The Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes and marine wonders of Northern Greece. Departing from Ouranoupoli port, this 5-hour journey takes guests on a scenic sightseeing adventure around the holy monasteries of Mount Athos and the enchanting Ammouliani Island. With a glass-bottom vessel providing mesmerizing underwater views, the cruise promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. But what makes this tour truly unique is the chance to discover a hidden gem – an island that few have the privilege to explore.
Key Points
- The Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise is a 5-hour tour that includes sightseeing around Mount Athos, a visit to Drenia Islet, and time on Ammouliani Island.
- The glass-bottom vessel allows for viewing of the reef off Ouranoupoli and underwater marine life.
- The cruise features live tour guides in English and Greek, as well as an audio guide in 10 languages.
- The vessel is wheelchair accessible, and onboard amenities include a bar, safety equipment, and toilets.
- The cruise has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 381 reviews, with positive feedback on the informative staff and beautiful scenery.
Overview and Pricing
The Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through the Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise.
Priced at $29.49 per person, the 5-hour cruise offers free cancellation and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.
Departing from Ouranoupoli port, the tour includes 2.5 hours of sightseeing around Mount Athos, a 10-minute sailing to the Drenia Islet Complex, and 1.5 hours of free time on Ammouliani Island for swimming or lunch.
The glass-bottom vessel also allows guests to discover the reef of Ouranoupoli.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Starting from the Ouranoupoli port, the Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise takes visitors on a 2.5-hour sightseeing journey around Mount Athos, allowing them to view 6 out of the 9 holy monasteries that dot the mountainous landscape.
During the cruise, guests will also sail to the scenic Drenia Islet Complex for a 10-minute stopover to admire the stunning views.
The tour culminates with a 1.5-hour visit to the charming Ammouliani Island, where travelers can swim or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
The glass-bottom vessel also provides an opportunity to discover the reef off the coast of Ouranoupoli.
Tour Features
One key feature of the Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise is the availability of live tour guides, who provide commentary in both English and Greek. Plus, the cruise offers an audio guide in several languages, including Bulgarian, English, German, Greek, French, Russian, Italian, Romanian, Danish, and Serbian, catering to diverse audiences. The vessel is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity. To enhance the experience, onboard amenities such as a bar, safety equipment, and toilets are available.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Live Tour Guide | English and Greek |
| Audio Guide | 10 languages available |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Onboard Amenities | Bar, safety equipment, toilets |
Important Information
Guests meet at the Ouranoupoli port, located at Ouranoupoli 630 75, Greece. They board the ship named Eirinikos, the third ship on the right side.
Some important restrictions to note:
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Women aren’t allowed on Mount Athos, and the cruise stays 500 meters away from the monasteries.
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Children must be accompanied by an adult.
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The departure location changes seasonally, with May and October departures from the central port, and summer departures from the Alikes lagoon.
These guidelines ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience for all participants on the Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit boasts an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 381 reviews. Customers praised the informative staff, beautiful island, and great weather. However, some felt the audio guide was difficult to hear and suggested more interesting facts. The tour’s features are highlighted in the table below:
| Category | Rating |
| — | — |
| Guide | 4.2/5 |
| Transportation | 4.4/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.4/5 |
Discovering Mount Athos
Although the Mount Athos peninsula is off-limits to most visitors, the cruise allows travelers to catch mesmerizing glimpses of the monasteries situated along the coastline.
As the glass-bottom vessel glides along the azure waters, passengers can peer below the surface and marvel at the vibrant marine life thriving in the region.
The cruise also offers:
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Unobstructed views of 6 out of the 9 holy monasteries
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Serene sailing around the Drenia Islet Complex
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Opportunities to spot rare bird species and other wildlife
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Chance to explore the charming Ammouliani Island
This immersive experience provides a unique window into the spiritual heartland of Mount Athos.
Exploring Ammouliani Island
One of the highlights of the Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise is the opportunity to explore the charming Ammouliani Island. After the scenic cruise around Mount Athos, guests enjoy 1.5 hours of free time on the island. Visitors can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or savor a delightful local meal. Ammouliani offers a peaceful respite from the monastery visits, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere. The flexible itinerary ensures guests make the most of their time on this picturesque Greek island.
| Feature | Details |
|———|———|
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Activities | Swimming, lunch |
| Atmosphere | Peaceful, tranquil |
| Location | Ammouliani Island |
| Accessibility | Part of Mount Athos cruise itinerary |
Experiencing the Glass-Bottom Vessel
As guests board the cruise’s glass-bottom vessel, they’re immediately greeted by the vessel’s stunning transparent floor panels.
This unique feature allows passengers to gaze directly into the clear waters below, providing an unparalleled view of the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
The glass-bottom vessel offers several key benefits:
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Unobstructed underwater visibility
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Enhanced educational experience
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Ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts
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Perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and videos
This innovative vessel ensures that guests can fully enjoy the beauty of Ouranoupoli’s underwater world, creating a truly unforgettable experience during the Mount Athos glassbottom cruise.
Things To Know
What Type of Food Is Available on the Cruise?
There’s a bar on board where passengers can purchase snacks and light refreshments, but no full meals are served. Visitors are free to bring their own food and enjoy it during the cruise.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Monasteries?
No, photography is not allowed inside the monasteries. Visitors must respect the religious nature of the sites and follow the instructions of the tour guides. The cruise stays 500 meters away from Mount Athos, so visitors cannot enter the monasteries.
How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Cruise?
Passengers can bring standard-sized luggage and personal items on the cruise. There are no strict limitations, but bulky or oversized bags may be difficult to accommodate on the boat. It’s best to pack light and efficiently for the excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour has a fixed 5-hour duration, but there’s no option to extend it. However, travelers can choose to spend more time exploring Ammouliani Island during the 1.5-hour stop if they desire.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Island?
Visitors can purchase souvenirs on Ammouliani Island during the free time allotted. There are local shops and stalls selling traditional Greek crafts, clothing, and keepsakes for travelers to browse and take home as mementos of their visit.
Sum Up
The Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Mount Athos peninsula and Ammouliani Island. Guests can marvel at the region’s marine life through the glass-bottom vessel, explore the historic monasteries, and enjoy the tranquility of the island’s shores, making for a truly memorable and scenic adventure.
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