Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks

Ithaca is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you a full day of coves, pebble beaches, sea caves, and the island’s small capital. The traditional wooden boat Christina III adds a genuine Ionian feel, while three swimming stops keep the day active rather than turning it into a long sightseeing cruise.

I like the well-spaced swimming stops, especially the chance to visit Gidaki Beach, and I like the 70 minutes in Vathi, which is enough time for a coffee, a walk, or a little shopping. The main consideration is comfort: the boat has seating, but no place to lie down, and strong wind can make the return to Sami rough.

Key points at a glance

• Christina III: Cruise on a handcrafted wooden boat rather than a large modern ferry.
• Three swimming stops: Spend time in the clear water at Pera Pigadi, Filiatro Beach, and Gidaki Beach.
• Useful town break: You get 70 minutes in Vathi, Ithaca’s capital, instead of staying on the boat all day.
• Simple Greek snacks: Riganada, seasonal fruit, water, and juice are included.
• Good value for a full day: At $76, the price covers the boat, stops, refreshments, and an English-speaking host.
• Come prepared for sun and motion: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and your own snorkeling equipment.

Setting out from Sami at 9:00 a.m.

You meet at Zaharatos Cruises in Sami Port and should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m., and the entire outing lasts about seven hours, returning to the same port.

The boat is Christina III, a traditional handcrafted wooden vessel. That matters because the ride feels more like an island excursion than a simple transfer from Kefalonia to Ithaca. You get open-water views, time on deck, and the slower pace of a small wooden boat.

I would choose a seat early if you care about where you sit. One useful detail is easy to miss: there are seats, but no proper area for stretching out or lying down. For most people, that will be fine during a day built around swimming. If you want a quiet sunbathing platform, though, this is not that sort of boat.

The English-speaking host and crew handle the day, and the strongest praise has gone to their friendly, careful service. The crew has also managed changing wind conditions well, though the sea can still feel lively when the weather turns.

Pera Pigadi and Nisopoulo: a calm first swim

After roughly 15 minutes of sightseeing from Sami, the boat reaches Pera Pigadi and Nisopoulo. You have about an hour here, making it the longest of the early swimming stops.

This is a lesser-known spot with clear water and a quiet feel. You can swim from the boat, use your own snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Since snorkeling equipment is not included, pack your own if you want to see below the surface.

The first stop also introduces the food included in the price. You receive riganada, a rustic local snack made with bread, tomato, olive oil, oregano, and stouba, along with seasonal fruit such as watermelon. Water and juice are available throughout the trip.

Do not mistake this for a full catered lunch. The food is useful and pleasant, but simple. One portion of the experience is enough for some people to skip a large lunch during the Vathi break, while others may find the offering modest for a full-day outing. If you need a substantial meal, plan to buy something in Vathi.

Filiatro Beach and the long middle swim

A short cruise of about 15 minutes brings you to Filiatro Beach, where you have around an hour and a half. This is the longest stop of the day and gives you time to swim without feeling rushed.

Filiatro is framed by rocky slopes and clear turquoise water. The beach itself is a good place to slow down, but the boat-based nature of the stop is important. You are not arriving for a long land visit with a full range of facilities. You are there to swim, sit, and enjoy the coast from the water.

I like the timing here. The first stop gets you into the water early, while Filiatro gives you enough time to settle into the day. You can swim for a while, dry off, and swim again without watching the clock every few minutes.

The tradeoff is that this is not a sightseeing tour with a guide explaining every bay. The pleasure comes from the setting, the water, and the boat ride. If you prefer active time at sea to historical commentary, the balance works well.

Lazaretto Island and the approach to Vathi

After Filiatro, the boat continues toward Vathi. The route includes a 10-minute sightseeing cruise and a brief visit around Lazaretto Island.

Lazaretto sits in the center of Vathi Bay. You spend about 10 minutes here for photos and views of the island, rugged rock, and sea caves. It is a short stop, but it breaks up the transfer and gives you a different angle on Vathi’s broad harbor.

This part is mainly about looking and taking pictures. You will not have time for a long walk on Lazaretto, so think of it as a scenic pass rather than a separate beach visit. The rock formations and caves are best appreciated from the boat.

Vathi: 70 minutes in Ithaca’s capital

Vathi is the only substantial land stop, with 70 minutes of free time. That is just long enough to get a feel for the harbor town without pretending you have explored all of Ithaca.

You can walk through the small streets, browse shops, stop for a coffee, or sit near the harbor. The pace is your own. There is no requirement to follow a group or join a formal walking tour, which makes the break useful for people with different interests.

I would use the first few minutes to get oriented, then choose one goal. You might browse for a small purchase, find a drink, or simply enjoy the harbor views. Trying to do all three can make the stop feel shorter than it is.

Vathi also gives you the chance to add to the simple onboard snacks. Food and drinks bought here are not included, so carry some spending money if you want more than the provided water, juice, fruit, and riganada.

The 70-minute stop is one of the tour’s better design choices. A full day of swimming can become repetitive, and Vathi gives you a change of pace. At the same time, the visit is short enough that the tour remains focused on the sea.

Gidaki Beach: the final swim

After a short five-minute cruise from Vathi, the boat makes a brief sightseeing pass around Lazaretto before continuing to Gidaki Beach. The final swimming stop lasts about 50 minutes.

Gidaki is known for emerald water, pale pebbles, and a quiet setting. It is a fitting final stop because you have enough time for one more swim without stretching the day too late. The setting is especially appealing if you prefer natural beaches over developed resort areas.

The 50 minutes will suit you if you mainly want to get in the water and enjoy the view. It may feel brief if you need a long period on shore, since this tour is built around swimming from the boat and short beach visits rather than extended beach lounging.

Bring comfortable footwear for the pebbles and a towel for the trip back. Sunscreen is essential, and a hat helps during the longer periods aboard the boat.

The return to Sami and the weather question

The final cruise back to Sami lasts about 25 minutes, though the full outing generally takes about seven to seven and a half hours. The route is straightforward, but wind can change the feel of the return.

One departure in stronger maestral wind made the ride back noticeably rough. That is not a reason to avoid the trip, but it is a good reason to think about your comfort on the water. The crew has been praised for keeping the day safe and organized in difficult conditions, yet no crew can make a windy sea feel flat.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that possibility seriously and choose a seat with a clear view of the horizon. The supplied information does not list medication or special facilities, so bring anything you normally use for boat travel.

What the $76 price really covers

At $76 per person, this is not just a boat ticket. You are paying for a seven-hour excursion, three swimming stops, sightseeing around Vathi Bay and Lazaretto, 70 minutes in Vathi, and the return voyage to Sami.

The included refreshments improve the value, especially because water and juice are available throughout the day. The riganada and seasonal fruit are welcome, but they are snacks, not a restaurant meal. I would view the food as a helpful extra rather than the reason to book.

The price works best for you if you want a full day on the water and would otherwise need to arrange several separate trips to Ithaca’s beaches. It is less convincing if your main goal is a long lunch, a private boat, or a quiet place to stretch out in the sun.

Compared with a basic sightseeing cruise, this outing gives you more active time in the water. Compared with a private charter, it is far less flexible, but also much less expensive. That is the central value question.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to you if you like swimming, short scenic cruises, and a relaxed town visit in the same day. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a full day around water and boat seating.

You should be comfortable getting on and off a boat and spending much of the day without a large personal space. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Ithaca without arranging your own transport between the port and remote beaches. The schedule removes the guesswork, while still giving you free time in Vathi.

I would hesitate if you want a guided cultural tour, a full lunch, or a beach club with loungers. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water motion or need frequent access to shore facilities.

What to pack for a better day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Your own snorkeling gear is worthwhile because it is not supplied.

Bring a small amount of money for Vathi, especially if you want a coffee, meal, or shop purchase. The included snacks may be enough for some people, but I would not rely on them as a guaranteed full lunch.

A light cover-up can make the ride between stops more comfortable after swimming. Keep your belongings compact because the available space is designed for seated passengers, not large beach setups.

Arrive at Zaharatos Cruises at least 20 minutes before the 9:00 a.m. departure. The boat returns to Sami Port after the final 25-minute cruise.

Should you book the Ithaca boat trip?

Book this trip if your ideal Ionian day means clear water, three well-timed swims, a wooden boat, and a short visit to Vathi. The crew’s careful service, the attractive stops, and the amount of time on the water make the $76 price fair for an active full-day outing.

Skip it if you need a proper lunch, a place to lie down, or a flexible private schedule. The snacks are simple, the seating is upright, and wind can make the return less comfortable.

For most people who want to combine Ithaca’s coast with a little town time, this is a well-planned choice. Pack your own snorkel, arrive early, and judge the food as a bonus rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the Ithaca boat trip depart from?

The trip departs from Zaharatos Cruises at Sami Port in Kefalonia.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 9:00 a.m. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts approximately seven hours, with the return generally taking about seven to seven and a half hours.

What boat is used?

The excursion operates aboard Christina III, a traditional handcrafted wooden boat.

What food and drinks are included?

The price includes traditional riganada, seasonal fruit, juice, and water. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel.

How much free time is provided in Vathi?

You have 70 minutes in Vathi, Ithaca’s capital, for walking, shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing by the harbor.

Can everyone join this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.