Nydri: Boat Cruise to the famous beaches of Lefkada

Thinking about adding a boat trip to your Lefkada itinerary? This cruise promises to take you to some of the most famous and secluded beaches, like Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Agiofilli, all only accessible by boat. It sounds like a great way to tick off those postcard shots and enjoy some serious swimming in clear, inviting waters.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers a chance to see parts of Lefkada that are tricky to reach otherwise—and the scenic Ionian Sea views are truly lovely. Plus, the swim stops at three beaches, which means plenty of time to relax, cool off, and snap some photos.

On the flip side, a noteworthy point is that the cruise doesn’t stop right on the sand at Porto Katsiki, which can be a bit confusing and disappointing for some travelers expecting a more direct beach experience. Also, the tour is straightforward, but it’s not a full-day adventure with meals included or extensive amenities—so it’s more about the sights and swims than luxury.

This tour is best suited for those who love a relaxed day on the water, want to see iconic beaches without the hassle of driving, and don’t mind a few logistical quirks. If you’re okay with a shorter, straightforward trip that maximizes scenic swimming and photo ops, it might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Secluded Beaches: You get access to three beaches that are only reachable by boat, making this a special experience.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect stunning views of the green islands and deep blue Ionian Sea.
• Swim Opportunities: Ample time to swim and relax at Egremni, Porto Katsiki, and Agiofilli beaches.
• Limited Inclusions: No food or drinks included, so plan to bring snacks and water.
• Duration & Timing: Around 7.5 hours, starting at 9:30 AM—arrive early to exchange your voucher.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers found the tour’s information misleading, especially about Porto Katsiki’s accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Water

The tour kicks off from Nydri early in the morning, with a start around 9:30 AM. It’s recommended to arrive about 30 minutes early at the meeting point, St Maura Travel on the main street of Nidri, so you can exchange your voucher for a ticket without fuss. The experience is hosted in English, making it accessible if you’re not fluent in Greek.

Once onboard, expect a roughly two-hour journey across the Ionian Sea, where the views of tiny green islands dotted across the deep blue bay are quite captivating. The boat itself is a group experience, so you’ll be sharing the space with fellow travelers, which can be lively or laid-back depending on the group.

Egremni Beach: The First Swim Spot

The first stop is Egremni Beach, known for its striking cliffs and clear waters. Here, you’ll enjoy about two hours of free time, which is ample for sunbathing, swimming, and snapping photos. This beach is really a picture-perfect spot, although some travelers have noted that the boat stays offshore, so you might not get direct beach access, just like one reviewer pointed out. It’s not the same as walking onto a sandy shore, but the views and swimming make up for it.

Porto Katsiki: The Iconic Beach

Next, the boat heads to Porto Katsiki, perhaps Greece’s most famous beach. It’s renowned for its rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. However, a key point to keep in mind (as one traveler pointed out) is that the boat does not dock on the sand. Instead, it remains offshore, and you’ll swim or snorkel, or simply enjoy the scenery from the boat. This can be a letdown if you’re expecting to step directly onto the beach—something that’s not clearly communicated in all descriptions, so some visitors felt misled.

Agiofilli: The Final Swim Stop

Finally, you’ll visit Agiofilli, a less famous but equally stunning beach. Here, you’ll have about an hour to take a dip, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and soak up the views. It’s a scenic spot that feels a bit more remote, ideal for unwinding after the more popular stops.

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Returning to Nidri

After a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing, the boat heads back to Nidri. The return trip offers more beautiful views, and the experience wraps up at the original meeting point.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers your boat ticket, all fees and taxes, and the swim stops—perfect if you’re just looking for a straightforward, no-fuss day on the water. However, it’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks, water, and sunscreen is a smart move.

Plus, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to handle your own transportation to the meeting point in Nidri. The boat is a group experience, which means the group size can vary, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Price & Value

At around $50 per person, this tour offers a decent way to see some of Lefkada’s most famous beaches without the hassle of hiring a boat or navigating yourself. Still, some travelers have pointed out the discrepancy between ticket prices online and in-person costs, and the experience is mostly about swimming and sightseeing rather than overall comfort or luxury.

For the price, you’re paying primarily for the chance to visit these beaches with minimal effort—and the scenic boat ride itself. It’s a good deal if your focus is on seeing the coast and swimming, rather than gourmet food or extra amenities.

Real Traveler Feedback: The Good and the Not-So-Good

One reviewer mentioned that the views are beautiful, especially at Egremni and Porto Katsiki, which makes the trip worthwhile. “Beautiful day, Egremni very suggestive,” they said, pointing out the scenic beauty of these beaches. Another mentioned that the beaches can be crowded at Porto Katsiki, which is common during peak season, but the boat gives you the chance to avoid land-based crowds.

On the other hand, some found the information about Porto Katsiki’s accessibility a bit misleading. As one traveler noted, “the ship will stay offshore in Porto goat and you will not see the beach,” which could lead to disappointment if you expected to walk onto the sand. The loud music on the return journey was also a minor annoyance for some, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, swimming in crystal waters, and taking iconic beach photos, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable if you prefer doing a quick, efficient trip rather than spending all day on the beach or in a more luxurious setting.

However, if you’re after a full beach experience with direct access to sand and facilities, or if you need amenities like food and drinks included, you might find this tour a bit limited. It’s also not ideal if you have mobility issues or are looking for a private, personalized experience.

FAQs

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off? No, the tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in Nidri.

What should I bring? Pack a sun hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. The tour doesn’t include food or drinks.

How long is the tour? The whole experience lasts about 7.5 hours, starting around 9:30 AM. Arrive 30 minutes early to exchange your voucher.

Are there swimming stops at each beach? Yes, you’ll have swim opportunities at Egremni, Porto Katsiki, and Agiofilli. Keep in mind that at Porto Katsiki, the boat remains offshore, so you can’t walk onto the sand.

Is this experience suitable for families? The tour is generally straightforward and safe, but it’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and with no mobility issues, as it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

How much does it cost? Approximately $49.69 per person, which is reasonable for the experience of visiting multiple iconic beaches by boat.

Will I get to see marine wildlife? The tour mentions the opportunity to spot marine wildlife, especially during the boat ride, which adds an extra layer of interest.

Final Thoughts

This boat cruise from Nydri offers a practical, scenic way to enjoy Lefkada’s famed beaches with minimal hassle. While the experience is quite straightforward, it really shines in the views and swimming opportunities. The major caveat is the offshore stay at Porto Katsiki, which might not meet everyone’s expectations if they envision direct beach access.

Overall, it’s well-suited for travelers wanting a quick, scenic escape and some memorable swims without fuss. Just remember to bring your own snacks, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—and you’ll have a good day out on the Ionian Sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: