From Skala: Ithaca Day Cruise with Swim Stops & Free Time

The best part of this full-day cruise is the combination of three swim stops and time ashore in Vathi, Ithaca’s attractive harbor capital. You are not stuck on a boat all day, but you also get more than a quick photo stop at one beach.

I like the chance to swim at Gidaki, a beach reached only by boat, and the stop at Koutsoupia, where clear water meets green hills on Kefalonia’s quieter eastern coast. I also like that cold bottled water, shaded seating, toilets, and safety equipment are included. The catch is simple: you spend many hours aboard, and the seats may feel hard on a crowded boat. If you are prone to seasickness, choose another outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swim stops: Plan on Antisamos, Gidaki, and Koutsoupia, with Agios Ioannis as a possible weather-related alternative.
• Vathi free time: You have about 75 minutes for lunch, shopping, photos, and a self-guided walk.
• Long day on the water: The total duration is 510 minutes, or 8.5 hours, with several long sailing stretches.
• Grand Star facilities: You get shaded seating, toilets, safety equipment, and free cold bottled water.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Snorkeling is encouraged, but equipment is not listed as included.
• Check the departure details: The stated meeting point is by the floating dock at Skala Beach, but some departures have caused confusion and may involve transport from Poros.

Why this cruise works for a full day from Skala

This is a strong choice if you want to see more of the Ionian coast without arranging several separate trips. From Skala, the boat heads northeast along Kefalonia before crossing toward Ithaca, giving you a full day of open water, beaches, and one small island town.

The price is $64 per person. For an 8.5-hour cruise with four scheduled coastal stops, boat transport, shaded seating, safety gear, toilets, and bottled water, that is reasonable value. You still need to pay for lunch and any shopping in Vathi, so bring money or a card for that part of the day.

The experience is more about swimming and scenery than guided sightseeing. You will not get a long historical tour of Ithaca, and the time in Vathi is limited. That is useful to know before booking: this gives you a taste of several places rather than a detailed visit to any one of them.

The boat is the Grand Star. The onboard host service is available in Greek and English. The cruise is described as suitable for couples, families, and groups, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Still, swimming stops require getting on and off the boat, so check directly if you have specific mobility needs.

Setting off from Skala Beach

The listed meeting point is at Skala Beach, opposite the small pine tree park at the end of Skala’s main pedestrian street. Look for the floating dock, and arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure.

This is one detail I would treat seriously. Some people have had trouble finding the boat because departure arrangements were not always clear, with a coach transfer from Poros involved in certain cases. Before you leave for the meeting point, check the latest instructions and confirm where the Grand Star is actually departing. Do not assume that seeing no boat at the first dock means you are in the wrong town or have missed it.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, and that matters if you are staying outside Skala or have a tight schedule after the cruise.

Once aboard, find your preferred spot early. There is shaded seating, which is valuable during a long summer day, but space can become tight when the boat is full. Moving between the upper and lower areas may not be easy, and the seating is not designed for luxury lounging.

Antisamos: the first turquoise-water stop

The first sailing stretch lasts about 1.5 hours. That gives you time to settle in, watch Kefalonia’s coast pass by, and get used to the motion of the boat before the first swim.

Antisamos Beach is famous for its clear turquoise water and cinematic appearance. The stop lasts about an hour, with time for swimming and snorkeling. If you bring a mask and snorkel, this is a good place to use them, since the water clarity is one of the main reasons the beach is included.

This is a proper swim stop, not merely a quick pause for photographs. You can get into the water and enjoy the beach from offshore, though the boat’s schedule means you need to be ready to return when called.

Pack your swimming clothes under something easy to remove. Towels and sunscreen are not supplied, and you will want both before the sun gets strong. A waterproof bag can also help keep your phone and other items safe around the boat, though this is a personal packing suggestion rather than an included service.

Sailing to Ithaca and free time in Vathi

After Antisamos, the boat takes about 80 minutes to reach Vathi. This is the longest crossing between stops, so it is a good time to sit in the shade, drink water, and keep your expectations realistic about the day’s pace.

Vathi is Ithaca’s capital and a picturesque harbor village. The stop lasts about 75 minutes, giving you time for a self-guided walk, photographs, shopping, or lunch. That is enough for a pleasant look around, but not enough for a detailed exploration of the town and surrounding area.

I like this pause because it breaks up the swim-focused rhythm. You can step onto land, stretch your legs, choose lunch, and see a little of Ithaca beyond its beaches. The tradeoff is that you need to manage your time carefully. If you spend too long eating or browsing shops, you may have little time left for walking.

Lunch is not included. You can use the free time to arrange your own meal in Vathi, but the exact choice and price depend on what you select. If you prefer not to spend the whole stop waiting for food, plan ahead and keep the schedule in mind.

The harbor setting makes Vathi a good photo stop. It is also the one part of the day where you can enjoy a town rather than a shoreline. For many people, this will be the most memorable non-swimming portion of the cruise.

Gidaki Beach, reached only by boat

From Vathi, it is only about 15 minutes by boat to Gidaki Beach. The short ride means you move quickly from town time back to quiet water and open shoreline.

Gidaki is accessible only by boat, which gives this stop a different feel from Antisamos. You are not simply visiting a beach with road access. You are arriving from the sea, with the surrounding hills and water forming the main setting.

The swim stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is shorter than the hour at Antisamos, so you should get ready before the boat reaches the beach. The water is described as exceptionally clear, making this another good place for a mask and snorkel.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim, but it may feel brief if you want to linger. This is one of the main compromises of a multi-stop cruise: you see several attractive places, but none receives a full afternoon. I would treat Gidaki as a focused swim stop rather than a beach day.

Koutsoupia or Agios Ioannis on the return

The return route includes a stop at Koutsoupia Beach on Kefalonia’s eastern coast. The sailing from Gidaki takes about an hour, followed by roughly 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Koutsoupia is surrounded by green hills and clear water. It feels quieter and more secluded than a developed resort beach, and the boat-only access keeps the stop centered on swimming rather than facilities. If you like small coves and calm water, this may be your favorite stop.

There is also a memorable possibility in the water. One account of the cruise describes swimming near large blue fish, and a dolphin joining the boat’s wake on the return. These sightings are never guaranteed, but they show why being on the water can produce moments you simply cannot plan.

Weather and timing can change this part of the route. Instead of Koutsoupia, the boat may visit Agios Ioannis Beach in Ithaca. That flexibility protects the day when conditions are not suitable, but it also means you should not book with the expectation that every named beach is guaranteed.

After the final stop, the boat takes about an hour to return to Skala. You will likely be ready for a shower and a proper meal by then, especially if you spent much of the day swimming. The overall schedule adds up to 510 minutes, so this is not a casual half-day outing.

What the boat experience is really like

The Grand Star provides the basic comforts needed for a long coastal cruise. You have shaded seating, toilets, safety equipment, and free cold bottled water. Those details matter more as the hours pass, especially when you are carrying towels, sunscreen, and swim gear.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht. Seating can feel uncomfortable, and a full boat may make it difficult to move from one deck to another. If you want the best chance of sitting in your preferred area, arrive early and settle in before the first departure.

Snorkeling is encouraged, but you should bring your own equipment. The included safety gear is not the same as a personal mask and snorkel, so pack your own if seeing below the surface is important to you.

There are rules against bikes, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances. These are unlikely to affect most people, but they are worth knowing if you are carrying beach equipment or planning a celebration onboard.

People prone to seasickness should think twice. The day includes long stretches of sailing, including a 1.5-hour opening trip and several additional crossings. Even with calm conditions, that is a lot of time on the water. If you do go, sit in a stable shaded area, watch the horizon, and bring any medication you normally use.

What to pack for the 8.5-hour outing

Keep your day bag simple and practical:

• Swimsuit, towel, and high-protection sunscreen
• Your own mask and snorkel
• A refillable bottle or space for the included bottled water
• Money for lunch and personal purchases in Vathi
• A light cover-up for the boat ride
• Waterproof protection for phones and small valuables
• Seasickness medication if you normally need it

The sun can feel intense when reflected off the water. Reapply sunscreen after every swim, and use the shaded seating when you are not in the water.

Because lunch is not included, you should decide in advance how much time and money you want to spend in Vathi. You may prefer a quick meal followed by a walk, or a slower lunch with less sightseeing. The 75-minute stop does not leave much room for both a long meal and extensive exploring.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want variety. You get Kefalonia, Ithaca, several beaches, a harbor town, and a full day at sea for one price. It works particularly well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups who enjoy mixing swimming with a little shopping and walking.

It is also a good choice if you value access to places that are difficult to reach independently. Gidaki is accessible only by boat, and the eastern Kefalonia stop gives you a coastal view that is different from simply staying around Skala.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, need soft seating, or want a slow, quiet beach day. The boat may be crowded, the schedule is fixed, and the swim stops are timed. You should also reconsider if seasickness is a regular problem.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain the boarding process or how swimming access is handled. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before booking to confirm that the boat and planned activities suit your needs.

Practical booking advice

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful when weather can affect the route, though you should still check the most current cruise information before the day itself.

Weather may change the itinerary, including the choice between Koutsoupia and Agios Ioannis. A flexible attitude will make the day easier. The main value is the overall mix of water, scenery, and Ithaca, not a promise that every stop will look exactly as planned.

The rating is 4.6 from 63 ratings, which fits the experience described here: the route and swim stops are the strong points, while comfort and meeting-point clarity are the areas that need attention.

Should you book the Skala to Ithaca cruise?

Book it if you want a full day of swimming and island scenery and you are happy to spend long periods on a shared boat. The combination of Antisamos, Vathi, Gidaki, and Koutsoupia gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer, and $64 is fair for the length and number of stops.

Skip it if you want a guided cultural tour of Ithaca, a guaranteed quiet beach, or a comfortable luxury-boat experience. Before booking, confirm the exact departure point, arrive early, bring your own snorkel gear, and prepare for the possibility of a changed final stop.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The stated meeting point is Skala Beach, opposite the small pine tree park at the end of Skala’s main pedestrian street. Look for the floating dock.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 510 minutes, or 8.5 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you need to arrange and pay for your own meal during the free time in Vathi.

Which beaches does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are Antisamos Beach, Gidaki Beach, and Koutsoupia Beach. Depending on weather and timing, Koutsoupia may be replaced by Agios Ioannis Beach in Ithaca.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. Snorkeling is encouraged, but you should bring your own snorkeling equipment.

What is included on the boat?

The cruise includes safety equipment, shaded seating, toilet facilities, and free cold bottled water.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness?

No. The experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness because it includes several long stretches on the water.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.