Athens Semi private Morning Catamaran cruise with meal & drinks

Experience the Athens Riviera by Catamaran: A Balancing Act of Relaxation and Adventure

A morning on a semi-private catamaran along the Athens Riviera offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city streets. For around $163 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours cruising from Alimos Marina, exploring breathtaking coves and bays with crystal-clear waters. The experience is limited to just 10 travelers, making it an intimate way to see the coastline and enjoy activities like swimming and snorkeling without the costs or hassles of a private charter.

What we love about this cruise is how well-organized it is — from the comfortable boat to the included homemade lunch and refreshing drinks. The small group size guarantees a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service, which many reviews praise highly. However, a consideration worth noting is that transfers to and from the port are not included, so you’ll need to plan your arrival accordingly. This trip suits travelers who enjoy casual, authentic experiences and want a taste of local life — all while soaking up fantastic scenery and enjoying luxury touches like seafood pasta and snorkeling gear.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Setting: Limited to 10 travelers ensures a personalized and relaxed experience.
• Stunning Stops: Swim in crystal-clear waters at Megalo Kavouri and Vouliagmeni Beach, two of the most scenic spots on the coast.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and fuel fees are included, simplifying your day.
• Ideal for Relaxation and Adventure: Perfect for those who want a mix of sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
• Authentic Local Experience: Homemade onboard lunch and friendly hosts create a genuine Greek vibe.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

A Complete Dive into the Athens Catamaran Cruise

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Runs

This cruise is designed to offer a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and good food. For approximately five hours, you’ll be sailing along the Saronic Gulf, with meals and drinks included. The starting point is Istion Yachting at Alimos Marina, a convenient location near public transportation, making it easy to meet your crew at 9:30 am. The tour ends back at the same dock, so it’s a straightforward day out without the need to worry about transportation logistics mid-journey.

The cost of $162.80 covers sailing, lunch, snorkeling equipment, fuel, port fees, and taxes. The drinks are alcoholic but not unlimited, offering a curated selection of wine and beer, along with bottled water. You’ll also enjoy the use of snorkeling gear, which many reviews highlight as a major perk, given the high quality of the water and abundant marine life.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: Megalo Kavouri

Your first swim stop is at Megalo Kavouri, off the coast of Voula and Hydroussa Islet. This location draws praise for its shallow, crystal-clear waters — perfect for swimming and relaxing. One reviewer called it “one of the best spots for swimming in the Athenian Riviera,” noting the spectacular scenery and peaceful waters. Expect about an hour and a half here to splash around, snorkel, or just soak up the sun.

Stop 2: Vouliagmeni Beach

Next, the boat heads to Vouliagmeni Beach, a spot famed for its prestige and natural beauty. Located near the Astir Beach Hotel, this is a more upscale swimming destination, with two hours allocated for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck. Several reviews mention the crystal-clear water and friendly crew making sure everyone gets the most out of the experience. This stop is ideal for those wanting a taste of Athens’ luxury coastline.

Onboard Experience: Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The onboard lunch menu is a highlight, with homemade seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers served directly on the boat. Many guests describe the meal as delicious and fresh, praising the chef for making the experience feel authentic and special. One reviewer exclaimed, “Lunch was homemade on the boat, very casual and intimate,” emphasizing the personal touch.

Snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore underwater life in the crystal-clear waters. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the water and the guidance or tips from the crew, making snorkeling accessible even to beginners.

The drinks, including local wine and beer, help enhance the relaxed vibe. Many travelers appreciated the curated selection rather than unlimited options, which feels more manageable and thoughtful.

The Crew and Service

Guests consistently praise the friendly, professional hosts — often named in reviews as “Nikki” and “Nikos” — for making everyone feel comfortable and well-cared-for. “Nikki was a great host,” one reviewer wrote, highlighting the personalized service. The captain is noted for being skilled and attentive, ensuring safety while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere.

The Small Group Advantage

This cruise’s limit of 10 travelers results in a casual, intimate mood. It’s a chance to chat with like-minded travelers or simply enjoy the scenery in peace. Reviewers mention that the small group size allows for more space, better interaction, and less crowded experiences, especially at the swimming stops.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention initial confusion about meeting points or the need to arrange your own transportation to the marina. Also, since transfers are not included, you’ll want to plan how to get there ahead of time, especially if you’re arriving from central Athens. The weather-dependent nature of sailing** means cancellations are possible if the seas are rough or conditions poor — but the company offers full refunds or rescheduling in such cases.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed day at sea with beautiful scenery, good food, and snorkeling without the expense of chartering their own boat. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate small groups and personalized service. Families with children (accompanied by adults), couples, or solo travelers seeking a memorable day on the water will find it equally appealing.

Deep Dive: Why This Experience Matters for Your Athens Visit

The Athens Riviera offers a different perspective on Greece’s capital — one that’s often overshadowed by ancient ruins. Here, you get to see modern Greece in a relaxed, natural setting. The stops at Megalo Kavouri and Vouliagmeni Beach are more than just pretty spots; they’re an escape into peaceful waters and scenic beauty.

The inclusion of homemade food and limited but curated drinks makes this cruise feel like a luxury day trip but at a reasonable price. The small group size means you’ll get personal attention from the crew, who are praised for their professionalism and friendly demeanor.

Several reviewers highlight how the experience exceeds expectations with comments like “everything was perfectly planned” and “the boat was clean, modern, and spacious.” These details matter because they reduce stress and increase your comfort — especially after busy days exploring Athens’ archaeological sites.

The stops for swimming and snorkeling are praised as some of the best on the coast, thanks to the crystal-clear water and abundant marine life. This makes the day not just relaxing but also engaging for those who enjoy underwater activities.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Arrive early at the marina to avoid missing the boat, especially since transfers aren’t included.
• Bring swimwear, towel, and sun protection — the deck offers ample shade and sunbathing spots.
• If you’re interested in snorkeling, arrive with your gear ready; the provided equipment is of good quality.
• Consider bringing a small cash tip for the crew — tipping is customary but not included.
• Check the weather forecast the day before, as sailing is weather-dependent.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

If you’re after a luxurious yet relaxed escape from Athens, this is a great choice. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who want a more personal experience, or for solo travelers who enjoy a cozy environment. Food lovers will appreciate the homemade onboard lunch, while adventure seekers will enjoy the snorkeling and swimming.

It’s also an excellent option for those who value authentic local experiences and want to see the coastline from a different perspective — all without breaking the bank or dealing with the hassle of private chartering.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long is the cruise?
It’s approximately five hours, from 9:30 am start to the end back at the marina.

What is included in the price?
The price covers sailing, lunch (seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers), snorkeling equipment, fuel, port fees, taxes, and a curated selection of alcoholic drinks.

Are transfers to the marina included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Alimos Marina. The meeting point is at Istion Yachting.

Can children join the cruise?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, but kids can enjoy the water and scenery.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, sailing can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are poor. The company offers full refunds or alternative dates if this happens.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum is 10 travelers, which keeps the experience private and relaxed.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling and swimming are optional, the crystal-clear waters make it an inviting spot for non-swimmers to relax on deck and enjoy the scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Athens semi-private catamaran cruise offers a well-rounded experience of the coastal beauty, delicious food, and friendly service that Greece is famous for. Perfectly suited for travelers craving a relaxed, authentic day on the water, it provides an excellent balance of leisure and adventure.

While it may require some planning around transportation and weather considerations, the small-group atmosphere, delicious homemade lunch, and stunning swim stops make it a memorable highlight for any Athens trip. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this cruise gives you a chance to see the Athens coastline from a fresh perspective — with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious break or a taste of local Greek life on the water, this tour is a smart choice that blends comfort with adventure, all wrapped in an authentic, intimate setting.