Water Sports In Kefalonia

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Water sports of Kefalonia Island

The water sports in Kefalonia Island are very popular activities on the most popular beaches. With crystal-clear waters and great sea temperatures the beaches of Kefalonia provides great conditions for every members of families such as kayaks and canoes, SUPs, jet skiing or banana and donut rides. Whether you’re an experienced in water sports or a beginner who is looking to try something new water sport, Kefalonia has amazing options for all skill levels.

Water sports in Kefalonia Island Greece

Popular Water Sports on Kefalonia

Kayaking and Canoeing

Kefalonia’s coastline is filled with hidden coves and secluded beaches, so this island is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, especially on the eastern and southern coasts. Kayaking along the island’s shores allows you to explore its natural beauty at a relaxed pace and reach a lot of spots, which are inaccessible by walking from land. Many local kayaking tours offer guided trips that include stops at scenic beaches and even underwater caves.

Water sports in Kefalonia for Kayak and Canoeing

Tips for kayak and canoe tours: tbest places for kayaking and canoeing in Kefalonia are the southern and the eastern coasts, because the sea is usually calmer and much shallow. Some of the favourite spots are the peninsula between Lassi and Argostoli (where the Lighthouse of St. Theodore and the Sinkholes of Argostoli are), the rocky coastline between Skala and Poros, the wide bay of Antisamos, and the southern beaches.

Kayak canoe tours

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-up paddleboarding has become increasingly popular on Kefalonia, with calm waters that make it easy to balance and paddle along the coast. SUP is ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers, providing a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.

Sup in Kefalonia water sports

Top spots for SUP in Kefalonia Island are the eastern and the southern beaches which have usually gentle waves, such as Skala Beach, Xi beach, the beaches of Lassi, Antisamos beach, etc, which are often ideal for paddleboarding. For a more scenic paddle, try Emblisi Beach near Fiskardo or Petani beach beach (only when the sea surface is calm), because the surrounding cliffs and crystal clear waters enhance the experience.

Snorkeling

While not a high-speed water sport and you may not get goosebumps (just when the sea is cold), but snorkeling is one of the most popular water activities on Kefalonia due to its rich marine life and excellent water visibility. Many of the island’s beaches have rocky areas and underwater caves where snorkelers can explore and swim with smaller fishes, can admire sea urchins, and occasionally, octopuses.

Water sports and snorkeling

Best spots for snorkeling are Antisamos beach, Petani beach, the rocky coastline of the bays near Fiskardo, etc – these are fantastic places for snorkeling, each offering a unique underwater landscape and an abundance of marine life. Even on the southern areas of Lixouri peninsula – which is well known for its red sandy beaches and grey cliffs – there are also great snorkeling spots, such as Lagkadakia beach. The famous Myrtos beach is not as perfect for snorkeling as many travellers think, because the seabed is less spectacular there.

Snorkeling water sports

An important information for snorkeling, that the fishes which are living near the coasts of Kefalonia Island are mostly not dangerous animals, so a snorkeling here is safe sport, if you have good swimming skills.

Scuba Diving

Kefalonia’s seabed is filled by fascinating marine life, underwater caves and interesting rock formations, making it a great place for scuba diving. It’s worth to known that the marine life is not as spectacular as it can be seen in the Red Sea or near exotic islands far away from Europe, but the Ionian Sea also holds surprises! Local diving centers in Argostoli and in Fiskardo villages offer guided dives and lessons for beginners, with opportunities to explore the local reefs. In the area of Fiskardo there are ancient boats under the sea.

Scuba diving

The best places for scuba diving in Kefalonia Island are the caves and rock formations in Fiskardo, and reefs around Skala, and a so called Zeus Island, which are popular diving areas and recommended often by the local diving club – the visibility of the sea allows divers to fully appreciate Kefalonia’s underwater beauty. On the west coast of Kefalonia there can be find some diving spots as well, but those locations have harder rich, and the sea not as calm as elsewhere.

Jet Skiing

For those seeking some adrenaline rush, jet skiing is also available on Kefalonia’s most popular beaches, such as visiting Makris Gialos beach in Lassi, Xi beach or Lourdas beach. The local water sports companies offer jet skiing for thrilling experiences, usually with options to ride solo or with a guide.

Water bike (Pedalo)

The water bikes, or pedalos are quite common at the local water sports companies in Kefalonia Island. These water bikes are simple, but offer great fun for taking a small tour on the sea. Water bikes are beloved by families and couples both, and you can find these slow, but nice vehicles in Lassi, Skala, Lourdas and famous places with water sports offices such as Xi beach, Antisamos and Avithos beach.

Pedalo or Water bikes in Kefalonia water sports

In some cases these water bikes are equipped even with small slides, which offer great fun for kids (and sometimes for adults also).

Sailing and Boat Tours

Kefalonia’s location in the Ionian Sea makes it a recommended starting point for sailing, with potentials to explore well hidden beaches such as Koutsoupia beach or Kapsolimnionas beach, the neighboring island of Ithaca or the small islets near Kefalonia. For those who prefer sailing experiences, local daily boat tours and yacht charters provide scenic excursions around the island – often with stops for swimming and snorkeling on the beaches which have crystal clear blue waters.

Water sports activity

Popular sailing routes include exploring the varied coastline and taking a full day trip to Ithaca, or exploring smaller, hidden beaches along Kefalonia’s shores.

Banana Boats, Tubing, Parasailing

Banana boat rides and tubing are fun, family-friendly activities that provide excitement and adventure for all ages. These inflatable rides, pulled by a speedboat, let people experience the thrill of bouncing over waves while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the blue sea around you.

Banana, tubing and donut water sports

Local top spots for banana boats and donuts are Makris Gialos beach, Lourdas Beach, Antisamos beach and Xi beach. The water sports companies offer banana boat rides, tubing, and other inflatables for those looking for water fun in Kefalonia.

Water Sports Centers and Rentals in Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia has a variety of water sports centers, especially on popular beaches like Skala beach, Lourdas beach, Makris Gialos beach, Xi beach and Antisamos beach, where you can rent equipment for your own. Most of the local water sports centers provide training and lessons, making it easy for beginners to participate.

Local Water sports center in Cephalonia Lassi

Prices vary depending mostly on the exact activity and its duration, with options available for all budgets. If you can’t see the prices on billboards at the water sport offices, just ask the staff for the prices.

Safety and Environmental suggestions for Water Sports in Kefalonia Island

  • Stay safe and protected! Always wear safety gear, such as life jackets, especially for high-speed activities like jet skiing and tubing. Beginners should take lessons or join guided tours for more complex activities like scuba diving and windsurfing.
  • Respect marine life, and don’t disturb! Kefalonia’s waters are home to diverse marine life, including the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta), seals or dolphins. Please avoid disturbing marine life, and we suggest always follow eco and animal friendly practices, such as using reef-safe sunscreen and try not touching the vulnerable underwater wildlife of the Ionian Sea.
  • Stay hydrated and sun-protected: water sports due to the hot summer weather of Kefalonia Island can be exciting, but also tiring. Always bring plenty of water (especially for boat trips, or for kayak / canoe tours), wear sun-protective clothing, and don’t forget to use sunscreen to stay safe during your outdoor activities.
Cephalonia Island water sports activities

Why Try Water Sports in Kefalonia?

With its varied landscapes, crystal-clear waters and wide range of activities, Kefalonia offers amazing water sports experiences for everyone, from relaxed paddling to adreneline rich, high-speed activities. Especially the slower water sports, such as water bikes, SUPs, kayaks – canoes or snorkeling giving visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Ionian Sea, for kids and adults both. The options of Kefalonia’s water have something to make your island adventure more unforgettable!

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