Day One
Your yacht will be awaiting you at 11am in Evros Marina in Lakki (the main town/harbour of Leros). We'll have drinks, boat chat, show you're the ropes—and then head off for our first destination of Vathi, on the island of Kalymnos; a relaxing downwind sail to ease those landlubberly legs into shape slowly! About 3 ½ hrs sail time.

Vathi is a dramatic little spot; a well-hidden and very narrow fjord-like entrance, opening up into a tiny fishing village at the head of the bay. It boasts one main street and a collection of houses scattered into the valley; an unexpected patch of lush vegetation on an otherwise very dry and arid-looking island. Vathi is the only place on the entire island that is lucky enough to have it's own spring water supply, and they use it carefully to cultivate citrus fruits, figs, grapes and anything else that can be persuaded to grow.

It's also the home of "Poppy's"—one of our "adopted families", where momma makes the best homemade dolmades (stuffed grapeleaves) you'll ever taste in your life, and the swordfish steaks are out of this world!

Day Two
After breakfast and morning swims, we'll sail to Pandeli Bay on the east coast of Leros. This can be one of the longer sailing legs of the trip - if the winds are right, it's a perfect time to get a feel for the boat, especially for those who want to learn to sail. Great tacking practice! Time varies from 3-5hrs, wind dependent.

Pandeli Bay is one of the prettiest anchorages to sail into on this planet. The traditional blue-and-white houses scattered down the hillside; the little horseshoe-shaped bay, the beach tavernas conveniently just a 2 min swim from where we anchor the boat; it's a real picture-postcard scene. For those with plenty of night-owl energy, there is the infamous Savana Bar - a very idiosyncratic little local hangout, where we often end up dancing the night away!

Day Three
A leisurely morning in Pandeli; time to hike up to the fortress and get some stunning panoramic shots from the island's highest vantage point. Or perhaps just a cooling swim from boat to taverna, to recover from that dangerous Savana Bar place! Around midday, we'll set sail for Lipsos - island of the 42 blue-domed churches.

Lipsos is a quiet, very untouristy island; the harbour surrounded with an unruly array of whitewashed buildings - and those blue-domed churches everywhere! The vivid streaks of traditional blue trim and the blazing bougainvillea pinks & purples make it a real photographers' dream.

To cool off, there is a lovely little sandy beach, 5mins walk over the hill from where we moor the boats, and a great hike out to the headland with spectacular views out to sea.

Day Four
Here's hoping it's a calm morning so we can do our breakfast/swim stop at Macro Nisi ! It's a secluded little anchorage with sheer-sided cliffs, which have been known to entice the braver (or more foolhardy) amongst us to throw caution to the wind and leap off them ! For those more inclined to be adventurous in the water, there's a very cool, semi-submerged tunnel through the cliffs through which one can snorkel, emerging in little cave on the other side of the island.  

Then we're off to Patmos - the famous Monastery Island, where St John was inspired by visions to write the Book of Revelations. The 10th century monastery (built by Crusader Knights) reigns over the island, still an active and influential part of daily life here. The village that lies at the foot of the monastery is everyone's romantic image of a Greek village; narrow winding alleyways scarcely wide enough for a skinny donkey! - cats sunning themselves on whitewashed streets, old ladies in black collecting fresh bread from the bakery in the morning. It's well worth an early rise to get up there in the dawn hours; the old ladies will look at you in faint amazement that a foreigner should find their way up there at such a time; if you can remember enough of our Greek lessons to say "kalimera!" (good morning), they'll give you a huge smile and a "kalimera-sas" back (good morning to you too) ! (Note: that's "kali-MER-a", not "calamari" :> ).

Day Five
If you could paint a picture of the perfect, tiny Greek island retreat - Marathi would be it. A horseshoe-shaped sandy bay, no regular ferry connections with other islands; you need your own boat to get here. Our adopted family here are so wonderful and hospitable too - and the food is incredible!! This tiny spot has hit top of the Favourite Spot list with our groups for several years now - so much so that it's been hard to persuade people that, really, we should leave, there are other islands to visit !

Day Six

Sail to Samos—a total contrast! Samos is quite the upmarket, cosmopolitan island; the little harbour of Pythagorion is lined with dozens of tavernas along the waterfront. Pythagorion is the birthplace and home of the famous mathematician who gave his name to the theorum. He also had a most ingenious way of making sure his students did not drink too much wine at his lectures - check out the "Pythagoras Cup" ! It's a pretty, lively little port, with a very fun nightlife in the midsummer months.

Day Seven

The major attraction of the island, however, is once one gets out of the port. Samos is beautifully green—mountains covered with pine forests, streams, stunning cliffs and beaches—a real contrast to most of the other Dodecanese islands, which aren't exactly what you'd call lush. We often do a fun "jeep safari" , spending the day exploring all over the island.

Or, there's also a chance to take a day trip to Turkey and visit Kusadasi and Ephesus - great bargain-hunting in Kusadasi's maze of bazaars, and immensely impressive ruins of the ancient city at Ephesus (the Acropolis has nothing on this !).

Day 7 is the mid-point for those leaving us after one week, and the rendezvous point for those meeting us to join for the 2nd week's sail.

Day Eight 

Sail to Agathonissi - approx 3-4hrs. A small, traditional island with just one fishing port and two tiny villages perched on top of the hillside; a population of just 150 people. On arrival, we'll no doubt be greeted by our host Giorgos - a.k.a. Unofficial Harbour Master and Ouzo King of Agathonissi ! A colourful evening at George's is usually on the menu; he loves to see our yachts sailing in - it's a great excuse for a party on an otherwise quiet and isolated island.

Day Nine
Sail for Arki. If the weather is sufficiently calm, we may be able to visit Tiganakia also en route; also known as "Caribbean Cove" for it's translucent turquoise waters!
Another tiny, traditional island, Arki boasts a permanent population of just 27 - not counting the goats! There is just one little port, a few houses scattered around the hillside - and most of all, Manoli's place ! Mr Cool Dude Manoli runs a wonderful little oasis of a taverna; cushions scattered around the shady patio, speakers hidden away in the trees. A short hike up the hill is a little church and the most amazing sunset views over the island.

The next morning, there is still lots more to explore - we we could spend a week and still not be bored. Rent a little 50cc scooter or 4 wheel buggy and explore lots of little villages, bays, and our favourite "Quiche Beach" with their terribly decadent milkshakes! For the more energetic, there's a 45min hike to a really cool, sandy "clothing-optional" beach, often with a little surf rolling in on windy days.

Day Eleven 

Day Twelve
Sail to Paleonissos - a little-known secret of Kalymnos. Another dramatic and mountainous bay, tucked well away in the north of the island; anchorages like this are what make landlubbers fall totally in love with the cruising lifestyle ! There is little here apart from herds of goats; at dusk and dawn, the sound of their bells echoes around the hillside. With no distracting light around, the night sky is a dramatic sight; many an hour has been spent sitting on deck / on the beach simply star-gazing. Our unlikely-seeming dinner spot is a hike-and-scramble 5mins inland, through bushes of sweet-smelling sage - to the backyard of our local buddy Nicolas. Nick is a very eccentric character who delights in telling stories of the old Kalymnian sponge divers, and sometimes invites his music-loving companions from nearby villages to serenade us - bouzouki, guitar or even a goat-bladder (yes, really!)

Day Thirteen
A very leisurely morning - swimming, snorkelling, and just generally chilling out. Or for the athletic, a little goat-track offers a challenging scramble up the steep, rocky hillside, to a superb view over the valley & boats.

A last chance to perfect those tacking skills, the final afternoon's sail being mostly into the wind. We'll arrive late afternoon into our home base of Lakki on the western side of Leros.

Farewell vacation dinner at Vromolithos - a beautiful beachfront taverna with the most amazing views over the bay - and for grand finale night - live Greek music !

Day Fourteen
Disembark 9am in Lakki where your singles sailing vacation ends.

Day One 

Morning rendezvous in Phuket. As soon as our checkout formalities are completed, we'll be sailing north - to the weird and wonderful "seascapes" of Phang-Nga bay!

This bay feels like sailing into some sci-fi movie set; the limestone formations are so sheer and gravity-defying. Our destination for the evening is Ko Hong. "hong" being the word for "sea cave". The entrance to these hongs is usually a well-hidden little crevice in the cliff-face; a narrow tunnel opening up into an awe-inspiring oasis on the interior. Perfect for kayak expeditions!  

Happy hour with the best pina coladas in the Andaman! - followed by our very own Thai chefs' gourmet dinner on board; an amazing array of tongue-tingling dishes

Day Two 

A relaxed morning's cruise southwards again, past more impossibly-balanced rocks, cliffs & islands. There is another hong to explore en route, paddling through a dramatic, mangrove-lined stream which winds its way inside a huge crevice in the island.

For the evening, we'll anchor at the famous Railey Beach, near Krabi. Sheer, palm-covered mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it's a well-known spot for those who like to scare themselves silly scaling these cliffs. There are even beginner's rock-climbing opportunities, for any adrenalin-addicts amongst us! Dinner ashore, there's dozens of fun little beach bars and restaurants.

Day Three

Chance to visit Tiger Cave and Temple , a 30 minute minibus ride inland. This place is not as overtly dramatic and ornate as some of the more well-known Thai wats; what attracts us is it's deeply spiritual, calm Buddhist ambiance. This is not a "tourist destination" - it's a place that the locals visit to pay their respects to the monk community there. For the energetic, there is a steep climb to a stunning viewpoint, a huge Buddha keeping an eye on us mere mortals below; for those who prefer to take it easier (and cooler!), there is a shady hike through an enormous and ancient forest. It's also home to a troop of very mischievous monkeys, watch out for your drinks and snacks, they're fast !  

 

Just around the corner from Railey beach is the little town of Ao Nang - a great place to do a little shopping. There'll be a couple of hours ashore here - then it's a short hop to Chicken Island. A quiet, tranquil contrast to the days activities, and usually a beautiful sunset to accompany our infamous Pina Coladas! It's also our first great snorkelling spot, lots of coral and tropical fish to swim amongst.

Well off the main tourist track, this is the place to go elephant-trekking if the idea appeals to you! The ride takes you way back into the tropical forest behind the beach, one could be hundreds of miles (and year!) from so-called civilisation. A hike through a babbling stream to a mini-waterfall is a great way to cool off, halfway through the ride. For the adventurous amongst us, the guides will let you ride on the elephant's head, the way they do... not just sit in the "passenger basket"!

Day Six 

Our breakfast stop for the next day, we have named The Lost Lagoon - an old pirate hangout. To find it, we swim through a winding, pitch-black sea tunnel (it's ok, we do have waterproof lights!). It's a spooky and thoroughly exciting feeling especially when one emerges the other end into a "Lost World" in the center of the island.

 Unfortunately, the local daytrip boats from Phi Phi have now discovered this spot too - but as long as we get there early in the morning, we have it all to ourselves!

The destination for the afternoon is Charlie Beach, on Ko Muk - one of our favourite little beach hangouts. Somewhat smaller than Ko Lanta, but with a very cosy little beach bar and great BBQ restaurant. Cocktails on the beach at sunset, it doesn't get any more romantic than this !

Day Seven 

Day Eight
This is our long sail day - Wind Gods willing, we should have a lovely 6hrs or so downwind sailing ! Our destination is the Butang group of islands. Part of the Tarutao Marine National Park, these islands have the most wonderfully clear water and beautiful coral gardens. Ko Adang is our stop for the night - more fantastic snorkelling and a deserted tropical beach completely to ourselves.

Day Nine 

 Day Ten 

A lazy morning, a final swim or two... and then we're off to Langkawi !

Our mooring is at Telaga Harbour - a cosy, friendly little place, yet with all the handy facilities of an upmarket marina.

We'll do our customs paperwork this afternoon - whilst the skipper is busy with bureaucracy, there's a few fun things to do close to the marina. Langkawi's amazing cable car ride is just 5 mins away - a very adrenelin-inspiring trip to the top of the highest mountain on the island! For any shopping addicts, the main town of Kuah is about 30 mins away, lots of great bargains to be hunted down. For anyone wishing to stay longer in Langkawi, we can highly recommend the Mutiara Bay hotel, just 5mins from the marina , where many of our single sailors have stayed and loved!

Day Eleven 

Disembarkation is at 9am as this wonderful sailing vacation ends.

Ongoing connection info: Telaga Harbour is about 10 mins from the international airport of Langkawi. The main town and ferry port of Kuah is in the south of the island, about 30mins taxi ride away. There are frequent ferries to the Thai mainland (Satun), to Penang and several other places in Malaysia. 

Asia sailing Vacations - 1 Week - $1695 / 2 Weeks - $2795

No Dates Available!

The Bottom Line: What will my vacation cost?

Our philosophy is very simple; our costs are as inclusive as we can sensibly make them. We figure most people would prefer to know ahead of time what the total vacation cost is; not have to worry about little additional surprises along the way!

On our Adventure Sailing trips, once you get on the boat, everything on board is covered. We provide provisions for breakfasts, lunches, drinks (yes, that includes open bar - local liquors, beer & wine). The only thing we don't include is dinners - the local taverna experience ashore is much too much fun to miss!

So unlike the usual yacht charter in the Med - there's no unexpected extras to catch you out halfway ("Oh, you didn't realise how much this marina costs?" or "That'll be another 300 euros for the fuel bill, thank you very much!" ).

With the more usual bareboat-plus-skipper arrangement, you're up for everything else - fuel, water, mooring, local taxes, food, on board bar bills - even the skipper's food and drink!

Our Singles Sailing vacation philosophy is that nasty $$ surprises don't do anything for a relaxing vacation - and we emphatically don't work that way. We'd prefer you to eat, drink and be merry - without worrying how much extra it will cost!

Our sailing vacations include:

• Breakfasts
• Lunches
• Soft drinks
• Open bar (local beers, wines & liquors)
• Skipper
• Informal sailing instruction if desired
• Fuel
• Water
• Mooring fees
• Security deposit