Corfu Travel Information & Planning Guide

GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hours from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Corfu is part of Greece and the official language is Greek.

The currency in Greece is the euro (EUR). Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travellers’ cheques, euro checks and credit cards are rarely accepted, with most local tavernas accepting only cash.

Please note: base is unable to accept cash or personal cheques, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. We cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your embassy for full details.

Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border registration system for non-EU travellers visiting Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Instead of relying on passport stamps, the system will electronically record each entry and exit, including biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images) for first-time registration.

For our customers, travelling to our Mediterranean destinations, this means slightly longer processing on first arrival as details are captured, but faster and more streamlined border crossings thereafter. Please allow for plenty layover time to account for any delays.

The EES is designed to improve border efficiency, enhance security, and more accurately track permitted stays across participating European countries.

Learn more here: What is the EES? – EES

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants/bars and for other services undertaken during your vacation. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15 percent of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Tip according to quality of service.

Corfu Airport (CFU) is located just under two miles to the south of Corfu Town, in the area of Kanoni, opposite the islet of Pontikonissi. Transfers from Corfu Airport to the Sunsail Base are approximately 20 minutes.

Upon your arrival at Corfu Airport there are several ways to get to Gouvia Marina. Options include:

Transfers

Transfers from Corfu Airport to the base can be arranged – please reach out to our Pre-Travel team paperwork@thlmarine.com. The transfer time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Transfer Costs:

Car Rental

Car rental can be found at the airport. Car parking is available at Gouvia Marina.

Experience Required
Level 1

• At least 5 days or 100 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht.
• Level 1 destinations offer the easiest cruising grounds with line-of-sight navigation. Lazy line mooring or mooring balls are common.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information.

Sailing License:
To charter in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time.
The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level (ASA 103 or RYA Competent Crew Course) or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.
*If the First Mate does NOT have a sailing license, they must fill out our online sailing or power resume / CV to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in Greece aboard a The Moorings vessel. They must also fill out a Declaration of Honor to provide a legal declaration to the Greek Port Authorities that said crew member is competent to crew aboard a chartered yacht.

As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing license
If the sailing licence is in a language other than English or Greek, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Please ensure you bring your sailing qualification certificate and any supporting documents with you when you travel. These documents are required by the Greek Port Authorities as proof of sailing competence and are required at check-in.

To ensure a smooth departure, please provide your sailing experience and qualification details in advance. Failure to do so may delay the check-in process or your departure from the base. If you do not hold a recognised sailing qualification, you must obtain one before your charter.

Please note: The Day Skipper qualification is not accepted in Greece at this time.

Click here to view the sailing requirements in Greece.

The Greek Maritime Authorities have changed their sailing license requirements in 2022 and have confirmed they will no longer accept any Day Skipper qualification for yacht chartering in Greek waters.

All RYA Day Skipper Qualification holders are able to convert their current qualification to the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) qualification. This can be done online through the RYA website or via a paper form which can be downloaded from the website and printed. If you are a RYA member, an ICC can be issued free of charge, please visit the website and complete the application form.

The conversion period may take several weeks, therefore please plan ahead to ensure you receive the ICC certificate in time. The skipper must bring a physical copy of their sailing qualification – a photocopy or picture on a phone will not be accepted by the marine authorities.

By Greek Law, Port Police officials require a ‘Solemn Declaration’ to be signed and presented on request alongside the official boat papers, stating that you hold the relevant qualifications to sail in their waters. With 50 years’ at the forefront of the sailing holidays industry, we pride ourselves on being the best. Our valued reputation is second to none and we conduct all operations with great diligence, and according to the current laws and regulations of each destination. This is why we ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and paperwork to fully enjoy every sailing destination, and that you are made aware of any clauses or terms and conditions that may affect your vacation.

On Arrival

Your boarding time is at 6pm. Please note customers boarding at our standard Sunsail 6pm boarding time will only sail out the following morning.

You will not be able to leave the dock until the next day, after your briefings.

If arriving after hours, a message will be left on the front door indicating the location of your boat.

Check out time is at 9 a.m.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return. All yachts are to be returned by 5.p.m the night before disembarkation so please allow enough time to complete this.

A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

If you anticipate any crew changes during your charter, please advise your Sales or Pre-Travel agent as early as possible so that the base can prepare accordingly. Greek regulations require accurate records of all passengers onboard, and all passenger information must be correctly submitted through MyAccount. Failure to notify us of planned crew changes or to ensure passenger details are accurate may result in significant fines from the Greek Port Authorities.

The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you’ve reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.

The skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you’ll provide cash for meals, whether you’ve included him or her in your provisioning or whether you’ll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.

The skipper must have his or her own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect your skipper to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.

For one-day check out skippers, it’s your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.

Gratuity and industry expectations
A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones & Wi-Fi

GSM 900 and 1800 networks exist. Coverage is good around the major towns on the mainland and on many islands. Main operators include Cosmote, Q-Telecom. Stet Hellas, and Vodafone. Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region. Wi-Fi Internet offered for a small fee when available. You may need to activate international roaming on your contract. 

Music + iPods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Greece is 220 volts and uses the standard European 2-pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.

This information is covered in the chart briefing. Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

Greece does levy mooring fees in some harbors, and these are not included in the price of the charter. The charges are fairly minimal and are usually around GBP 5-15 per night. Marina prices are considerably higher, between GBP 25-45 per night depending on the size of your yacht.

If you stop free of charge at a private jetty it is expected that you will eat at that taverna. 

Shower facilities are available at most marinas  for a small charge.

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are inside your sailing bag, issued at your check-in.

In Greece it’s essential that we have all of the following details in advance: full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality and passport number or ID card number for every member of your crew so that your boat papers can be prepared. You won’t be able to sail without these papers, and failure to supply information in advance could delay your departure from the base.

The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-greece/

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Corfu is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Current travel, health, and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov. Please note country vaccination/immunisation requirements can and do change

Sunsail offers comprehensive travel insurance for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Sunsail vacation. Visit here for more details.

About the Marina

Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you’re at a Sunsail base.

Gouvia Marina
49100 Tzavros
Corfu, Greece

As you prepare for departure, please reference the Corfu Cruising Guide to learn more about chartering in this destination.

The base is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.  

The base is open from early April to early November.

Gouvia Marina facilities include:

• Fuel station
• Electricity
• Water
• Supermarket
• Chandlery
• Restaurants
• Cafes and bars
• Toilets and showers
• Laundry and dryers
• Postal services
• Wireless Internet access

Provisioning

Sunsail Provisioning

Pre-ordered provisioning from our Sunsail online store is NOT possible in Greece, however, we have plenty of local options to support you upon arrival. Please ask at the base for alternative provisioning options in the local area.

However, online orders can be delivered to your boat through the supermarket on the base, E-Joy Market, online store here: E-Joy online store 

• Please advise the base by email of the order to make sure they know of the delivery.
• Please ensure you supply the base’s details + your charter booking reference number to the supermarket for the 2 parties to arrange the delivery. 

Dining

Restaurants
There is a good choice of tavernas and restaurants throughout our cruising areas. Our local staff will advise you of their whereabouts. Some of our favorite dining spots close to the Marina Gouvia base include:

• Melina’s Restaurant and Bar- Gouvia village – 500m north of the base
• Zorbas Restaurant – 500m north of the base in Kontokali village
• Pipilas – Greek specialties, 600m south of the base
• Gereko – Kontokali village – Fish specialties, 600m south of the base

There are many good hotels located near the base for before or after your charter vacation.

ATM machines are available in Gouvia and Corfu Town. Banking hours are Mon-Thurs from 8am-2.30pm, and Friday 8am-2pm. Banks on the larger islands tend to stay open in the afternoon and some during the evening to offer currency exchange facilities during the tourist season.

There are no limits on the amount you can take in or out of the country, but the exchange rate is often more favorable in Greece. Money changing facilities are present in the majority of towns, although they are not that readily available off the beaten track. Money changing should be done either with cash or by travelers checks.

Shops in Greece tend to be open from 9am-1pm and in the evening from 5pm-8pm.

Special purchases include lace, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, garments and knitwear, flokati rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits.

Visitors should be aware that many ‘antiques’ sold to tourists are fake; it is illegal to export any item of real antiquity without a special permit from the Export Department of the Ministry of Culture.

Tours

This area is astonishingly beautiful, notably inland where hill villages nestle in lush pine forests and olive and fruit groves.  For keen hikers the hilly interior of Corfu is perfect.

Car and Jeep Hire

Car hire is available throughout Greece. All international rental companies available.

Water Toys + Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our water sports options here.

Diving and Snorkeling

Scuba diving in Corfu offers crystal-clear waters, rocky reefs, and intriguing underwater caves. Known for its dramatic coastal scenery and marine biodiversity, it’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced divers. The island’s warm waters and relaxed vibe make diving here both scenic and serene.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from Sunsail are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. Sunsail does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and Sunsail shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by Sunsail.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkeling masks or snorkels onboard.

• When snorkeling in Greece, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
• Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling
• One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water

Fishing

Sea fishing is possible from the shores, from boats and even underwater and is allowed almost everywhere without a permit.

Standup Paddleboards

The newest way to experience the water. Experience gliding on the water’s surface; this is as close as it gets to ‘walking on water’ and is suitable for all ages.

Kayaks

Explore our world of water by kayak and reach places that you never even knew existed. Check our website for more details.

Enjoying cloudless days, beautiful temperatures and low tidal ranges, Corfu is renowned for its incredible sailing conditions, making it a brilliant sailing destination for beginner sailors.

If you’re setting sail between April and November, you can look forward to average temperatures of 75-82°F, and Northwest winds ranging between 10-15 knots. Much like other parts of Greece and the Mediterranean, you’ll also find very low tidal ranges, ranging between 1-2 feet.

Prevailing winds in Corfu include The Sirocco and The Meltemi. You will find The Meltemi reaching its peak in July, while The Sirocco is more frequent during the winter months.

At Sunsail, we’re committed to protecting the oceans we love through Our OCEAN Promise – a sustainability initiative focused on reducing our impact and supporting coastal communities. Across all our destinations, we take steps to tread lightly: from minimizing waste and emissions to promoting responsible travel practices.

You can help too. Before you set sail, consider packing a reusable water bottle, choosing to support local businesses, and raising the sails whenever possible to reduce engine use. Together, we can make every voyage a little kinder to the planet.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise