Corfu Island Sailing Yacht Trip from Gouvia

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Certified by Haqqi Tours

DurationAbout 5 hours
Daily
Group

Corfu Island Sailing Yacht Trip from Gouvia

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Overview

This shared Corfu sailing trip leaves from Gouvia marina and follows the green northeast coast of the island on a yacht with a skipper. You stop in sheltered coves to swim and snorkel, look back at the mountains of Corfu from the open Ionian Sea, and enjoy sandwiches, fruit and soft drinks on board. Choose the 11:00 or 13:00 departure. It suits couples, friends and families who want a relaxed half day on the water without arranging a private charter.

Highlights

Shared sailing yacht with a skipper, departing from Gouvia marina
Choice of 11:00 or 13:00 departure, about 5 hours on the water
Swim and snorkel stops in quiet coves on the northeast coast
Sandwiches, fruit and soft drinks included on board
Views of Mount Pantokrator and the coast of the mainland across the strait
Children welcome, with a separate child fare for ages 11 and under

Full Description

Gouvia marina, the starting point of the trip

Gouvia marina sits in a deep, protected bay on the central east coast of Corfu, a short drive north of Corfu Town. It is one of the main yacht harbours of the Ionian Islands, and the old Venetian shipyard buildings beside it are a reminder that this bay served as a naval base for centuries. Our Corfu sailing trip starts here, so you step straight from the pontoon onto the yacht.

If you are wondering how to get to Gouvia marina, it is easy to reach by taxi, rental car or local bus from Corfu Town and the nearby resorts. Hotel pickup is not part of this option, so plan to arrive at the meeting point described in your booking confirmation before departure.

The northeast coast of Corfu from the water

The northeast coast is the greenest and most dramatic side of the island, and a boat trip in Corfu is the best way to see it. Olive groves and cypress trees run down to small pebble beaches, and villages such as Dassia, Ipsos, Nissaki and Kalami appear one after another beneath the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, the highest peak on Corfu.

The yacht keeps close enough to the shore for photographs, then turns out into open water where the sails do the work. The quiet moments under sail, with only the wind and the water, are the real reason this Corfu day trip by boat is worth taking.

Swimming and snorkelling stops in hidden coves

Along this stretch of coast the water is clear and deep blue, with rocky ledges and small bays that are impossible to reach by road. The skipper chooses a stop according to the wind and sea that day, anchors, and gives you time to swim, float or explore the shoreline. On calm days the route may also pass sea caves and cliff faces that look very different from the water.

Snorkelling gear is not included in this option, so bring your own mask if you want to look for fish around the rocks. Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, because the swim stops are a central part of the trip.

Sailing in the Ionian Sea: when to go

People often ask whether a sailing trip in Corfu is worth it and when the best time for sailing in Corfu is. The main season runs from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm and the afternoon breeze is steady. Midsummer is the busiest period, while June and September give calmer water and softer light.

The 11:00 departure suits guests who want more swimming time in the morning, while the 13:00 departure puts you on the water in the golden light of the afternoon. Both follow the same relaxed style, with the final route decided by the skipper to suit conditions.

Itinerary

Meet at Gouvia marinaArrive at the meeting point shown in your booking confirmation and board the yacht before the 11:00 or 13:00 departure.
Safety briefing and departureThe skipper explains how to move around the yacht and sets sail along the coast, about 30 minutes to leave the marina area.
Sailing the northeast coastEnjoy the views of Mount Pantokrator, beaches and villages while under sail.
Swim and snorkel stopAnchor in a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkelling, around one hour depending on conditions.
Snack and soft drinksSandwiches, fruit and soft drinks are served on board during the sail.
Return to GouviaThe yacht sails back to the marina, arriving about 5 hours after departure.

What's included

Sailing trip on a yacht
Skipper
Sandwiches and fruit
Soft drinks

Not included

Snorkelling gear
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Guests who are prone to seasickness
Travellers who are unable to climb on and off a sailing yacht
Guests who need hotel pickup, which is not included in this option

Meeting point

The trip begins at Gouvia marina on the east coast of Corfu. The exact meeting point and instructions are sent in your booking confirmation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so please arrive a little before your 11:00 or 13:00 departure.

Important information

Choose the 11:00 or 13:00 departure when you book; the booking panel shows what is available for your date.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Snorkelling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.
Wear flat, soft-soled shoes on deck and bring a light layer for the breeze out at sea.
The route can change according to wind and sea conditions; the skipper makes the final decision for safety.
Adult fare applies from age 12; the child fare applies to ages 11 and under.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Corfu sailing yacht trip cost?

The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children for your chosen date.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The trip starts at Gouvia marina and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point details are in your booking confirmation.

How long is the Corfu sailing trip?

The trip lasts about 5 hours from the 11:00 or 13:00 departure, including sailing time and swim stops.

What is included on board?

The shared sailing trip includes the yacht, a skipper, sandwiches, fruit and soft drinks. Snorkelling gear, hotel transfers and tips are not included.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome. The child fare applies to ages 11 and under, and adults must supervise them on deck at all times.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer. Flat shoes with soft soles are best on a yacht.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Often yes, if there are seats left on the 11:00 or 13:00 departure. Check the date picker in the booking panel to see live availability.

Is this a private charter?

No. This option is a shared sailing trip with other guests. Private groups can ask us about other arrangements.

Is a sailing trip in Corfu worth it?

If you enjoy swimming, clear water and a slow pace, yes. You see parts of the northeast coast that are hard to reach by road and spend time in quiet coves away from the busy beaches.

Can I snorkel on the trip?

Yes, there are swim stops where you can snorkel, but masks and fins are not provided, so bring your own.