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

A full-day boat day in Western Greece sounds simple, but this one turns into a string of memorable swims plus a real look at Ithaca. You start from Skala Beach, cruise toward Ithaca, and spend the day hopping between stops where you can jump in straight from the boat.

I love how the itinerary builds in multiple water breaks, not just one quick swim. I also like the Vathi pause, because it gives you enough time to walk the harbor, grab lunch on your own, and still feel like you saw Ithaca, not just passed it.

One thing to consider, especially if you get queasy, is that it is a full day at sea. And the boat can feel busy, so if you hate tight quarters, plan to keep your expectations flexible.

Key things that make this cruise special

• Swim stops that are easy to access, with short-to-medium water time at each beach
• Antisamos Beach first, famous for clear turquoise water and a very photogenic shore
• Vathi in Ithaca gets a real break for photos, sightseeing, and shopping
• Gidaki Beach by boat only, which helps keep it calm compared to land access
• Koutsoupia Beach on Kefalonia as a quieter change of scenery on the return
• A crew that helps keep the day comfortable, with cold bottled water and snacks mentioned in the experience

A Skala to Ithaca day that feels like a mini island-hopping trip

This cruise is built for travelers who want the highlights without the hassle of figuring out connections. You leave from Skala and spend the day moving along the coast, with a big focus on water time. The schedule works because you do not have to choose between beaches and sightseeing. You get both, just in smart slices.

The timing also matters. At 510 minutes, this is about an 8.5-hour outing. That is long enough to feel like you had a “day trip,” but short enough that you are not spending your whole vacation glued to logistics.

The ship is the Grand Star, and it comes with the practical basics. There is a shaded seating area, toilets on board, safety equipment, and free cold bottled water. For a day that includes swimming, those details add up fast.

Antisamos Beach: the turquoise start that sets the tone

The first water stop is Antisamos Beach, where you can swim and snorkel. You get about 1 hour at the beach, which is long enough to do the classic loop: change into swimwear, walk a bit to find your spot, snorkel for visibility, and then settle in for a final swim.

Antisamos is known for clear-looking water, and this stop is one of the main reasons people sign up. If you are bringing your own snorkel gear, this is a strong place to use it. If you do not have gear, you can still enjoy the swim. Snorkeling is encouraged, but the day is not only for hardcore snorkelers.

A reality check: sea conditions control everything. If the water is calmer, visibility tends to feel better. If it is windier, you may spend more time floating and less time exploring underwater.

The Vathi break in Ithaca: walkable harbor time, not a rushed bus stop

After the first cruise leg, you get to Vathi, Ithaca. You have about 75 minutes, including a photo stop and free time for shopping, sightseeing, and a self-guided walk.

Vathi is the island’s harbor village, and that short window is exactly what makes it workable. You can do the basics without having to plan your day like a project manager. Expect time for:

• A stroll around the harbor area for photos
• A quick look at storefronts if you want souvenirs or snacks
• A relaxed pause for lunch you buy yourself

This is also where the day becomes more than just beach hopping. You get a sense of daily life on Ithaca, the kind you miss when you only pass through from a cruise ship route.

Tradeoff: 75 minutes can disappear faster than you think if you stop for lunch immediately and then keep browsing. If you care most about views, do a quick photo circuit first, then eat.

Gidaki Beach: the boat-only payoff

Next comes Gidaki Beach, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This beach is accessible only by boat, and that fact shapes the experience. It typically feels quieter and more “arrive by water” than beaches you reach by car.

This stop is shorter than Antisamos, so you want to treat it like a timed mission in the best way. Get in quickly, snorkel early if you are chasing fish visibility, and keep an eye on the return call.

If you are traveling with family, this is a good stop to judge your group energy. Some people love quick water breaks. Others want longer. Either way, it helps that the boat does the transportation, so you do not have to coordinate buses or taxis.

Kefalonia’s Koutsoupia Beach: a quieter change of pace on the way back

On the return journey, the cruise makes a stop at Koutsoupia Beach on the eastern side of Kefalonia. You get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, which is a nice middle ground between the long Antisamos swim and the shorter Gidaki slot.

This is the stop that often feels like a reward. You cruise back from Ithaca and get one more chance to swim, but in a different setting. Around Koutsoupia, the coastline can feel more “out of the way,” which makes it a good contrast after the Ithaca harbor break.

One practical note: the plan can shift based on weather and time. If Koutsoupia does not work out, you may instead visit Agios Ioannis Beach in Ithaca. That means your best approach is to go with the flow. The cruise is designed for flexibility where sea conditions demand it.

Onboard the Grand Star: shade, water, and the reality of a full boat

The vibe on board is what you would expect from a full-day island cruise. You are moving, you change locations multiple times, and you spend a lot of time in salt air and sun. That is not a problem, as long as you pack for it.

Here is what the cruise includes that actually helps during the day:

• Shaded seating area, so you can cool down between swims
• Toilets on board, which sounds basic until you need it
• Free cold bottled water, so you do not have to buy drinks constantly
• Safety equipment on board

What you should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• If you snorkel, bring your own gear since snorkeling is encouraged but not described as provided

A couple of practical comfort points from real-world experience: the boat can be full, and seat comfort may not be luxury-class. Also, switching from upper to lower seating can be a bit awkward when the vessel is busy. If you care a lot about seating, try to settle in early and stay put rather than bouncing around during transit.

Price and value: what $64 gets you, and when it is worth it

At $64 per person, this cruise can be excellent value if you want three beach stops without renting a boat or hiring a private driver. The price includes the full-day cruise on the Grand Star and the beach visits, plus safety gear, bottled water, and the basic ship comforts.

The key “value equation” is this: if you are the kind of traveler who would otherwise pay for a boat or a private transfer plus separate beach time, a single ticket often makes more sense. You are paying for logistics solved for you.

The main costs you will still handle yourself:

• Lunch, since it is not included
• Personal spending like souvenirs
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to get to the departure point on your own

If you are staying in the area and you can reach Skala Beach easily, the price feels more justified. If you must spend a lot just getting there, the value depends on how you compare it to other day-trip options.

Meeting point and day-of reality: find the dock, and verify the departure

Your departure is from Skala Beach, opposite the small pine tree park at the end of Skala’s main pedestrian street. Look for the floating dock.

I strongly recommend showing up 15 to 20 minutes early. On a busy day, that buffer makes the difference between relaxed and frantic.

One more practical warning based on real-world confusion: sometimes departure details can be different than what you expect, and you may be directed by coach to the correct pickup point. To avoid losing time, check the day-of instructions from the operator before you head out. Even if you arrive early, this can save you from a last-minute scramble.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This tour tends to fit a lot of groups because it is structured and straightforward. It is described as great for couples, families, and groups.

It is also a good choice if:

• You want a full-day “coast plus swims” plan
• You like snorkeling but do not want to manage a boat
• You want a taste of Ithaca without staying overnight

You should think twice if:

• You are prone to seasickness, since it is a full day on the water
• You know you need a calm, quiet boat environment, because it can run full and seating can feel tight

Quick packing list that will save your day

If you want the cruise to feel easy, pack like you are going to be wet and sunburn-prone:

• Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen
• Your own snorkel gear if you have it
• Comfortable clothes for the Vathi walk plus quick-changing time
• A small amount of cash or card for lunch and any shopping in Vathi

Also, note what is not allowed: bikes, alcohol and drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances. Keep it simple, and you will stay within the rules.

Should you book this Skala to Ithaca day cruise?

Book it if your ideal day in the region includes multiple swim stops, a real stop in Vathi, and one more beach on Kefalonia as a bonus. At $64, it is a solid way to trade logistics for time in the water, with practical comforts like shaded seating and bottled water.

Skip it or choose carefully if you get seasick easily or you need a lot of comfort and space on board. Also, if you are easily thrown off by confusing meeting points, plan to arrive early and confirm the departure instructions that day. Do that, and you will spend your time on what matters most, clear water and a relaxed harbor walk in Ithaca.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Skala to Ithaca cruise?

The duration is listed as 510 minutes, about 8.5 hours. Check availability for specific starting times.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Skala Beach, opposite the small pine tree park at the end of Skala’s main pedestrian street, looking for the floating dock.

What are the swim stops during the day?

You visit Antisamos Beach for swimming and snorkeling, Gidaki Beach for swimming and snorkeling, and Koutsoupia Beach for swimming and snorkeling. In some cases, Agios Ioannis Beach in Ithaca may be substituted depending on weather and time.

How much time do you get in Vathi?

You have about 75 minutes in Vathi, including a photo stop and free time for lunch (not included), sightseeing, shopping, and walking.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling is encouraged, and you should bring your own gear.

Does the boat have toilet facilities?

Yes, there are toilet facilities on board.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Who should avoid this cruise?

It is noted as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.