Eight hours on a wooden boat feels like therapy.

From Argostoli, this full-day trip on the traditional wooden boat Artemis takes you to Kefalonia’s most swim-worthy spots: White Rocks, Rabbit Island (Vardiani), and Xi beach, with a homemade Greek lunch and local wine along the way. It’s an easy day of sea time—so you spend less effort planning, and more time enjoying the coastline.

I especially like the mix of stops: calm, turquoise water at White Rocks, a quiet uninhabited island for lunch, and Xi beach for that famous red-sand look. I also love the onboard rhythm—food and drinks keep coming, and the crew is attentive enough that the day feels relaxed instead of rushed.

One consideration: beach transfers can involve dinghy rides or swimming ashore, which can be a surprise if you prefer step-on, step-off comfort.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Three major water stops around southern Kefalonia, with time to swim and cool off.
• Homemade Greek lunch served in a proper setting, with local wine and water included.
• Rabbit Island (Vardiani): uninhabited, with a small church and ruins to explore on foot.
• Xi beach’s red-sand and clay lore, plus plenty of beach time to enjoy the look and feel.
• A water slide off the boat, which stays fun for adults and kids alike.
• Usually small, easygoing group energy, with staff constantly checking in for drinks and comfort.

From Argostoli Port to White Rocks: How the Day Flows

You start at 10:00 in the morning from the port of Argostoli, and you’re back around 17:00—an 8-hour outing that’s long enough to feel like a real break. The morning cruise heads south, giving you a quick, coastal view of the region before you ever hit the beaches.

If you like day trips that don’t feel complicated, this one works. You’re mostly on the boat, with clear anchors in the schedule: swim, transfer, eat, swim, and cool down again.

White Rocks: Turquoise Bays and Time to Swim

White Rocks is the first big stop, and it’s known for turquoise-blue water plus secluded bays tucked under steep hills. The coastline here has that “you could miss this if you drove past” feeling—hidden coves with room to find a calmer swim spot.

This is also where the day’s water mood sets the tone. If the sea is friendly, you’ll get a lot of value from this stop because you can linger in the shallows and just enjoy how the water changes color with the light.

Weather can affect access. If conditions are windier than expected, the captain may shift plans—one of the best parts is that the day doesn’t simply turn into a disappointment; it gets rerouted to other private island areas instead.

Vardiani Rabbit Island: Uninhabited Quiet and Lunch in the Right Place

Your second stop is Vardiani Islands, often called Rabbit Island. It’s described as uninhabited, with just a small church and ruins—so what you’re going for is peace, not a built-up beach scene.

It also sits close to the action of the area around Lixouri, with Xi beach nearby in walking terms. That matters because it keeps the day feeling connected, like you’re moving through a coastline story instead of hopping randomly.

Lunch here is one of the smarter choices of the whole schedule. You’re eating in a calmer, more visual setting than you’d get at a crowded restaurant, and it turns the meal into a moment instead of a pause.

Xi Beach: Red Sand, Natural Clay, and Boat-to-Beach Fun

Xi beach is your last destination, and it’s famous for red sand and the natural clay that comes from the rocks along the shore. The water and sand combo gives Xi a distinct look—one of those places where you can spend time just watching how the details look in real life, not only in photos.

The tour also highlights the clay as something you can use for a rejuvenating style treatment—basically, a fun beach activity that people try while they’re there. I’d treat it as a playful, beach-day ritual rather than anything medical, but it’s still a memorable way to spend time at Xi.

This stop also tends to pair well with the boat’s “play” factor. When you’re done with sand and swimming, you’ve got that water slide option waiting back on board for the next round of laughs.

On Board the Wooden Boat Artemis: Food, Drinks, and the Water Slide

If you picture a Greek island boat day as chaotic, ignore that instinct. On this cruise, the vibe is built around friendly crew service and a steady flow of drinks and snacks so you’re not constantly asking for things yourself.

Lunch is traditionally Greek and commonly includes moussaka and salad. There’s also a vegetarian lunch option available if you request it in advance; one vegetarian meal described is stuffed peppers, served as a home-style preparation.

Drinks are part of the package: free local wine and water throughout the day, plus refreshments during lunch. Many people also mention sangria as a favorite drink, which makes sense for a day like this—easygoing, beachy, and social.

Now for the big crowd-pleaser: the water slide off the boat. It’s popular with kids, but adults get into it too. The best thing about it isn’t just the splash; it gives you a built-in break from beach-hopping, and it makes the boat feel like a destination, not just transportation.

The boat experience can include other fun extras as well. One review specifically notes stand-up paddle boards being available, and several people used the boat’s water activities like jumping in and sliding off.

There’s also a comfort angle people don’t always expect. One traveler commented that the boat is driven gently enough that they avoided seasickness, which matters if you get motion-sensitive on open water. And the crew tends to check in often, offering drinks and even small extras like watermelon.

Price and Value: What $76 Buys You on the Water

At $76 per person for an 8-hour outing, the value comes from what’s packed into the day. You’re paying for the boat transport plus included lunch, local wine, and water throughout the day—so you’re not budgeting separately for food and drinks once you’re on the water.

You’re also paying for time and access. Three meaningful water stops in one day usually takes more planning if you try to DIY it—plus you’d need to figure out boat logistics, timing, and where you’ll actually find the best swimming spots.

One quiet value signal: multiple people note the group doesn’t feel packed. When there aren’t hundreds of bodies on the boat, it makes a difference for comfort—especially when you’re sharing a swim area and taking turns on the slide.

So if your goal is a full day of sea time with a real lunch included, this price generally feels fair. If your only interest is one beach stop, it may feel more expensive than a simpler half-day option—but for a full day, it adds up.

Practical Tips: Transfers, Timing, and What to Pack

This cruise is built around boat stops, which means you’ll be moving between boat and shore. One review warns that transfers can be by dinghy or swimming ashore, so if you’re traveling with anyone who prefers easy steps, plan for the possibility and pack accordingly.

What I suggest you bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel (you’ll likely be in the water more than once).
• Sunscreen and a hat. Sea sun can be sneaky, especially when you’re focused on swimming.
• Water shoes or something grippy for the beach areas.
• A light cover-up for the times you’re not in the water.

For timing, the day starts early enough that you’ll want breakfast, and it ends before evening plans begin. That makes it a great “main event” day on your Kefalonia itinerary.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a strong pick if you want a classic Greek boat day with a few very specific highlights: swimming, a scenic uninhabited stop, and an easy homemade meal. Families often enjoy it because kids tend to love the slide, and adults like the relaxed service.

It also fits couples who want low-effort sightseeing with real downtime. You’re not just taking photos at viewpoints; you’re actually in the water and on beaches with time to linger.

Think twice if:

• You dislike the idea of beach transfers by dinghy or swimming ashore.
• You’re very sensitive to rougher conditions. The itinerary can shift for weather, and while rerouting is usually handled well, that’s still an unknown on a sea day.

Also, check what your comfort needs are in advance if you’re using a wheelchair. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the data doesn’t spell out how the dinghy transfer works in detail—so it’s smart to ask the operator to match your mobility needs with the plan.

Should You Book This Artemis Express Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a full day that feels like a real outing: boat ride, multiple swim stops, included Greek lunch, and the kind of onboard fun that keeps the day from becoming only “look at the view.” The water slide and the steady drinks are the kind of details that turn a schedule into a memory.

I’d also book it if you value a crew-led experience. Mentions of attentive staff and the captain’s hands-on friendliness (including one person who even got to steer the boat) suggest you won’t feel like you’re on autopilot.

Skip it only if your main priority is maximum shore time with zero transfer hassle. If that’s you, look for a tour with easier landing logistics.

If your ideal day on Kefalonia is: sea, swim, food, and fun—this is an easy yes.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Argostoli?

The cruise departs at 10:00 in the morning from the port of Argostoli.

What time does the cruise return?

It returns to the port of Argostoli at 17:00.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 8 hours.

What stops are included during the day?

The cruise visits White Rocks, Rabbit Island (Vardiani Islands), and Xi beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the experience.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Local wine and water are included throughout the day, and refreshments are included during lunch.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. A vegetarian lunch option is available if requested in advance.

What activities are included on the boat?

The boat includes a water slide for diving from the boat, and some departures also include stand-up paddle boards.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The schedule may change or the trip may be canceled due to poor weather conditions.

What languages are the hosts or greeters available in?

The host or greeter is available in Greek, English, and Italian.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.