Low Prices with all inclusions, & a network of Quality Yachts
With our Skippered Sailing Greece Tours & Holidays WeInclude All ‘Hidden‘ Costs such as taxes, mooring fees, fuel, ‘end-of-use’ cleaning, all crew costs etc.. which can often be very high. So what you pay to us is clear. In each trip, we also specify whether hotel and any land transfers are included or are an extra cost, so everything is transparent. Low Prices. We are able to keep costs low by direct agreements with dozens of local boat owners throughout Greece. A Network of Quality. Our network of Skippered Yachts is validated for safety, cleanliness and all other aspects of service so we are able to offer quality choices at the highest level. Peace of mind. On all our 7-day Itineraries, a large network of Yachts and experience is at your disposal, rather than a single boat & owner. This gives us the capacity to cope with possible problems so that any disruption to your vacation is quickly minimized.
Choices from Half-Day Sailing Cruises to 7-Day Itineraries
We offer a wide range of Private & Semi-Private Day Cruises & Tours throughout Greece, and Exclusively Private Skippered Sailing Holidays covering the most popular Island Groups of the Cyclades, Ionian, Sporades, and Argosaronic Gulf.
Short Sailing Tours & Cruises from Athens.
If passing through Athens on a shortstop then there are two choices to make the most of your time. Firstly, a Private Yacht Cruise along the Athens Riviera over a half or full day with the Clifftop Temple of Poseidon & lunch on board is hard to beat.
Secondly, if you prefer a full-day Greek Island experience, then a day’s sailing, swimming & sightseeing to the islands of the Argo-Saronic Gulf including Hydra, Spetses, Poros, and Aegina is ideal. Day trips to the Cycladic Islands which lie closer to Athens, including Andros & Tinos can also be done, either by Private Motor Yacht, or as a ‘door-to-door’ chauffeured vehicle tour using the fast daily passenger ferry, and including road tours of these Islands main sites before returning.
Short Sailing Tours & Cruises from the Islands.
Similarly, we offer half-day & full-day sailing cruises from the popular Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, as well as others you may be visiting such as Crete and Rhodes.
Sailing Holidays.
If you are more interested in a dedicated Sailing & Island Hopping experience then we have flexible Itineraries covering all the most popular Island Groups of the Cyclades, Ionian, Sporades, and Argosaronic Islands. For a full 7-Days and all inclusions as described, starting prices based on 4-persons range from only 2491 Euro in the low period to 4249 Euro in the peak period (total price per yacht). For our choice of Holidays just scroll down to see ‘Direct-Booking, for the specific details of each.
Comprehensive choice of Sailing Vessel.
With over 350 vessels we always have availability and for our 7-Day Itineraries, these can be done with your choice of both vessel type; Catamaran, Sailing Yacht or Motor Yacht; and class of luxury, from entry-level to luxury Mega-Yacht. One of our qualified & highly experienced skippers is always available on request, so no prior sailing knowledge is necessary.
Direct Booking
Our direct booking prices for all skippered sailing Greece are based on entry-level, superior luxury standard yachts fully fitted & equipped, and suitable for 2 persons or more. Price quotes on any further level of luxury can be requested. Examples of our most common Yacht range can be seen HERE.
With over 250 inhabited Greek islands with distinct Geography, History & Culture, choosing which to visit is not always easy. For 7-Day Sailing Holidays especially, these Islands are best traveled & most conveniently described according to their geographical locations.
The Argo-Saronic Gulf group of Hydra, Spetses, Poros, and Aegina, lie close to the Athens/Attica region and so are in many cases the nearest Island group in easy reach on your entry to Greece. If you are not looking for the hustle & bustle of Mykonos & Santorini, these are a perfect choice for any Holiday & can provide a real getaway. The pretty port towns of Hydra, an island free of cars, and Spetses are hard to match, whilst Poros can provide the ideal beach holiday, and the Island Of Aegina with its ancient temple adds an ancient historical gem. As with all Greek islands, no two are alike but there are no bad choices here or ones to avoid. Only an embarrassment of riches. View our Argosaronic Skippered Sailing Holiday Here.
The Sporades Islands of Skopelos, Skiathos, and Alonissos with its marine park are the greenest Islands. These have a wealth of timeless picturesque fishing villages literally out of the pages of a movie (location of Mama Mia). They are also one of the world’s most beautiful locations to go sailing with calm seas, idyllic isolated beaches & windless harbors. In recent years Skiathos & Skopelos have become ex-pat favorites so you will find a lively community in the main ports supporting a good range of local shops cafes & restaurants, along with the many secluded spaces, small villages & beaches better reached by Yacht. The Pelion Peninsula nearby also provides a great many beauty spots, caves & pretty fishing villages ideal for Yachting. View our Sporades Skippered Sailing Holiday Here.
In the South Aegean and more used to tourism, lie the Cyclades. These islands are characterized by their more barren rocky geography. Rich in Historical sites they include the popular Santorini & Mykonos as well as other firm favorites like Naxos. Not to be overlooked is the regional capital Syros which has many wonderful local villages, beaches & a vibrant & historic old town with plenty to see & do. These islands perhaps provide the most dramatic and varied coastlines for sailing from the white cliffs of Milos to the Caldera of Santorini. This variety extends to their towns & settlements & this island group is also great for a multitude of shore excursions & sightseeing. View our Cyclades Skippered Sailing Holiday Here.
Crete
Crete
The size of Crete, its most southerly location, together with its sightseeing & sailing opportunities puts this island in a category of its own. Internally it has no less than three mountain ranges where you can see Egyptian vultures circling the snow-covered mountain. There are green valleys and river gorges like the famous Samaria Gorge, and many mountain villages which will take you back to a bygone era. Home to the 5000-year-old Minoan culture, a visit to the home of the legendary King Minos at Knossos is a must-do, whilst the cuisine of Crete, even by the standards of the rest of Greece, is known for its quality.
All this before we mention its beautiful medieval town of Hania, the many other picturesque seaside towns, villages and some of the most famous beaches in Greece, Nearly all of the settlements and life is found along the north of the island but when sailing to the south you will find another world with perfect deserted beaches, peaceful & full of undisturbed natural beauty.
The Dodecanese Islands
Rhodes Island
Closer to Turkey are the Dodecanese Islands. Less popular than the Cyclades but packed with picture-postcard villages & towns, these islands will provide a more relaxed pace getaway with fewer crowds and smaller towns & settlements with no lack of beautiful architecture and unspoiled beaches to enjoy.
An exception to this in terms of crowds is the larger island of Rhodes with its very impressive Castles & Ancient Cities. This island is very well developed for tourism so you can also find many high-end restaurants and nightlife. In general, if you want to shy away from the main crowds & you dont want to see the Ancient cities, then Rhodes can be missed in favor of the others, or at least avoided during the peak of the season. The Dodecanese are a good all-round sailing option for any vessel type as the islands are well spaced together and receive calm weather throughout the season.
Lastly, on the West coast of Greece lie the Ionian Islands which are one of the most visited in Greece. The islands of Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada are the most popular, with the islands of Ithaca, Paxi, Kythira, and Meganisi slightly more suitable for relaxing holidays.
With many formally under Venetian rule, you will see some beautiful architecture in the main areas. Especially in Zakinthos & Corfu which has a wonderful old town which is great to visit & full of Renaissance, baroque and classical architecture. Corfu also is large enough with a lot to see & do & a nice promenade on the central square full of arcades and cafes as well as a 15th-century Fortress.
The Ionian Islands are ideal for sailing especially for those with less sailing experience because they are generally very calm & without winds throughout the main season. View our Ionian Skippered Sailing Holiday Here.
All our skippered sailing Greece 7-Day Itineraries can be carried out with either Catamaran, Sailing Yacht or Motor Yacht. However, each vessel type has slightly different suitabilities. Catamarans are ideal for families. They are very stable and are perfect for the short hops around the Ionian Islands for example which have little or minimal wind even in August when the Cyclades can experience windy conditions. Sailing Yachts are suitable for all and are equipped with an engine to assist sail power so all the inter-island distances in each of our itineraries can be covered comfortably. Motor Yachts, without sail, offer the most speedy travel & are ideal for those who want to spend less of their time ‘hopping’ & more time sightseeing.
Options! Options! Options!
Why not combine your Skippered Sailing Greece experience with a land-based itinerary or professionally guided activities. With our partners throughout Greece and years of experience, we are able to offer many additional exciting options to make your time together hassle-free, and designed to get the most out of your Greek experience. From multi-day Archaeological site Tours of the mainland & other excursions to, a week’s Hiking & Biking tour in some of the most amazing landscapes in Greece, to simple airport transfers. Just ask for details & let us know your preferences.
FAQ / What you need to know
Sailing Durations
Group Size
From single Guests to flotillas, we can cater for any number in your party.
Departure Points
For the Argo-Saronic Islands and Cyclades is Athens; for the Sporades, Volos; and for the Ionion Islands normally one of the West Coast Ports.
Transfers / Airport Transfers.
Arranged from all locations in Greece on request.
Booking Process
3 Easy Steps:
1. After you choose your itinerary & Vessel type & Class, we need the name. Address, Nationality of the main Charterer. We will send you the charter contract for review & you pay a deposit of 50% of the Yacht cost. We then confirm your booking by email.
2. prior to 30 days before arrival you send us the Passport or ID number / Nationality, DOB & Address of all participants – required by law for search & rescue administration. The final payment for the Yacht is required.
3. On check in you will sign the charter contract & pay for any additional costs such as the Skipper, any extra equipment, end cleaning, insurance etc..
Skippers. Will they fit with my group?
Foremost, your skippers job is to navigate you through your various destinations with safety as an absolute primary priority.
Secondly, our skippers are all highly qualified professionals who are very experienced with hosting all types of groups with the utmost consideration for the privacy and needs you will have along your voyage.
A key part of their role with you will be in laying out each day’s itinerary in terms of what you can expect, transit times, and any details you would like to know, from recommending the best places to eat, to discussing any & all options for visiting the local beauty spots & moorings at each new location. Your skipper’s aim is to provide you with the best experience possible so you will find him/her to be flexible & helpful throughout.
Chef or Host/ess
Ideal for larger groups of flotillas, adding a Chef or Host/ess will give you much more hands-free time & is also a very economical option when sharing the cost between group members. Daily total costs (not per person) are from 150 Euro for a chef and 130 Euro for a Host/ess.
Groceries. Where can we shop for food?
Each location has a range of Markets / Mini-Markets & shops where you will be able to buy what you need. At most destinations each day it is also possible to order provisions for delivery to the boat, and order takeaway food also. Your skipper will always be happy to coordinate this for you and communicate anything on your behalf whenever necessary.
Accommodation. What is included?
Each Yacht has everything you will need for a week including bedding with changes, and a well-equipped kitchen with a gas stove & oven. Just think of the things you may expect in a hotel room with a catering facility.
What should we pack?
Just think of that beach holiday with a mix of swimming, exploring, relaxing & sightseeing. Light clothes are best with a hat, sunscreen & rubber-soled shoes. Even in the summer months, the evenings can sometimes be cool so a light sweater or weatherproof jacket, & if visiting at other times of the year one or two more layers.
Don’t forget your swimwear, beach towels & flip flops! Not a lot else is necessary.
Snorkel gear is normally included but if you need any over or undersize masks just let us know. Additional gear such as paddleboards may be added on request.
What is the best time of year for Sailing?
For skippered sailing in Greece, the season starts around mid-April and ends in late early November. You can expect almost perfect sunny hot weather between June to September with warm water temperatures often extending into November.
Do temperatures & conditions vary by region?
Yes. There are some regnal differences which can be considered.
The Ionian islands are ideal for less experienced sailors as waves do not normally build in this region. Occasional windy or stormy days may be expected In May, September and October but otherwise day temperatures between 26-30°C / 79-86°F, and nighttime temperatures between 19-23°C / 66-73°F.
The Cycladic Islands have strong seasonal winds ‘meltemi’ during July and August which start blowing moderately around mid-June. September is the best time to visit for less experienced sailors when the winds calm down and the weather is perfect. Rain is rare in the Summer months & temperatures are similar to those of the Ionian Islands, but the air is slightly cooler & dryer. Inter-Island distances are longer in these islands which can mean longer sailing times. In general, Catamarans are less recommended for the months with the wind, and these Island Itineraries are perhaps best suited to Motor Yachts which will cover distances more easily.
The Dodecanese Islands located in the southeast Aegean sea is also affected by the strong Meltemi winds in July and August when Catamarans are perhaps less suitable. However, the seas are not as rough because the islands are closer to each other. Ideal for Sailing Yachts & Motor Yachts.
The Sporades Islands area is very similar to the Ionian islands in outlook & perfect for any sailing type.
The Argosaronic Islands. Closest to the mainland & well protected from the weather, these Islands are also perfect for any sailing type with sunny weather & calm seas for most of the season.
Can you arrange Hotels & extra land Tours for us?
Of course! We have years of experience & partner with Hotels & Activity Partners throughout Greece as an essential part of what we do. We specialize in personalized itineraries so we can accommodate most additional needs.
I have a few more questions, can I talk to a real person?
Certainly! for any questions on our skippered Sailing Greece Day Tours or Holidays you can message us via the WhatsApp or messenger channel on our site (bottom corners of the screen), email us at info@warmpenguin.gr or use the Contact Form. You can also just call us directly on (0030) 6955297050, request a Skype call, or set up a zoom meeting HERE. We would love to hear from you!
Can I Tailor a different itinerary with shorter or longer duration?
Yes. Just contact us & let us know what you prefer.
