Corfu: Adventure boat tour The Durrells and the sea

Imagine sailing along the shimmering waters of Corfu’s coast, passing vibrant Venetian houses, historic palaces, and lush uninhabited islands. This 3-hour boat tour offers a delightful blend of filming location sightseeing, family stories, and stunning scenery. Led by friendly guides, the experience is centered on the beloved series “The Durrells,” which makes it a perfect pick for fans or anyone craving a taste of authentic Corfu.

What we really love about this cruise is how it combines beautiful landscapes with engaging storytelling. The chance to stand where Gerald Durrell once wandered and hear about his books makes the experience more personal and memorable. We also appreciated how accessible the boat is — it’s a relaxed, family-friendly outing with plenty of photo opportunities.

A minor consideration is that it’s a shorter trip, so if you’re looking for a full day at sea or multiple stops, this might feel a bit light. It’s best suited for travelers who want a focused, scenic highlight, particularly those interested in “The Durrells” TV series and Greek island scenery.

This tour suits fans of the series, history buffs, families, or anyone wanting a relaxing, scenic cruise with some storytelling. If you prefer a more extensive or adventurous boat trip, you might want to explore other options, but as a quick, enriching snapshot of Corfu’s coast, it’s quite charming.

Key Points

• Filming locations: Visit sites associated with “The Durrells” series, including the villa used as their home.
• Iconic landmarks: See Mon Repos Palace, Mouse Island, and the chapel of Vlacherna.
• Authentic stories: Listen to short excerpts from Durrell books and learn about the family’s connection to Corfu.
• Scenic views: Enjoy beautiful coastlines, pastel Venetian houses, and lush islands.
• Relaxed pace: A 3-hour cruise provides a laid-back, intimate experience.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with plenty of photo stops and gentle sailing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Corfu “Durrells” Boat Tour

Setting Sail from Corfu’s Old Port

The adventure begins at the Old Port of Corfu, a lively hub filled with boats and the scent of the sea. Meeting your skipper, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink — simple, but a nice touch that sets a relaxed tone. The vessel is private, so the group feels intimate, allowing for personal conversations and frequent photo stops.

The skipper, who is in contact via WhatsApp, ensures everyone is comfortable and knows what to expect during the cruise. The idea is not just to cruise but to revisit the beloved TV series “The Durrells” through both sights and stories, making this a truly thematic experience.

Passing Corfu Town and Historic Landmarks

As you set off, you’ll pass by the colorful, pastel Venetian houses lining Corfu’s coast, which many describe as postcard-perfect. The boat glides past the old fortress, giving a sense of the island’s layered history. From here, your guide shares stories about the Durrell family and their time on the island, adding context to the sights you’ll see.

The Mon Repos Palace: Birthplace of Prince Philip

One of the standout sights is the Mon Repos Palace, a grand estate with a lush park. It’s famously known as the birthplace of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Travelers note how impressive it looks from the water, and the guide shares interesting tidbits about the building’s history and its connection to the Greek royal family.

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Mouse Island and Vlacherna Chapel

Next, the boat approaches Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), a tiny, idyllic island with a picturesque Greek Orthodox chapel. It’s one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks, and many appreciate how it looks straight out of a fairy tale. The boat circumnavigates the island, offering plenty of chances for photos and admiration.

Close by is Vlacherna Chapel, sitting on a tiny jetty, often featured in postcards of Corfu. It’s a perfect spot for a quick stop to admire the blue waters and take photos. Some reviews mention how these landmarks are “just as beautiful as the pictures,” which makes them worth the visit.

Vidos Island: Untouched Nature and Local Fauna

The cruise then heads to Vidos, an uninhabited island known for its natural beauty and birdlife. Many travelers find Vidos particularly charming because it offers a glimpse of untouched nature and a peaceful atmosphere. The guide points out local flora and fauna, highlighting how little human activity has affected this spot, which contrasts with the more populated parts of Corfu.

Stories of the Durrell Family

Throughout the cruise, your guide shares short stories from Gerald Durrell’s books, such as My Family and Other Animals, and mentions the family’s connection to specific locations. These anecdotes make the scenery come alive, especially for fans of the series.

Sample quotes from reviews show how this storytelling enhances the experience: “Listening to the stories about the Durrells while passing the villa where they filmed scenes made the scenery even more meaningful.” Such moments help travelers feel connected to the island’s literary and television history.

The Durrells’ Home in Kalami: A Lunch Option

While the cruise doesn’t include a stop for lunch, many mention the White House in Kalami, where Lawrence Durrell once lived, as a must-see. Located near the cruise route, it’s a popular area for a meal afterward. The guide points it out, giving visitors a chance to plan a future visit or enjoy a meal at the White House if they wish.

Saint Arsenius Chapel: A Favorite Swimming Spot

Another highlight is the chapel of Saint Arsenius, a tranquil location favored by Larry and Nancy Durrell for swimming. Though not part of the formal tour, travelers love spotting this peaceful spot from the water.

Return and Reflection

As the cruise concludes, you sail back toward Corfu’s Old Port, passing by more beautiful scenery and reflecting on the sights. Many travelers mention how the short duration makes it a perfect afternoon activity, especially if paired with a visit to Corfu town or a seaside meal.

The Experience’s Value and Practicalities

The price for this private 3-hour tour includes VAT, a skipper, fuel, beach towels, soft drinks, and storytelling. It’s a good value considering the personalized attention and access to iconic sights. The small group size makes it feel intimate, and the relaxed pace allows plenty of time for photos and questions.

What’s particularly helpful are the included light refreshments and the knowledge sharing about the Durrell family and the filming locations. For fans of the series or literature, this adds an extra layer of appreciation.

What to Consider

Since the tour is 3 hours long, it’s best for travelers who prefer a focused experience rather than a full-day adventure. It may not satisfy those seeking to explore multiple islands or go snorkeling. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, since getting on and off the boat, and walking around some sites, involves some physical mobility.

Comfort and Preparation

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring a camera and water. The boat is a sailing vessel, so a sun hat and sunscreen are advisable, especially in summer. Smoking is not permitted on the boat, which helps keep the environment pleasant for all.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for “Durrells” fans, history and film enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing, scenic, and informative boat ride. It’s also perfect for families or couples wanting a short, meaningful outing with plenty of photo opportunities. If you love stories and beautiful vistas, you’ll find this trip both charming and worthwhile.

The Sum Up

The Corfu adventure boat tour inspired by “The Durrells” offers a beautiful and intimate look at the island’s coast, infused with literary and TV history. The chance to see iconic landmarks like Mouse Island and Mon Repos Palace from the water, combined with engaging stories about the Durrell family, makes it a memorable experience. The tour balances scenic beauty and informative storytelling, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

While it’s a shorter trip and not a full island-hopping experience, its relaxed pace and personalized nature deliver excellent value for those interested in Corfu’s scenery and cultural touches. For fans of the series or anyone who appreciates a quiet, scenic cruise, this experience offers a charming slice of Corfu’s coastal allure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this boat tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it an ideal afternoon activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Old Port of Corfu, specifically in front of Eleftheriou Venizelou 40 (BP Gas Station).

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, a knowledgeable skipper provides commentary and stories in English throughout the cruise.

What is included in the price?
Your fare includes VAT, soft drinks, beach towels, fuel, and storytelling about the Durrell family and filming locations.

Can I visit multiple islands during this tour?
The focus is on the coast, Mouse Island, and Vidos. It’s not a full-day island hopping trip, so other islands are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s suitable for most children, but those with mobility challenges might find it less accessible due to boat boarding needs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, and water are recommended.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t part of the tour, but you can plan to visit nearby restaurants, especially in Kalami.

How many people will be on the boat?
Since it’s a private group, the size varies, but generally, it provides an intimate experience.

Whether you’re a “Durrells” fan, a lover of Greek scenery, or just seeking a relaxing boat ride, this Corfu tour offers a delightful way to see the island’s highlights from a different perspective—all with a touch of literary charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: