Luxury Day Cruises to Ithaca – swimming, snorkeling food and more !

There are days that feel like a cheat code. This luxury-style sail around Ithaca nails the mix of crystal-water swims and an easy, all-in-one day led by Evangelous and Evia. I especially like that you do not spend the trip thinking about logistics, because snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are built into the day.

The possible drawback is simple: you are on the boat between bays, so if you are hoping for lots of shore-and-town sightseeing from afar, this is more about beaches reached by water. Also, sailing can be affected by wind, though the day still revolves around swimming time and great hosting.

Key points that matter before you go

• Small group size (up to 10 travelers) means a calmer boat day and easier attention from the crew
• Snorkeling gear + SUP are included, so you can go from sitting to swimming without a run to a shop
• Lunch and drinks are included, including wine and beer, plus snacks and fruit
• Three distinct bay stops give you variety, from pebbly Gidaki to calmer Pigadia waters
• Free wifi and a restroom on board help you stay comfortable and un-rushed
• No port transfers included, so plan how you will reach Agia Efimia (near public transportation)

A sail day on Ithaca that stays practical

I love Greek cruises that feel like a real day out, not a hurried checklist. This one works because it is timed around the water, with a long sail out east and then a straightforward sequence of swim stops. You get enough time at each place to actually enjoy the water, not just dip your toes and rush back.

The “luxury” part here is less about fancy frills and more about comfort and smooth pacing. You have a restroom on board, free wifi, and a crew that focuses on keeping the day relaxed. You also have food and drinks handled, so you can spend your energy on sunscreen, hats, and getting in the water.

And yes, the hosts matter. The names Evangelous and Evia come up again and again, and you can tell they are there to make the day feel easy, from getting you set up with snorkeling gear to serving lunch without turning it into a production.

Boarding, timing, and how to plan your day

Your start time is 9:00 am, with the activity ending back at the meeting point in Agia Efimia (after about 5:00 pm). The duration is around 8 hours, which is a sweet spot for a sailing day. You get a full beach-and-snorkel experience without losing your whole evening.

The meeting point is Dodoni Agias Efimia, Ag. Efimia 280 81, Greece. The day ends back there too, so you can plan dinner nearby. One important detail: transfers to and from the port are not included. You’ll want to have a clear plan for getting to Agia Efimia in the morning and back afterward.

Good news for coordination: the tour is near public transportation and is offered in English. It also has a mobile ticket, which makes last-minute phone checks simple.

What makes the 3-stop route so good

This cruise is built around three waterside choices, each with a different feel. That matters because Ithaca’s best swimming spots are not always the easiest to reach by land. A boat day solves that. You do not just pick one beach and sit there for hours.

The stops are also arranged so you get a proper swim early, a break with lunch in the middle, then another calm-water session near the end. If you like variety, it is a smart rhythm. If you just want to float, snack, and repeat, it still works because each stop is built for swimming.

Stop 1: Gidaki Beach for snorkeling in pebbly paradise

You begin with a longer sail toward the east of Ithaca, and then you hit Gidaki Beach for the first swim stop. This is the “crystalline blue-green waters” moment, the kind that makes you say, okay, I am glad we came.

A few details that help you enjoy it more:

• The beach is pebbled, with larger pebbles on the western side and smaller ones on the east.
• The bay is open, and swimming is possible from one side to the other.

That open bay setup is useful. It means you can find your comfort zone, whether you want to swim a little farther or stay closer to the shore. Snorkeling here is the big draw, and since snorkeling gear is provided, you can focus on the water rather than renting equipment at the last minute.

What you do at the end of the swim is almost as important as the swim itself. You get a snack and drink there, so you do not leave feeling like you have to sprint back to “real food” later.

Stop 2: Skinos Bay, lunch on board, and pine-tree scenery

Next comes the lunch portion, served on board as you enjoy the approach to the Skinos Bay area. The cruise sets course for Skinos Bay Beach, and lunch is prepared and served on the boat.

Here is what you get with lunch and drinks:

• traditional Greek food for lunch
• soft drinks, beers, and local wine
• plus snacks and fruit during the day

This stop matters because it is both practical and scenic. Skinos is described as a bay to the east of Ithaca with pine trees around it, and that kind of framing changes the mood. You feel like you are taking a break in a real coastal setting rather than just eating while you wait for the next swim.

Drawback to keep in mind: you are eating on board, not on shore. If you love wandering streets after lunch, this is not that day. But if you want to keep the pace slow and stay mostly in “vacation mode,” it is a win.

Stop 3: Talaros Beach at Pera Pigadia Bay for calmer late swims

After lunch, the cruise goes to the south coast of Ithaca for Talaros Beach, also referred to as Pera Pigadia Bay. This is positioned as the calmer finale: the waters are described as calm, warm, and smooth, ideal for swimming.

Late in the day, calm water is exactly what you want. It is easier on tired legs, and it is great for a relaxed snorkel or just floating. It also makes a difference if you have kids, or if someone in your group prefers gentler water.

Once you finish, you sail back to Agia Efimia and arrive around after 5:00 pm. That timing is helpful because it gives you enough evening left for dinner without rushing.

Food and drinks that feel like part of the experience

I like tours where the included meal is not an afterthought. Here, lunch is traditional Greek food served on board, and it comes with drinks like beers and local wine. You also get snacks and fruit, plus bottled water.

This is the kind of inclusion that actually changes the value of the day. If you have ever paid for boat tickets and then spent the afternoon buying drinks one by one, you know how quickly costs add up. Here, the day is set up so you can keep enjoying the stops without doing math in your head.

One more thoughtful detail: there are refreshments beyond just lunch, so you are not stuck waiting for a single meal window. That helps when the timing shifts slightly due to the sea.

If you have dietary needs, the best hint from the information you have is that there is an option for gluten-free. If you need it, you should request it when booking so the crew can plan accordingly.

Snorkeling gear and SUP: included fun, no extra stops

This is not one of those tours where snorkeling means you bring your own kit. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get access to a SUP stand up paddle.

For a day this short, that matters. You can spend time in the water instead of spending time “gear shopping.” You can also switch activities depending on how you feel. One moment you might be snorkeling, the next you might want to paddle slowly and enjoy the scenery from the surface.

Quick practical tip for snorkeling days: keep your first minutes simple. Adjust your mask, get comfortable with breathing, and then explore. That way you enjoy the water instead of fighting equipment.

If you plan to use the SUP, pick a calm time. The cruise’s calmer final bay should be a better setting for a slower paddle than a rougher stretch of open water between stops.

Comfort on board: small details that help

A few things make a boat day easier, and this one includes several:

• a restroom on board
• free wifi internet
• bottled water
• a group size limited to around 10 travelers

The group size cap is a big deal. With a smaller crowd, it feels less chaotic when everyone wants to snorkel or set up near the same spot. You get more of a “crew takes care of you” feeling.

Also, you should expect the normal boat-day rhythm: some waiting while everyone gathers, some time to move between positions, and a bit of sun management. That is part of the deal. The comfort features just make it less stressful.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At about $181 per person for roughly 8 hours, this is not a budget half-day. But it can still be good value because you are buying a full package:

• snorkeling gear
• SUP access
• lunch with traditional Greek food
• snacks, fruit, refreshments
• beers and local wine
• bottled water
• restroom and wifi on board

If you were to add up those pieces separately, the price makes more sense. The day also includes three swimming stops that you would likely struggle to access easily on your own.

What could make it feel pricey is if you only care about one beach and you are not the type to enjoy snorkeling, paddling, or a meal on board. If that is you, a different style of outing might fit better.

But if you want a full day built around water time and food handled for you, this pricing sits in a reasonable zone.

Who this tour fits best

This cruise is ideal for couples, friends, and families. The pace is relaxed, and the stops are swim-friendly. The calm-water finale is especially good if you want an easier last swim.

It also works well if you are the type who likes to make fewer decisions while traveling. You show up, hop on, swim, eat, repeat. For many people, that is the best kind of vacation day.

If your group includes people who do not want to snorkel, that is fine too. You can still swim, you can use the SUP, and you can spend the time enjoying the bays from the boat.

A note about wind and expectations

Sailing depends on conditions, and it is possible you might not get maximum wind power every moment. The good part is that the day still focuses on swimming and time at each bay.

So instead of thinking of this as a sailing spectacle first, think of it as a boat that gets you to the right water at the right times. That mindset keeps expectations aligned with the experience.

Should you book this Ithaca cruise?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want an easy, small-group day that centers on swimming, snorkeling, and an included meal. The combination of provided gear, three distinct bays, and hosts like Evangelous and Evia is a strong formula for a memorable day without stress.

Skip it if your top priority is shore sightseeing, long walks on land, or dramatic town views from the water. This day is made for water lovers, and the best payoffs come when you treat the day like a sequence of swims and breaks, not a coastal tour with lots of stops for exploring.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts about 8 hours, with the day ending back at the meeting point after around 5:00 pm.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included with traditional Greek food, plus snacks, fruit, refreshments, and bottled water. Beers and local wine are also included.

Is there a place to use the restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Is there Wi-Fi during the cruise?

Yes, free wifi internet is included.

Are transfers to and from the port included?

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