Kefalonia Boat Trips & Cruises: The Complete Guide

There is a particular way to see Kefalonia that you simply cannot get from the road — from the water, looking back at the island. The cliffs above Myrtos, the painted houses of Fiskardo at dusk, the impossibly clear blue over a hidden cove: these are the views that stay with people long after the holiday ends. A boat trip is, for many visitors, the single best day of their week here.

Kefalonia sits in the heart of the Ionian, surrounded by sheltered water, neighbouring islands, and a coastline carved with caves and beaches you can only reach by sea. That makes it one of Greece's finest islands for getting out on the water — whether that means a romantic evening cruise, a full day exploring Ithaca, or an afternoon of swimming in turquoise bays.

This guide walks you through the main types of boat trips on offer, where they depart from, and how to choose the one that fits your trip.

Where Boat Trips Depart From

Boat trips run from several harbours around the island, so the right one for you often depends on where you are staying.

Fiskardo, the elegant harbour village in the north, is the island's most picturesque departure point and the natural launch pad for trips toward Ithaca, Lefkada and the quiet northern coves. Sami and nearby Agia Efimia, on the east coast, are ideal for cruises toward Ithaca and the swim-stop tours that take in the surrounding bays. Argostoli, the capital, offers sunset cruises and trips out into the gulf. Smaller spots around the island run seasonal excursions too, especially in July and August.

If you can, match your boat trip to your base — a sunset cruise is far better enjoyed without an hour's drive home in the dark afterwards.

Sunset Cruises

If you do one boat trip in Kefalonia, make it a sunset cruise. As the light softens, the Ionian turns gold and the coastline glows — and the better cruises pair the view with dinner, local wine and a swim stop along the way. They are unhurried, romantic, and consistently the most popular evening out on the island.

Sunset cruises run from Argostoli and the northern harbours through the summer season. They suit couples, families and anyone who would rather watch the day end from the water than from a taverna terrace.

→ Read our full guide to Kefalonia sunset cruises.

Ithaca & Island Day Cruises

Homer's Ithaca lies just across the strait, and a day cruise there is one of the most rewarding trips you can take from Kefalonia. Boats sail from Fiskardo, Sami and Agia Efimia, crossing to the green harbours of Ithaca — Vathy, Frikes, Kioni — with swim stops in clear coves along the way. Many trips combine Ithaca with a loop of Kefalonia's own northern coastline, so you see the best of both islands in a single day.

These full-day sailings are perfect for travellers who want a proper adventure: a real island to explore, lunch in a harbour taverna, and hours of swimming and sailing in between.

Swim-Stop & Coastal Boat Tours

Some of Kefalonia's most beautiful beaches — Fteri, the coves below the Assos peninsula, stretches of the Myrtos coast — are far easier to reach by sea than by land. Swim-stop boat tours are built around exactly this: cruising the coastline and dropping anchor in turquoise bays you would struggle to find on foot. They are a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend a half or full day, and the snorkelling is excellent.

How to Choose Your Boat Trip

A few simple questions point you to the right trip. Want romance and an easy evening? A sunset cruise. Want a full day's adventure and a second island? An Ithaca day cruise. Travelling with children, or just want to swim somewhere beautiful? A swim-stop coastal tour. And always check what is included — the best-value cruises fold in food, drinks and snorkelling gear, which makes a longer trip well worth it.

Whichever you choose, book ahead in July and August, when the popular cruises fill quickly. Bring sun protection, a light layer for the evening, and a waterproof bag for your phone — you will want photos.

Ready to get out on the water? Compare and book Kefalonia's top-rated boat trips and cruises below, or ask Memas, our AI island guide, for a recommendation based on where you are staying.