Book a night dive with the dive centre — the bioluminescent plankton in the Keri Caves at night is one of the most extraordinary natural experiences in all of Greece.
Limni Keriou — The Diver’s Bay
If Zakynthos has a soul, some would argue it lives at the southern end of the island, in the quiet bay of Limni Keriou. This small, sheltered cove has been a hub for divers and cave explorers for decades — and deservedly so. The Keri Caves, accessible by boat from the harbour here, rank among the most spectacular marine cave systems in the Ionian.
What Awaits You
Limni Keriou — “Lake of Keri” — is a dark-sand and pebble bay curled into the island’s southwest corner, about 14 kilometres from Zakynthos Town. The village behind the beach is tiny and traditional, with a handful of tavernas that serve the local fishing and diving community. The atmosphere is deliberately unhurried.
The beach itself is secondary to the underwater world. Visibility in the bay regularly exceeds 30 metres. The sea floor drops quickly from the shore, and the combination of good visibility, calm conditions (protected from the prevailing winds), and proximity to the caves makes this the island’s primary diving destination.
The Keri Caves
A short boat ride from the harbour brings you to the Keri Caves — a series of sea caves and arches cut into the limestone cliffs of Cape Marathia. The caves vary from swimthroughs and snorkel-accessible arches to full technical dive sites that penetrate deep into the rock. The light effects inside the caves — filtered through cracks in the stone, bouncing off the white cave floor — are extraordinary. Some chambers glow in vivid turquoise; others are illuminated only by the diver’s torch.
The dive centre at Limni Keriou runs regular trips: morning and afternoon dives, snorkel tours by inflatable, and — for the adventurous — night dives when bioluminescent plankton sometimes fill the dark water with cold blue sparks.
Getting There
From Zakynthos Town, drive south and west through Lithakia. Follow the coastal road toward Keri and then descend to Limni Keriou. The last section of road is steep and narrow but paved. Journey time: around 30 minutes from Zakynthos Town. Limited parking near the harbour.
Dive Certification
The dive centres at Limni Keriou cater to all levels, from try-dives for complete beginners to PADI and CMAS certification courses. If you’ve never dived before, the calm, clear conditions here make it one of the best places in Greece to take a first breath underwater.
Best Time to Visit
April through October for diving. June-September for optimal water temperature (22-26°C). The bay is sheltered enough that diving is possible on days when the open coast is rough. Avoid visiting in winter — the dive centre closes and the village is largely shut down.
