IONIAN LIVEABOARD - GREECE

We meet onboard the liveaboard gulet, moored in Corfu’s old port for a quick briefing before we head to the water for the week’s acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the boat for a welcome drink, and dinner, with an opportunity to further discuss our plans for the week ahead.

Our first full day of swimming sees us explore the coastline of Corfu. We ease into the day after breakfast onboard the gulet. After our first swim, we come back together for lunch. There is a chance to relax before our second swim of the day and our final swim on Corfu. We will then transit over to Plataria and dock in the bay, where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner.

This morning, we head out of Plataria and make our way round to the Mavro Oros Archipelago, where we will explore the waters and caves in the early light. Our swim will continue around the coast until we meet the boat, ready for lunch. We take lunch on the boat and transit to 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.

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 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.

We stay on Antipaxos for the day, completing our final coastal swims as we head around the lighthouse and into Kaloiri Cove. After a full day of swimming, we journey to the beautiful port of Gaios on Paxos where we will take our first night on the last island of the week.

Paxos offers several swims, depending on the conditions. For our final two full days, we will explore as many as possible, including several caves and coves and the impressive Tripitos Arch. Lunch will be taken onboard the boat and we will stay on Paxos for our penultimate night.

We continue to explore Paxos, moving further north and enjoying what the island has to offer. After our final swim of the day, we relax on the gulet as we travel back towards Corfu and head out for a final group dinner. We will moor in the old port of Corfu for our final night.

This morning we will head back to the beach for a short, morning farewell swim before breakfast and our goodbyes.

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 16 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.

There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

Extra Activities

The boat will have a number of water sport items on board for use, such as kayaks and paddleboards. If you wish to use one, there will be an additional charge of approximately 200€ for the week. This can be paid locally on the vessel.

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 form 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 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.

Accommodation for this trip is aboard the Gulet Hera - a traditional gulet with a length of 30 meters and total capacity of 25 people. All 8 cabins are en-suite with their own individual shower, a hairdryer, reading lamps, air conditioning* and electric fan attached to each of its cabin’s walls.

Our guests will stay in a mixture of twin and double rooms with some triple capacity (subject to availability). Twin/double cabins consist of a double bed with a single bunk bed above. There are a limited number of single occupancy cabins available and limited non swimmers spaces. For more information, please contact our customer service team at info@swimtrek.com.

*To reduce the demand on the generator, the air conditioning will be available between 0800am and midnight each day. If you wish to have access to air conditioning during the night, this will be an additional charge of €140 per cabin which will be required prior to the start of the trip. If you would like to pre book air conditioning over night, please contact our customer team directly at info@Swimtrek.com.

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 and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. If you wish to purchase drinks on the boat, please ensure you bring cash. Alternatively, you can bring your own drinks onto the boat but will have to pay a corkage fee. This fee will be confirmed upon arrival with your crew. 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, the Greek Ministry of Tourism has introduced an Overnight Stay Tax. This is payable upon arrival at the accommodation at a rate of €1.50 per room, per night.

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.