Corfu: Private Sailing Yacht Cruise

If you’re dreaming of exploring Corfu from a different perspective, a private sailing yacht cruise might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience, offered by BALOS YACHTS CORFU PRIVATE CRUISES, promises a personalized journey along the island’s coast, taking in iconic views and offering plenty of opportunities to unwind in crystal-clear waters. With space for up to 10 guests, it’s a flexible option whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or just a small group of fellow travelers.

What we love about this tour is its ability to combine sightseeing with relaxation—you’ll get sweeping views of Corfu’s fortress walls and Old Town from the water, plus fun stops for swimming and photos. The friendly, knowledgeable skipper makes the experience enjoyable and informative, adding a touch of local charm. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, as it requires getting on and off a boat.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a comfortable, authentic, and flexible way to see Corfu, especially those who enjoy being on the water, savoring good food and drinks, and discovering the island from a totally different angle.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private group for up to 10, customizable itinerary.
• Stunning Views: See Corfu’s fortresses and Old Town from a fresh perspective.
• Swimming Opportunities: Vido and Lazareto islands offer crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and beach towels included.
• Flexible Timing: Choose between a 4-hour or 8-hour trip, with start times at 10 AM or 4 PM.
• Authentic, Relaxing Atmosphere: Friendly skipper and laid-back environment—ideal for sunbathers or curious explorers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Corfu by Water: What to Expect

The cruise begins at the chosen start time—either mid-morning or late afternoon—at a designated meeting point, which varies depending on your booking. From the marina, your boat gently departs, embarking on a scenic journey along Corfu’s rugged coast. The itinerary includes several memorable stops, each offering its own unique charm.

Viewing the Fortress and Old Town from the Water

One of the first sights you’ll enjoy is the impressive ancient fortifications and the charming Old Town. From the water, these historic walls seem even more formidable, and the perspective reveals hidden corners and details missed by land visitors. We loved the way the fortresses loom over the water, a reminder of Corfu’s strategic importance through centuries. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and sets the tone for the day.

Visiting Garitsa Bay and Super Yachts

Next, the boat heads into Garitsa Bay, a natural anchorage where you’ll see an array of luxury super yachts moored in the calm waters. This spot offers a relaxed stop where you can soak in the sights of Corfu’s upscale maritime life and perhaps daydream about living the yacht life yourself. The reviews highlight how much guests enjoy this part, with one noting, “Beautiful views, a little sightseeing, a lot of white wine!! and a funny Skipper!”

Short Stop at Mouse Island

The tour then makes a brief visit to Mouse Island (Pontikonissi), famous for its tiny chapel and picturesque landing. It’s a perfect spot for photos, especially with airplanes flying overhead—a fun detail many travelers appreciate. The short stop allows for quick exploration and capturing memorable shots before heading further.

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Swimming at Vido Island and Lazareto Island

Perhaps the most refreshing part of the trip is swimming at Vido Island, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. The calm, inviting sea makes it easy to relax and cool off. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment and beach towels, so you can enjoy the water comfortably. According to one reviewer, “We had a perfect day on the boat, with a dip in the sea and stunning views of the Old Town.”

Returning and Reflection

After a leisurely swim and some time to soak in the sun, the boat heads back toward the marina, offering more scenic views along Corfu’s coastline. The entire experience is designed to be flexible—whether you want to sunbathe, snorkel, or just sip on a drink, the skipper ensures everyone’s preferences are accommodated.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour offers excellent value for the price of $497 per group, which covers all the essentials:

• Skipper and fuel ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience.
• All fees and taxes included, so no surprises.
• Bottled water, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks — perfect for keeping hydrated and adding a touch of luxury.
• Snorkeling gear, noodle floats, beach towels, and a Bluetooth speaker for entertainment.
• An onboard bathroom adds convenience, especially for longer trips.

The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point. This is typical for private boat excursions, but it’s worth planning ahead. The flexibility to choose between a 4-hour or 8-hour cruise allows you to tailor your day depending on your schedule and interests.

The Experience in Review: Authentic, Fun, and Relaxing

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that this tour consistently delights travelers. Many mention the friendly and knowledgeable guides—with one noting how their skipper, Themis, shared interesting facts about Corfu with a smile. Guests love the chance to see iconic sights from the water in a relaxed setting, often describing the experience as a highlight of their trip.

The inclusion of good wine and snacks is a big plus, with one reviewer saying, “Bring more alcohol if you want a good wine and champagne,” suggesting that the drinks served are enjoyable but perhaps modest. It’s a laid-back, social atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Swimmers particularly appreciate the stop at Vido Island, where you can float in crystal-clear waters and snorkel, making it a refreshing break from sightseeing. The boat’s small size and private nature mean you get a more intimate experience, free from large groups or noisy tour buses.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Cruise

• Timing matters: Choose a start time that aligns with your plans. The 10 AM start is perfect for a full day of sightseeing and swimming, while the 4 PM option offers a relaxed afternoon and sunset vibe.
• Bring your own alcohol: While drinks are provided, guests note that bringing extra wine or champagne can enhance the experience.
• Dress appropriately: Swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable clothing will make your day more enjoyable.
• Mobility considerations: The tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility—getting on and off the boat may be challenging.
• Book early: With nearly 50 reviews averaging 4.9/5, this cruise is popular. Secure your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private sailing cruise is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed way to explore Corfu. It’s perfect for families, small groups of friends, or couples celebrating something special. If you enjoy being on the water, panoramic views, swimming, and good company, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

Those seeking a luxurious, fuss-free day will appreciate the all-inclusive nature and flexible itinerary. Conversely, if you prefer guided land tours or have mobility limitations, this might not be the best fit. But for anyone wanting a blend of sightseeing, sunbathing, and swimming with a dash of local flavor, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

This Corfu private sailing yacht cruise offers a balanced mix of spectacular scenery, relaxed cruising, and personalized attention. It provides a great value, especially considering the inclusive drinks, snorkeling gear, and the chance to see Corfu from a truly unique angle. The friendly guides and the opportunity to customize your day—whether for a quick 4-hour jaunt or a full 8-hour adventure—make it a flexible choice for many travelers.

If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic way to experience the island’s coastlines and waters, this tour is a fantastic option. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid large crowds, enjoy a more intimate setting, and indulge in some leisure time under the Greek sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is flexible, it is not explicitly described as kid-friendly, and the physical nature of boarding and swimming might be challenging for very young children, especially those with mobility issues.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Guests have noted that bringing additional alcohol, like wine or champagne, can enhance the experience, as the drinks served are good but might be limited for those wanting more.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for sunbathing and swimming is recommended, along with swimwear, sun hat, and sunscreen.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore underwater sights during your swim stops.

How flexible are the trip durations?
You can choose between a 4-hour or an 8-hour trip, depending on your schedule and how much time you want on the water.

Are bathroom facilities available onboard?
Yes, there is a bathroom onboard, which is convenient especially for longer trips.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the meeting point?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transport accordingly.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Corfu’s private sailing yacht cruise offers an authentic taste of the island’s maritime beauty, blending scenic views, leisure, and personalized service. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, fun, and memorable day on Greece’s shimmering seas.

You can check availability for your dates here: