Snorkeling in Pylos: Proti and Sapientza Islands

Snorkel a 4-meter shipwreck, hike to a monastery cave, and explore two uninhabited islands in one day

A nine-hour sailing trip from Pylos takes you to the uninhabited islands of Proti and Sapientza in the south Ionian Sea, where you snorkel over a shipwreck, hike to ancient ruins and a monastery cave, and swim in turquoise anchorages. The boat stops at Navarino Bay, Proti Isle, Sapientza, and Voidokilia beach, with snorkel gear and local lunch provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Ionian islands

• Leave Pylos and visit Navarino Bay
• Explore Proti Isle and hike to cave
• Swim and dive near shipwreck on Proti
• Visit ancient castle ruins on Proti Isle
• Pass Proti lighthouse sailing south
• Visit Sapientza island and hike hill
• Relax at turquoise bay and beaches
• Hike to old stone lighthouse on Sapientza
• Visit Voidokilia beach, swim and hike
• Explore cave and castle above Voidokilia

The experience

The day starts by leaving Pilos and passing through Navarino Bay, where vertical rock formations and historical significance frame the route into open water. From there, Proti Isle, an uninhabited island opposite Marathopoli, becomes your base for multiple activities. You can hike from a small bay with centuries-old inscriptions carved into the rocky walls, following the path to a cave just below a monastery where you swim inside. Later, the boat anchors at a sandy beach on the island's south side, and this is where you snorkel over a shipwreck lying just 4 meters deep. An ancient castle ruin sits at the top of the rock closing off the beach. On departure, you pass close to Proti's lighthouse to the south.

Sapientza Island, located south of Methoni village, offers a different kind of stop. A scenic beach at the northern tip leads to a 10-minute hike up a hill. At the island's center is a bay with turquoise water and small gravel beaches ideal for swimming. If you want to venture further, a 20-minute hike at the south end reaches an old stone lighthouse. The final stop is Voidokilia, a round beach backed by a lagoon, with a cave above the sand and a castle perched on the rock above that. You can swim or hike to both the cave and the castle ruins from the beach.

Snorkel equipment is provided, and the boat carries drinks and local dishes as lunch throughout the day. A live guide speaks English and navigates the route, timing the stops so you move between snorkeling, swimming and hiking without long waits between activities.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear.
• drinks and beverages throughout the day.
• local lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IonianSail

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Pilos, so you don't need a car to reach the starting point, public transport runs nearby, and the nine-hour day packs snorkeling, hiking and swimming into a single sailing trip without you arranging separate transport between islands.

Traveler reviews

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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 is the shipwreck like at Proti Isle where we snorkel?

The shipwreck lies in shallow water just 4 meters deep off the sandy beach on Proti's south side, making it accessible for snorkelers of varying experience.

Can I hike to the monastery cave at Proti?

Yes. The hike starts from a small bay with vertical rocky walls and centuries-old inscriptions, and ends at a cave just below a monastery where you can swim inside.

How long is the hike to the lighthouse at Sapientza?

The lighthouse at the south end of Sapientza takes about 20 minutes to reach on foot from the beach where the boat anchors.

What activities are possible at Voidokilia beach?

Voidokilia is a round beach with a lagoon behind it, a cave above the sand, and a castle on the rock above the cave. You can swim in the water or hike to explore the cave and castle ruins.

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

Snorkel equipment is provided as part of the activity.