Kefalonia to Ithaca Day Cruise: Swim, Snorkel & Greek Lunch

Summary

Sailing from Kefalonia to Ithaca for swims, food and quiet bays

You’ll sail from Kefalonia to Ithaca with a small group, stopping at Gidaki Beach for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters before enjoying traditional Greek lunch at Skinos Bay. Try paddleboarding or just relax on deck while your friendly crew takes care of everything—including snacks, drinks, and all gear. You might even spot dolphins if you’re lucky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and swimming around Ithaca

• Meet at Agia Efimia port
• Sail east toward Gidaki Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Gidaki Beach
• Enjoy snacks and drinks onboard
• Sail to Skinos Bay Beach
• Have lunch with drinks onboard
• Sail to Talaros Beach at Pera Pigadia Bay
• Swim in calm waters at Talaros Beach
• Sail back to Agia Efimia port

Top questions

What time does the Kefalonia to Ithaca day cruise start?

The cruise meets at 8:50 am outside the yacht at Agia Efimia port.

Is lunch included on the day trip from Kefalonia to Ithaca?

Yes, traditional Greek lunch is served onboard during the cruise.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, refreshments including wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water are included.

Can you snorkel during this day cruise?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for guests to use at swim stops like Gidaki Beach.

Does the itinerary change based on weather?

The captain may adjust stops depending on wind or weather conditions for comfort and safety.

Is there WiFi available onboard?

Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the cruise.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the sailing yacht.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise departs around 9am and returns after 5pm—about 8 hours total.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Agia Efimia port with an experienced skipper, all snacks and fruits throughout the trip, traditional Greek lunch served onboard with local wine and beers as well as soft drinks and bottled water; use of snorkeling equipment plus stand-up paddleboard; free WiFi; access to a freshwater shower; restroom facilities on board; and flexible swim stops chosen by your captain based on weather conditions before returning in late afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the ropes felt under my hand—kind of rough, almost salty. We met outside the yacht in Agia Efimia just before 9am, still a bit sleepy. Our captain, Nikos, grinned and offered coffee right away (lifesaver). The boat looked sleeker than I expected. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and seaweed in the air, and someone nearby was already laughing about forgetting their hat. I didn’t know anyone yet but it felt easy somehow—maybe that’s just how mornings start here.

We headed out toward Ithaca with the wind picking up, sails snapping overhead. Gidaki Beach was our first stop—Nikos called it “paradise” but honestly I thought he was overselling it until we got close. The water really does that blue-green thing you see in travel ads (except this wasn’t filtered). I jumped in off the side and instantly forgot about everything else—the pebbles underfoot were smooth and cold. After swimming across the bay (I’m not fast), we sat on deck with snacks and fruit while a couple of us tried to spot dolphins—no luck this time but maybe next.

Lunch happened at Skinos Bay, tucked between pine trees so green they almost looked fake. The crew set out plates of Greek food—souvlaki, salads with too much olive oil (in a good way), bread that tasted like it came straight from someone’s kitchen. Someone spilled wine and we all laughed; nobody cared. There was a freshwater shower on board if you wanted it, but most people just dried off in the sun. At one point I tried stand-up paddleboarding for about three minutes before falling in—Nikos clapped ironically and said “Olympic effort!”

The last swim at Talaros Beach felt quieter somehow—maybe everyone was full or just sun-drunk by then. The water there is warmer and softer somehow (if that makes sense), with hardly any sound except for distant cicadas. On the way back to Agia Efimia, people stretched out along the deck or chatted quietly with beer in hand. I still think about that stretch of open sea—it’s not something you can photograph right.