The Ultimate Yachting Guide To Watersports In The Greek Islands
Full of endless archipelagos and inviting waters, Greece and its islands are the perfect base for a yachting adventure. Not only are the islands overflowing with diverse cultures and history shaped over centuries, but they are also one of the most exciting playgrounds for those who love to venture into, atop, and beneath the water’s surface. From the Aegean to the east, the Ionian to the west, and the Mediterranean to the south, plenty of diversity and wonders can be found throughout watersports experiences.
Whether you prefer to jump on the high-adrenaline toys like the Seabob and Jet Ski or opt for the calmer alternatives of paddleboarding to the far below-the-surface activity of scuba diving, here are our favorite spots in the Greek islands to enjoy watersports when on a yachting adventure:
Zakynthos: For Scuba Diving
With over 240 islands and miles and miles of coastlines, there is a huge variety of life and spots to explore underwater. From old shipwrecks and seaplanes to coral reefs full of tropical life, scuba diving in Greece ticks all the boxes for beginner and experienced divers alike. Located in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is famous for its shipwreck beach; however, below the surface, there is lots on offer and some of the best diving in Greece.
The Blue Caves are one the most popular spots. These underwater cave systems are shared with a whole host of life, and the visibility is up to around 130’ (40m). The marine park in Laganas Bay is another excellent location to dive. As a protected area, you have a good chance of diving with the loggerhead sea turtles that nest here and the endangered Mediterranean monk seals.
Paros: For Kitesurfing
Due to the location and conditions, you can almost find a spot to kitesurf anywhere throughout Greece, with some spots better than others depending on your preferences. However, particularly, famous for its kitesurfing, the island of Paros, situated in the Cyclades Island group, is a firm favorite for those wanting to ride the waves. Paros has been gaining popularity over the past few years thanks to its fantastic wind conditions during the summer months.
Between the island of Paros and its smaller sibling Antiparos, the strait here is a top spot for professionals and amateurs alike. Whereas, Pounta Beach is for the skilled kitesurfers, as various international tournaments, like the World Kitesurfing Championships are regularly held from here. There are also a handful of renowned schools in Paros for beginners to try their hand at the sport.
Kefalonia: For Paddling
From the active and adrenalin-inducing to the more calming watersports, Kefalonia has great opportunities to take the standup paddleboards and kayaks out for a spin. With plenty of sea caves to explore, the waters around the island are typically calm.
The Ionian island is also hailed for having some of the country’s best beaches, easily accessed by board or kayak. Wherever you are anchored in Kefalonia, you will be able to find arches, caves, and beaches to paddle to, where you will be rewarded with a secluded white sandy beach to relax on or an idyllic bay to take a dip in between your paddle adventure.
Mykonos: For Windsurfing
Located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is a great spot for windsurfing. The Cycladic Island chain is ideal for wind-powered sports thanks to the frequent breeze of the Meltemi winds that occur here during summer.
Beaches like Kalafatis is a windsurfing Mecca in Mykonos, boasting a professional setup. While Kalo Livadi and Korfos Beach are best for beginners and freestylers. Exploring Greece on a yacht charter gives you the ultimate flexibility when enjoying all watersports, depending on the conditions for that day you have easy access to readjust your yachting itinerary in search of the best spot.
Corfu: For Wakeboarding & Waterskiing
If you are looking to open up the yacht’s toy box to jump on the wakeboard or waterskis, you will want to find the smoothest water. The island of Corfu, located in the northernmost part of the Ionian islands, has plenty of sheltered and calm bays on the east coast. These bays are ideal for those wanting to enjoy water sports without the wind gusts.
Santorini: For Jet Skis
The volcanic island of Santorini is high on the list of those wanting to jump on a yacht’s Jet Ski. Its iconic island backdrops are ideal for zipping around while enjoying views back onto the island. While exploring the dramatic coastline here, you will find plenty of secluded beaches and hidden coves while gliding over the clear waters.
The yacht’s crew will provide safety instructions and equipment when taking out the Jet Skis, and advise you on the best route depending upon that day’s weather so you can get the best out of the experience.
From catching and riding waves to diving under them, Greece is a hotspot for all watersports that can be easily enjoyed on a yachting adventure.
Contact our expert consultants to learn more about a yacht charter itinerary exploring the Greek islands this summer and what watersports you should include.