From Agia Efimia: Day Cruise to Ithaki Island with Lunch

Discover the Day Cruise from Agia Efimia to Ithaca with Lunch

This 8.5-hour sailing adventure departs from Agia Efimia at a budget-friendly $169 per person. The tour promises a relaxed journey aboard a modern sailing yacht, led by an experienced skipper who shares insights about the stunning spots around Ithaca. The day features multiple swimming and snorkeling stops at some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, including Gidaki Beach, often ranked as one of Greece’s top beaches.

What makes this trip particularly appealing is its combination of laid-back sailing with delicious onboard food and the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and rare migratory birds. The tour is designed for those seeking a small, intimate group experience—limited to 10 participants—that emphasizes comfort, natural beauty, and local charm.

While no onboard music or loudspeakers are included, reviews highlight the friendly crew and calm atmosphere. A notable advantage is the flexibility to alter the route based on weather conditions, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for all.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 8.5 hours, starting around 8:50 am, with a flexible schedule based on availability
• Departure Point: Agia Efimia harbor, moored at the Dodoni-divine ice-cream cafe
• Price: $169 per person, including lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear
• Highlights: Swimming at Gidaki Beach, delicious onboard lunch and drinks, dolphin and turtle sightings, and paddleboarding
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for an intimate experience
• Weather-Dependent Route: Routes may be adjusted to optimize comfort and safety
• No Transport Included: Guests need to arrange their own transfers to and from the meeting point
• Booking Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later

Starting Point and Meeting Details at Agia Efimia

The tour begins at S/Y Venus, moored directly in front of the Dodoni-divine ice-cream cafe. Travelers meet at 8:50 am to set sail, with the boat ready to welcome a small group of up to 10 guests. The location is easy to find within the picturesque harbor, making the start simple and stress-free.

Since no transport is included, visitors should plan their own way to Agia Efimia harbor beforehand. The meeting point is conveniently close to local cafes and restaurants, offering a relaxed atmosphere before departure.

The Itinerary: Scenic Stops and Beach Days

This tour’s itinerary is designed to showcase Ithaca’s best beaches and bays. The first stop is Gidaki Beach, known as “paradise on earth,” famous for its crystal-clear waters and scenic landscape. Here, travelers can swim, snorkel, and even stand-up paddleboard for about 40 minutes. Many regard Gidaki as one of the top beaches in Greece, thanks to its pebble shoreline and lush surroundings.

Next, the boat makes a secret stop at Skinos Bay Beach for lunch served onboard, accompanied by soft drinks, beers, and local wine. Surrounded by pine trees, this scenic bay offers a breathtaking backdrop for relaxing and enjoying the meal. The lunch is praised for being delicious and plentiful, with reviews mentioning excellent snacks and friendly service.

Following lunch, the tour heads south to Talaros Beach (Pera Pigadia Bay), where the calm, warm waters are perfect for swimming. The stone and pebble beach offers an inviting setting to cool off after a busy morning of exploring. The final sailing stretch lasts about 1.5 hours, providing beautiful views of Ithaca’s eastern coast before returning to Agia Efimia.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboarding at Top Beaches

Throughout the day, travelers get multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel in Ithaca’s turquoise waters. The crystal-clear bays like Gidaki are known for their visually stunning underwater scenes, highly suitable for snorkelers. The tour also includes stand-up paddleboarding, with about 40 to 70 minutes allocated at different stops, allowing guests to explore the coastline from the water.

The calm, warm waters at Pigadia Bay serve as a perfect finale for a day filled with water activities. Reviewers mention the well-chosen spots as breathtaking, with the ease of access making swimming and snorkeling effortless.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dolphin and Sea Turtle Sightings

A special highlight of this tour is the chance to see wild dolphins and sea turtles cruising alongside the boat. The captain’s seasoned knowledge ensures that the route is optimized for wildlife sightings, adding a memorable element to the journey. The likelihood of spotting rare migratory birds further enhances the experience, making it appealing to nature lovers.

The Crew and Onboard Experience

The skipper, such as Evangelus and Angellus, is consistently praised for their courteous, friendly, and professional approach. They are attentive to guests, offering snacks, drinks, and providing informative insights about the sites visited.

The crew’s focus on comfort is evident in the spaciousness of the yacht, which has ample shaded areas under the awning and seating at the front. Despite the lack of music or loud entertainment, the atmosphere remains relaxed and family-friendly, as many reviews highlight.

Food and Beverage Offerings on Board

Guests enjoy lunch prepared onboard, typically described as delicious with generous portions. Accompanying the meal are soft drinks, beers, and local wine, ensuring that everyone stays refreshed. The snacks and fruit provided earlier in the day are also appreciated, creating a balanced dining experience amid the scenic surroundings.

Flexibility and Weather Considerations

The route may be altered based on weather conditions, according to the crew’s judgment. This flexibility ensures safety and comfort, with the captain choosing the best spots for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. The sea and wind conditions are carefully monitored to deliver a pleasant journey.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

This tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, baby strollers, or large luggage. It involves boarding a yacht and participating in water activities, which requires a basic level of mobility and comfort with boat travel. The trip is not recommended for individuals prone to seasickness or with motion sickness issues.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Reservations can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel planning. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk booking choice. The tour operates with a small group limit of 10 guests, ensuring a personalized experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to water lovers, those interested in sailing, and travelers seeking relaxing beach days off the beaten path. Families, couples, and small groups find the intimate setting and professional crew especially welcoming. However, it may not suit people with mobility issues or those sensitive to boat movement.

Final Thoughts on the Agia Efimia to Ithaca Sailing Day

This small-group sailing adventure offers a well-rounded experience of Ithaca’s most beautiful beaches, combined with delicious onboard food, water activities, and the chance to encounter local wildlife. The skipper’s expertise and the friendly crew contribute to a relaxed, safe atmosphere.

The value for $169 includes all the key ingredients for a memorable day—swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, delicious lunch, and scenic sailing. The flexibility in route planning based on weather conditions guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable trip every time.

While the absence of onboard music may be a disappointment for some, reviews consistently praise the peaceful ambiance and high-quality service. This tour is ideal for small groups looking for a personalized, water-based escape in Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $169 per person fee covers the cruise, skipper, lunch, snacks, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, and a GoPro camera.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at S/Y Venus, moored in front of the Dodoni-divine ice-cream cafe in Agia Efimia harbor and returns to the same location around 5:00 pm.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the experience is limited to 10 guests for a small-group vibe, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, baby strollers, or large luggage. It also not recommended for those prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring swimwear and a towel. Shoes indoors are not allowed on the yacht.

Is the route flexible?
Yes, the crew may alter the route based on weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

How long is each swimming stop?
Swim stops at Gidaki Beach and other sites last approximately 40 minutes, while lunch and paddleboarding may extend longer at specific stops.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially since the group size is limited. You can reserve now and pay later if desired.

Is the trip suitable for families?
Yes, families who enjoy water activities and small, relaxed group settings will find this cruise particularly enjoyable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, expert crew, and beautiful beaches like Gidaki make this sail trip a notable choice for those wanting a personalized water adventure in Greece.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby