Chalkidiki: Blue Lagoon & Ammouliani Island Cruise & Lunch

If you’re looking for a relaxed day out in central Macedonia, this Chalkidiki boat trip delivers quite nicely. From crystal-clear waters to delicious homemade Greek food, it’s a well-rounded experience that many travelers say is worth the modest price. We’ve gathered insights from actual reviews and the tour details to give you a clear picture of what this cruise involves, what you can expect, and whether it’s right for you.

What we love about this trip is its beautiful scenery, the helpful crew, and the authentic home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting a laid-back day by the water. But, keep in mind that the tour involves some swimming in deeper waters, which may require confidence in the water for the first stop. If you’re comfortable with that, this cruise offers a great balance of adventure and relaxation, especially if you’re keen to see some of the most picturesque spots in Halkidiki.

This experience is especially suited to those who enjoy nature, sightseeing, and good food—and who prefer a smaller, more intimate group to big, crowded boat tours. If you’re after an easygoing day with plenty of swimming and stunning photo opportunities, you’ll likely find this cruise hits the spot.

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Key Points

Stunning Views: Pass over reefs and admire vibrant yellow corals through the glass-bottom boat.
Ideal for Swimming: Two stops offer ample swimming time, including the Blue Lagoon and Ammouliani’s Alikes Lagoon.
Authentic Greek Food: Enjoy a homemade BBQ with traditional flavors like souvlaki, Greek salad, and tzatziki.
Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults, with options for non-meat eaters if informed in advance.
Good Value: At $47, it combines scenic sightseeing, food, and fun water activities.
Relaxed Atmosphere: DJ onboard and cocktails on the VIP deck add a touch of leisure and entertainment.

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The Itinerary in Detail

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Departure from Ouranoupoli’s Port

The tour kicks off at the main port of Ouranoupolis, near the tower of Prosforion. Travelers are advised to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure at 11:00 AM. The boat is a glass-bottom vessel, offering a wonderful opportunity for those who love scenic views even when not in the water.

Viewing the Reefs and Yellow Corals

As the boat departs, you’ll cruise over what’s considered the most famous reef in the area. The highlight here is the yellow corals visible through the glass keel—a feature praised by many reviewers. This is a unique chance to observe marine life without getting wet, making it popular among those who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience.

First Stop: Blue Lagoon in Vourvourou

The first major swim spot is the Blue Lagoon, a breathtaking bay with incredibly clear, turquoise waters. You’ll stop for around 1.5 hours, allowing plenty of time to swim in the bay’s 2-meter-deep waters. While some reviews note that swimming from the boat to the shore is required, others mention that you can relax at the VIP deck and enjoy a cocktail. Reviewers rave about the crystal-clear water—many say it’s a joy to float or paddle here, with some describing it as “simply amazing.” Be sure to bring a waterproof bag if you plan to stay near the shore longer.

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Lunch: Greek Souvlaki and More

After the swimming, a light BBQ meal awaits on the boat. The menu features traditional Greek flavors, notably pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. A reviewer highlighted that the food is tasteful and plentiful, noting the meal provided a good balance of flavors after some active swimming. Be aware that if you don’t eat pork or prefer vegetarian options, it’s best to notify the organizers a day in advance so they can prepare accordingly.

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Second Stop: Ammouliani’s Alikes Lagoon

Post-lunch, the boat heads to Ammouliani Island, specifically to Alikes Beach. Here, you can either swim at the lagoon’s port or relax at one of the beach bars, sipping cocktails and listening to music. The second stop is also around 1.5 hours long, giving plenty of time for more water fun or lounging in the sun. Many reviewers have described this as their favorite part, especially noting the spectacular water clarity and the tranquility of the setting.

The Return Journey

In the late afternoon, the boat heads back to Ouranoupolis. The trip duration is about around 4 hours, including the stops, making it a perfect half-day escape. For some, the limited number of stops might be a drawback, but most agree the experience’s quality makes up for it.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Beautiful Marine Environment

Travelers consistently highlight the marine life and reef visibility, with some mentioning the presence of colorful corals and marine creatures seen through the glass-bottom. The boat’s design allows viewers to appreciate the underwater scenery without needing snorkel gear, though bringing your own is encouraged if you want to explore further.

Authentic Greek Meal

The home-made BBQ is often cited as a highlight. Unlike many tours that offer pre-packed lunches, this is a true Greek experience—fresh, flavorful, and filling. Most reviewers felt it was good value for money, especially since the meal includes local specialties and beverages.

Staff and Organization

Multiple reviews commend the crew, often mentioning friendly, professional guides who are attentive and knowledgeable. The boat is described as clean and well-maintained, and the DJ onboard adds a lively vibe, making the cruise more festive and fun.

Top-Notch Swimming Opportunities

The swimming stops are well-paced, and reviewers mention the crystal clear waters, which make the experience memorable. Some travelers appreciated the option to relax on the VIP deck with a cocktail, especially if they prefer not to swim.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and snacks for extra comfort.
The first swimming stop involves swimming from the boat at 2 meters deep—so it’s best for confident swimmers.
For those who prefer not to swim, the VIP deck offers a great vantage point with cocktails and music.
Inform the tour provider in advance if you’re vegetarian or have specific dietary needs.
Arrive early at the port to secure a good spot, especially on the upper decks.
The tour does not include hotel pickup, so plan your transport to Ouranoupoli’s port accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those seeking a relaxing day on the water with stunning scenery and good food. It’s perfect for families with children, especially if they’re comfortable swimming, and for couples or friends wanting a scenic, fun-filled outing. If you enjoy casual, scenic experiences with options to swim and lounge, this trip delivers on all fronts. However, travelers seeking a longer, more adventurous excursion may find it a bit limited in stops.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the port of Ouranoupolis, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and snacks if you wish. A waterproof bag is recommended if you plan to swim to shore.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?
Yes, but you need to inform the provider a day in advance so they can prepare a vegetarian BBQ option.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome and often enjoy the swimming and scenic views. Some reviews mention kids loving the experience, especially the water stops.

What’s the maximum time at each swimming stop?
Approximately 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon and Alikes Lagoon, giving plenty of time to swim and relax.

Is there a DJ onboard?
Yes, a DJ provides music, adding a fun, lively atmosphere to the cruise.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
Not necessarily, but bringing your own is encouraged if you want to explore underwater more closely.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change based on weather conditions, including moving stops to safer locations. Always check the weather forecast beforehand.

How long is the total cruise?
The cruise lasts around 4 hours, including both stops, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Is the crew experienced?
Yes, multiple reviews mention the crew as professional, helpful, and friendly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving a taste of Greece’s stunning waters, this Chalkidiki cruise offers a solid mix of scenic beauty, water fun, and authentic cuisine—all for a sensible price. The combination of glass-bottom views, two swim stops, and a homemade BBQ creates a relaxing, memorable day out that appeals to many types of travelers.

While it’s not the longest or most adventurous tour available, its balance of activities and comfort makes it an excellent choice for those who want a straightforward yet engaging seaside experience. It’s particularly suited for families, couples, or groups wanting to enjoy Halkidiki’s best without the fuss of complicated logistics or expensive price tags.

If you’re in the area and love being on the water, this cruise is likely to leave you with lovely memories, great photos, and maybe some new favorite swimming spots.