Corfu sunset cruise to Mouse Island: Private wooden boat

Sunset aboard a traditional wooden boat, Old Fortress and Mon Repos in view, ending at Mouse Island

A private sunset cruise on Corfu departs from Mayor's Stairway Dock aboard a certified Greek wooden boat, sailing past the Old Fortress, Garitsa Bay, and Mon Repos before reaching Pontikonissi (Mouse Island). The two-hour voyage includes bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and all safety equipment. A captain guides the boat throughout. Wedding proposals can be arranged in advance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset private cruise and sightseeing

• Board traditional wooden boat at Mayor's Stairway Dock
• Sail past Old Fortress and Garitsa Bay
• View Mon Repos Palace from the boat
• Approach and admire Mouse Island (Pontikonissi)
• Enjoy sunset views along Corfu coastline

The experience

The boat leaves from Mayor's Stairway Dock and heads into Garitsa Bay as the light softens. You pass the Old Fortress (a structure layered with Byzantine, Venetian, and British architecture that has defended Corfu since the 6th century), and then Mon Repos Palace, built in 1828 and later a summer residence for the Greek royal family. The coastline unfolds as you move toward the smaller islands, with time spent on the water to take in each stop without rushing.

Pontikonissi, or Mouse Island, sits at the heart of the route. According to local legend, the island formed when Poseidon turned Odysseus's ship to stone. Today it holds the Byzantine church of Pantokrator, an 11th- or 12th-century whitewashed chapel with a red-tiled roof surrounded by cypress trees. The island's lush greenery and rocky edges frame the final stretch of the cruise as daylight fades.

The boat is a certified traditional wooden vessel, and the captain remains with you throughout. Water and snacks come included, along with alcoholic beverages. All safety equipment is provided. The cruise runs two hours total, with the timing built around sunset and the water time allocated to let you absorb the views without pressure.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• alcoholic beverages.
• all safety equipment.
• captain throughout the cruise.
• two hours on the water visiting the Old Fortress, Mon Repos, and Pontikonissi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:30

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Dear guests, you will find our boat in the mooring of Mayors Stairway Dock 20mins before our meeting.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sophie’s Ionian Boat Routes

Is this one for you?The boat is a certified traditional wooden vessel with a captain, so no sailing experience is needed. This suits anyone wanting a guided sunset route without handling the boat themselves. If you speak only English or another language, confirm the captain's language when booking, as the operator does not specify which languages are spoken.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Mouse Island and why is it called that?

Pontikonissi, or Mouse Island, is a small verdant islet in Corfu's waters. Local legend says Poseidon turned the ship of the ancient Greek hero Odysseus to stone, creating the island. It now holds the Byzantine church of Pantokrator dating to the 11th or 12th century, which hosts an annual feast in August.

Can I see the Old Fortress up close or do we just sail past it?

The Old Fortress is one of the stops on the route, visible from the water as you sail past Garitsa Bay. The cruise allocates time on the water to view it. The fortress itself (with its Byzantine, Venetian, and British architectural layers) is a landmark you observe from the boat rather than visit on foot.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included, along with all safety equipment and the captain's service. The boat provides what you need for the two-hour cruise. Bring sunscreen and a camera if you wish, and wear something comfortable for being on the water at sunset.

Is this cruise suitable if I have mobility issues or back problems?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the voyage.

Can we really arrange a wedding proposal on this boat?

Yes, wedding proposals can be organized in advance. Contact the operator when booking to discuss the details and timing for your proposal.