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TRIP OVERVIEW

8 days
Liveaboard
Up to 5km/day
Moderate

Trip Dates

2025
07 Jun - 14 Jun
5 Spaces
14 Jun - 21 Jun
4 Spaces
20 Sep - 27 Sep
Available
27 Sep - 04 Oct
Available

Tour Highlights

  • Become a SwimTrek Pioneer and join our first ever Mediterranean Liveaboard

  • Launch adventures from our base on sunny Corfu – the idyllic island where Odysseus was shipwrecked after the Trojan War

  • Swim freely on a series of exciting coastal swims among the southern islands of Paxos and Antipaxos

  • Discover secret bays, coves and sea caves as we thread through warm Ionian waters

Our adventure begins on the idyllic island of Corfu, where Odysseus was shipwrecked during his return from the Trojan War. The second-largest island in the Ionian chain serves as our launching point for the week ahead. Take time to explore the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) before heading off along the coast with us and setting out on a week-long liveaboard aboard our traditional gulet.

During our travels we will pass cypress-lined hills as we venture to the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. As legend has it, the islands of Paxos were formed when Poseidon hit Corfu with his trident, causing the southern tip to break off and form the small islands. The island of Paxos is dotted with olive groves and a blend of unique architectural features with Western influences. Paxos is also known for its unspoiled beauty - a tranquil refuge that holds the secret gem of Voutoumi Beach, which is one of the most famous beaches in the Ionian Sea.

Antipaxos, slightly further south, is also a small paradise known for its pristine beaches and cobalt-blue waters. This island is a place of bountiful produce, famous for its vineyards making it the perfect spot relax under the ebbing sunlight. Vrika and Voutoumi Beach are particularly popular for their stunning white sand and calm, turquoise waters.


Who is this trip for?

This swimming trip is ideal for those who are looking to explore the Ionian islands onboard a traditional liveaboard.

Swimmers should also have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance of around 2.5km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 5km (split over a minimum of two swims).

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.


Are you a Pioneer?

We are excited to share our entirely new Ionian Liveaboard trip for an action-packed 2024 of adventures. Our first departures will be Pioneer Departures. These are perfect for those who want to get out first to experience the relatively unexplored waters that await us. You will have the opportunity to explore the destination in-depth with an amazing group of swimmers, opening our eyes to the possibilities for future trips.


What's Included

  • Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
  • Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches
  • Dinner on the first night
  • Full ABTOT Financial Protection

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the tour
  • Tipping for onboard crew
  • Alcoholic drinks which can be purchased onboard
  • Dinners (Except first night)
  • Drinks
  • Rental of onboard water sports equipment.
  • Port fees €80 per person
  • Over night air conditioning (00:00-08:00)

Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Corfu Old Port

Start Time: 16:00 on First Day

Finish Point: Corfu Old Port

Finish Time: 10:00 on Last Day

Day 1

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.

Day 2

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.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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.

Day 8

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

Accommodation

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Gulet Hera

Gulet Hera is a spacious and welcoming liveaboard, perfect to cater for your needs during our exploration of the Ionian Islands. With a number of twin and double beds as well as plenty of outdoor seating and deck space, you will be able to relax in comfort. Gulet Hera will also have a some basic water sport equipment on board, such as kayak and paddleboards, should you need more time on the water!

Location Summary

Corfu

Corfu also has some rocky coastlines, particularly on the northern side. Topography-wise, Corfu is divided into three sections by the Pantokrator and Saint Decca (Agioi Deka) ranges. The diverse landscapes offer a variety of swim locations for us to explore, including many sandy coves and secluded bays with cobalt waters.

Parga

The vertiginous town of Parga is known for its charming and colourful architecture, with traditional houses built on the hillsides overlooking the sea. Parga is also famous for its historical sites. The Venetian Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The castle dates to the 11th century and has been well-preserved, with its walls, towers, and Venetian-style architecture still intact.

Paxos

The main town and port of Paxos is Gaios - a traditional village that exudes a laid-back and authentic Greek vibe. The narrow streets are lined with colourful houses and food stops, offering many traditional taverns serving fresh seafood, locally produced olive oil, and regional specialties. The waterfront promenade sits in a scenic setting and allows you to enjoy leisurely strolls, admiring yachts and fishing boats in the harbour.

Paxos is also home to some unique natural attractions. The Blue Caves, located on the island's west coast, are a series of sea caves that can be explored by boat.

Antipaxos

With no permanent residents or major hotels, Antipaxos is a day visitor’s dream. Home to some of the best in beeches in Greece, Vrika and Voutoumi boast powdery white sand and clear waters. The beaches are surrounded by verdant cliffs, creating a dramatic and picturesque backdrop.

Trip Grading

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

Swim Distance Swim Distance
Corfu 2½km Corfu 2½km
Marvo Oros Blue Lagoon 3km Parga - Aphrodite’s Cave 2km
Antipaxos 3km Antipaxos 2km
Antipaxos 2½km Antipaxos 2km
Paxos 3km Paxos 2km
Paxos 3km Paxos 2km

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

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
September 22-27°C / 75-79°F 19-28°C / 69-82°F
October 19-25°C / 69-74°F 17-23°C / 62-73°F

*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.

Trip Information

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.

Getting There

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.

Accommodation

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 €280 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. For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

Travel Advice

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.

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.


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