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Incredible sailing holidays that people love.
It’s what we do.

Join 1000s of happy clients and enjoy a yacht charter in 2024. Let’s go!

Incredible sailing holidays
that people love. It’s what we do.
Dodecanese Islands
6 - 13 Sep - Adults: 6
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Sailing the Dodecanese Islands, an intrepid voyage of discovery
Great for:
  • Off the beaten track
  • Early/late season
  • Exciting winds
  • Cultural Experiences

The Dodecanese Islands are a diverse group of 12 main islands and numerous small islets, nestled along the Turkish coast in the south-eastern Aegean. Sailing the Dodecanese offers the opportunity to enjoy the liveliness of Kos and Rhodes and then the greater thrill of sailing away to enjoy the peaceful, unspoilt and diverse outer islands. It is with these smaller islands that you'll fall in love, enjoy their sandy beaches, warm waters, rich history, enchanting character, traditional tavernas, Venetian architecture, Byzantine churches and medieval castles. Bear in mind that above Kos, the islands that include Kalymnos, Pserimos, Lipsi and Patmos are generally laid out north to south, the same as the prevailing wind. This should be noted, particularly if the winds are blowing strongly as they tend to do so during mid and peak season. The islands between Kos and Rhodes, which include Nisyros, Tilos, Chalki and the wonderful Symi are more lateral to the wind, which makes for easier sailing.

Dodecanese Islands Sailing Holidays that Guests Rave About
MB

Michael Boyle

June,2017

Tim at Seamaster pulled out all the stops out and found us a perfect yacht based in Rhodes at very short notice, 5 days and for a mid week charter. Unfortunately he couldn't stop the thunder storms and torrential rain on our first full day. But maybe miracles are for next time.Will definitely use Seamaster again.

AM

Andy Martland

July,2019

Seamaster organised our sailing trip to the Dodecanese really well. Great communication and follow up and a very nice yacht! We had a great time.

c

customer

July,2022

We’ve booked through Seamaster three times and had a great experience every time. Tim is super-knowledgeable and I feel like I can trust him a great deal. Skipper’s have always been well suited to our group, and I’m looking forward to travelling with them again in 2023.

S

Stephen

July,2023

Perfect sailing area, brilliantly equipped boat and a superb skipper - it could not have been better!

PM

Paige-Lauren Minns

July,2022

Exceptional service from Seamaster. We booked our first yacht charter (skippered) to Greece through this company and cannot recommend Tim and the team enough. Our group was completely new to this type of trip and the team handled our many questions and planning with a lot of patience and fantastic attention to the details. We will absolutely be booking through Seamaster again for our next sailing holiday.

Our Dodecanese Islands Yacht Selection
Best for 6 people - 06 Sep - 13 Sep(Change)
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Excess 11 Compact Catamaran
    • 5 Cabins
    • 2 Toilets
    • 2024
    furling_mainsailwifi
    4,122 £ 5496
    Including Boat only
    25% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Excess 12 Compact Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2020
    solar_panelsfurling_mainsailwifibbq
    5,708 £ 6342
    Including Boat only
    10% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 380 S2 Compact Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 2 Toilets
    • 2014
    solar_panelsfurling_mainsailwifibbq
    3,931 £ 4368
    Including Boat only
    10% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 380 S2 Compact Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 2 Toilets
    • 2015
    solar_panelswifi
    3,427 £ 4032
    Including Boat only
    15% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Bali 4.2 Medium Catamaran
    • 4 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2022
    solar_panelsfurling_mainsailwifi
    6,069 £ 7140
    Including Boat only
    15% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2017
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsfurling_mainsail
    6,237 £ 6930
    Including Boat only
    10% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2019
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsteak_cockpit
    5,998 £ 7056
    Including Boat only
    15% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Bali 4.1 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2019
    solar_panelsfurling_mainsailwifibbq
    6,086 £ 6762
    Including Boat only
    10% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 42 Medium Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2019
    air_conditioninggeneratorsolar_panelsfurling_mainsail
    6,237 £ 6930
    Including Boat only
    10% off
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    Kos, Dodecanese Islands

    Lagoon 46 Large Catamaran
    • 6 Cabins
    • 4 Toilets
    • 2023
    air_conditioninggeneratorfurling_mainsailwifi
    8,211 £ 9660
    Including Boat only
    15% off

What makes the Dodecanese Islands so Special

An intrepid island discovery
An intrepid island discovery

Outside the main centres of Kos and Rhodes, you'll discover an altogether less touristy and more authentic Greek experience. On many islands only accessible by boat, you’ll witness traditional Greek life, with many local living the way they have for centuries. If you crave simplicity and authenticity, then this area is for you.

Short-hop island sailing
Short-hop island sailing

With dozens of islands and small islets, a Dodecanese yacht charter is a voyage of discovery as you visit some of the most authentic and sparsely populated islands in Greece. Separated by a short-hop, everyday you’ll visit new villages, islands and bays that are as different from each other as they are similar. Colourful, traditional and serene.

Incredible Seamaster boats and crew
Incredible Seamaster boats and crew

Our exclusive Seamaster crew are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Friendly and professional, you’ll love having them on board. We’re also delighted to offer superb quality yachts and catamarans from Kos and Rhodes that will suit every requirement.

Hot, dry weather with great winds
Hot, dry weather with great winds

The weather in the Dodecanese is hot and dry throughout the entire summer period from May to October. It’s also a genuine sailing destination, with good winds throughout the sailing season, though they can be brisk during the peak of summer.

Dodecanese Islands sailing itineraries
  • 1 Week - Kos Sailing Itinerary
  • 1 Week- Rhodes Sailing Itinerary
  • 2 Week - Whole Dodecanese
1 Week - Kos Sailing Itinerary
Day 1 - Kos Marina

Kos is the third largest island in the group, and the second most popular, after Rhodes. Soaked in history and ruins, after a few hours wandering Kos town’s fortress and the Asklepion (Hippocrates' ancient sanatorium), you become almost blasé at sidestepping millenia-old Corinthian columns gathering weeds at the roadside. The marina is purposed built and shouldn't be confused with the ferry port which is a few minutes north of the marina.

Day 2 - Vathi (Kalymnos Island)

Vathi is located in the middle of a mountainous site with the settlement stretching up the slopes of two hills. The surrounding area has a relatively arid feel about it with vegitation being sparse. The picturesque port is filled with local fishing boats and a few day trip boats which serve some of the popular tourist destinations in the area. There are a few tavernas and shops scattered around the village.

Day 3 - Agia Marina (Leros Island)

Agia Marina is one of the main towns on Leros and combined with Panteli and Platanos form the capital of Leros. The harbour is especially picturesque with many traditional houses and even some mansions extending up the hillside. Right at the entrance to the harbour is the Byzantine fortress of Bourtzi, you will also find a castle which is built at the top of the hill offering fantastic panoramic views.

Day 4 - Mikro Chorio (Agathonisi island)

Agathonisi island is the most nothern island in the Dodecanese area, The surface is rocky but does have some wild bushes and olive trees. Fresh water is scarce and is collected by wells and a boat which brings containers over for the locals. The island was regularily attacked by pirates and so the main settlement (Megalo Chorio) was built so it isn't visible from the sea. As you would expect provisions and tavernas are scarce but you will find a few in the main villages.

Day 5 - Arki (Arkoi Island)

Arki and its neighbour Marathi are around eight kilometeres from the coast of Patmos. Day boats from Patmos are the main source of tourism of the islands. The main bay offers good protection from strong winds and is a popular place to shelter for yachtsmen. You'll find one of two tavernas offering fresh fish that have been caught by the locals the night before.

Day 6 - Telendos (Katafigio Agrias)

Telendos rises across the north western coast of Kalymnos and is opposite the village of Myrties. Tolendos was part of Kalymnos until a massive earthquake in 535 AD seperated it from the rest of the island. Tolendos has only around 50 inhabitants and they are all situated around the small fishing settlement. The port is busy with fishing boats who sell their catch onto the nearby tavernas. Regular ferries run between Telendos and Kalymnos taking about 10 minutes to cross the 700 meter wide channel.

Day 7 - Kos Town (Kos Island)

If you haven't already been into the centre of Kos Town we would strongly recommend it. The imposing Castle of the Knights of Saint John, on the eastern side of the harbour, is well worth a visit. Alternatively the centre of the town is home to a huge range of restaurants, tavernas, cafes and shops. Those of you looking for a big last evening will find a wide range of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Typical Dodecanese Islands Weather
Typical Dodecanese Islands Weather
May Weather 24°C Sea temp: 19°C

Warm days, cool evenings. Changeable weather improving

June Weather 28°C Sea temp: 23°C

Hot days, warm nights with the wind becoming stronger

July Weather 30°C Sea temp: 25°C

Strong afternoon winds with Hot & dry conditions throughout

August Weather 30°C Sea temp: 26°C

Strong afternoon winds with Hot & dry conditions throughout

September Weather 28°C Sea temp: 26°C

Warm days, warm nights, Weather becoming calmer

October Weather 25°C Sea temp: 23°C

Warm days & cooler nights with occasional stormy weather

April Weather 20°C Sea temp: 17°C

Cool calm seas and chilly evenings changeable conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

We have two bases in the Dodecanese Islands, located in the eponymous towns of the two primary islands of the group; Kos and Rhodes. Kos Island is located centrally within the Dodecanese Islands, while Rhodes is at the southern end of the island group.

There are direct flights to both Kos and Rhodes throughout the summer from several airports around the United Kingdom. Seamaster now offers flight inclusive yacht charters from around the UK and transfer times are short, just 25 minutes to Kos Town and 20 minutes to Rhodes town from their respective airports.

The Dodecanese Islands are subject to more wind than the Ionian and Saronic Islands. The Meltemi is a strong northerly wind that begins to blow in June and then ‘powers up’ in late July to early September, consistently reaching Force 6 (strong winds) and with Force 7 (near gale) winds not unheard of. Look out for stronger gusts on the leeward side of islands as well. The weather in the Dodecanese is some of the hottest and driest in Greece. This means early and late season is the ideal time to go, when the winds are at their most manageable. During this time expect temperatures in the mid-20s, while the peak months of July and August heat up to the mid-30s

There are little to no mooring fees in the Dodecanese Islands, apart for Kos and Rhodes, though only if these bases are not your home base. If they are your home base, you will not have to pay mooring fees.

For charters in Greece you need to have an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Those with an RYA Day Skipper, or above, can apply to the RYA for an ICC with no additional assessments required.

As a dynamic yacht charter agency headquartered in the United Kingdom, we take pride in offering expert guidance and fantastic deals on Mediterranean sailing vacations. We look forward to arranging your next sun-soaked sailing adventure!

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