Nautilus Yachting > Flotilla > Greece Flotillas > Dodecanese Flotilla
Join this flotilla from Kos to explore some of the smaller and lesser known islands of the Dodecanese - an irresistible flotilla choice for more experienced sailors.
This sailing area in the south-east Aegean stretches along the coast of Turkey and is a wonderful sailing destination for flotilla sailing holidays. It suits sailors looking for stronger winds and longer passages between unspoilt islands.
Once you set sail you will discover islands which have completely escaped tourism - Leros, Kalymnos, Niseros, Simi and Tilos. Here you'll find traditional fishing ports and quiet waterfront restaurants. The swimming and snorkelling is superb in many locations and Kalymnos, once the centre of sea sponge fishing in the Med, has many interesting dive sites.
Winds are variable ranging from moderate to fresh Force 4–6, with stronger winds during the meltemi season from late July through to late August, so this flotilla is recommended for more experienced sailors.
This flotilla is run in conjunction with Seafarer Holidays.
Stronger winds and longer distances Find out more...
Set sail from Kos and explore the spectacular beauty and authentic charm of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. From lively harbours and volcanic landscapes to traditional villages and stunning Symi harbour, this route captures the very best of the southern Aegean.
Please Note: All routes may vary due to weather conditions & other factors.
Embark at Kos Marina.
A protected port, sheltered from the northerly winds. A lively port perfect for the punch party and first group meal.
A short sail south today to the island of Nysiros, leaving the afternoon free to explore the active volcano if you wish. A visit to the monastery is also recommended followed by dinner at one of the superb seafood tavernas.
The epitome of a traditional Greek Island with nice beaches and a friendly ‘far from the madding crowd’ feel.
The stunning harbour of Symi is a great place to sail into. The amphitheatre town retains its' traditional character and charm having been much renovated over recent years. Be sure to climb the steps to the church for a superb panoramic view.
Your lead crew will be happy to make suggestions for you.
Two-weekers continue with independent sailing. One-weekers end their week in Kos with a farewell evening ashore in lively Kos town.
Disembark at Kos Marina.
Routes and places may vary during the season due to weather conditions & other factors.
Sail the sun-drenched Dodecanese islands, exploring some of Greece’s most fascinating and historic destinations. From lively harbours and ancient monasteries to quiet anchorages and traditional tavernas, this flotilla offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation in the Aegean.
Embark at Kos Marina and get settled onboard your yacht. Kos is a lively town with many bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Known as the island of the sponge divers. The bustling harbour town boasts several museums, and a lively neoclassical sea front.
The largest of a small group of islands to the south of Patmos, explore the local market for thyme honey and other local specialities.
Weather dependent, we will either head to Patmos where you can visit the monastery of St John, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, or alternatively the smaller island of Arki and the quiet village of Port Augusta, a sleepy little spot with just two tavernas ashore.
We moor in the marina in Lakki, on the south west side of the island. Lakki has an Italian influence that can easily be seen when walking around the town. It has a good range of facilities ashore.
Explore the area at your leisure, there are an abundance of beautiful spots to choose from. The lead crew will be happy to make suggestions for you.
Continued independent sailing for the two-weekers. One-weekers end their week in Kos for a farewell evening ashore.
Mooring fees are not included. These are approximately €/week. One tank of fuel is included, any extra fuel must be paid for.
EasyJet, Thomson and British Airways all have flights to Kos on Saturdays. Transfer time from the airport to the marina is around 30 minutes.
Transfers are not included on this flotilla but can be added at an additional cost. Return airport transfers cost from £40/person.
Angelo has been sailing the Aegean for many years and his local knowledge is second to none. You are in very safe hands as part of our Dodecanese flotilla with Angelo at the helm.
Yvet was born in the Ukraine, in a big city far from the sea....but it was calling to her even then and eventually led her to Greece and to Angelo. Six years ago they bought their own yacht and they have been living aboard since then, cruising the beautiful waters of the Dodecanese. Yvet is looking forward to her fourth season and ensuring you have a great flotilla holiday with us.
The best time to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.
High Season
The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, making a more exhilarating sailing challenge for the more experienced sailors. These months also fall within the UK school summer holidays, the perfect time for a family holiday, with lots of opportunities for the children to make new friends. Why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?
For easier sailing aim for the end of the summer when the winds are less intense making for more relaxed sailing conditions.
Shoulder Season
April and October benefit from smaller crowds as well as cheaper flights, great yacht availability and reduced costs.
Spring
April - June are the perfect months for those looking for a quieter yacht charter. The winds are milder, the weather is warm and the islands are in full bloom. With the reduced crowds it allows you to enjoy them to the fullest!Autumn Sailing in Greece
Choose the autumn months to avoid the tourist crowds, enjoy the calmer winds and take in the natural beauty of the islands at a leisurely pace.
May & September
The weather is warm but not too hot with average temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF) and the crowds are lower than the peak summer season.
Late May & June
The crowds are still relatively low but the temperatures have started to rise (average 28ºC / 85ºF) and the waters begin to get warm enough for swimming.
July to September
This is when the waters are at their warmest and it is also the peak tourist time due to the school summer holidays. This is a great time for a sociable family holiday - why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?
October
This is the end of the main sailing season and a good opportunity to take advantage of lower prices and lighter crowds. The weather is on average 21 - 23ºC and the waters are still warm enough to enjoy a spot of swimming.
In general, the best sailing conditions are from April to October when you can enjoy warm waters, clear skies and reliable winds.
The Ionian is great for year-round sailing however the best conditions are late spring to early autumn. The Ionian has hot, dry summers with calmer winds but stronger gusts can occur in the afternoons.
The Meltemi winds provide reliable sailing in the summer months perfect for more experienced sailors looking for a more challenging charter.
Typically the rainy season is from November to March and sailing conditions are not always ideal.
The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:
The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £900 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.
1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore all the Greek islands have to offer. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas, as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.
Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.
Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.
Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage. The flotilla lead crew also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors.
If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in The Med.
For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Greece, you will need ICC qualification.
The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:
If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA).
If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 10 years old and does not have a photo ID, then you need to apply for an ICC or IPC.
If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use these links - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.
A 1 - 2 week charter will give you the optimum time to explore all Greece has to offer, from the beautiful secluded beaches and coves to the rich culture of its historic towns. Fancy exploring at a more relaxed pace? Our knowledgeable team can assist you with a custom charter.
We have various 1 and 2 week sailing itineraries for both bareboat and flotilla sailing holidays in Greece that have been personally tried and tested by our team.
The mooring fees in Greece are very minimal, you will find it is one of the cheaper Mediterranean destinations in terms of mooring costs. On average, a town quay mooring in Greece (based on a 40ft monohull) would be €20/night.
There are fewer "full-service marinas" compared with somewhere like Croatia, but these would usually be between €50-70/night.
There is also the ability to free anchor in a lot of places too, which keeps the cost of your mooring fees down considerably.
Our most popular sailing destination in Greece is the South Ionian due to its easy sailing conditions and endless bays to visit; this collection of islands (Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Kalamos & Kastos) is perfect for beginners and families but has a charm that keeps our guests returning year after year.
You can also set sail in the Ionian from well-connected Corfu which has great options for sail-and-stay to combine your holiday with one of the island's highly-rated resorts. When on a yacht charter from Corfu, you can also explore Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as picture-perfect Paxos.
If you have your next bareboat yacht charter or flotilla holiday booked, your thoughts may now be turning to what to pack! Whether you are heading to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or jetting off to sail in the warm breezes of the Caribbean, we have a few suggestions for you for useful items to pack for your next sailing holiday.
We took a look at the destinations which are currently top of the list and have been surprised by a few of the entries! Tried and tested favourites for your yacht charters stand alongside a few newcomers, keeping things interesting and allowing a few lesser-known sailing areas to have their place in the limelight.
For those of you who jetted off at the beginning of the summer or for those who wanted to ‘wait and see’, September and October offer fantastic sailing conditions in many areas and a chance to explore without the intense heat and crowds of summer.
Call our knowledgeable sailing specialists for the latest advice and recommendations on the sailing areas most suited to you.
Arrange a call back from one of our specialists (Mon-Fri: 0900-1730).
