From Agia Efimia: All Inclusive Sailing Day Trip to Ithaca

A calm sail to Ithaca, with swims. From Agia Efimia, you cruise on Lily with a small crew, and I like how the day is built around swimming-first stops and local robola wine.

I also love the hands-on feeling, from snorkeling and paddle boards to the chance to steer with guidance when the skipper says the timing works. One downside to consider: at least one rider felt the boat did not sail much, with long stretches under motor.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Two swim and snorkeling stops in clear, sheltered water with time to just relax, not rush.
• Lunch on a pier setup that feels like a mini Greek beach picnic, with local food and drinks.
• Small-group pace (sailboat for up to 8 passengers) that makes it feel personal.
• Captain-adjusted swim spots when conditions demand it, with a focus on clean, calm water.
• Optional hands-on sailing if you want to try steering with skipper guidance.

Sailing from Agia Efimia to Ithaca, paced for comfort

This trip is for people who want Ithaca without the day feeling like a bus tour. You start from Agia Efimia and spend the day on a sailboat called Lily, with a small headcount (up to 8 passengers). It’s not a speedboat, and the pace reflects that, with comfortable sailing progress around 7 to 8 knots.

What I like about this format is that you are not just “going somewhere.” You are traveling slowly enough to enjoy the coast views and still get real swim time. If you get seasick easily, I’d take that seriously, because this is still time on the water, not a dry, cushy alternative.

You also have two starting location options for the day (the Harbour Office is one, and another option is the Harbour Office, Sail The Day Kefalonia). Your exact meeting point can vary, so check your booking details so you arrive at the correct dock.

Stop one at Gidaki Beach: swim, snorkel, and do less

The first water break is at Gidaki beach, with about an hour of free time built in. This is your chance to drop in right away, soak up sun, and decide how much effort you want to put into exploring underwater.

Because snorkeling equipment is included, you can go from “I’m just swimming” to “let’s see what’s down there” without extra planning. If you want paddle boarding too, you’ll have the gear available, and the crew can help you get going safely.

The best part here is that the water time is scheduled when you are still fresh, so it feels like a reward after the sailing leg, not a chore that happens at the end of the day. The tradeoff is obvious: if you are the type who hates getting your hair wet and your stuff salty, you’ll need a simple gear plan (extra dry bag, dry towel, and a towel you do not mind using hard).

Lunch in a calm cove: local food, served well

Midday is the long stretch, and it’s the part that tends to make this trip memorable. After another sailing segment, you get to the lunch anchorage, where you have roughly 2.25 hours for lunch plus swimming and snorkeling.

The food setup has been a standout for a lot of people. Expect a beachside style service on a pier with a table arrangement and shade, described as a gazebo-style setup. From the meals people talk about, you may see Greek staples like sardine bruschetta and lamb kleftiko, plus local products rather than generic catering.

Drinks are included, and robola wine shows up as part of the local angle. If you like your alcohol with your views, this is one of those days where that pairing actually makes sense, because you’re not rushing back to a hotel dinner.

Two practical notes. First, you’ll want to stay hydrated during the sun portion of the day, especially before lunch. Second, this is not a “sit down in a restaurant” experience, so go with the flow and enjoy that beach-picnic vibe.

Swim stop two at Lygia-Pera Pigadi, plus the small sailing moments

The day’s second major swim location is listed as Lygia-Pera Pigadi. It’s one of the reasons this trip feels different from longer cruises that only give you short, stop-and-go dips. Here, you get real time to swim, and snorkeling is available again, with paddle boards also on hand.

If you’re curious about the sailing side, there’s an option to steer the sailboat with guidance from the skipper. That matters because it turns the day from passive sightseeing into something you can participate in. On a small sailboat, even small chances to help with the boat feel more meaningful.

One thing to keep expectations in check: even though it’s a sailboat, it’s still practical cruising time. One person specifically mentioned that they did not see sails up as much as they expected, with motoring taking place for much of the day. So if you are buying this mainly for classic full-sail photo moments, temper that fantasy and focus on the water time and the cozy boat atmosphere instead.

The crew on Lily: Menios and Fotis set the tone

The experience runs through the crew, and the names that pop up most often are Menios along with Fotis. You’ll also see other crew members mentioned, including Vangelis and Tassos. The common thread across these reports is a calm, attentive style that tries to keep the day smooth for everyone on board.

They also have a useful power to adjust your plan. If weather or water conditions change, the captain can shift the swimming spots during the cruise and choose what looks cleanest and calmest. That’s not just nice to have. In the Ionian, where conditions can vary in short stretches, it can be the difference between easy floating and a rougher swim.

Language is Greek and English, so you can get clear answers about what’s next and where to go for each stop. Wi-Fi is included too, though I’d treat it as a bonus, not the reason you came.

What the included gear really means for your day

This trip includes snorkeling equipment and paddle boards. It also includes snacks, lunch, and drinks, plus Wi-Fi on board. That combination is a big part of the value because it reduces decision fatigue once you’re at sea.

Here’s how I’d use that in real life. Pack sunscreen that is biodegradable (this is specifically called out), bring a sun hat, and assume you’ll be in and out of the water. Sunglasses and a camera help, because the coves and coastline views are a big part of the payoff.

A towel and beachwear are essential. Bring them even if you think you can borrow something on the boat, because the day is water-heavy and you’ll want comfort after snorkeling.

Some people noted they brought their own snorkeling gear anyway, so if you have a particular fit for your mask or snorkel, you might prefer bringing your own. But if you do not have strong preferences, the included gear should cover you.

Price and what you’re getting for $176 per person

At $176 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for several things at once: time on a small sailboat, multiple swim stops, and full on-board food and drinks. The big value comes from the combo of (1) fewer people on a sailboat than a big day tour and (2) real water time at more than one location.

Also, this is not just “lunch included.” It’s lunch served on the water with a notable presentation, plus snacks and drinks during both sailing legs. If you’ve ever done day trips where food is an afterthought, this is the opposite. It’s built into the rhythm.

What’s not included is hotel pick up and drop off. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point, which is one reason this works best if you’re already nearby in Kefalonia and can reach the Harbour Office option without stress.

Who this sailing day is for, and who should skip it

This works especially well for couples and small groups who want a relaxed pace and prefer “real sea time” over constant sightseeing stops. It also seems well suited for milestone days, with people celebrating anniversaries and family memories on board.

If you have trouble with motion, do not ignore the warning. People prone to seasickness are listed as not suitable. And if mobility access is important for you, wheelchair users are not suited.

If you’re the type who likes structure but hates rigid schedules, this is a good balance. There are clear swim windows and a clear lunch anchor time, but the vibe is easy.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

Bring what you need for sun and comfort, not just for photos. Sunglasses, a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear are all specifically recommended.

Pack a simple system for wet and dry. The day is snorkeling and paddle boarding, so you’ll want a dry space for your phone and camera. If you’re sensitive to sun, add more sunscreen than you think you’ll need before your first swim stop.

Finally, be flexible about swimming spots. The captain may change the plan to find cleaner, calmer water. That is part of how this stays a swim-focused day even when conditions shift.

Should you book this Ithaca sailing day trip?

I’d book it if your priority is water time plus local food, and you want a small-group sail instead of a crowded ferry day. The value is strongest when you care about snorkeling, paddle boarding, and the calm rhythm of a sailboat like Lily.

I’d think twice if sailing look is the main goal. One rider expected more sail time with sails up, and that did not happen for them. I’d also skip it if you get seasick easily or need wheelchair access.

If that all fits, this is a great way to taste Ithaca from the Ionian Sea, with swim spots like Gidaki beach and Lygia-Pera Pigadi, a well-regarded lunch setup, and a crew that seems to care about how the day feels, from first meet to final drop-off.

FAQ

How long is the sailing day trip?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

It departs from Agia Efimia, with meeting points that may vary by option. One listed option is the Harbour Office, Sail The Day Kefalonia.

Is it private or a group tour?

It’s offered as private or small groups. The sailboat is described as comfortable for up to 8 passengers.

What activities are included during the day?

You get time for swimming and snorkeling, plus paddle boarding. The plan includes two swimming spots.

What swim locations are included?

The two swimming spots listed are Gidaki beach and Lygia-Pera Pigadi.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, and Wi-Fi are included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can the captain change the swimming spots during the cruise?

Yes. The captain can change swimming spots during the cruise if needed, choosing the cleanest and calmest waters.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, a camera, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is this trip suitable for wheelchair users or seasickness-prone passengers?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness.