Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks

Three swims, one island, seven useful hours. This Ithaca cruise combines secluded swimming stops with time in Vathi, so you get more than a boat ride past the coast. I like the traditional wooden Christina III and the thoughtful food service, especially the riganada, watermelon, juice, and water. I also like that the boat reaches Gidaki Beach, one of Ithaca’s most prized swimming spots.

The main drawback is comfort: there are seats but no places to lie down, and the included food is a light snack rather than a full lunch. Strong winds can also make the return trip rough, so I would not choose this outing if you need a calm, fully predictable day at sea.

Key points at a glance

• Christina III is a traditional wooden boat: The vessel gives the outing an old-fashioned Ionian feel rather than the character of a fast transfer boat.
• Three substantial swimming stops: You get about one hour at Pera Pigadi, 90 minutes at Filiatro Beach, and 50 minutes at Gidaki Beach.
• Vathi gets 70 minutes: That is enough for a harbor stroll, coffee, shopping, and photographs, but not a full town visit.
• The snack is simple and local: Riganada, seasonal fruit, juice, and water are provided, but you should not expect a full meal.
• Gidaki is the grand finale: Its emerald water and pale pebbles are the strongest beach stop of the day.
• The crew earns strong marks for care: The staff are described as friendly, attentive, professional, and capable in windy weather.

Why this Ithaca boat trip works so well

Ithaca is best appreciated from the water. Its coast is cut by small bays, rocky points, and bright swimming coves that are difficult to reach during a short island stay. This trip lets you see several of them in one day without arranging separate transport or trying to find your own boat.

The pace is also well judged. You are not trapped on board for seven straight hours. The day is broken into swimming, short sightseeing cruises, a visit to Vathi, and another swim. That variety matters. I find a full day at sea much easier when I can change what I am doing every hour or so.

The tour leaves Sami at 9:00 a.m. from the Zaharatos Cruises meeting point. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Sami is the starting and ending port, and the full outing lasts about seven hours, usually returning sometime between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. based on the reported timing of roughly seven to seven and a half hours.

The exact order of the coastal stops may be adjusted by the crew and sea conditions, but the planned day includes Pera Pigadi, Filiatro, Vathi, Lazaretto, and Gidaki. That flexibility is useful on the Ionian Sea, where wind can affect both comfort and routing.

Setting sail on Christina III

The traditional wooden Christina III is part of the appeal. You are not simply being moved from one port to another. The boat itself gives the day a distinctly Greek character, with a slower pace and a better match for the island setting.

I would set your expectations correctly, though. This is a sightseeing and swimming boat, not a luxury yacht. Seating is available, but one specific complaint is worth taking seriously: there is no dedicated space to stretch out and sunbathe. If your ideal boat day involves a padded lounger and plenty of personal room, this may feel basic.

On the other hand, the boat has been reported as comfortable even when nearly full. The crew’s friendly approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They serve refreshments, help with food and drinks, and pay attention to passenger needs. That matters most when the sea becomes choppy or the boat is carrying a full group.

Bring your own snorkel gear. It is not included, and the clear water at the swimming stops is one of the main reasons to book the trip. You will also want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. The supplied information does not promise rental equipment, so do not count on finding masks and fins on board.

Pera Pigadi and Nisopoulo: an easy start in clear water

The first major stop is Pera Pigadi, also called Nisopoulo, a lesser-known swimming area reached after a short sightseeing cruise from Sami. You get about an hour here.

This is a good opening stop because you can ease into the day. The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and you can choose between swimming, looking below the surface, or staying aboard with a cold drink. The setting feels more private than a developed town beach because the focus is on the water and surrounding rock.

The crew serves the day’s first local snack here. Riganada is rustic bread topped with tomato, olive oil, oregano, and stouba, along with fresh watermelon, juice, and water. The food is modest, but it is more interesting than the usual packaged boat snack. I like that it gives you a taste of Kefalonian and Ionian-style home food without pretending to be a full lunch.

Still, do not board expecting a buffet. One passenger found the portions too small for the price, while another found the snacks plentiful enough to skip lunch during the free time in Vathi. The fair reading is that the food will keep you going, but serious eaters should plan to buy something in town or have an extra snack with them.

Filiatro Beach: the longest swim of the day

Filiatro Beach receives the biggest block of beach time, about 90 minutes. That makes it the best stop for anyone who wants a proper swim rather than a quick jump into the sea.

The beach is framed by rock and known for turquoise water. You can swim, snorkel, or stay near the pebbled shore. The longer stop also gives you time to dry off and enjoy the view without feeling rushed back onto the boat.

I consider this time allocation one of the tour’s strengths. Many boat outings advertise several beaches but allow only 20 minutes at each. Here, the first two water stops provide about two and a half hours of swimming combined. In mid-June, the stops can feel especially pleasant before the busiest summer period, according to the timing and conditions reported for the trip.

The beach itself is not presented as a resort with rows of loungers. That fits the natural character of the stop, but it also means you should pack your towel and accept a simple beach setup. The boat has seats, yet you may not find a comfortable place to lie flat. A hat and good sunscreen are practical rather than optional.

Vathi: 70 minutes in Ithaca’s harbor capital

After the morning swim stops, the boat heads to Vathi, the capital of Ithaca. You get one hour and 10 minutes on land, which is enough to get a feel for the harbor town without turning the boat trip into a land tour.

Vathi is a pleasant change of pace. Instead of looking at the island from the water, you can walk through its small streets, browse boutique shops, take photographs, or sit down for a coffee near the harbor. I would use the first few minutes to get your bearings, then choose one simple goal. With only 70 minutes, trying to see everything will leave you watching the clock.

This is also the one place where you can buy more food if the included snack does not satisfy you. The tour provides riganada, fruit, juice, and water, but lunch is not included. Some people may find the onboard food adequate, while others will prefer to use Vathi for a proper meal or extra drink. Keep an eye on the departure time, since the boat will not wait for a long café stop.

The town visit adds real value to the day. Without it, the experience would be almost entirely a swimming cruise. Vathi gives you a short look at everyday Ithacan life, local shops, and the harbor setting tied to the island’s identity.

Lazaretto and the sea caves around Vathi Bay

The route also includes a sightseeing stop around Lazaretto, a small island in the center of Vathi Bay. The boat pauses for about 10 minutes for photographs and views of the rugged coast.

This is not a long landing. Think of it as a chance to see the island from the water, frame a few pictures, and admire the sea caves and rock formations. The boat’s position gives you a different view from the one you get while walking in Vathi.

The short stop is enough because the appeal is visual. You do not need an hour on Lazaretto to understand its place in the bay. I would keep your camera ready, but also remember that the order of this sightseeing section can depend on the day’s route and conditions.

Gidaki Beach: the strongest final stop

Gidaki Beach is the final swim and, for many people, the highlight. You get about 50 minutes in the water, surrounded by pale pebbles, green hills, and clear emerald sea.

The shorter time here is a little frustrating because Gidaki is the kind of place where you may want to stay all afternoon. Still, finishing at such a beautiful beach gives the day a strong last chapter. You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit at the edge of the water before the boat turns back toward Sami.

I would not treat this as a stop for a long beach lunch or extended sunbathing. Fifty minutes passes quickly, especially once you account for getting off the boat, swimming, drying off, and boarding again. Bring only what you need and keep your belongings organized.

The three swimming locations also give the trip a useful range. Pera Pigadi feels quiet and less familiar, Filiatro allows the longest swim, and Gidaki provides the most memorable setting. That variety is more satisfying than visiting three beaches that all look and feel alike.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $76

At $76 per person, the price is fair if you value access to several beautiful coves and do not have your own boat. The fare includes the boat ticket, the traditional riganada snack, seasonal fruit, juice, and water. It also covers the full route and the short visit to Vathi.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transport and access. You see parts of Ithaca that would be awkward to reach independently, and you spend much of the day swimming rather than arranging taxis, beach transfers, or separate boat rentals.

The food needs a clear explanation. Unlimited juice and water are included, along with a simple local snack and fruit. That is useful on a hot day, but it is not a restaurant meal. If you have a large appetite, buy something in Vathi or carry an extra snack. The trip’s value does not depend on the food being elaborate.

The price also does not include personal expenses or snorkeling equipment. Add the cost of any food, drinks, or gear you want in town. I would pack a refillable bottle if permitted by the operator, though the included water is available.

Sea conditions, comfort, and who should book

The Ionian Sea is not always smooth. A strong northwest wind made one reported return journey quite rough, while the crew still completed the outing safely and professionally. That tells you two useful things: weather can affect comfort, and the crew has experience managing changing conditions.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility seriously. Sit where you feel most stable, watch the horizon, and ask the crew for help if needed. The supplied information does not specify seating arrangements or a maximum group size, so I would not assume a small private-boat atmosphere.

This tour suits you best if you:

• Like swimming more than long guided walks
• Want to see Ithaca without arranging separate transport
• Enjoy a traditional boat and a relaxed island pace
• Are happy with simple snacks rather than a full lunch
• Can manage steps, boarding, and movement around a boat
• Want a mix of beaches, scenery, and a short town visit

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and you should be ready for pebbled beaches, boat boarding, and time in open sun.

The host and greeter speak English. The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later, which helps if your Kefalonia plans depend on weather.

Should you book the Sami to Ithaca cruise?

I would book this trip if your priority is clear water, several swim stops, and an easy look at Ithaca in one day. The crew’s care, the traditional Christina III, and the strong beach schedule make the outing feel well planned rather than padded with empty cruising.

I would skip it if you need a full lunch, a sun lounger, guaranteed calm seas, or a private-boat experience. Pack your own snorkel gear, towel, sunscreen, and extra food if needed. Do that, arrive early at Sami Port, and the $76 price buys a full day of Ionian scenery and swimming with very little planning on your part.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The tour departs from Zaharatos Cruises at Sami Port. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before the 9:00 a.m. departure.

How long does the Ithaca boat trip last?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours. The reported return timing is around seven to seven and a half hours after leaving Sami.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides traditional riganada, seasonal fruit, juice, and water. Personal food, extra drinks, and other expenses are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

How much free time do I get in Vathi?

You get 70 minutes in Vathi. You can use the time for photographs, shopping, sightseeing, a harbor coffee, or a short walk through town.

Can everyone join this boat trip?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The host or greeter speaks English.