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Flotilla yachts sailing in the southern Ionian on the explorer flotilla

Next departure 10 October 2027: request a quote for your yacht

Southern Ionian explorer flotilla

Southern Ionian Explorer Flotilla

Enjoy the Ionian islands at a great time of the year, with two weeks of longer passages, quieter harbours and new places to explore, for the price of one.

See dates and prices Choose your yacht

Departure
10 October 2027
Duration
Two weeks for the price of one
Yacht prices
From £1,831
Sailing
More varied conditions
Yachts
33 to 50ft

An Ionian explorer flotilla at a great time of year

The Southern Ionian explorer flotilla is ideal if you want to enjoy the Ionian islands at a great time of the year. Sailing can be more challenging, with more varied conditions than are generally found in the high season. Meanwhile, the harbours and anchorages are a little quieter, so you have the chance to sail late into the afternoon.

We design the route to give some longer passages, heading further south than our regular flotilla routes, so you can visit harbours and ports that are not generally accessible on a regular flotilla. Each island offers something different, and we also visit a variety of overnight stops: larger towns such as Vathi on Ithaca and Zakynthos town, as well as smaller islands such as Kastos and Kalamos.

Because the weather is changeable, this route may be subject to some changes, so a sense of adventure and a flexible approach are definitely part of the essential packing list.

How the explorer flotilla works

  • Two weeks for the price of one: 10 October 2027 to 24 October 2027
  • Starts and finishes at Nikiana on Lefkas, Sunday to Sunday
  • Yachts are ready by 17:00 on day one; you disembark at around 09:00 on the last day
  • Seafarer transfers from Preveza airport take around 30 minutes
  • Longer passages, further south than our regular routes

Explorer itinerary

Southern Ionian explorer itinerary: two weeks from Lefkas

Two weeks from Nikiana on Lefkas, heading south via Kalamos, Ithaca and Kefalonia to Zakynthos and the Peloponnese coast for Olympia, then back north through Kefalonia and Ithaca. Full details of each day are below.

The explorer route, day by day

Starting and finishing at Nikiana on Lefkas, over two weeks

  • Aerial view of yachts moored in Nikiana harbour, Lefkada
    Day 1SundaySun

    Sunday

    Nikiana

    Fly UK to Preveza and transfer to our flotilla base for embarkation. Our home port is in the harbour of Nikiana on the sheltered east of the island of Lefkas, perfect for exploring the South Ionian.
  • Sailor waving from a yacht arriving at Kalamos harbour, Greece
    Day 2MondayMon

    Monday15 nm

    Kalamos

    After the main briefing, we set sail for the mountainous island of Kalamos, with some great sailing breezes in the afternoon before heading into the well-protected harbour and our first group meal together.
  • Sunset on greek island
    Day 3TuesdayTue

    Tuesday

    Frikes / Ithaca

    Head to Ithaca and one of the nicest villages in the Ionian. Drinks in the renowned local bar after dinner complete your evening.
  • Our destination today is Sami, a working town with plenty of tavernas to choose from.
    Day 4WednesdayWed

    Wednesday

    Sami / Kefalonia

    Our destination today is Sami, a working town with plenty of tavernas to choose from.
  • South we go, exploring the coast of Kefalonia as far as Poros. walk across to the beach from the harbour, and dive into the cool waters from the rocks near the beach (or watch from the shade of the bar!)
    Day 5ThursdayThu

    Thursday

    Poros / Kefalonia

    South we go, exploring the coast of Kefalonia as far as Poros. Walk across to the beach from the harbour and dive into the cool water from the rocks near the beach (or watch from the shade of the bar!).
  • Kefalonia flotilla - Zante
    Day 6FridayFri

    Friday

    Aghios Nikolaos / Zakynthos

    Protected from the prevailing winds by the small island of the same name, Aghios Nikolaos is a pretty little town in its own right, but the big attraction is ‘Shipwreck Cove’, which we visit on a local excursion boat.
  • Colonnade of the Palaestra at ancient Olympia, Greece
    Day 7SaturdaySat

    Saturday

    Katakolon / Peloponnese

    Time to head south-east to the Peloponnese coast, for the first of our two nights in Katakolon.
  • A rest from sailing today and a chance to head to Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic games, and the Pelopion, the tomb of Pelops after whom the Peloponnese is named.
    Day 8SundaySun

    Sunday

    Olympia

    A rest from sailing today and a chance to visit Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic Games, and the Pelopion, the tomb of Pelops, after whom the Peloponnese is named.
  • View on town hall and Saint Dionysios Church, Ionian Sea, Zakynthos island, Greece, Europe. Amazing sunset view. Zakynthos tower in the evening lights. The main harbor of the city. Sunrise.
    Day 9MondayMon

    Monday

    Zakynthos Town

    Today’s sail takes us west to the capital of Zakynthos, or Zante as it’s also known.
  • Kefalonia Flotilla, Yacht in a beautiful bay Ithaka
    Day 10TuesdayTue

    Tuesday

    Free Sailing

    Go sightseeing in Zakynthos, head back to Kefalonia or go for a day sail: the choice is yours.
  • Kefalonia Flotilla, Agia Eufimia, Village on Greek island at Sunrise
    Day 11WednesdayWed

    Wednesday

    Agia Eufimia / Kefalonia

    Back to Kefalonia and Agia Eufimia, with dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in the area.
  • A return to Ithaca and the capital, Vathi, tucked away at the end of a deep bay. A working town with plenty of great tavernas dotted around.
    Day 12ThursdayThu

    Thursday

    Vathi / Ithaca

    A return to Ithaca and its capital, Vathi, tucked away at the end of a deep bay: a working town with plenty of great tavernas dotted around.
  • Flotilla yachts moored in Kioni harbour on Ithaca, Greece
    Day 13FridayFri

    Friday

    Kioni / Ithaca

    A short hop up the east coast of Ithaca to Kioni, one of the prettiest villages in the Ionian.
  • Aerial view of yachts moored in Nikiana harbour, Lefkada
    Day 14SaturdaySat

    Saturday

    Nikiana

    Back to our base, with a chance for a farewell meal together overlooking the harbour.

Week one

From Nikiana south to Katakolon on the Peloponnese, about 119 nautical miles

Week two

From Katakolon back north to Nikiana, about 110 nautical miles

Ionian flotilla routes may vary during the season according to weather and operating conditions. However, our flotilla crew will keep you fully briefed each day.

The southern Ionian sailing area

Greece’s southern Ionian islands weave together history, beaches and natural beauty, and across the Ionian Sea lies the Peloponnese, a peninsula steeped in myth and history.

Where does the explorer flotilla start? In Nikiana harbour on Lefkas (also called Lefkada), an island in the Ionian Sea just off the west coast of mainland Greece, around 30 minutes from Preveza airport.

  • Empty beach below white cliffs on Lefkada Reached by bridge

    Lefkada

    Stunning beaches such as Porto Katsiki, and charming villages.

  • Yacht sailing off Kalamos on the Ionian explorer flotilla Tranquil escape

    Kalamos

    Tiny Kalamos has crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling.

  • Yachts at anchor in a quiet bay on Ithaca Homeland of Odysseus

    Ithaca

    Hidden coves and a laid-back atmosphere.

  • Aerial view of the Melissani Cave lake on Kefalonia The largest island

    Kefalonia

    Dramatic landscapes, Venetian castles and Myrtos Beach, a crescent of white sand and turquoise water.

  • Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) on Zakynthos Further south

    Zakynthos

    Also known as Zante, with the famous Shipwreck Beach, reached by boat, and loggerhead turtle nesting grounds.

  • Ruins of ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese Birthplace of the Games

    Olympia

    Explore the ancient stadium, temples and sanctuaries where athletes competed centuries ago.

The Peloponnese coast offers a diverse playground, from secluded coves and sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, while inland you can discover Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Read more in our guide: Sailing around Kefalonia: a southern Ionian guide.

Weather and sailing conditions

The summer sailing season in Greece enjoys fantastic weather, with clear skies and warm temperatures from April through to October. In early October you can expect daytime temperatures of 20 to 25°C, with slightly lower temperatures in the evening. Meanwhile, sailing conditions are generally moderate, with winds between force 2 and 5, and the sea is still around 24°C in early October, so it is great for swimming.

  • Sailing seasonApril to OctoberClear skies and warm temperatures
  • Air temperature20 to 25°C in early OctoberSlightly cooler in the evening
  • WindsForce 2 to 5Generally moderate sailing conditions
  • Sea temperatureAround 24°CStill great for swimming in early October

The fleet

Explorer flotilla yachts

Our fleet in Nikiana ranges from 33 to 50ft, with yachts by Jeanneau, Beneteau and Bavaria. You’ll also find full details of each yacht below, including mainsail type, cabin layout and interior photos.

Every yacht comes equipped as standard with:

  • Dinghy with outboard
  • Full electronic instrumentation
  • Autopilot
  • Shore power
  • Cabin fans
  • Solar panels

Explorer flotilla prices: two weeks for the price of one

The next explorer sails from Sunday 10 October 2027 to Sunday 24 October 2027, with yacht prices from £1,831 for the two weeks. The price for each yacht is in the “Explorer Route” rows of the Lefkas flotilla price tables.

This explorer flotilla is already a fantastic offer, so please note that it cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Yacht Security Deposit / Yacht Damage Waiver

Yacht Security Deposit

Yacht Security Deposits & Yacht Damage Waiver (YDW)
Choose Yacht Damage Waiver for peace of mind
Yacht SizeDepositYDW (1 week)YDW (2 weeks)
up to 35ft£1,000£120£180
36ft to 39ft£1,500£180£270
40ft to 45ft£2,000£250£375
46ft and over£2,500£300£450
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Our promise

The Seafarer Price Guarantee

We will not be beaten on price.

Because we are an independent company, we keep our prices highly competitive: if you see a like-for-like product cheaper elsewhere, let us know and we will beat it.

Specifically, the guarantee applies to yacht and accommodation rates on our Beach Club, Flotilla, Learn to Sail and Cabin Charter programmes operated by Seafarer, and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

What’s included

  • Fully equipped charter yacht
  • Assistance from the lead crew
  • One full tank of fuel
  • Dinghy and outboard
  • Bed linen and towels
  • End cleaning
  • Area cruising notes
  • Welcome pack
  • Punch party (weekly)
  • Beach party (for two-week guests)

Optional extras

Stand-up paddleboard£200 for two weeks
Child safety netting£100 per charter
Skipper£2,590 for two weeks
Host£1,890 for two weeks

Compare extras across all our holidays

Not included: mooring charges (except at the flotilla base), extra fuel or water, food and drinks, and personal items such as laundry. For sail and stay holidays, transfers from the yacht base to your accommodation are usually excluded and payable locally, unless you book a flight-inclusive package.

Skippered flotilla sailing

These yachts are usually skippered by guests who hold an ICC or equivalent, but we can also provide a skipper if you have no previous sailing experience. You still get all the benefits of sailing as part of a flotilla: meeting others in the evenings or during the day, organised activities for children, and all the usual pleasures of yachting, from exploring and swimming in secluded bays to the simple joy of travelling under sail.

Read more about skippered flotilla sailing

Book the Southern Ionian explorer flotilla

To book the Southern Ionian explorer flotilla or check availability, get in touch with our experienced team. They will then help you choose the right yacht for your two weeks in the Ionian.

Call or email us

Request a quote

Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.

Travel

Getting to the explorer flotilla

There are plenty of ways to reach our base in Nikiana, whether you’re joining us for a week or combining the Ionian flotilla with a longer trip. We’re in Nikiana harbour, right in the heart of the village, so it’s easy to reach by public or private transport. Seafarer flotillas in the Ionian run Sunday to Sunday: yachts are usually ready to board by 17:00 on the first day, and you then disembark at around 09:00 at the end of the flotilla.

At a glance

Flotilla week
Sunday to Sunday
Boarding
By 17:00 on the first day
Disembarking
Around 09:00 at the end of the flotilla
Transfer from Preveza airport
Around 30 minutes

  • Flights to Lefkas: Preveza (Aktion) airport

    Lefkas has no airport of its own: you fly to Preveza (Aktion) airport, code PVK, and Seafarer transfers from there to our base take around 30 minutes. Sunday charter flights from Gatwick, as well as scheduled flights from Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Flights to other European centres are also available on Sundays and other days of the week.


  • Bus and taxi

    Firstly, direct Seafarer transfers from Preveza airport take around 30 minutes. In addition, regular buses run from Nikiana harbour to Nydri, Vassiliki and Lefkas town, and from Lefkas town to Athens and Corinth, with less frequent services to Thessaloniki and Igoumenitsa.


  • Ferry

    Regular ferries run from Kefalonia to Vassiliki (40 minutes from base) as well as from Meganisi to Nydri (10 minutes from base). Less frequent ferries also run from Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zante to Lefkas town (15 minutes from base).

Plan your tripThe Ionian islands for every sailorThe ICC licence in Greece

Nikiana Beach Club pool and terrace beside the sea in Nikiana, Lefkas

Sail and stay holidays

Introducing Nikiana Beach Club

You can also enjoy dinghy sailing, windsurfing and other watersports right here in Nikiana. Our beach club is small and friendly, perfect for a week before or after your explorer flotilla. Prices start at £595pp Includes flights + accommodation for a week including flights from London, so a sail and stay holiday can be great value for an amazing two weeks in the Ionian.

Discover Nikiana Beach Club

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Peace of mind

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Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.


  • ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

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Southern Ionian explorer flotilla: your questions

Straight answers to the questions we are asked most about this flotilla.

Still have a question?

Speak to our sailing team, or pick your dates and ask for a quote.

020 8324 3118 Get a quote

What is the Southern Ionian explorer flotilla?

A two-week flotilla from Nikiana on Lefkas for the price of one week, with longer passages, quieter harbours and new places to explore. It heads further south than our regular flotilla routes, to Zakynthos and the Peloponnese coast for Olympia, then back north through Kefalonia and Ithaca. Because the weather is more changeable, the route may change a little, so a sense of adventure helps.

What is the explorer itinerary?

Week one sails via Kalamos, Frikes, Sami, Poros, Aghios Nikolaos and Katakolon (about 119 nautical miles), and week two via Olympia, Zakynthos Town, Agia Eufimia, Vathi and Kioni (about 110 nautical miles), starting and finishing at Nikiana. See the route day by day.

When does it run?

The next explorer sails from Sunday 10 October 2027 to Sunday 24 October 2027, starting and finishing at our base in Nikiana on Lefkas.

How much does the explorer flotilla cost?

It is two weeks for the price of one, with yacht prices from £1,831 for the whole two weeks. Prices are per yacht, so the cost per person depends on how many of you share it. Optional extras (2026 prices; 2027 to be confirmed) include a skipper (£2,590 for two weeks), a host (£1,890 for two weeks) and a stand-up paddleboard (£200 for two weeks). Prices and deposits.

What is included?

Your fully equipped charter yacht, help from the lead crew, one full tank of fuel, a dinghy and outboard, bed linen and towels, end cleaning, area cruising notes, a welcome pack, the punch party and a beach party. Not included: mooring charges away from the flotilla base, extra fuel or water, food and drinks, and personal items such as laundry. What’s included and optional extras.

What is the weather like?

In early October you can expect daytime temperatures of 20 to 25°C, slightly cooler in the evening, generally moderate winds of force 2 to 5, and a sea of around 24°C, still great for swimming.

Do I need sailing experience?

Sailing can be more challenging than in the high season, with more varied conditions and longer passages. The skipper of each yacht should hold an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or equivalent: the RYA Day Skipper Practical course makes you eligible, and we can arrange the ICC assessment. We can also provide a skipper (ask us for the 2027 price) if you have no previous sailing experience (skippered flotilla sailing). For the easiest sailing, see our Ionian Lefkas Flotilla or all our sailing holidays.

Which airport do I fly to?

You fly to Preveza (Aktion) airport, code PVK: Sunday charter flights leave from Gatwick, and there are scheduled flights from Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Seafarer transfers from the airport to our base in Nikiana harbour take around 30 minutes. Getting to the explorer flotilla.

How do I book?

Call our team on 020 8324 3118 (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00, Saturday 09:30 to 17:00), email info@seafarerholidays.com or ask for a quote, and we will come back to you with dates, availability and prices for your party.

What our Ionian flotilla guests say

Our flotilla holidays are rated Excellent, 4.4 out of 5, from 263 independent reviews collected by Feefo (4 November 2026).