Private Rib Cruise to Poseidon Temple at Sounio Cape

A Private Rib Cruise to the Iconic Poseidon Temple at Sounio Cape offers an exceptional way to experience Greece’s Athenian Riviera. For around $1,073 per group (up to 8 people), you get a full 7-hour adventure that combines the scenic beauty of the Greek coast with cultural highlights. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, this trip features a mix of sunbathing, swimming, and exploring ancient ruins—perfect for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed day outside Athens.

What we love most? First, the chance to snorkel in caves and shallow waters in peaceful, safe seas, thanks to the expert crew and their underwater camera. Second, the stunning views of the Sounio ruins perched on the headland, with the Aegean stretching endlessly around you. A potential consideration is that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 and can be quite windy, which might affect some activities. Still, for anyone craving a private, intimate experience with flexible options and scenic beauty, this cruise hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for small groups or families looking for a blend of adventure and culture. If you appreciate personalized attention and want to avoid crowded tours, this private outing offers the flexibility and comfort that make it stand out.

Key Points

• Private and customizable—tailored to your wishes with a knowledgeable guide.
• Combines sea and history—enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and visiting the ancient Poseidon temple.
• Stunning scenery—sail along the coast of Attica, with views of uninhabited islands and the iconic ruins.
• Family-friendly—suitable for tweens and older children, with options for paddleboarding and snorkelling.
• Valuable for relaxation and adventure—plenty of sun, sea, and cultural exploration in one day.
• Limited group size—up to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Experience: A Deep Dive into the Tour

Starting Point: Athens to Lagonissi

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Athens—an air-conditioned minivan whisks you away from city streets to the quiet coastal area of Lagonissi. This transfer alone saves you the hassle of renting a boat or navigating public transport, setting the tone for a smooth, stress-free day. Once at Lagonissi, your small group boards a sleek rib boat, ready to glide along the coastline of Attica.

The Scenic Sail: Coastline of Attica

The boat’s captain, whose expertise you’ll appreciate as you pass fast along the coast, takes you towards the small uninhabited islands—Arsida, Pothitos, Fleves, or Patroklos. These islands are known for their sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The crew provides snorkel equipment and underwater cameras, making it easy to capture the vibrant sea life and cave formations at Arsida Island, which is noted in reviews for its “magnificent sea world” and “cave snorkelling.”

Snorkelling and Relaxation

Many travelers rave about the ability to swim, snorkel, and relax in safe, calm waters. Since these seas are considered some of the safest in Greece, without dangerous currents or marine life, you can truly enjoy the water comfortably. One reviewer mentioned seeing a sunken ship wreck, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the underwater experience.

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Optional Activities: Scuba or Paddleboarding

If you’re feeling adventurous, the crew can arrange a scuba dive or “discover scuba” program at an extra cost. For those who prefer staying dry, paddleboarding is an accessible option, allowing you to float peacefully while soaking up the sun. The crew’s professional underwater camera also captures your underwater moments, which are then shared with you at no extra charge.

Lunch and Refreshments

Onboard, you’ll enjoy light snacks and fresh fruit, along with bottled water and refreshments. This small touch adds to the relaxed, “luxury picnic” feel, especially when combined with the chance to soak up the sun and scenic views.

The Ancient Highlight: Poseidon’s Temple at Sounio

After several hours at sea, the boat heads towards Sounio Cape, home to the ruins of Poseidon’s temple, perched on a dramatic headland surrounded on three sides by the sea. This site has been a captivating landmark for centuries, with its stunning vistas making it well worth the visit.

The temple’s remains are famously associated with Lord Byron, and the views at sunset (if your timing aligns) are especially memorable. The windy conditions, mentioned by some reviewers, may make it a bit challenging to fully enjoy the site, but the sweeping panoramic vistas compensate for the gusts.

Return Journey: Scenic Coastal Drive

Rather than rushing straight back, your guide takes you on a scenic drive along the coast, sharing little-known WWII history and pointing out monuments to Italian soldiers, adding a thoughtful historical layer to the trip. This personalized touch is what many reviews praise—George, the guide, making the experience engaging and informative.

Back to Athens

Finally, your private minivan whisks you back to your hotel. The journey wraps up comfortably, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories and photos of a day well spent on the water and among ancient ruins.

Analyzing the Value

While $1,073 may seem steep at first glance, this includes private round-trip transportation, all entrance fees, snacks, and snorkelling gear. The personalized service and flexible itinerary—tailored to your preferences—offer a level of intimacy big tours can’t match. If you’re traveling with a small group or family, splitting the cost can also be quite reasonable.

Compare this to public tours or group excursions, which often pack dozens of people into a boat and limit your options. Here, you get exclusive attention, more time to swim and explore, and the chance to customize your day—a real plus for travelers who value comfort and flexibility.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private cruise suits those who want to escape the city’s hustle and experience Greece’s natural beauty and history at their own pace. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, intimate day with a mix of adventure, culture, and scenery. If you’re interested in snorkelling, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying spectacular vistas, then this tour offers a well-rounded experience.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or very young children since the tour isn’t recommended for kids under 5 and involves some windy conditions, which can affect the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation, sea time, and visiting Poseidon’s temple.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers round-trip transfer from your Athens hotel, a tour escort, entrance fees to Poseidon’s temple, snorkel equipment, bottled water, and snacks.

Can I arrange scuba diving or paddleboarding?
Yes, options for scuba diving or a “discover scuba” program can be arranged at an additional cost. Paddleboarding is also available for those who want to stay dry.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 5 who are comfortable in the water. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sun hat, sun lotion), swimwear, towels, and perhaps a light jacket for windy days.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and contingency plans may be in place if sea conditions are too rough.

How do I book?
You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility. Just provide your hotel details for pickup.

To sum it up, this private rib cruise to Sounio combines authentic Greek scenery, historic ruins, and sea adventures into a compact, well-organized day. It’s a real treat for those craving a personalized experience, with enough options for relaxation or activity. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops make it a memorable highlight for travelers wanting to see Greece from a different perspective.

Whether you’re a history buff, a water lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from Athens, this tour offers real value—for an intimate, flexible, and authentic Greek experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: