20 independent reviews for Liveaboard diving and sailing holiday in Greece
Reviews for Liveaboard diving and sailing holiday in Greece
Susannah Rose review 8 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sailing at 6 wind was fabulous. A very competent skipper.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Sailing boats are confined spaces. People need to understand that.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes in multiple ways. We sampled local quinine in small family owned restaurants. We visited remote areas and minimised our footprint by sailing and recycling.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Above expectstionPon Sagnanert review 18 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to single out a specific moment. The entire experience has been like a dream—traveling to remote Greek villages and islands on a sail boat. I especially appreciate the opportunity to bond with the staff. The experience feels very much like traveling with close friends rather than a commercial experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be easy going, spontaneous, bring comfortable shoes, and let Annie and Sotiris handle the rest. Let them order food for you, especially.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We were very environmentally conscious when it comes to our foot prints, resource consumption, and trash. We also supported local vendors and small restaurants in remote places that I would never have found if I were to travel on my own.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
What a fantastic and unique experience. I’ll be back.Yipsum Wu review 6 Nov 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
If you are looking for the perfect island hopping trip around Greece, then look no further! Imagine perfect honeymoon sailing on what feels like an exclusive boat ride, the freshest local food and wine that is great value for money (I personally gained about three kilos), exploring underwater caverns that are brimming with unique Mediterranean wildlife, feasting your eyes on different landscapes and shades of blue every day, racing off into the sunset with horizons all around, and admiring starry skies whilst swimming amongst shining sea plankton (and much, much more). Annie and Sotiris are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and hospitable and both of them clearly went out of their way to ensure that everyone had a great time. Before joining the trip, I was worried that I would not have a good time as a solo traveller, but I could not have been more wrong. To say it was like living in a dream is not enough -- you have to experience it for yourself!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Linda Olson review 24 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eating in all of the local taverns and enjoying authentic Greek food.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring your own dive mask.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! All of the locations in which we ate, especially on the islands were owned and run by locals who predominantly prepared dishes using ingredients they had grown or raised. In addition, being able to support the local businesses meant that we were able to contribute to their income.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would give the holiday 4 stars. Although it was out of the control of the operator the weather did not cooperate so we were not able to do some of the planned dives nor sail as much as would have been desired.Jen Mcdaid review 20 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to pick whether the best part of the vacation was sailing with dolphins and turtles, diving with octopus, or eating all the delicious local foods.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try as many different foods as you can; they are all delicious :)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We definitely felt that we were helping to support the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was our wedding anniversary to ourselves, and it was wonderful. Incredibly relaxing, yet adventurous, and deeply memorable. Highly recommended!Nicholas Freilich review 9 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The two days we spent on Amorgos were really special. The island was large enough that there was room for plenty of adventure, but far less populated than islands such as Mykonos, or even Paros. Our skipper, Sortiris, gave us several recommendations for fun, authentic experiences, my favorite being my late- night walk up the mountain to a small village, where I got to see live Greek music at a small restaurant, perhaps as the only non-Greek person there. I also enjoyed most of our dives, including the last one, which took us into a cave, where we surfaced inside and got to see an impressive array of colorful stalactites.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you've never stayed on a sailboat before, read up on it a bit. The accommodations are very tight, and no space is wasted. Seven days away is a long time, too. Depending on how naturally social you are, you may also want to travel with a companion, as it can be intimidating to be thrown into this sort of situation with seven strangers. I also recommend being proactive about your needs and questions. I definitely enjoyed the trip as a whole, but did find there were some moments where we weren't sure what was happening when. I managed to remedy that, though, by simply asking the skipper.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the local people certainly benefited from our holiday in that we brought a fair amount of money into sparsely populated islands and availed ourselves of their food and drink offerings. Our skipper and dive master both were strong advocates for the wildlife in the sea, and our skipper gave us a presentation on local marine life, and its evolution over time, as well as explaining how humans have impacted these systems, as well.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an authentic, Greek isle sailing expedition. Sortiris, our skipper, is very skilled at sailing and troubleshooting boat issues, and, on a personal level, I enjoyed his company and conversation. Petros, our dive master, was supportive of my skill development, and a generally friendly person. Some of the isles we docked at were very small - only a few homes and restaurants throughout - but the beaches were all lovely, and the skies were incredibly clear at night, so you could see many stars. There were a few issues - most of which didn't affect me too much personally - but are worth noting, including some trouble with the boat's motor on the first few days (which Sortiris was able to repair eventually), and some issues with pre-dive safety (no checking of dive cards or testing of skills during the first dive). Again, I did not feel personally at risk in either situation, but these were concerns for other people.Tomasz Gliniewicz review 30 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tavernas.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Safe and easy going sailing and diving. Some details of the offer are not true and the responsible people know it, so the offer is more colourful as it will be in reality. But despite this little advertisement error the trip offers many for a small budget.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I am convinced of this.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Arabella Bosscher review 22 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable are the beautiful quiet islands we visited during the sailing trip, the 2 dolphins who swam with us the second day, the dive to a German war plane and the sailing itself. You just sit on deck, with a grip, and watch the sea, the wind, the islands. You can't do anything but relax.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Keep in mind that the hut you sleep in in small. Don't take a suitcase on wheels. And accept that you might not sleep well some nights.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, because we visited several places so more local people could benefit.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Like a totally relaxing and wonderfull holiday.Heidi Willi review 27 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was the whole holiday by itself. Diving in the morning, sailing, and having dinner in the evening. We saw many different Islands and everyday was different.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You should book a holiday like this, when you're uncomplicated, can sleep in small beds and live very simple. It's very adventurous and you'll never feel bored! Just take your very important belongings with you, because you won't have many space and you also don't need many things. I recommend to switch off your phone and just enjoy your holiday ;)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! We always ate at Family taverns with local fish, meat and vegetables.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very nice holiday! Meeting nice people and places, everything was perfect!Lisa Sanders review 25 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's hard to pinpoint one moment over the whole week. The Small Cyclades are beautiful and lovely islands rising from crystal seas so against this backdrop the coves where we anchored to snorkle, the dives to underwater wrecks and caverns, the delicious food at hard-to-reach tavernas, the sailing between each fascinating location and finally the great company of Tahita's team all contributed to an amazing week.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack light, relax and go with the flow. Annie was fantastic giving answers to very specific questions before we arrived, she'll give you all the tips you need.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes; we supported small, island businesses, sailed as much as we could, dealt responsibly with rubbish, conserved water as much as possible, left dive sites as we left them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!! We (our family of 5) would definitely recommend.Helen Burke review 25 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a great way to see the smaller islands with like minded travellers.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to meet people from around the world and share your life with them. Small spaces and pack lightly. You only need minimal gear.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Contact with long term locals totastr the local doecrislitu foods was agastronomic experience4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday for those who want personalised experience with local knowledgeBrian Davies review 16 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved being able to stay in smaller ports and see islands off the beaten path.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would consider the sailboat and the experience on the backpacker level of travel. It is a no frills trip, but comfortable accommodations.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel we had an opportunity to mix and mingle with the locals. I wish there was an alternate to buying bottles of water for the trip, I feel that could cut down on environmental impact. There was a good effort taken to recycle as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We enjoyed our trip, the dive sites were interesting, the sailing was wonderful.Dale Needles review 25 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Diving aboard the Tabita with skipper Sotiris and dive instructor Annie.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it, you will not regret it. They are of the highest level of quality.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the crew was very sensitive to the environment and in supporting local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars!!!! It was incredible!!!!!Lindsay Box review 4 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Exploring all of the small local towns in the Greek islands. So unique and charming!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for rough seas3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic!Lecia Salerno review 3 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The smaller islands of Greece were absolutely amazing! Shows more of the real Greece and not just the tourist spots. The diving was also unbelievable! The caverns, crystal clear water, though a little chilly, were beautiful12. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack light! Unfortunately I was traveling for over two weeks so had lots of luggage which not ideal for a small boat but they were able to accommodate me. Don't expect it to be like a cruise ship, its very self sufficient and perfect for those that want a more intimate, hands-on experience.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Each night, went to a local restaurant supporting the smaller islands in the Cyclades. One night in Antiparos, ate at a place that stays open year round run by a family for generations while others close after the tourist season. I feel that our Captain and Divemaster chose places like these that they know serve great food and was a great experience. We conserve water and power as much as possible and recycled everything we could.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A million stars!! It was awesome!! We do it again in a heartbeat! We recommend to those with adventure in their hearts!Malin Jacobsson review 22 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cool badass diving!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get ready for living on a sailboat. It's not easy for everyone.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
9 out of 10.Astrid Feierl review 12 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
the boat: TAHITA the team: ANNIE & SORTIRIS the adventure: sailing, diving, hiking, ... the location: the cyclades2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
if you are looking for ADVENTURE and EXCITEMENT - perfect!! if you are looking for five stars service and comfort - don't do it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
we went to local people for lunch; we got a briefing about the biodiversity of the mediterranean sea; we had to save water and electricity on the boat and to reduce garbage; we learned about greek projects for recycling garbage;4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
we had a GREAT TIME!!! :-)Lauren Anderson review 10 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting Amorgos and Koufonisia because they are very beautiful islands.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to possibly get sea sick. If you want to dive, be flexible and have some recent diving experience so the whole group can enjoy diving.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we visited many restaurants and sailed most of the way so we used less fuel.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentDanielle Romme review 30 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to pinpoint a most memorable and exciting part of the holiday, because each island is unique and special in its own way and the captain and crew (Sotiris and Annie for our holiday) elevate the experience even further with their insight, recommendations and stories. Some favorites included diving the white rock formations and shipwreck in Milos and then finishing with a medley of mezze at a beautiful small fishing village and eating deliciously roasted goat in a small mountain village after a beautiful hike and sunset on Irakleia, as well as finding hidden creatures, such as starfish and hermit crabs in crevices while diving. The water is so blue and clear, the history is so vibrant and the people are unforgettably friendly.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Research the area you will be visiting, but also be open visiting new and unexpected places. Understand the differences in the islands, Mykonos and Santorini are larger and more touristy with more amenities while Kimolos and Irakleia are smaller and less visited, but charming. Have an idea of what you would like to do or see, but also be willing to trust the captain and crew to gain an understanding of you and your style and guide you in a wonderful direction. Be open minded, flexible, and respectful as you will be living on a boat with up to seven other people. Each person can enrich the experience. Embrace the culture, learn a few words, like Kalimera means Good morning, whereas Kalispera means Good afternoon. Pack lightly, not because you have to, because the boat is spacious, but because you can and it makes the trip easier and less stressful. Similarly, disconnect from technology, not because you have to since there is wi-fi everywhere, but because it makes the trip more enjoyable and fulfilling. Finally, appreciate every moment because they will be full of surprises and will fly by.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our holiday on Tahita benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts and supported conservation. While sailing, we were able to use wind power instead of the engine. We were also able to minimize power and water usage reducing our carbon footprint for the week, especially since the boat has a wind power generator. We were respectful divers while viewing the habitat while trying not to disrupt it. We provisioned and ate on all the different islands, including many small ones to benefit the local people across many places.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We could not rate our holiday any higher. All six of us are eager to return. We miss the stories and history learned from Sotiris and Annie, the deliciousness of the local authentic food, the curiosity of learning about a new place and its culuture and the genuineness of the hospitality everywhere.Melandee Brown review 4 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We did a night dive (my first) in a very small group and we came across an interesting sight. We watched transfixed as a rather large, diaphanously-white nudibranch went about its slow and curious business of being a nudibranch. We were all pleased to see such an ephemeral creature and Sotiris later described it to the non-divers as "like a bride". My favorite part of the night dive came later. Unexpectedly, surfacing after a great dive with new friends in warm, tranquil waters into a night sky twinkling with bright stars is something to be remembered.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack Light. I mean really pack light and use a small soft-sided bag and/or SMALL backpack. You won't end up wearing half of whatever it is you've packed. In August all you need is a couple of bathing suits, 3-4 pairs of shorts/skirts, 3-4 tee shirts, 1-2 long sleeve sun-cover shirts, 1-2 lightweight sundresses, 1 lightweight sweater/jacket, Light-colored Sun-hat with brim/baseball cap, 1 lightweight beachtowel, 1 sarong (doubles as a dress or 2nd beach towel), Sunscreen. For footwear I suggest 1 pair of sport sandals with rugged soles (I like Keen's), 1 pair of water tolerant "dress" sandals. And if you're unfortunately like me and prone to motion sickness you'll need seasickness tablets and/or anti-nausea wristbands. (I was highly skeptical but the wristbands actually seem to help.)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We did spend most of our time on smaller islands and our tourist euros went into the pockets of local restaurateurs and purveyors. Sotiris and Annie seem keen on low-impact sailing and being conscientious consumers.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a really lovely time.Holiday Reviews
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