Seen from the sea, Athens is a coastal city, with a shoreline of bays, headlands and beach clubs that most visitors never reach. This five-hour catamaran cruise puts you on the water along the Athens Riviera, the long arc of coast southwest of the centre that locals use as their summer playground. The booking page is for a small-group cruise with a traditional Greek meal and drinks, offered as a morning or a sunset departure, and it has built an enviable record, with a perfect rating from nearly fifteen hundred travellers. A catamaran is steadier than a monohull, with wide decks for sunbathing and shaded seating, which suits visitors who are wary of seasickness. The crew serves food on board, with the page title mentioning a Greek meal and a barbecue, and you spend the day sailing, eating, swimming where conditions allow and watching the coast slide past. It is a different Athens: no queues, no stone, and a horizon with islands on it. For couples the sunset departure is hard to beat, while the morning cruise suits families and swimmers.
Choosing a departure
The morning cruise is the better pick for swimming, because the water is calmer and warmer by midday, and for families, who tend to prefer finishing before the evening. The sunset departure has the lighter breeze, the colour in the sky and the city lights as you return, and it suits couples and photographers.
Both run for about five hours. The page does not publish the marina or exact schedule for each date, so check your confirmation for the meeting point, the boarding time and what is provided for swimming, such as towels and equipment.
What to ask and bring
Sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit and a light layer for the evening, when the breeze cools. Flat-soled shoes are best on a boat. If you have food allergies or follow a vegetarian diet, tell the operator when you book so the meal can be adjusted. The sea can be rough on windy days, and boat trips can be rescheduled or cancelled for weather, so keep your calendar flexible and read the refund policy at checkout. Alcohol is part of the experience, so plan transport back with care.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and families with older children who want a half-day on the water without the long ferry commitment of an island trip. It is a good option on a hot day when ruins are exhausting, and a strong alternative for visitors who want sea air and a swim but do not want to spend a full day on a crowded boat.
If you prefer a full-day cruise to the Saronic islands, see the Agistri, Moni and Aegina day cruise or the Hydra, Poros and Aegina cruise. For a quieter experience, choose the weekday departure and avoid the school holiday peaks in July and August.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group catamaran cruise along the Athens Riviera with a traditional Greek meal and drinks, offered as a morning or a sunset departure.
Best time
Morning for swimming and families; sunset for light and romance. May to October gives the most settled weather.
How long
About five hours.
Tips
Bring sun cream, swimwear and a light layer, tell the operator about dietary needs and check the marina and boarding time in your confirmation.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a half-day on the water with a good meal and little effort.
- Families
- Suitable for families with older children who are comfortable on boats; the morning departure is easier.
- Couples
- The sunset departure is romantic, with a Greek meal and the coastline in golden light.
- Pair with
- A late visit to the Acropolis Museum, or a swim at Lake Vouliagmeni on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
When does the cruise run?+
The booking page is offered as a morning or a sunset small-group departure. Pick the time that suits you at booking.
Is food included?+
Yes. The booking page shows a traditional Greek meal and drinks.
Can I swim?+
Swimming depends on conditions and the day's route. Bring swimwear and ask the crew.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Boat trips can be rescheduled or cancelled for rough seas. Read the refund terms at checkout.
Is a catamaran good for seasickness?+
Catamarans are generally steadier than single-hull boats, but anyone prone to seasickness should bring remedies.
