Cruise to White Rocks & Xi Beach with lunch and wine

An Authentic Day on the Water in Cephalonia

If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds and see some of the most stunning spots along Cephalonia’s coast, this White Rocks & Xi Beach cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and tasty experience. For about $98 per person, you’ll spend roughly eight hours on a comfortable boat, visiting hidden beaches, a deserted island, and a colorful beach with therapeutic clay, all with plenty of chances to swim, sunbathe, and snap photos.

What makes this tour special? First, the secluded White Rocks Beach provides a rare chance to enjoy pristine, turquoise waters without the crowds. Second, the lunch and local wine included elevate the experience from simply scenic to deliciously satisfying. The relaxed pace and small-group feel (max 50 travelers) mean you can truly unwind and soak in the sights.

A little consideration—weather can be unpredictable, and choppy seas might mean some stops are skipped or altered, as one reviewer noted. Still, the crew’s flexibility and focus on safety are reassuring. This tour is best suited for travelers eager for a mix of beach time, exploration, and good food, especially those who enjoy a balanced day of nature and comfort.

Key Points

• Exclusive beaches: White Rocks and Mania Beach offer some of the most unique and unspoiled spots on Cephalonia.
• Varied stops: From swimming in crystal waters to exploring an uninhabited island and enjoying natural clay treatments, there’s diversity in each destination.
• Culinary experience: Included lunch with wine and snacks makes this a feast for both eyes and palate.
• Comfortable group size: With a maximum of 50 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere.
• Weather flexibility: The crew prioritizes safety, and weather conditions may affect the planned itinerary.
• For all fitness levels: Moderate physical activity is enough to enjoy the stops, with options to relax at each location.

What to Expect from Your Day at Sea

White Rocks Beach: A Secluded Paradise

The day begins at White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia, where you’ll board the boat early in the morning. The highlight here? A chance to swim in the clear waters and sunbathe on powdery sand in a spot that feels like your private getaway. As one traveler shared, “The sea conditions meant we didn’t have the planned stops, just 2 small rocky beaches, disappointing,” but even in less-than-ideal weather, this spot remains a highlight for its beauty and rarity.

This beach is accessible only by boat, making it a rare treat. The vibrant blue waters and soft sand make it perfect for relaxing or taking photos. You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough to unwind and get a good dose of Vitamin D.

Vardiani Island: Nature’s Quiet Refuge

Next, the boat takes you to Vardiani Island, also called Rabbit Island, which is uninhabited and offers a peaceful escape. You’ll have an hour to explore the rocky shoreline, stumble upon remnants of an old lighthouse, and see the shipwrecked boat, which has become a picturesque feature. It’s a perfect spot for strolling and photography, and many find the island’s untouched nature a refreshing change from busy tourist spots.

One guest mentioned the calming sound of waves and relaxation as the main draws after exploring the rugged terrain. Afterward, you can unwind on the beach, with crew members offering snacks and drinks—a thoughtful touch to keep everyone refreshed.

Mania Beach: The Colorful Clay Experience

The third stop is Mania Beach, famous for its red sand and the clay cliffs made of natural clay with reputed skin-rejuvenating properties. It’s a fun and unusual place where you can indulge in a natural spa experience—applying the therapeutic clay to your skin, which some say makes them look “10 years younger.” Spend about two hours here, enjoying the water, sand, and the therapeutic clay.

A couple of reviews mentioned the clay mask as a highlight, noting the skin benefits and relaxing environment. You can also take a swim or just soak up the scenery, appreciating the contrast of red sand and green cliffs.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a delicious Greek lunch, a selection of local wines, snorkeling equipment, and boat tickets—making it a well-rounded experience. The lunch features traditional flavors, and the wine selection is praised for its quality. You won’t need to worry about snacks or drinks during the day, as these are provided, but personal expenses like soda or souvenirs are on you.

If you have dietary restrictions, it’s good to notify the organizers in advance, as they can accommodate special requests. The tour’s flexibility and the focus on local, authentic food are definite pluses.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 10:00 am from Argostoli and returns to the same meeting point. The meeting location is easily accessible near public transportation, making it convenient to join. The group size is capped at 50, which balances a social atmosphere with personalized attention.

The weather can influence the itinerary—if seas are too choppy, some stops may be shortened or skipped. This was noted by some travelers, but safety always comes first.

To secure your spot, it’s recommended to book about 43 days in advance—especially in peak season. Cancellation policies are flexible up to 24 hours before, providing some peace of mind.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights

Several travelers lauded the friendly crew, great music, and beautiful views, but also acknowledged the unpredictability of the sea. One said, “Really enjoyed and highly recommend,” despite choppy conditions, which shows the overall positive vibe. Another reviewer found the disappointment in some stops being affected by weather, but emphasized the safety measures taken.

The value of this tour lies in the chance to visit remote beaches and islands that are otherwise difficult to reach, with the added comfort of lunch, wine, and snorkeling gear included**. For those who appreciate a mix of relaxation, gentle adventure, and local flavor, it’s a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with a relaxed group setting. If you enjoy swimming, photography, and sampling local food and drink in a peaceful environment, you’ll find plenty to love here. It also works well for those seeking a break from busy sightseeing days—a perfect way to slow down and enjoy Cephalonia’s natural beauty.

If weather concerns or limited mobility might be an issue, it’s worth noting that some stops depend on sea conditions, and moderate physical activity is expected. But overall, the tour is accessible for most travelers who are comfortable on a boat and enjoy gentle outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts

This cruise to White Rocks, Vardiani Island, and Mania Beach offers a balanced mix of scenic spots, light adventure, and good food. The unique beaches, especially White Rocks and Mania Beach’s clay cliffs, provide memorable photo opportunities and relaxing swim spots.

While the weather can affect the day’s itinerary, the crew’s flexibility and focus on safety are reassuring. The included lunch and wine turn this from a simple boat trip into a delightful culinary experience, adding value for your money.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed way to explore Cephalonia’s coast—away from the crowds but with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea, sun, and local flavors—this tour fits the bill nicely.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable on a boat and have moderate physical fitness. It’s ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a light cover-up. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you can bring your own if preferred.

Will the weather affect the tour?
Yes, weather conditions can cause some stops to be shortened or skipped for safety reasons. The crew will keep travelers informed and prioritize safety.

Is lunch vegetarian or gluten-free options available?
Special dietary needs can be accommodated if informed in advance. The tour includes a traditional Greek lunch and wine, so clarify allergies or preferences when booking.

How long is each stop?
Typically, White Rocks and Vardiani Island get about an hour each, while Mania Beach allows for about two hours, providing enough time to relax, swim, or explore.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within that window are non-refundable.

In all, this tour provides a wonderful way to see parts of Cephalonia that are often out of reach, with the comfort of a guided group, delicious local food, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day with a touch of adventure.