Why Choose The Ionian Explorer Flotilla?
Intermediate Sailing – Level 2
Ideal For More Experienced Sailors
Club And Flotilla Option
Combine Flotilla With RYA Tuition
The Ionian explorer flotilla is ideal for those looking 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 during the high season. The harbours and anchorages are a little quieter, giving you the chance to sail late into the afternoon.
We try to design our route to give some longer passages, heading further south than our regular flotilla routes, which gives the opportunity to visit harbours and ports that are not generally accessible on regular flotillas.
Each island offers something different, and we also try to visit a variety of overnight stops – larger towns like Vathi on Ithaca and Zakynthos town, as well as the smaller islands of Kastos and Kalamos.
As the weather is changeable, this particular route may be subject to some changes, so a sense of adventure and a flexible approach is definitely part of the essential packing list!
The Explorer Route - 14th April 2024
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.Kalamos
A 15 mile sail for the first day – time to shake down your yacht, and then enjoy a warm welcome in the protected harbour of Kalamos.Frikes
Head to Ithaca, and one of the nicest villages in the Ionian. Drinks in the renowned local bar after dinner to complete your evening.Sami
Our destination today is Sami, a working town with plenty of tavernas to choose from.Poros
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!)Aghios Nikolaos
Protected from the prevailing winds by the small island of the same name, whilst a pretty little town in its own right, the big attraction is ‘Shipwreck Cove’ which we visit on a local excursion boat.Katakolon
Time to head south-east to the Peloponnese coast, for the first of our two-night stop in KatakolonOlympia
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.Zakynthos Town
Today’s sail takes us west across to the capital of Zakynthos, or Zante as its also known.Free Sailing
Go sightseeing in Zakynthos, head back to Kefalonia, go for a day sail...the choice is yours.Aghia Eufimia
Back to Kefalonia and to Eufimia and one of our favourite restaurants in the area.Vathi, Ithaca
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.Kioni, Ithaca
A short hop up the easy coast of Ithaca to Kioni, one of the prettiest villages in the Ionian.Nikiana
Back to our base we go and a chance for a farewell meal all together overlooking the harbour.The Weather
Reliable sunshine on the Ionian flotilla is virtually guaranteed during the season between early May and late October, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in early and late season up to the high 30s in late June through August. Sailing conditions are generally moderate with winds typically force 2-4. More challenging sailing is available further south.
Prices
Yacht | Departure Date | Route | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Bavaria 33 - 2007 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £1,695 |
Sun Odyssey 36i - 2008/12 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £1,895 |
Bavaria 37 - 2007 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £1,995 |
Bavaria 37 - 2015 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,195 |
Bavaria 40 - 2011/13 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,495 |
Oceanis 41.1 - 2017 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,595 |
Bavaria 41 - 2015 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,595 |
Sun Odyssey 42i - 2012 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,595 |
Bavaria 46 - 2016 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,895 |
Bavaria 46 - 2023 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,995 |
Bavaria 50 - 2008 | 14th April 2024 | Explorer Route | £2,995 |
Yacht Security Deposit
Returnable Deposit:
- Yachts 35 ft or under – £1000
- Yachts 36 ft to 40ft – £1500
- Yachts 41 ft to 45ft – £2000
- Yachts 46ft and over – £2500
Non-Returnable Yacht Damage Waiver:
- Yachts 35 ft or under – 1 week £120 2 weeks £180
- Yachts 36 ft to 40ft – 1 week £180 2 weeks £270
- Yachts 41 ft to 45ft – 1 week £250 2 weeks £375
- Yachts 46ft and over – 1 week £300 2 weeks £450
Extras
- Sea kayak £100 per week
- Inflatable SUP (stand up paddle board) £100 per week
- Child safety netting £100 per charter
- Skipper £995 per week
- Hostess £700 per week
- Seafarer Beach Towel £15 (yours to keep)
Sunday morning charter flights from Gatwick or Heathrow to Preveza with afternoon return. Flight Time 3 hrs.
Regional charter flights from Manchester and Birmingham available on request.
Lefkas Town Quay, Lefkas Marina, £32 per person return. Sivota Flotilla Base, £45 per person return.