Three swims, a sail, and very good lunch.

What makes this day cruise special is how quickly it turns into water time: you head from Cephalonia to Ithaca and start with Gidaki Beach for snorkeling in clear, blue-green water. I also love that the day is set up for comfort, with lunch and drinks included while you’re out at Skinos Bay and back again before late afternoon. One thing to consider: even though food is part of the price, a small share of people felt the onboard meal was lighter than expected for the cost.

This is a small-group outing (max 10), so the boat doesn’t feel like a cattle call. The crew (including Vangelis and Evia, plus Evangelous and Evina in some accounts) keeps the vibe relaxed and helpful, and they’ll get you sorted with snorkeling equipment and even a SUP stand-up paddle. Still, if you’re hoping for hours of walking around towns on shore, this is mostly a swim-and-sail day, not a sightseeing crawl.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Three swim stops on Ithaca’s coasts, chosen for calm water and great viewing
• Snorkeling gear provided, so you can show up and go
• Lunch + wine and beers included, served onboard
• SUP stand-up paddle included, for calmer water sessions between swims
• Small group size (max 10), which keeps attention on the people—not the schedule

A small-group Ithaca cruise that feels like a day off

I like tours that don’t waste time. This one is built around a simple idea: get you to shoreline spots that are best reached by boat, then give you enough time to enjoy the water, eat well, and come back relaxed.

You’re out about 8 hours (approx.), starting at 9:00 am from Agia Efimia (the meeting point is listed at Dodoni Agias Efimia). You return to the same meeting point after 17:00, which makes it easy to plan the rest of your day—dinner, a stroll, or just collapsing on your hotel bed.

The “luxury” part here isn’t about fancy name-brand extras. It’s about the practical stuff you notice all day: a restroom onboard, free wifi, bottled water, and drinks handled for you. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re more likely to feel like you’re sharing a boat day with friends than joining a mass tour.

The meeting point and how the day starts

You meet at Agia Efimia (Dodoni, Agias Eyfimias). The location is listed as near public transportation, which matters if you’re not staying right in the harbor area.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That’s good for clarity—especially if you want to ask when to hop in for each swim or what the crew recommends for snorkeling.

One more thing: the schedule assumes good conditions. The experience is explicitly weather-dependent, so you should plan for the fact that sea and wind can influence how the day feels (and sometimes the exact sailing experience). That doesn’t usually ruin the day—because the itinerary still revolves around swimming where conditions allow—but it’s worth going in with flexibility.

Stop 1: Gidaki Beach for snorkeling in crystalline water

The day’s first big payoff is a longer sail toward the east side of Ithaca, then your first jump at Gidaki Beach. This is where you get the “why we came by boat” moment fast—because you’re swimming in crystalline blue-green water, and you don’t waste the morning on detours.

Gidaki is described as a top beach for Ithaca and one of the best beaches in Greece. The details matter because they shape what your swim feels like. It’s a pebbled beach, with larger pebbles on the western side and smaller ones on the east. Also, the bay is open, so you can swim more freely from one side to the other, instead of feeling boxed in.

You get about 40 minutes at this stop. That’s usually enough for one solid snorkeling session plus a bit of hanging out afterward. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t have to wrestle with bringing your own equipment.

My practical tip: if you want photos or calmer entry, go in with the flow. The crew’s timing will make it easier, especially if they’re managing everyone’s gear handoff.

Potential drawback here is simple: pebbles can feel rough on bare feet if you’re spending more time on the shore than in the water. If you’re sensitive, it’s worth coming with footwear you’re comfortable wearing on rocky edges (without assuming the tour provides anything beyond snorkeling gear).

Stop 2: Skinos Bay beach time, plus lunch onboard

After the first swim, the cruise shifts toward another highlight: Skinos Bay Beach. This stop also runs around 1 hour 15 minutes, which is generous compared to many single-swim boat tours.

Here’s where the day gets easier: lunch is prepared on board and served with drinks. The meal is described as traditional Greek food, and it comes with soft drinks, beers, and local wine. There are also snacks and fruits, plus bottled water.

This is the part I value most if you’re traveling with people who get hungry at inconvenient times. You’re not trying to find a restaurant, you’re not standing in a heatwave deciding what to eat. Food just shows up onboard while the boat is at the bay.

Why Skinos Bay works: it’s on the east of Ithaca, surrounded by pine trees, and the scenery is described as breathtaking. Even if you don’t spend hours staring (you’ll probably be too busy swimming and eating), those views make the sail and lunch feel like more than just moving between checkpoints.

One note from experience-style feedback: when the day is calm, lunch can feel like the main event. The good news is that the food is included and served as part of the cruise rhythm. The caution is that a small number of people felt the onboard meal was mediocre or not as filling as they expected for the price. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it means you should have realistic expectations: it’s a day-cruise lunch designed for convenience, not a multi-course restaurant blowout.

Stop 3: Talaros Beach (Pera Pigadia Bay) for calm, warm swims

After lunch, you head toward the south coast of Ithaca. Your final swim stop is Talaros Beach (Pera Pigadia Bay). This is a shorter stop—about 40 minutes—but it’s often the best kind of finale: lighter crowds, calm water, and a simple plan.

The water here is described as calm, warm, and smooth. That matters a lot if you’re not feeling confident in rougher conditions or you just want an easy swim. It’s the kind of place where you can snorkel without fighting the water first.

The idea of a “little gem” is how it’s framed, and the location supports that. If the previous stop had you focused on clear, open swimming, this one is more about settling in and enjoying the sensation of easy water.

Then you sail back to Agia Efimia, arriving around after 17:00.

The onboard experience: snorkeling gear, SUP, and small comforts

This cruise isn’t only about swimming locations. It’s also about what you can do once you’re out there.

You’ll have snorkeling gear provided. That’s a big deal because snorkeling can turn into a hassle when you’re hunting gear at the last second. Here, you can focus on the water and the views instead of logistically preparing.

You also get SUP stand-up paddle available. It’s included, which I always appreciate because it’s an extra activity you can try without paying separately. Whether you actually use it depends on your comfort and the day’s water conditions, but having it there gives you more options during the in-between parts of the itinerary.

Other onboard conveniences:

• Restroom on board
• Free wifi internet
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages included (beer and wine), plus soft drinks

And because the group is capped at 10, the vibe usually stays relaxed. You’re less likely to feel rushed into or out of each swim.

One extra detail I like: the itinerary uses specific swim durations and rest time built into a full day. That structure is helpful, especially if you want to spend time in the water but still keep energy for eating and relaxing.

Views throughout the day, not just at the stops

The cruise is about more than three checkmarks. The route is designed so you admire coast views while you’re sailing, and you don’t feel stuck waiting.

When you’re comparing day trips, this is a real advantage. Many boat tours waste your day with long stretches where you’re basically hanging out. Here, the day is spaced: sail, swim, eat, swim, then sail back.

Also, the sailing itself can vary depending on the wind. One account notes that in the morning there wasn’t much wind, but the sailing portion was still interesting. The takeaway for you: even if the boat isn’t flying on a perfect breeze, you still get the value from the swimming stops, the food rhythm, and the onboard comforts.

Price and value: $181.02 for a full day on the water

At $181.02 per person, you’re paying for a full-day experience that bundles several costs into one price: boat time, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks and fruits, drinks (beer and wine plus soft drinks), plus additional activity options like SUP.

Is it good value? For the right traveler, yes. You’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying access to multiple swimming spots around Ithaca, plus you’re covered with gear and meals. For groups who would otherwise pay separately for snorkeling rentals, boat access, and lunch out in town, the package can feel fair.

But value depends on your expectations for the meal. The strongest positives focus on the food quality and the overall day vibe. The main complaint is about portion size or perceived value of the onboard lunch.

So I’d frame it like this: if you want a day where logistics are handled and you mainly care about water time, it’s likely worth it. If your number-one priority is a top-tier restaurant-style lunch, you might want to mentally separate this from a food-focused tour.

Who should book this cruise—and who might pass

This tour fits best if you:

• Want multiple swimming stops with minimal planning
• Prefer a small group over large crowds
• Care about snorkeling enough to want gear provided
• Like the idea of an included meal and drinks during the day

It also makes sense for couples, friends, and families. The itinerary is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced skills beyond basic swimming comfort for snorkeling.

You might pass if:

• You’re hoping for long hours walking around villages or towns
• You’re extremely picky about onboard meal portion size or restaurant-level food
• You want maximum sailing time if wind is inconsistent (the schedule still focuses on swim stops, so the sailing may feel more like transit on some days)

Should you book this Ithaca cruise?

If your ideal day includes swimming first, eating without stress, and sailing between beaches, then I think this is a strong pick. The combination of provided snorkeling gear, included lunch with wine and beer, and onboard extras like SUP makes it feel like a complete day, not a rushed stop-and-go.

The decision hinges on one thing: how you feel about the lunch component and a day that stays mostly on the water. If you can accept a convenient Greek meal rather than a restaurant feast, you’ll probably find the overall balance very satisfying.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start and when does it end?

It starts at 9:00 am and returns to the meeting point after 17:00.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Dodoni Agias Eyfimias, Ag. Effimia 280 81, Greece. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What does the tour include for food and drinks?

Lunch (traditional Greek food), snacks, fruits, and refreshments are included, along with wine and beers. Bottled water is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a SUP stand-up paddle included?

Yes. A SUP stand-up paddle is included.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Free wifi internet is included.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the transfer to and from the port included?

No. Transfer to and from the port is not included.

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