Freediving, Sailing & Secret Greek Islands – Our Ionian Sea Adventure with Apneists UK

Some trips fade after a few days. Others stay with you for years. Our recent Apneists UK freediving yacht adventure through Greece’s Ionian Sea is definitely one of the unforgettable ones. For an entire week we lived aboard a yacht, sailed between islands steeped in mythology, dived into warm turquoise water, and explored hidden places that most visitors never even know exist.

This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a true journey.

A Week Living on the Water

From the moment we left Lefkas Marina, life shifted into a slower rhythm. The morning light shimmering on the sea, that first quiet cup of coffee on deck, and within minutes, our first dive into clear blue water set the tone for the days ahead.

Each day revealed something new: calm bays perfect for depth training, sea caves radiating electric blue, secluded coves where the only footprints were our own, and tiny tavernas tucked away in peaceful fishing harbours. October gave us water between 24 and 26°C, sheltered bays, and visibility that seemed endless—ideal conditions for every level of freediver.

Morning Dives, Afternoon Adventures

Our days began with freediving sessions straight from the yacht. No travel, no rush, just warm water beneath us and the freedom to focus on technique, equalisation, cave exploration, or simply the joy of sinking into silence. Greece provided perfect conditions every single morning.

Afternoons became our time for exploring. After our newly formed ritual of post-dive Greek pastries, we set sail again—gliding across placid water or learning to handle the yacht when the winds picked up. We stopped to snorkel in hidden bays, swam to deserted beaches and spent long, lazy hours stretched out on deck under the sun.

Evenings were a mix of starlit dinners on the boat and meals in small local tavernas serving fresh fish, grilled meats and local wine. Each village had its own story, its own character, and each added something special to the journey.

Exploring Greece’s Mythology – Ithaca, Kefalonia & Beyond

One of the most memorable parts of the week was sailing through islands deeply connected to the Odyssey. On Ithaca we visited the Cave of the Nymphs, explored the site linked to Odysseus’ Palace, and wandered through ancient hilltop villages where mythology and history blend seamlessly. Freediving and sailing in waters described by Homer felt like stepping into another world.

Renée summed up the experience beautifully, describing the week as “a backstage pass to Greece—private coves, deserted islands and tiny villages only accessed by boat.” She spoke about the joy of diving every day in warm, clear water and the choice between exploring caves or going for depth, making it a trip suited to every diver. She mentioned the constant supply of Greek pastries, the nightly feasts, the thrill of seeing an octopus in the wild for the first time, and the excitement of learning to sail in strong winds with a skipper determined to give everyone the best week possible. Her words captured exactly what made this trip unforgettable.

Other activities

We had SUPs for paddleboarding adventures which added nicely to the trip, we could take it in turns and use them as platforms to rest and visit around headlands. We did some mermaid photo shoots as well as our diving pictures.

Life Aboard the Yacht

Life on the yacht was simple and peaceful, yet surprisingly comfortable. Cosy cabins, meals on deck with the sea spread out around us, and the gentle sound of waves against the hull as we fell asleep all added to the charm. Phones and cameras were charged just enough for the next boat selfie or underwater encounter, and the intermittent Wi-Fi reminded us how good it felt to disconnect.

Most of our showers were off the back of the boat in the sunshine rather than using the downstairs facilities.

Within a day, the yacht felt like home.

Why This Trip Stood Out

What made this adventure so special was the combination of everything: perfect freediving conditions, a small group of like-minded divers, a skipper who genuinely enjoyed teaching, the mythology and history of the islands, the caves and coves, the laughter that carried long into the night, and the sense of stepping into a version of Greece that most travellers never get to see. Many of the harbours are really only visited by seafarers rather than the hustle and bustle of big car filled cities.

Everyone left with new confidence, some new PBs, and memories we know will last a lifetime. Before we’d even returned to the marina, people were already talking about when we could do it again.

After such an incredible week, we’re heading back—this time on a larger 50-foot yacht offering more comfort, more space, and room for more freedivers to join the experience. From the 4th to the 11th of October 2026, we’ll return to the Ionian Sea for another week of sailing, diving, exploring and simply enjoying the best that Greece has to offer.

If this year’s trip is anything to go by, the next one is going to be extraordinary.

If you’d like to join us, get in touch soon—spaces won’t last long.