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Flotilla yachts sailing in the southern Ionian on the explorer flotilla

Two weeks for the price of one: see the explorer flotilla prices

Southern Ionian explorer flotilla, October 2026

Southern Ionian Explorer Flotilla: 11 October 2026

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 Get a quote

Departure
11 October 2026
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 from 11 October 2026, for the price of one
  • Starts and finishes at Nikiana on Lefkas, Sunday to Sunday
  • Yachts are ready from around 14:00 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

The Southern Ionian explorer route

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

Week one

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

Animated map of week one of the Southern Ionian explorer flotilla: from Nikiana on Lefkas to Kalamos, Frikes on Ithaca, Sami and Poros on Kefalonia, Aghios Nikolaos on Zakynthos and Katakolon for Olympia, about 119 nautical miles

Week two

From Katakolon back north to Nikiana, about 110 nautical miles

Animated map of week two of the Southern Ionian explorer flotilla: from Katakolon to Zakynthos Town, a free-sailing day, Agia Eufimia on Kefalonia, Vathi and Kioni on Ithaca and back 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.

  • 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.

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 around 20°C in early October, so it is still 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 20°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
Cabin Configuration
Cabins
2
3
4
5

Explorer flotilla prices: two weeks for the price of one

Every yacht sails the two-week explorer route from 11 October 2026. The table shows the full price and the two-for-one price for each yacht.

YachtDeparture DateRouteFull Price2 for 1 Price
Bavaria 33 - 200711th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£3,404£1,831
Sun Odyssey 36i - 2008/1211th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£4,017£2,174
Bavaria 37 - 2007
11th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£4,017£2,174
Bavaria C38 - 202511th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£5,606£3,006
Bavaria 37 - 2015
11th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£4,649£2,504
Bavaria 40 - 2011/13
11th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£5,112£2,747
Oceanis 41.1 - 201711th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£5,806£3,110
Bavaria C42 - 202411th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£6,640£3,495
Bavaria 46 - 201611th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£6,640£3,495
Bavaria 46 - 202311th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£6,956£3,660
Bavaria 50 - 200811th October 2026Southern Explorer Route£6,640£3,495

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

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 the right qualifications, 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 from around 14:00 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
From around 14:00 on the first day
Disembarking
Around 09:00 at the end of the flotilla
Transfer from Preveza airport
Around 30 minutes

  • Flights

    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).

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 £495pp 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

Peace of mind

Book with confidence

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

    All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected


  • ABTOT Member — No. 5660

    Additional protection for bookings without flights

What our Ionian flotilla guests say

Independent reviews of Seafarer flotilla holidays, collected by Feefo.