Cephalonia sunset cruise: swim, dinner, Vardiani Islands

Sail at sunset, swim in hidden coves, eat dinner under the stars

A sunset boat cruise on Cephalonia through the Ionian Sea to the Vardiani Islands (also called Rabbit Islands) and Xi or Livadi Beach, with two swim and snorkel stops, a full dinner served on deck, and wine or soft drinks throughout. The boat is a family-owned wooden vessel with an English-speaking guide; children from age 1 are welcome, and the whole evening runs about four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with swim and dinner

• Board Queen Bee boat
• Sail to Vardiani Islands
• Explore untouched landscapes
• Sail to Xi Beach or Livadi Beach
• Swim and snorkel in coves
• Enjoy cocktails and free bar
• Have romantic dinner on deck
• Relax under Mediterranean sky

The Experience

The Queen Bee departs in late afternoon and sails toward the Vardiani Islands, where the water is deep enough for a proper swim in a cove most day-trippers never reach. Depending on the weather, the second stop is either Xi Beach, known for its rust-colored sand, or Livadi Beach—the crew decides on the day and tells you when you board. You get a snorkel mask and can use a paddle board if you want one; a dinghy ferries you to and from the water so there's no scramble at the shore.

As the light starts to go gold, the boat slows and the crew sets out dinner on deck—traditional homemade Greek food, not a catering tray. Wine (red or white), coffee, soft drinks and bottled water flow the whole time, so you're never reaching for your wallet or rationing sips. The sun drops into the sea while you eat, and the boat idles so nobody has to rush through the meal or miss the moment. The whole evening is about four hours from start to finish.

This is a family-run boat, which means the crew knows the water and the stops; they're not reading from a script. You'll meet other travelers—the boat holds a small group—and the evening has the feel of something put together for people who want to be on the water at sunset, not herded through a checklist. Service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

• Dinner with traditional Greek homemade flavors.
• wine (red or white), coffee, soft drinks and bottled water throughout the cruise.
• snorkel masks and paddle boards for the swim stops.
• a dinghy for transfers to and from the water.
• an English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kefalonia Trips " Queenbee "

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided sunset sail with swimming stops and a full dinner included—everything happens on the boat's schedule, so you just show up and unwind.

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Top questions

What's the Vardiani Islands, and why is that the first stop?

The Vardiani Islands, also called Rabbit Islands, are a remote cluster in the Ionian Sea off Cephalonia with untouched landscapes and deep water for swimming. The boat sails there first because it's far enough out that the coves stay quiet and the water stays clear for snorkeling.

Can I swim if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The boat stops in sheltered coves, and a dinghy is standing by to ferry you in and out of the water, so you're never far from the boat. Snorkel masks are provided, and you can stay in the shallows or use a paddle board if you prefer to float without swimming.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The crew chooses between Xi Beach and Livadi Beach depending on the conditions on the day—they'll tell you which one when you board. Both are on Cephalonia, so the boat doesn't have to cancel; it just adapts the route to keep the water calm and the evening safe.

Is the dinner a full meal, or just appetizers?

Dinner is a full traditional Greek meal served on deck. The food is homemade, not pre-made, and wine, water and coffee are included throughout the evening, so you're eating a real dinner as the sun sets, not picking at snacks.

Can children come on this cruise?

Yes, children from age 1 are welcome. The boat is family-owned and the crew is used to families; kids can swim at the stops and eat dinner on deck with everyone else. Anyone under 18 won't be served alcohol, but soft drinks and water are unlimited.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the boat, or is there a pickup?

The operator does not include hotel pickup, but public transportation options are available near the departure point. You'll need to get yourself to the boat; once you're on board, everything else—the sail, the swim stops, dinner and drinks—is arranged.