Argostoli: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch

The best part of the Artemis day cruise is the mix of quiet coves, open-water swimming, and a proper homemade lunch served aboard a traditional wooden boat. You leave Argostoli at 10:00 and spend the day reaching places that are difficult to visit by road.

I like the three distinct stops, from the turquoise bays below White Rocks to the red sand of Xi Beach. I also like the easygoing hospitality: George and the crew keep drinks moving, offer watermelon, and make the boat feel social without turning the day into a noisy party. The main thing to consider is access to shore. At some stops, you may reach land by small dinghy or by swimming from the boat, which can surprise anyone expecting a standard beach transfer.

Key points

• Traditional wooden Artemis: An eight-hour cruise from Argostoli, running roughly from 10:00 to 17:00.
• White Rocks bays: Swim in clear water below steep hills and coastal paths, weather permitting.
• Vardiani, or Rabbit Island: Eat lunch near a tiny church and the remains of this uninhabited island.
• Xi Beach: Walk on red sand and try the natural clay from the beach rocks.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect homemade Greek food, local wine, water, refreshments, and vegetarian food by advance request.
• Water fun: Use the boat’s slide, jump into the sea, and enjoy stand-up paddle boards when available.

A Full Day on Kefalonia’s West Coast

This is not a quick sightseeing boat. At eight hours, the cruise gives you time to swim, eat, sit in the sun, and enjoy the ride between stops. That pace matters in Kefalonia, where the best coastal views often come from the water rather than a roadside lookout.

The boat leaves Argostoli at 10:00 and returns at about 17:00. From the port, you get a different view of the city as the Artemis heads south. The traditional wooden boat gives the outing more character than a basic ferry transfer, though anyone prone to seasickness should still remember that this is a full day on open water.

The crew speaks Greek, English, and Italian. George is mentioned by name as one of the people helping on board, and the crew’s role is active rather than purely functional. Drinks are offered during the day, fresh watermelon may appear between swims, and the captain keeps an eye on the group.

The boat is wheelchair accessible according to the activity information. Still, the shore transfers deserve a direct question before booking if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. One stop may involve a dinghy or swimming ashore, so the boat’s accessibility does not necessarily mean every beach landing is step-free.

White Rocks and the First Swim

The first stop is the White Rocks area, south of Argostoli. This coast is marked by steep hills, green paths, pale rock, and clear turquoise water. Small bays sit below the cliffs, and the attraction is less about a famous landmark than the feeling of reaching a quiet stretch of coast by boat.

This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water early. You can swim near the boat and take in the coast from sea level. The water slide is available for a more playful entrance, and the boat has also been used with stand-up paddle boards.

Weather matters here. Wind can force a change to the plan, as happened on one outing when the captain replaced White Rocks with another private island. That is worth keeping in mind if White Rocks is the main reason you are booking. The captain may protect the day by changing the route, but a weather adjustment means the exact advertised sequence is not guaranteed.

You should also pack for a swim rather than treating this as a cruise where you remain on deck. The strongest part of White Rocks is the water itself, and you will get more from the stop if you are comfortable swimming from the boat or using a small transfer craft.

Lunch Beside Vardiani, the Rabbit Island

The second stop is Vardiani, often called Rabbit Island. It sits near the entrance to Kefalonia’s bay, close to Xi Beach and the Lixouri area. The island is uninhabited, with a small church and ruins, so this is not a stop for shops, cafés, or a long list of sights.

Its appeal is the setting. You eat in a quiet island location, with open water around you and very little built development. The meal is part of the cruise rather than a rushed break at a restaurant, which makes this stop feel more like a shared Greek day out.

Lunch typically includes moussaka and salad, with generous portions and drinks served alongside it. Local wine and water are included, and sangria has also been served on the boat. Soft refreshments are available during lunch, so you are not limited to wine.

If you request a vegetarian meal in advance, the food may include homemade stuffed peppers. Do not leave that request until the morning of departure. The activity specifically asks for vegetarian arrangements ahead of time, which gives the crew a chance to prepare.

The food is a real part of the value here. At $76 per person, you are not only paying for transport between beaches. You are also getting a full day aboard the boat, a hot Greek meal, wine and water, and staff attention throughout the trip. Comparable beach time by car would still require fuel, parking, food, and separate access to the water, though a land-based day gives you more control over your schedule.

Xi Beach and Its Red Sand

The final destination is Xi Beach in southern Kefalonia, near Lixouri. Xi is famous for its unusual red and deep orange sand, created by the rocks along the shore. The color is the main visual change of the day, after the pale rocks and bright water around White Rocks.

Xi is also known for its natural clay. You can use the clay from the beach as a simple skin treatment, then wash it off in the sea. It is a lighthearted part of the stop, not a spa service, so bring a sense of humor rather than expecting a polished beauty treatment.

This is likely the easiest stop for children and anyone who prefers a proper beach. One family outing found the water slide and Xi Beach especially popular with children, while adults also enjoyed the slide. The boat’s water activities give the day energy, but you can also keep things simple by swimming, sitting on the sand, and watching the coast.

One practical detail matters here: beach access may not always mean walking straight from a dock onto the sand. Transfers can involve the dinghy, and some people may choose to swim ashore. If that sounds difficult, ask Artemis Express how the current day’s landing will work.

The Artemis Boat and Its Water Activities

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel, and that gives the trip a more local feel than a modern speedboat. The ride is part of the experience, not just a way to move between points. The captain has even allowed passengers to see how the boat is operated and explained parts of the engine.

The pace is generally gentle. One passenger with concern about seasickness found the boat’s movement comfortable, but conditions change with the weather. The schedule can be altered or canceled in poor weather, so keep the forecast in mind and avoid placing this cruise on the final day of a tightly planned trip.

The slide is the star attraction for many people. It is not only for children. Adults use it too, and it offers an easy way to turn a calm swim stop into something more active. You can also jump from the boat, and stand-up paddle boards have been available during the cruise.

The activities are optional, which is important. You can enjoy the boat without using the slide or paddle boards. If you prefer a quiet day, there is still plenty to do: watch the coast, swim, eat, and let the crew handle the timing.

Food, Drinks, and the Feel of the Day

The food is homemade Greek fare rather than a generic packed lunch. Moussaka and salad have been served, along with vegetarian stuffed peppers when requested. The portions are described as plentiful, and the meal gives the afternoon a proper pause after the first swimming stop.

Local wine and water are included throughout the day, with refreshments at lunch. Sangria has also been a popular choice. Fresh watermelon served between activities adds a welcome break in the heat.

The atmosphere is friendly and informal. The crew checks on people, brings drinks around, and helps with the practical side of swimming and transfers. That service makes a difference on an eight-hour outing. You are not left to manage every detail yourself.

Still, this is a shared boat experience, not a private charter. The social mood may suit you if you like meeting people and joining in with the slide or group meal. If you want complete silence, a secluded private cove, and your own departure times, a private boat would be a better fit, though it would likely cost much more.

Is $76 a Fair Price?

At $76 per person, this is a solid value if you plan to use the whole day. The price includes the boat, three coastal destinations, lunch, local wine, water, refreshments during lunch, and the water slide. The cruise also saves you from arranging separate transport to White Rocks, Vardiani, and Xi Beach.

The value is strongest for people who want a complete day rather than a short scenic ride. You get swimming time, a meal, drinks, and beach access in one booking. The experience also includes places that are awkward to connect by land in a single day.

The value is weaker if you do not swim, dislike group outings, or mainly want to see Argostoli from the water. In that case, an eight-hour schedule may feel long. You are paying for the full rhythm of the day, including stops and lunch, not simply for a boat transfer.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Weather can still change the plan, so leave room in your itinerary if seeing White Rocks or Xi Beach on a specific day is important.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend it for families, couples, and groups of friends who want swimming, food, and scenery in one day. Children have plenty to enjoy at Xi Beach and on the slide, while adults get wine, homemade food, and relaxed time on deck.

It also suits anyone without a car who wants to see more of Kefalonia’s coast. The cruise links White Rocks, Vardiani, and Xi Beach without asking you to plan several separate trips.

You should think twice if you need firm access to every beach, cannot swim from a boat, or are uncomfortable with a small dinghy transfer. Ask about the exact landing arrangements before booking. You should also keep a weather backup, since wind may change the route.

Final Recommendation

Book the Artemis cruise if you want an active, social day on Kefalonia with clear water, unusual beaches, a homemade Greek lunch, and plenty of time to swim. The strongest points are the warm crew, generous food and drinks, and the mix of peaceful coves with playful features such as the water slide.

Choose another plan if you need a fixed itinerary or easy walk-on beach access at every stop. For most people who can handle a full day at sea, the $76 price covers enough food, transport, and activity to make this one of Argostoli’s better-value coastal outings.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the port of Argostoli in Kefalonia.

What time does the cruise run?

It starts at 10:00 in the morning and returns at about 17:00. The total duration is eight hours.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned stops are the White Rocks area, Vardiani, also called Rabbit Island, and Xi Beach. Poor weather can change the route.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a traditional Greek lunch, along with local wine and water.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian lunch can be arranged if you request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

Local wine and water are included throughout the day, with refreshments served during lunch. Sangria has also been available on the boat.

Can I use a water slide?

Yes. The boat has a water slide for entering the sea. Stand-up paddle boards have also been available during the cruise.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The schedule may change, or the cruise may be canceled, if weather conditions are poor. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.