This is a day cruise built for water time. You get snorkeling stops and lunch and drinks while sailing along Ithaca’s coast, guided by Vangelis and Evina. The pace is relaxed, and the setting is all about swimming and views from the boat.

One thing to consider: this route focuses on beach access, so if your main goal is town and village sightseeing from the water, you may find it a bit light on that kind of panorama. Still, for most people, the swim time and included food package are the payoff.

Key highlights at a glance

• Three swimming beaches in one day with short, easy hops between stops
• Snorkeling gear included, plus a SUP (stand up paddle) onboard
• Greek lunch, snacks, fruit, and drinks served during the cruise
• Small group size, capped at 10 travelers, which keeps it more personal
• Free wifi and a restroom onboard, so you are not scrambling for basics
• Weather dependent, with an alternate date or full refund if conditions cancel it

Why this Ithaca day cruise feels like a beach vacation in motion

The best thing about this kind of luxury day cruise is that it removes the work from your day. You show up, get on board, and the itinerary carries you to three different swim spots around Ithaca without you needing to drive, park, or coordinate anything.

I like that the day is structured around swimming. The timing is not random, and you get short blocks at each location so you can actually enjoy the water instead of spending most of the day transferring. The cruise is also a good fit for mixed groups, including couples and families, because the activities are flexible. You can snorkel, swim, paddle, or just float and take in the views while the boat moves.

One more practical win: with a maximum of 10 travelers, the day tends to feel calmer than big-tour chaos. You are not fighting for space at the rail or waiting in a long line for lunch.

The big value: snorkeling gear, lunch, wine, and SUP on board

Pricing at $181.02 per person can feel high until you look at what you are actually getting. Here, a lot of the extras are folded in. You are not just buying transportation and a couple of quick stops. You are paying for a full day at sea that includes:

• Lunch with traditional Greek food, plus snacks and fruit
• Soft drinks, beers, and local wine
• Snorkeling equipment
• A SUP stand up paddle
• Bottled water and restroom onboard
• Free wifi

That matters because beach time is only half the story. On a hot island day, being taken care of with food and drinks changes how you pace yourself. You can snorkel first, then eat without having to find a tavern or pack your own supplies.

Also, one reviewer pointed out there was an option for no gluten lunch on board. I would not assume it is available every time without asking, but if that matters to you, it is a good sign that dietary needs can be accommodated.

Stop 1, Gidaki Beach: pebbles, crystal water, and an easy snorkel session

Your day starts with a longer sail toward the east of Ithaca, then you get to drop into the water at Gidaki Beach. This is the kind of place people talk about for its clarity. The water is described as crystalline blue-green, and the bay is open enough that you can swim more than one direction, not just straight out and back.

Gidaki is a pebbled beach, with larger pebbles on the western side and smaller ones on the eastern side. If you hate stepping onto rocks, plan for that. Even if you are a confident swimmer, you may appreciate water shoes for a more comfortable entry and exit. Once you are in the water, that initial effort pays off because it is exactly the kind of spot where snorkeling makes sense.

You also get a snack or drink at the end of this stop, which helps you reset before the next sail. Time at the beach is about 40 minutes, so I suggest you treat it as a swim window, not a “wander and explore” moment. Go in ready to swim, snorkel if you want, and then come back to the boat before you run out of daylight energy.

Skinos Bay Beach and lunch on board: where the day turns into food and sailing

After the first swim, you move to Skinos Bay Beach. This is where lunch happens. Instead of eating somewhere onshore, the cruise prepares food and serves it on board. Lunch includes traditional Greek food along with soft drinks, beers, and local wine.

Skinos Bay is described as being surrounded by pine trees, and the setting is meant to feel scenic rather than industrial or crowded. You will get about 1 hour 15 minutes here, which is a comfortable chunk of time for eating, digesting, and then heading back into the water if you still want more.

Here is the practical takeaway: because lunch is onboard, you do not have to worry about finding shade, locating a menu, or timing your meal around bus schedules. You can simply settle, eat, and then decide whether you want to snorkel again or chill with a drink for a bit.

If you have a fussy crew member in your group, this stop is also where things usually go smoothly. There is enough time to eat properly, and the atmosphere stays relaxed since you are not competing with lots of other groups for tables.

Talaros Beach (Pera Pigadia Bay): calm water for a late-day swim

After lunch, you sail toward the south coast of Ithaca. Your final swim stop is Talaros Beach, also referred to as Pera Pigadia Bay. This is the last chance of the day to get back in the water, and the description is very clear: the waters are calm, warm, and smooth.

That matters because it changes what kind of swimming you will enjoy. Calm water is usually easier if you are not a strong swimmer or if you simply want a slower, floaty experience. It also tends to be friendlier for snorkeling when the water is less choppy.

Time here is about 40 minutes. Then you sail back to Agia Efimia, arriving at the port after 17:00. I love this structure because it gives you a classic rhythm: swim, eat, swim again, then sail back with time to shower and relax without feeling like the day swallowed your whole evening.

Sailing comfort, restroom setup, and the crew pace

A luxury day cruise is not just about views. It is about how the crew manages the day so you can actually enjoy it.

This one includes a restroom onboard, which sounds like a small detail until you are on a full-day sea plan. Free wifi is also included, so if you need to check messages or keep maps handy, you can. And since the tour offers a mobile ticket and is in English, it is simpler to show up, find your group, and get oriented.

The crew is led by Vangelis and Evina, and they come across as hands-on hosts. People describe them as incredible and as making the day feel like it all clicked into place. I take that seriously because the difference between a fun cruise and a frustrating one is often timing, attention, and whether the crew helps you feel comfortable with what to do next.

One small heads-up: the itinerary is weather dependent. If conditions are not good, the experience can be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund. So plan to travel with a little flexibility, especially if your schedule is tight.

What to pack and how to time your day right

Because this cruise includes multiple water stops and snorkeling gear, you should pack with wet hours in mind. At minimum, bring swimwear you can wear all day, and plan for pebbles at Gidaki Beach. Water shoes can be a big comfort upgrade for rockier entry points.

You will also want a lightweight layer for the boat ride, since sea breezes can cool you down even when it is hot on shore. And since lunch and drinks are included, you do not need to bring a full picnic, but you might still prefer a small personal snack if you have a very specific appetite.

Also, the day starts at 9:00 am and is about 8 hours long. That means you can treat it like your main activity for the day. If you are staying near Agia Efimia, you will appreciate being able to return by late afternoon without stretching into nighttime.

Price and who should book this Ithaca cruise

At $181.02 per person, the main question is value. In my view, the value here is strongest if you care about three things:

1) You want snorkeling gear included instead of renting it separately

2) You want food and drinks included, so your day stays easy

3) You want a guided day at sea with a small group and a calm pace

The cruise is set up for couples, friends, and families. It also works well for people who do not want to over-plan. You get three swim stops, snacks, fruit, and wine and beer at meal time.

The balanced note: not every experience will feel perfect. One criticism was that the meal could be mediocre for the price in terms of content and quantity. Another point was that you might not get much of a view of villages or towns from the boat. If those are your top priorities, you might be happier with a different kind of Ithaca outing that includes more land sightseeing.

Still, the overall rating is very strong, and the most praised aspects consistently point to the same core strengths: the staff welcome, the beach choices, and the onboard food-and-drink comfort.

Should you book Luxury Day Cruises to Ithaca?

I would book this if you are coming to the Kefalonia area and you want a simple, high-comfort day focused on water. The combo of three beach swim stops, included snorkeling gear, onboard lunch with wine and beer, and SUP time is exactly the sort of “less logistics, more enjoying” trip that works on a Greek island holiday.

I would think twice if your number one goal is exploring towns, viewpoints, and inland sights. This day is designed for swimming and sea time, not for land-based sightseeing. Also, if you have very specific needs around meal quantity or dietary requirements, ask in advance about what you can expect for lunch.

If your plan includes relaxing, getting in the water multiple times, and letting the crew handle the timing, this is an easy yes. Just plan for a weather-dependent day, wear something you can swim in, and treat it like a full, sun-and-sea experience from start to finish.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

The tour meets at Dodoni Agias Efimias, Agia Efimia 280 81, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the day cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What is included in the price?

Lunch (traditional Greek food), snacks and fruit, refreshments, wine and beers, snorkeling equipment, restroom on board, bottled water, SUP stand up paddle, and free wifi internet are included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes, beers and local wine are included.

Do I need transport to or from the port?

Transfer to and from the port is not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.