We meet onboard the liveaboard gulet, moored in Corfu’s old port for a quick briefing before we start our voyage over to Plataria for our welcome dinner and our first night aboard the vessel. Over dinner you will have an opportunity to further discuss our plans for the week ahead.

We wake in the bay of Plataria where we will start the morning with a short acclimatisation swim before continuing our journey to the Mavro Oros Archipelago, home of the stunning Blue Lagoon off Syvota. We complete both swims here, enjoying the scenery and caves, broken up by lunch on the boat. We spend the evening in Syvota, a beautiful town, perfect for you to explore options for dinner.

After breakfast we journey around the coast towards our next destination of Parga - another beautiful town along the coast. This journey gives you an opportunity to admire the spectacular coastline and remaining islands. We complete our two swims in and out of the bays towards Aphrodite’s cave. We then moor in Parga itself - a picturesque port, where you can wander the streets and explore options for dinner.

In the afternoon, we swim in and out of the bays towards Aphrodite’s cave. We then moor in Parga itself - a picturesque port, where you can wander the narrow streets and explore options for dinner.

Today, we rise early and head away from the mainland and back to island life, exploring the islands off the south of Corfu, starting at the smaller of the two: Antipaxos. We spend a day swimming the coast of Antipaxos, enjoying the clear, cobalt waters and scenery before anchoring near the beautiful beach of Voutoumi for the night.

After an earlier breakfast, we have an exciting morning swim; our crossing for the week. We leave Antipaxos and make our way to Paxos. After a well deserved rest and lunch, our afternoon swim takes us through the narrow canal between Paxos and Mongonisi. We finish earlier so we can motor round to the port of Gaios for the evening, and a chance for you to enjoy the local town before finding somewhere for dinner.

In the morning, we head out along the coast to another local town called Longos before stopping for lunch and following the coast north, finishing at Lakka. A quaint coastal town in a stunning bay

We stay on Paxos for our final swim from Lakka bay round to the coast where we stop for lunch and an opportunity to reflect on the week’s swimming . After lunch we begin our journey back to Corfu where we will arrive early afternoon. You will have an opportunity to explore the old town of Corfu, perhaps head to the castle before meeting up at a local Greek restaurant for a fantastic final night dinner full of Greek food and traditions.

This morning, we enjoy one final breakfast together before disembarking and saying our farewells.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Guests prone to sea sickness might wish to bring along sea sickness tablets. Some easy ways to ward off nausea are: ensuring you are well rested; avoid screen time; get plenty of fresh air; look off at the horizon; move closer to the middle of the boat, where the motion of the sea will be reduced.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

We generally have up to 15 swimmers split into two groups based on speed, each group accompanied by a safety support vessel/escort. SwimTrek charter the entire liveaboard boat for the duration of your trip. Guests numbers onboard may be to the maximum licensed capacity of the vessel.

Safety Support

Safety support on this trip may vary each day depending on the type of swim but is generally two watercraft piloted by your crew and SwimTrek guides. These arrangements are subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

Luggage: Due to limited space on the liveaboard, we recommend bringing a soft-sided suitcase or duffle bag. These should be limited to a maximum size of 40 x 70 x 40cm.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to our liveaboard in Corfu is to fly directly to Corfu (CFU) and then transfer to Corfu Old Port

Corfu Airport to Corfu Old Port

The number 15 bus will take you from the airport to the port. The bus stop is located at the front of Terminal A building. The number 15 connects the airport with the port passing through the intercity bus station and then through the city centre, San Rocco Square. This bus is suitable for those adding on additional days before their trip. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs around 5€.

Our partners at Sail in Greece (travel@sail-ingreece.com) will also be able to assist you with transfers if you are travelling from a different location. You will be informed of the exact location within the port nearer your departure date and your guides will meet you prior to boarding the vessel.

IMPORTANT: All guests must provide the SwimTrek office with a copy of their passport arrival and departure details, including flight number and arrival time, as well as any pre-trip accommodation plans, at least five weeks prior to the start of their trip, so that we can arrange the necessary transfers.

Liveaboard Specific Information

*Please note sleeping at sea is an entirely different experience to dry land as lapping waves may affect sleeping patterns. Most people will adjust quite quickly but we would advise light-sleepers to bring earbuds.

**Please also note that the exact details of the liveaboard and facilities may vary without notice.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional hotel nights either side of your liveaboard trip, our suppliers may be able to help, please contact them: info@sail-ingreece.com.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts, lunches, and dinner on the first night are included in your trip price. The remaining dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus in each location and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. Please note, on the final night, we will pre arrange a Greek night at a local restaurant in Corfu. This is optional and at your own expense, but you will be asked to confirm whether you would like to attend during the welcome meeting on the first night.

If you wish to purchase drinks on the boat, please ensure you bring cash. If you would like to bring your own drinks on board then you will be able to pay a corkage fee of €60 per cabin per week. This must be requested and paid in advance directly with our partners at Sail in Greece. Please contact them at ops@sail-ingreece.com

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. Drinks can be purchased on the boat with cash only. Please note, there is a port fee of €80 per person to be paid to the captain on arrival in cash

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.