Athens: Half-Day Morning Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Contents show

Athens: Half-Day Morning Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks — A Detailed Review

Exploring Athens from land is fascinating, but seeing its stunning coastline from a boat offers a whole new perspective. This half-day catamaran cruise promises a leisurely journey along the Athenian Riviera, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sampling authentic Greek food. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect and why it’s a popular choice.

What we love about this experience is the chance to relax in comfort, enjoy breathtaking coastal views, and indulge in delicious regional cuisine and drinks. The opportunity for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters is another highlight, perfect for those wanting a break from city sightseeing. A possible consideration is the departure timing—it’s a morning cruise, so early risers will find it easy to fit into a day’s itinerary, but night owls might prefer a longer afternoon or full-day option.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back, scenic escape from Athens’ hustle, especially if you enjoy water activities and good food. It suits couples, small groups, and families alike, offering a chance to unwind while soaking up the sun and sea views. If you’re after a relaxed yet indulgent experience that balances sightseeing with leisure, this cruise could become a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Stunning coastal views: Offers panoramic vistas of the Athenian Riviera while sailing along the coast.
Swim and snorkel: Multiple stops in clear waters, with snorkel gear provided, for a fun aquatic experience.
Authentic Greek cuisine: Tasty appetizers, seafood pasta, regional wine, and drinks served onboard.
Knowledgeable crew: Friendly, professional guides who ensure a relaxed, safe environment.
Great value: Includes all taxes, port fees, and fuel—making it a cost-effective luxury activity.
Small group experience: Options for private or small groups, adding intimacy and personalized service.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Athens

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting and Departure Point

You’ll start your adventure right outside the Istion Yachting Alimos charter base, opposite Pier 8 and 9 of Alimos Marina. From Athens city center, reaching the meeting point by tram or taxi is straightforward, making it convenient for most travelers. The crew typically welcomes you with a warm smile, ready to set sail on a five-hour voyage.

First Stop: Hydrousa Island

Once onboard, the skipper and crew (notably, many reviews praise guides like Nikki and Ioanna for their friendly service and knowledge) set course for Hydrousa Island. This spot offers your first chance to cool off with a swim in the calm, clear waters. The island’s secluded nature makes it an ideal place to relax away from crowds.

More Great Tours Nearby

Second Stop: Vouliagmeni Bay

After enjoying Hydrousa, the boat heads towards Vouliagmeni Bay—a favorite among reviewers. This bay is known for its beautiful scenery and calm waters, perfect for a second swim or snorkel. Guests can use the snorkels, flippers, and goggles provided onboard, with many reviewers mentioning how fun and easy it is to explore underwater.

Wind in your hair appeals? Here are more sailing options we've looked at in Athens

Lunch and Drinks

At Vouliagmeni Bay, the crew anchors to serve a delicious Greek tapas-style meal, including seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers. Reviewers like Melissa rave about the unbeatable hospitality and delicious food, noting that the lunch exceeds expectations given the relaxed, casual setting. Accompanying the meal are regional wines, beers, and bottled water, with alcohol limited for safety but enough to toast the beautiful scenery.

Relaxing and Snorkeling

Post-lunch, you’ll have the chance to revisit the water for more swimming or snorkeling. Many reviews highlight how attentive the crew is, even helping guests with photos using underwater and drone cameras. The waters are praised for their clarity, making the experience enjoyable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned snorkelers.

Return to Base

The cruise wraps up after a few hours on the water, returning to the dock around the scheduled time. While some guests, like Tatiana, mention the cruise departing late or returning early, the overall experience remains highly positive, emphasizing the value and quality of the trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

The modern sailing catamaran with a friendly skipper and crew
A tasty lunch of seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers
Regional wine, beers, and bottled water (with limited alcohol for safety)
All taxes, port fees, and fuel are covered, ensuring no hidden costs

Not Included:

Roundtrip transfers—so plan your transportation accordingly
Additional drinks or meals outside the onboard lunch

Reviewers frequently mention how the all-inclusive pricing offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of food, scenery, and personalized service.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

Timing: Since the cruise lasts about five hours, check the schedule for available start times and plan accordingly. Morning cruises are great for combining with other activities later in the day.
What to bring: Pack your passport or ID, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. The boat has bathrooms and space to store belongings.
Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, as getting on and off the boat involves some steps.
Meeting point: Arrive a little early to meet the crew outside Istion Yachting Alimos, and consider arranging transportation from Athens city center.
Cash tips: Many guests suggest bringing cash to tip the crew and guides for their excellent service.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides—names like Nikki, Ioanna, and Pierre come up often. Their warmth and professionalism help turn this cruise into a memorable experience. Guests also rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious,” “fresh,” and “more than enough”.

The scenic stops are another highlight. Tatiana mentions the “stunning views” and “beautiful, secluded bays,” while others emphasize how the calm waters and snorkeling gear make exploring underwater easy and fun. Even in less-than-perfect weather, reviewers report that the crew’s attentiveness ensured everyone felt safe and comfortable.

Most agree that the value for money is excellent, considering the included food, drinks, and the personalized experience. Several note that the small group size creates a friendly, intimate atmosphere, making the cruise suitable for couples and families alike.

The Sum Up

This half-day Athens catamaran cruise offers a relaxing, scenic escape along the Athenian coastline. With its combination of stunning views, aquatic activities, and tasty Greek food, it’s a wonderful way to see a different side of Athens—away from crowded streets. The attentive crew and high-quality amenities ensure comfort and enjoyment throughout.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers looking for a laid-back, picturesque experience—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want some downtime on your trip. The overall reviews speak to a well-organized, friendly trip that delivers on its promise of fun and relaxation, making it a worthwhile addition to any Athens itinerary.

If you love water-based adventures, regional wines, and delicious food in a beautiful setting, this cruise is likely to become one of your favorite memories from Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts about five hours, so plan your day accordingly. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where do I meet the boat?
You’ll meet outside Istion Yachting Alimos near Pier 8 and 9 of Alimos Marina. It’s accessible by tram or taxi from Athens.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
While the reviews focus on small groups and families, the experience is generally suitable for children who can swim and enjoy water activities.

Are drinks included?
Yes, wine, beers, and bottled water are included with your meal. Alcoholic drinks are limited for safety reasons.

Can I bring my own drinks?
The tour price covers all drinks served onboard. Bringing outside alcohol is typically not allowed, but check with the provider if you have special needs.

What should I bring?
Pack sunscreen, swimwear, towels, sunglasses, sun hat, and ID or passport. The boat has bathrooms and space for belongings.

Is the tour private or in a group?
Options for private or small groups are available, which enhances the experience with more personalized attention.

Are there any accessibility issues?
This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to boat access requirements.

What is the food like?
Guests rave about the seafood pasta, salads, and Greek appetizers. The food is described as fresh, generous, and delicious.

Do I need to tip the crew?
Yes, many reviewers suggest bringing cash to tip for excellent service, especially since the crew goes above and beyond to ensure guests’ comfort.

This catamaran cruise combines scenic beauty, water fun, and authentic Greek hospitality—all packed into a mid-morning adventure that leaves you relaxed and satisfied with wonderful memories of Athens’ coastline.