Argostoli: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch

A wooden boat day in Kefalonia, pure pleasure.

This full-day Argostoli cruise on the traditional wooden boat Artemis takes you to White Rocks, Vardiani (Rabbit Island), and Xi Beach, with swimming time built into each stop. You also get a traditional homemade Greek lunch and free local wine, plus a water slide off the boat for the kind of cooling off you will remember later.

What I like most is the combo of beach time plus real food. Expect a lunch that includes moussaka, salad, and drinks during the meal, and if you request it in advance you can get a vegetarian lunch option (one example mentioned is stuffed peppers). The second big win is the free-flowing drinks part of the day, where local wine and water are offered throughout, and many people also enjoy sangria with the meal and onboard cruising.

One thing to think about before you book: you may have dinghy transfers or swim ashore for beach time. That is normal on some boat cruises in this area, but it can be a surprise if you were expecting to step directly onto the sand from the boat.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Wooden boat feel on Artemis, with a relaxed, friendly crew and a day paced for swimming and hanging out
• Three standout stops, including Xi Beach’s red-sand clay and Vardiani’s quiet island ruins
• Homemade lunch with options, including vegetarian if you request in advance
• Water slide time, a big hit for both adults and kids when the boat is anchored
• Plan around weather, since routes and stops can shift if conditions are rough

Timing and the Argostoli start: what the day feels like

The cruise runs for about 8 hours, leaving at 10:00 from the port in Argostoli and returning around 17:00. That timing matters because you get a full day in the water, without the all-day grind that makes everyone tired and grumpy.

After you depart, you’re treated to a view of Argostoli as the boat heads south toward the White Rocks area. It is the kind of start that makes the day feel like a journey, not just a series of stops.

White Rocks and the first swim: turquoise coves with hidden corners

White Rocks is your first stop, and it’s described as a jewel with turquoise-blue waters and secluded bays tucked under steep hills. The practical takeaway is that this is a swim-and-relax kind of place, not a quick look from a single viewpoint.

Once you’re there, you’ll want to give yourself time to explore the water and find a comfortable spot for swimming. The scenery around these coves is part of the appeal, but what you’ll actually feel is how calm the water can look when you’re tucked into the right bay.

If weather turns choppy, this is also the stop most likely to change. On one windy day, the captain rerouted to other private islands instead, so the big idea is that the day still happens, even if the exact shoreline you planned for shifts.

Vardiani (Rabbit Island): a small island break with lunch views

Your second stop is Vardiani, often called Rabbit Island, near the entrance of the bay of Kefalonia. It sits within walking distance from Xi Beach in Lixouri, and it is known as the most famous uninhabited island in Kefalonia.

What you’ll find there is a small church and some ruins, which means this stop feels quieter and more “get out and wander” than “party beach.” It’s also where the day’s meal can land in an idyllic setting, so you’re eating while surrounded by something that feels simpler and older than the main tourist strips.

The best way to enjoy Vardiani is to pace yourself. Do your photos and short stroll, then settle in and enjoy the island atmosphere without rushing back to the boat.

Xi Beach and the red-sand clay treatment you can try

Xi Beach is the final destination, and it’s one of the most distinctive beaches in southern Kefalonia. The sand is known for its deep red tone and the natural clay that comes from the rocks on the beach.

You can use that clay for a rejuvenating treatment, which is basically the fun, hands-on version of a spa moment. I like experiences like this because you are not just watching something from a deck chair, you can actually participate in the local material, rinse off later, and move on with the day feeling refreshed.

Swim comfort here can vary with conditions, so bring a practical mindset: check the water and footing when you arrive, then commit to a spot. If the water is calmer, this is where you’ll want longer hangout time, because it’s the kind of place that keeps you busy without you needing a schedule.

Onboard life with Artemis Express: crew, drinks, and the water slide

The boat experience is a major part of the value. This is a traditional wooden boat called Artemis, and it helps the day feel more like a coastal outing than a bus tour wearing swim trunks.

One of the most consistent praises is the crew’s friendly, attentive service. People noted constant check-ins, drinks served during the day, and a relaxed, well-run feel. Some named highlights include Captain George, who and the crew went above and beyond to keep things fun and smooth.

Drinks are also woven into the day. Local wine and water are included throughout, and sangria appears as a crowd favorite. You’ll also find little touches like watermelon served onboard, which sounds small but makes the cruise feel personal.

And then there is the water slide. It’s one of those rare “everyone has an opinion” activities where the fun is real, and the cooling effect is immediate. Reviews described it as especially popular, even among adults, and it’s perfect for a mid-afternoon reset when you feel warm from sun and salt.

You might also get extra activities like stand-up paddle boards, depending on conditions and how the crew runs the day. In at least one case, the captain even gave passengers a chance to steer and talk through the engine, which is a great reminder that the crew’s knowledge and comfort level are part of the experience.

Lunch: homemade Greek comfort, plus vegetarian planning

Lunch is not an afterthought here. You’re served a traditional Greek homemade meal, and the day is paced so you can enjoy it instead of eating something cold while standing.

Moussaka and salad are the go-to main meal mentioned, with drinks included during lunch. If you want a vegetarian option, you need to request it in advance, and one example given was stuffed peppers that felt homemade rather than boxed.

This matters for your day because food like this helps you recharge for the next swim period. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets cranky after a few hours on the water, a real lunch makes the whole timing feel easier.

Beach transfers, what might surprise you, and how to prepare

Boat cruises in Kefalonia often mean you don’t always step directly onto land from the main vessel. The included boat transfer helps, but one detail to be ready for is that transfers to beach stops can happen by dinghy, or you may need to swim ashore.

That’s the only drawback I’d flag clearly. If you have mobility concerns or you dislike wet entry, plan around it. Even if you are fine with it, it helps to bring shoes you trust for uneven water entry and a bag you can seal for your phone.

Also, pack like this is a beach day with movement: sun protection, a towel, swimwear you don’t mind repeating, and a dry change for after. You’ll thank yourself when you’re back onboard and it’s time to head for Argostoli.

Price and value: why $76 can feel fair for this day

At $76 per person for an 8-hour cruise, you’re paying for the full package: boat time, multiple swim stops, lunch, and drinks. Many “cheaper” days out around islands end up costing you more when you add food and transport, especially if you’re staying in Argostoli and want the south coast without a rental car.

Here, the biggest value levers are:

• Lunch included with real Greek food (not a token snack)
• Local wine and water included throughout the day
• Onboard fun built in, especially the water slide
• Time-saving logistics, since the boat handles getting you between the shoreline stops

Could you do beaches on your own for less? Sure, but that usually means driving, finding parking, and piecing together separate meals. This cruise turns it into one smooth day.

Who this cruise suits best

This tour fits best if you want an easy day plan with enough beach time to actually enjoy swimming, and you don’t want to worry about transport between the coast highlights.

It is also a strong fit for:

• Families, because the water slide adds a guaranteed activity
• Couples who want a romantic day with good food and multiple scenery stops
• Groups of friends who like a relaxed rhythm and onboard social energy

If you hate boats or you strongly prefer stepping straight onto sand, you might find the transfer setup annoying. But if you’re flexible and ready for a classic island day, it is a very satisfying way to see Kefalonia’s south coast.

Should you book the Artemis Full-Day Boat Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, enjoyable day that mixes swimming at three different beaches with a proper Greek lunch and included drinks. The value is solid because you’re not just paying for views, you’re paying for a full day of organized beach time and onboard fun.

Skip it only if the idea of dinghy-style transfers or a wet entry feels stressful for you. If you can handle that small logistics reality, this is the kind of day where the water slide, homemade meal, and dramatic Kefalonia bays do most of the work for you.

FAQ

What time does the Argostoli boat cruise start and end?

The cruise starts at 10:00 from the port of Argostoli and returns at around 17:00. It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from the port of Argostoli.

What stops are included during the cruise?

The cruise includes stops at White Rocks, Vardiani (Rabbit Island), and Xi Beach.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Lunch is included, and a vegetarian lunch option is available if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Local wine and water are included throughout the day, and refreshments are provided during lunch.

Is the water slide included?

Yes. There is a water slide for using from the boat.

What happens if weather is poor?

The schedule may change or the cruise may be canceled due to poor weather conditions.