionian Sea. I took the boys swimming for this first stop and Tina went with them on the second stop later in the trip.

I managed to snorkel all the way into the cave and right at the back there was actually a little sandy area where you could stand up and look around.

More caves and lovely calm, blue waters.

Me and Joshua having a snorkel. There was an abundance of fish around the caves.

At times the sea was like the busy London roads as everyone was jumping in to cool down from the scorching weather.

Another big cave which I got to snorkel inside.

Once we left the bay we went in search of some larger turtles swimming out at sea. It must have taken the crew no more than about 30 mins and finally we found a beautiful Loggerhead turtle that kept popping up to the surface for a breath of air. The turtle must have been a good 0.5m in diameter.

Brandon was up and down the decks like a yo-yo as he was searching the seas for a view of a turtle.

My camera zoom is very poor, but in this picture is the turtle swimming at the surface (honest!).

Brandon has good sea legs and was balancing on the wood work beam leading into the cabin area.

Joshua got to hold his little adopted pet turtle.

Isn't it just adorable sitting in the palm of his hand. He said he could feel the little claws gripping his skin.

Brandon also showed no fear and took hold of the little baby.

So our mission was accomplished. We had found a turtle at sea, visited turtle island, done some great snorkeling, had a nice picnic and had a great day out. Some it was time to turn around and head back to the harbour. Joshua and Brandon both pestered the captain again as they wanted to have another go at driving the boat.

Captain Joshua with his hands on the wheel steering us home.

En route to finding the turtle we did pass a rather funky looking boat painted very bright colours with Jaws shark teeth on the bow.

The colourful Jaws boat.

On the way home we made one final stop at another calm bay area with crystal blue waters. This time it was Tina's turn to go for a refreshing swim with the boys. I was supposed to be looking after the camera, bags and wallet on board but after about 10 mins I couldn't resist showing off to Joshua and jumping off of the side of the boat.

Swim time....

Joshua and Brandon wearing life jackets and having a swim with Tina.

Josh probably didn't need the life jacket, but better to be safe than sorry.

After seeing me leap off of the railings of the boat into the sea Joshua was keen to try jumping off himself. Not quite as high but he still managed a couple of jumps from the 1st deck rather than using the ladder at the back of the boat to get in and out of the water.