By AURA Private Yachting ·
A private boat in the Ionian Sea is ideal for a bachelorette party, birthday, or any group celebration — up to 11 guests, no strangers, no fixed itinerary. You don't need elaborate decoration: the sea, the sun, and the islands do the work. Add a local wine tasting and you have an effortlessly special day.
Why a boat works for a celebration
The question you're probably asking: why a boat instead of a villa, a beach club, or a restaurant? The answer is what a boat provides that nothing else does — movement, privacy, and the ability to be somewhere genuinely extraordinary without crowds.
A private charter in the Ionian means up to 11 people, no other passengers, no shared space with strangers. Your group has the whole boat. You bring your music and decorations; food can be one of our optional packages or your own. The captain takes you where you want to go.
The Ionian backdrop does the rest. Turquoise water, white cliffs, sea caves, deserted beaches — these things photograph themselves. You don't need a stylist or an elaborate setup. The environment is the decoration.
Sample day structure
Morning departure (09:00): Coffee and pastries on board as you leave the harbour. The sea is calm, the light is golden, and you have the coastline to yourselves.
First stop (10:00): Swimming at a beach or cove not accessible by road — the kind of place that only boat passengers see. Snorkeling, jumping from the boat, floating.
Midday (12:30): Anchor in a sheltered bay for lunch. Add one of the optional food packages when you book, or bring a board-style spread of your own: local cheeses, charcuterie, bread, olives, fresh fruit — perfect for eating in swimwear.
Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Second swimming stop, wine, music, relaxation. The afternoon light on the water at this time is perfect for photographs.
Golden hour (17:30-18:30): Position the boat for the sunset. This is the moment for the toast — sparkling wine, the orange light on the water, photographs that don't require any staging.
Return: Arrive back at harbour around 19:00-19:30, ready for dinner ashore if the evening continues.
Which destinations suit celebrations
Sunset Cruise (~3 hours, €350 flat per boat): The most cost-effective celebration option. Depart late afternoon, catch the golden hour on the water, return for dinner. Perfect if the group wants a spectacular experience without committing a full day.
Paxos & Antipaxos (full day, €650): The most visually dramatic — sea caves, Venetian harbour, Caribbean-blue beaches. For groups who want a full experience and the most striking photographs.
Lefkada (full day, €650): Porto Katsiki cliffs, Skorpios island, clear water. Great scenery, varied stops, ideal if the group prefers the Lefkada base.
Custom cruise: For groups with specific requirements — different timing, multiple boats, catering — AURA offers custom charters.
Cost: one price for the whole boat
Every AURA cruise is priced for the whole boat, so the price doesn't change with group size:
- Sunset Cruise: €350 for the whole boat (1–11 guests)
- Full day Paxos: €650 for the whole boat (1–11 guests)
- Full day Kefalonia: €650 for the whole boat (1–11 guests)
Shared among a group, a private boat celebration in the Ionian is surprisingly affordable — and delivers an incomparably more memorable experience than a dinner out.
What AURA provides vs what you bring
Provided: Captain, private vessel, safety equipment, port fees and VAT, Wi-Fi, drone video & photography, underwater photos (action camera), soft drinks & snacks, private-label wine (700ml), snorkelling gear. Fuel included for Sunset Cruise; charged separately for other routes.
You bring: Music (bring a waterproof Bluetooth speaker), any decorations you want, sunscreen, towels — and, if you like, your own food and drinks (there is a cooler on board).
Food: A full meal isn't included, but you can add an optional food package when you book — Light & Chill €20, Dolce Vita €25 or AURA Gourmet Journey €35 per person — or bring your own, as simple or as elaborate as you want. Dietary requirements are easy to manage either way.
For a bachelorette party, birthday, or group celebration on the Ionian, contact us about a custom cruise — we'll design the day around your group.