goinggreek.info

The Agora => Kefalonia News => Announcements => Topic started by: Jolly Roger on Saturday, 31 May, 2014 @ 09:04:32

Title: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Saturday, 31 May, 2014 @ 09:04:32
I looked at Yiannis' water taxi boat a couple of days ago and it looks like he still has some work to do before it will be ready. At a guess, I would say another week.
However, there is another service just starting, with a very impressive boat. Details below........

I have removed the timetable for this new service, because the guy is not playing fair. The agreement was that he would not compete with Yiannis and would only do trips to beaches as far as Lourdas. Presumably that didn't pay him enough, so he is now stealing Yiannis' customers between Katelios and Skala.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Phil on Saturday, 31 May, 2014 @ 17:49:02
Thanks for posting that Roger. As you say the Bus Boat does look impressive and I note that the service does not clash with Yiannis' Poros-Skala-Katelios service. I am sure the service to Paradisi and Lefka could be very popular for anyone who is not hiring a 4WD vehicle. I hope it is properly advertised in the resorts.

The *sunset at Lefka Beach* trip also looks interesting, but the info doesn't state whether this is from Katelios, Lourdas or both. If you get any more info I would be very interested to hear.

I wish both boat operators a really good season. Both services should be a really good tourist asset, although Yiannis' water taxi never seems to be shipshape and seaworthy before the start of the tourist season. I suppose the laid back attitude is one of the reasons we go to Kef!

Yiammas
Phil
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Bell on Saturday, 31 May, 2014 @ 17:56:35
Thanks for that Roger. I have spoken to Angelos and he has a stand at the Lithero end of Lourdas beach. I am sure some of our guests will be interested in the trips.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: TonyKath on Saturday, 31 May, 2014 @ 20:03:02
Thanks Roger - very interesting.  Prices not too bad!

Tony
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: TonyD on Sunday, 01 June, 2014 @ 00:14:38
The return evening trip seems to go via a tear in the time / space continuum. 
It appears to arrive back in Katelios a full hour and a half before it leaves Koroni.

I'm confused who you should use to get back from the beaches;
"...visit the secluded beaches that we can only take you to..."
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Sunday, 01 June, 2014 @ 17:47:53
As you say Tony, there is a missprint and 16.00 should read 17.40.
Phil, the sunset trip is bookings only, so I imagine pick up will depend on where the customers are and of course will depend on the time of sunset.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Friday, 27 June, 2014 @ 22:38:56
Yiannis has started his water taxi service from today, 27th June. The usual Poros, Skala and Katelios route and times, see below.

(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/11_28_06_14_1_50_30.jpeg)
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Monday, 30 June, 2014 @ 17:41:34
I have removed the timetable for the new Bus Boat service, because the guy is not playing fair. The agreement was that he would not compete with Yiannis and would only do trips to beaches as far as Lourdas. Presumably that didn't pay him enough, so he is now stealing Yiannis' customers between Katelios and Skala.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: HiFi on Monday, 30 June, 2014 @ 19:46:02
Competition in Greece? That's outrageous!
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: jeanskala on Tuesday, 01 July, 2014 @ 00:02:37
Perhaps Yiannis should get his act together a little earlier in the season, so no-one can 'steal' his service. Also the other 'taxi' motors at a more sensible speed and further out than Yiannis, therefore avoiding sleeping turtles in the shallows.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Tuesday, 01 July, 2014 @ 08:04:00
It costs 150 euros a day to operate. To cover that you need a lot of customers. There are just not enough customers around to make it worth while starting earlier. The Bus Boat found this out and was running at a loss. This is when he decided to muscle in on the Katelios to Skala route. Competition is fine, but there are just not enough customers for two boats to do the same itinerary.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 01 July, 2014 @ 14:08:22
 :hmm: Skala - Poros return = 15€ x 10 pax = 150€. As I recall, every season we hear the boat will be running pretty much to the end of the season and October is even quieter than May. As there's no Skala - Poros bus in May it might be an idea for Yiannis to "get his act together" and get the engine fixed earlier (or whatever the reason is). Going a bit slower might help conserve fuel, too.

Looks like business is business, as everywhere else: if you have a good idea (that works), someone will copy it.

If this other boat is legal it's rather unfair to plug only Yiannis' boat, even if he was the first and this other bloke has broken some verbal agreement they had to be non-competitive / anti-competitive.

If there's not enough customers for two boats... may the best man win.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Tuesday, 01 July, 2014 @ 21:57:14
It was not a situation anyone would want to witness in Katelios, with two boats doing the same trip at the same time and then fighting over customers. The poor tourists didn't understand what was happening. In my opinion, the newcomer was totally out of order, but whatever I think, the situation may now have been resolved.
More news to come!
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maik on Tuesday, 01 July, 2014 @ 23:55:04
Well, seems the boat bus war is hotting up! According to one account I've heard, the new boat has scheduled its departure times 15 minutes before Yiannis' and charges 1€ less, this morning in Katelios a certain candidate in the recent elections, employed as a rep for one of the tour companies, (allegedly) was making some pretty serious accusations about the safety and reliability of Yiannis' boat while selling tickets for t'other boat. Last I've heard, all signs of t'other boat have been removed. Hey ho, who said Katelios was sleepy!
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Wednesday, 02 July, 2014 @ 09:44:35
The situation has been resolved, at least for the time being. When the police got involved, it appears that the Bus Boat did not have the correct documentation. Allegedly a small matter of a valid operator's license which costs 600 euros per month.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maarm on Monday, 07 July, 2014 @ 11:39:01
spotted this on Trip Advisor

A word of warning to future visitors to this resort. Stay away from the water taxi that picks up on Skala beach and transports people to Poros and Katelios. It is dangerous!! It's called Captain Kostis and it is a creamy white boat with dark yellow trimmings. The captain smells of alchohol and is not at all careful. Apart from almost going over some people in the sea a lady almost fell off the boat by a sudden turn that he took. Discussing this with some locals afterwards we were told that he is not licensed and has no insurance and that here have been many incidents like this in the past, Why do they let him continue doing this if he is illegal. Please.. do something before he kills someone
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: TonyD on Monday, 07 July, 2014 @ 11:59:28
That smells like Yiannis has hired a PR company, almost  ;)
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: jeanskala on Monday, 07 July, 2014 @ 13:15:10
That smells like Yiannis has hired a PR company, almost  ;)

Would be interesting to know when this report was made...
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maarm on Monday, 07 July, 2014 @ 14:01:06
someone staying at the Anassa posted it yesterday on their review of the hotel

Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maik on Monday, 07 July, 2014 @ 16:43:39
Totally off topic but it reminds me of a couple I once met: in their twenties they'd travelled to India and met a 'wise old holy man' who promised to enlighten them. Several years later they returned to the UK, the only lightness was in the weight of their bank accounts. Years later they travelled to Greece and were bowled over at quickly making a Greek friend. Every night the barman spent hours explaining local news and events while they knocked back his cocktails (which were amazing, they hardly felt any effect from all the alcohol they consumed). As a result of all the bar talk they became ardent believers in chem trails and go to meetings with similarly concerned folk around the UK. I asked if they'd met anyone interesting on their travels 'back home'. “Nah”, they said, “usually we just end up lumbered with the lonely nutters in the pub hoping to get free drinks out of us in exchange for telling us a load of b*ll*x”.

Anyway, getting somewhat back on topic, the latest news re Trip Advisor:

Quote
Globe-trotting food lover accused of 'blackmail and libel' after TripAdvisor review
Chris Hobson's 'nasty' review on TripAdvisor of a South Yorkshire restaurant has led to threats of legal action by the restaurant director and accusations of blackmail
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/10949768/Globe-trotting-food-lover-accused-of-blackmail-and-libel-after-TripAdvisor-review.html


As for Yiannis... :dunno: Probably positive mentions on TA, too. But, yeah, it is starting to smell a bit   (http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/tiere/o020.gif)
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: jeanskala on Wednesday, 09 July, 2014 @ 16:45:04
That smells like Yiannis has hired a PR company, almost  ;)

Would be interesting to know when this report was made...

This was another post on Trip Advisor by the same person on the previous day....

"Skala Beach
 Posted 7 Jul 2014
"Paradise"

Skala beach is one of the most perfect beaches I have been too. I come to Kefalonia almost every year and I always come to Skala. Although Kefalonia has many beautiful beaches, Skala beach is one of the best. Everything is perfect. We had a go at the water sports available, we use to use the sun beds outside the Anassa Hotel which is where we stayed. Didn't leave this beach once except for one day when we decided to go to Katelios with the water taxi that comes from Poros and stops off in Skala and Katelios. That was a dreadful experience. Did not feel safe at all throughout the whole trip over to Katelios. We had to hold on to each other as he went so fast and was not carefull with the customers on the boat. I will keep saying this, he is dangerous and I recommend that no one go on or near this boat. M/Y Captain Kostis will kill someone someday. Get him out of the sea!!! Locals mentioned that they so not have a license for what they do or insurance! Not very responsible of the Port Police now is it?"


 
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maarm on Wednesday, 09 July, 2014 @ 17:07:01
I saw that but figured there'd been enough stuff posted on here to upset (didn't want Maik telling me off) - sounds like there may be a kerfuffle shortly  :sas:
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Maik on Wednesday, 09 July, 2014 @ 23:56:31
"Skala beach is one of the most perfect beaches I have been too." Lucky me, I've been to quite a few I'd prefer, nice as Skala beach is. If they feel so strongly about the Captain Kostis boat perhaps *they* should complain to the port police rather than requesting via TA that someone else do something. Or perhaps one (or more) of the GGi readers would like to do so?



Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: APB on Thursday, 10 July, 2014 @ 16:35:09
"Skala beach is one of the most perfect beaches I have been too." Lucky me, I've been to quite a few I'd prefer, nice as Skala beach is. If they feel so strongly about the Captain Kostis boat perhaps *they* should complain to the port police rather than requesting via TA that someone else do something. Or perhaps one (or more) of the GGi readers would like to do so?

Or perhaps the locals who allege that there is no licence or insurance should report it.....nah, can't see that happening as they probably don't want to draw attention to themselves for whatever reason.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: SteveH on Wednesday, 16 July, 2014 @ 11:52:02
That smells like Yiannis has hired a PR company, almost  ;)

Would be interesting to know when this report was made...

This was another post on Trip Advisor by the same person on the previous day....

"Skala Beach
 Posted 7 Jul 2014
"Paradise"

Skala beach is one of the most perfect beaches I have been too. I come to Kefalonia almost every year and I always come to Skala. Although Kefalonia has many beautiful beaches, Skala beach is one of the best. Everything is perfect. We had a go at the water sports available, we use to use the sun beds outside the Anassa Hotel which is where we stayed. Didn't leave this beach once except for one day when we decided to go to Katelios with the water taxi that comes from Poros and stops off in Skala and Katelios. That was a dreadful experience. Did not feel safe at all throughout the whole trip over to Katelios. We had to hold on to each other as he went so fast and was not carefull with the customers on the boat. I will keep saying this, he is dangerous and I recommend that no one go on or near this boat. M/Y Captain Kostis will kill someone someday. Get him out of the sea!!! Locals mentioned that they so not have a license for what they do or insurance! Not very responsible of the Port Police now is it?"

We've stayed in Katelios for the last 6 years and had travelled on M/Y Captain Kostis 3 times, usually sitting at the front of the boat. Yiannis and his son are very friendly and the journey has always been great fun and I've never, for even a moment, felt unsafe. The service hadn't started whilst we were there, during the last 2 years but we noticed that it had started during our recent visit. On Monday 7th July, our last full day there, we took the 11.00 bus to Poros, for only 2.50 Euros (arrived at 11.30!) then returned on the boat. There were only a few other people on board and we sat right at the front of the boat again. Yiannis' son came round and asked if we were alright, as it was a little bumpier than usual, especially the last leg, leaving Skala...we said that we were fine, thanks and told Yiannis how much we had enjoyed the trip as we disembarked.

By the way, our first visit to Kefalonia was in 1983, so we're hardly adrenaline junkies. We were also accompanied by our son, who has a learning disability and he was perfectly happy and relaxed. I didn't notice the boat getting too close to the shore and would be concerned if turtles were being disturbed by it (we saw a great one at the jetty this year, as well as in Argostoli harbour, eating the mussels that were stuck to the wall).

I don't think the prices have changed much, if at all, since our first trip. I did hear, from an Englishman, near the jetty at Katelios, that Yiannis has been plagued by fishermen cutting his moorings, in the past. It was nice to see Yiannis' son again, who has just completed his National Service. He told us that he is also working at the Apostalata resort (I never cease to be impressed by the young Greeks work ethic).

PS - we were hoping to meet you at Aliti's quiz night, Jean; I bought your Old Skala book last year and we visited it this year...our meal took longer than planned and we turned up just after you'd started...hopefully we'll see you next time we visit.
Title: Re: Boat taxi services
Post by: Jolly Roger on Wednesday, 16 July, 2014 @ 15:13:10
I have been cruising for the last week and only just seen the latest posts in this thread.
I started the water taxi service 8 years ago with Makis, who did it for a season and half, before Yiannis took over. I have been helping Yiannis on and off since then, so I know him very well.
Before the season starts he has to report to the Port Police to have his documents checked (one reason why the start of the service is often delayed) and I have seen his license and insurance recently. In all the time I have known him, he has only drunk water or coffee. I have never seen him drink alcohol. Yiannis is a fisherman and has a high regard for the sea environment. He does travel quite fast, but this is what most passengers enjoy. However, he has now slowed down on the approaches to Katelios due to the danger of people snorkelling near the jetty.
Trip Advisor will always have differing opinions, but the one quoted above is very extreme, from someone who clearly did not enjoy themselves. I am sure the majority would have a different opinion.

As a post script, it appears that the comments on Trip Advisor have been taken down and quite rightly.