Agia Effimia is a fantastic base for boat tours and cruises, thanks to its convenient location in western Greece and its charming harbor. The area offers a variety of options, whether you’re after a laid-back day on the water, a swim in pristine beaches, or exploring hidden spots only accessible by boat. We particularly liked the all-inclusive sailing day trip to Ithaca because of its relaxed pace, delicious Greek food, and the chance to swim at some of the Ionian Sea’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re craving a more flexible experience, the shorter cruises that explore multiple parts of Ithaca also deliver plenty of swimming and sightseeing. For travelers who want to see the island from the water but prefer a budget option, the more affordable Kioni and Gidaki Beach stopovers provide a good taste of what’s available.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best boat tours and cruises in Agia Effimia, focusing on what makes each unique. From full-day sailing adventures to half-day island explorations, there’s something for every type of traveler.
1. From Agia Efimia: All Inclusive Sailing Day Trip to Ithaca
Starting with an all-inclusive sailing day trip to Ithaca, this is the ideal choice if you want a relaxed, well-rounded experience. The trip lasts about 8 hours and includes swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and puddle boarding at beautiful beaches like Gidaki and Lygia-Pera Pigadi. What makes this tour stand out is the food — guests rave about the home-cooked Greek lunch served on board, along with drinks and small local products from Kefalonia and Ithaca.
The itinerary takes you to two swimming spots, including the secluded Gidaki Beach, known for its unspoiled beauty and calm waters perfect for snorkeling. The boat spends significant time at each stop, with over 4 hours dedicated to swimming, relaxing, and exploring. The crew, led by Menios and Stassos, is praised for their welcoming attitude and attention to detail. Although some guests hoped for the sails to be up more often, many appreciate the laid-back vibe and the chance to enjoy small-group intimacy.
Bottom line: This trip offers an authentic, leisurely day with superb food and excellent swimming, ideal for those looking for a full day of relaxation and exploration without rushing. Pricey at $169 per person, but the inclusive nature and quality experience justify the cost.
2. From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour
This cruise is a more budget-friendly way to get a taste of Ithaca’s highlights, priced at around $73 per person. It lasts about 7 hours, featuring multiple swimming stops and visits to charming villages. It’s less tailored and more about covering a lot of ground in a single day, making it perfect if your main goal is sightseeing with some swimming thrown in.
The tour includes a 45-minute sightseeing cruise, stops at Gidaki Beach for 40 minutes, and visits to Vathy and Kioni villages, each with about an hour to explore. The itinerary is flexible, with several cruise segments connecting the stops, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the sea views and relax onboard. Reviewers note that the crew is friendly but found the trip somewhat impersonal, partly due to language barriers. Still, the opportunity to swim at Gidaki and Ammoudi beaches makes this a good value for casual travelers.
Bottom line: If your priority is seeing the island at a lower price and enjoying some swimming, this cruise delivers. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a less intimate atmosphere and want a straightforward day on the water.
3. Kefalonia: Ithaca Cruise with Vathy and Swim Stops
This 8-hour cruise from Kefalonia offers a comprehensive exploration of Ithaca, with the unique advantage of departing from Kefalonia itself. It’s perfect if you’re based on Kefalonia but eager to see Ithaca’s highlights, like Vathy, Kioni, and the beaches of Gidaki and Ammoudi.
The itinerary mirrors the other cruises with visits to Gidaki Beach and Kioni, but what makes this option stand out is the chance to walk through Vathy, the island’s main town, and explore its shops and cafes. The cruise provides opportunities to swim at secluded beaches and relax in the company of other travelers. While reviews highlight the beauty of the stops, some mention that the cruise is less personal than smaller trips, and the overall experience may feel a bit rushed.
Bottom line: This option is excellent if you want to combine a scenic boat ride with some cultural exploration in Vathy. It’s great value at $73 per person but less suited for travelers seeking a highly intimate or exclusive experience.
How to Choose Your Ideal Agia Effimia Boat Tour
Picking the right boat tour depends on what you want to get out of the day. If you’re after a full-day, inclusive experience with excellent food and plenty of swimming, the From Agia Efimia: All Inclusive Sailing Day Trip to Ithaca is unbeatable. For those on a tighter budget or short on time, the From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour offers a quick splash of island life. And if you’re based on Kefalonia and want a comprehensive tour with cultural stops, the Kefalonia: Ithaca Cruise with Vathy and Swim Stops makes sense.
Consider your budget, how many stops you want, and whether you prefer a small-group intimate experience or a larger, more social cruise. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill quickly.
In summary, Agia Effimia offers a variety of boat tours and cruises suitable for every traveler. Whether you want a luxurious all-day sail with delicious food, a quick sightseeing cruise, or an exploration from Kefalonia, there’s a trip that fits. For most visitors, the all-inclusive sailing trip offers the best balance of comfort, scenery, and value — but don’t overlook the shorter or more budget-friendly options if time or money are tight. Whichever you choose, a day on the water is a perfect way to experience the beauty of the Ionian Islands. Book early, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to enjoy the sea.
