Forget crowded boat tours. Balboa Private Kefalonia Yacht Cruise is intimate and unforgettable.
My heart was still racing when I stepped off Balboa, not from a long day under the Greek sun, but because she gave me the kind of freedom I chase in all my travels – raw, real, and unforgettable….
Balboa is no ordinary yacht in Kefalonia. She’s elegant, intimate, and just the right size to stretch out on deck, sunbathe with the Ionian breeze in your hair, and forget the world for a while. Long before she slipped into the Ionian waters, she’s cruised around the world with a spirit of adventure and stories etched into her sails. She finally came home to the olive-grooved coasts of Kefalonia, where her adventures continue in the Mediterranean light, surrounded by endless shades of blue.
Her real charm, though, comes from Captain Graham Parker, a Brit who swapped the Manchester skies for the wide open sea. Captain Graham is more than just a skipper. He’s the skilful helmsman who brings the boat to life. He’s a great host, warm and witty, with just the right mix of professionalism. He has a way of making you feel less like a guest and more like a friend invited aboard for the day.
And then there’s Harriet the cat, the real queen of Balboa, casually strolling around as if she owns the place (which, in truth, she probably does!).
A Day At Sea
I wasn’t on Balboa alone. There were five of us on board along with Captain Graham and his crew, James with his sexy Scottish accent. I couldn’t resist teasing him about sounding like Sam Heughen, the Outlander actor. You know, the one who melts hearts every time he says “Sassenach.” I may not have made James say it, but believe me, the accent was enough. 😉
It was the perfect little group for a nine-hour cruise, relaxed and easy from the very start. We stretched out on deck, sunbathing, laughing, and slipping into the water whenever the heat got too much. The playlist hummed in the background, Harriet the cat wandered in and out as if to check on us, and the Ionian Sea stretched endlessly ahead. At one point, I even found myself dancing with Captain Graham on deck. It wasn’t just sailing, it was pure joy at sea.
At White Rocks Beach, accessible only by boats, we took our time. We cannon-balled into the turquoise blue, floated on colourful noodles with drinks in hand, swimming back and forth just to cool off. We even hopped on a paddleboard skimming across the dreamy shades of Kefalonia blue. Mezze was served on deck, fresh and simple, and we lingered over it while the jam-packed tour boats come and go. Their passengers rushed, we didn’t. That’s the beauty of Balboa, a private yacht cruise where the hours are yours to savour.
From there, we made our way to Xi Beach, with its rust-red sands and shallow waters glowing under the sun. We headed ashore for lunch at Fish Bones Taverna, a laid-back spot serving seafood so fresh it felt like the sea had handed it over minutes before. That’s where we celebrated Captain Graham’s birthday, raising glasses, laughing, and singing happy birthday in the middle of a Greek afternoon.
Our final stop was Seal Cove. We were the only ones there. No rush, no crowd. It was the perfect way to end our day. Here’s a glimpse of a day aboard Balboa ⛵️
Why This Experience Felt So Rare and Precious
Intimate And Uncrowded
Unlike the big cruises crammed with strangers, Balboa is a private yacht charter for just 2-10 guests. On our cruise there were only five of us, and that made it feel more like a day out with friends than a tour.
The Personal Touch of Captain Graham
What really makes Balboa different is Captain Graham. He’s not just steering the boat. He’s chatting, laughing, sharing stories, and making sure everyone’s comfortable. He’s a great host. That mix of professionalism and cheeky humour turned the whole day into something special. His warmth and wit carried us through the day. Balboa boat trip Kefalonia is as much about its captain as the yacht itself!
Unspoiled Beauty at Every Turn
This isn’t the kind of trip where you tick off beaches and move on. With Balboa, we lingered in hidden coves, swam beneath bright white cliffs, and drifted in water so clear it showed every shade of Kefalonian blue. There was never a crowd, never a rush. Just the sea, the sun, and time to enjoy it. Captain Graham’s knowledge of the Ionian led us to spots where the sea felt untouched, and for a few hours it really did feel like the island was ours.
Flexible, Heart-Centred Service
This wasn’t a trip run by the clock. We took our time, swam until our fingers wrinkled, and feasted on mezze on deck. Lunch could be on board or ashore. In our case, delicious seafood at Fish Bones Taverna. Even after hours in the water, we never felt rushed. That’s the beauty of Balboa Yacht Cruise – freedom to make the day your own.
A Reflection On The Sea
By the time we headed back to harbour, I realised this wasn’t just another day on the water. Balboa had given me freedom, laughter, serenity and fond memories all in one long sweep of nine hours. It’s rare to find experiences that feel this personal, this genuine. Balboa gave me that. And for me, it all come back to this……
I didn’t leave the harbour looking for a destination
I left to feel the sea.
To drift, to laugh, to surrender under the weight of sky and serenity.
This isn’t a tour.
It is a reminder.....
That peace drifts slowly with the tide.
~ Shannim, August 2025.
Kefalonia
If you’re looking for more than a boat trip, if you want a day that feels raw, real, and completely yours, this is it. A private yacht cruise with Captain Graham isn’t about rushing, ticking boxes, or sharing space with thirty strangers. It is about slowing down, feeling the sea, and making memories that feel like they belong to you alone.
✨ To plan your own day at sea, visit Balboa Private Kefalonia Yacht Cruise or reach out to Captain Graham directly at info@sailbalboa.com or WhatsApp Message +30 6945 228 702
