Lefkada Sailing Tour: Trireme, Swimming & Beach BBQ

You sail the boat yourself: hoisting the 45 square meter sail like crews did in ancient Greece.

This eight-hour sailing tour departs from Lefkada aboard a replica ancient Greek trireme, taking you through secluded bays and islands with swimming stops at Papanikolis cave and Klimaki, a guided walk through the 300-year-old Spartochori village, and a beachside BBQ lunch with local wine. The boat carries snorkel masks and gear, and the itinerary is built to avoid crowds while teaching you about Odysseus and local maritime tradition.

The experience

The boat leaves Lefkada and heads into the Ionian Sea under sail. You'll help hoist the 45 square meter canvas if you want, or watch from the deck while the crew handles it. The route takes you past the Prince's Islands toward Meganisi, stopping first at Papanikolis, one of Europe's largest sea caves, where you swim inside the cavern itself and learn its history from the guide. The water is clear enough to see the cave walls underwater, and the crew provides masks and snorkels for anyone who wants them.

Mid-morning you pull ashore at Spartochori, a traditional fisherman village on Meganisi, and walk to its 300-year-old church with a guide who explains the settlement's place in local life. Back on the boat, you sail to Klimaki bay, a secluded anchorage where the crew sets up for lunch. You swim and snorkel in the bay before the BBQ goes on: pork souvlaki, Greek salad, feta, tzatziki, bread, all cooked on the beach with soft drinks and local wine included. The boat also stops at Jackie Kennedy Beach on Skorpios, where you can swim again before heading back to Lefkada. The whole day runs eight hours, and the itinerary is designed to keep you away from the crowded spots most day-trippers hit.

The guide speaks English, Italian, French or Greek depending on the group, and weaves in stories about Odysseus and an alternative theory about where Homer's Ithaca actually was. Children can come: infants travel in a pram or stroller, and the boat carries floaters and beach toys. The crew brings out Greek aperitif ouzo with olives and seasonal fruit before lunch, and alternative menus are available if anyone has dietary needs.

What’s included

• Snorkel masks and fins.
• beach floaters and toys.
• Greek aperitif ouzo with olives and seasonal fruit.
• BBQ lunch with pork souvlaki, Greek salad, feta cheese, tzatziki and bread.
• soft drinks and local wine throughout the day.
• guided tour of Spartochori village and its 300-year-old church.
• swimming and snorkeling at three locations (Papanikolis cave, Klimaki bay, and Jackie Kennedy Beach).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Oct 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish, French, Italian and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Odysseia Boat Tour

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Lefkada with no car needed. The crew handles all the sailing and navigation, so you focus on swimming, snorkeling and the beach lunch. If you're staying in town without a rental or prefer not to drive to secluded bays, this tour reaches three swimming spots and a traditional village in one eight-hour day, with all the gear and food arranged on the boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Italian and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 is Papanikolis cave like when you swim inside it?

Papanikolis is one of Europe's largest sea caves, located off Meganisi. You swim into the cavern itself with snorkel gear provided, and the guide explains its history and geology while you're in the water. The cave walls are visible underwater, and the setting is the main stop of the morning.

Do I need to know how to sail to be on this boat?

No sailing experience is required. The crew handles the boat, but you're welcome to help hoist the 45 square meter sail if you want to try it: otherwise you can relax on deck and watch the crew work.

What happens at Spartochori village?

Spartochori is a traditional fisherman settlement on Meganisi with a 300-year-old church. The guide leads a walk through the village to show you how locals live and explain the church's place in the community's history.

Is snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Masks and snorkels are provided on the boat at no extra cost. You use them at Papanikolis cave and Klimaki bay, where the water is clear and shallow enough for snorkeling.

What is the BBQ lunch like?

Lunch is cooked on the beach at Klimaki and includes pork souvlaki, Greek salad, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce and bread, accompanied by soft drinks and local wine. The crew prepares it on the spot using locally sourced ingredients, and alternative menus are available on request.