Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ

The best part of this Athens outing is the change of pace: leave the city behind, sail the Riviera, swim in the Aegean, then sit down to a meal cooked on board. Two swim stops and a small group of no more than 10 make it feel more like a relaxed day at sea than a large excursion.

I like the practical hotel transfers and open bar, which take some of the friction out of a half-day trip, and the chance to choose lunch or dinner at sunset. One consideration: this is a weather-dependent sailing trip, and the water may feel chilly, even when the sun is out.

• A small group on a catamaran: The cruise is capped at 10 people, with a minimum of two for a semi-private trip.
• Two chances to swim: The crew provides fresh towels and goggles for swimming and snorkeling.
• A meal cooked on board: Expect a Greek BBQ with dishes such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, and shrimp saganaki.
• A choice of timing: Book a morning sail with lunch or an afternoon departure with dinner and sunset views.
• Transfers are included: Pickup and return are offered from places in Athens and Piraeus.
• Plan for the weather: The trip depends on conditions at sea, so bring swimwear and sunscreen, and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Leaving Athens for the Riviera

The cruise begins with pickup at your Athens or Piraeus accommodation, then a ride to Alimos Marina. Your pickup is usually about an hour before departure. The reservations team is due to contact you the afternoon before with the precise time, so keep an eye out for that message and avoid booking a tight connection right before the trip.

At the marina, the crew welcomes you aboard with a drink and gives a safety briefing and vessel orientation. It is a useful start, especially if you have not sailed on a catamaran before. You can get comfortable, learn where things are, and settle into the day before the boat heads out.

The boat travels about 25 nautical miles over roughly five hours. That gives you time for the sailing, two stops, a meal, and a relaxed return without asking you to give up a whole day in Athens. The maximum group size is 10, though the actual number can be smaller. That limit matters: there is more room to spread out and more chance to chat with the crew than you would get on a crowded tour boat.

The crew varies by departure. People named in accounts of past cruises include Captain Rhea, Joanna, George, and Raga, but you should not assume a particular crew member will be on your trip. What matters most is the role they play: the captain handles the sailing and safety, while the crew also looks after drinks, towels, swimming gear, and the meal.

Sailing past Voula and Vouliagmeni

Once the catamaran is underway, the city gives way to the Athens Riviera. You pass coastal areas such as Voula and Vouliagmeni, with views of the shoreline and open water. This is not a sightseeing tour of Athens’ ancient monuments. It offers a different view of the region, one best enjoyed from a deck with a drink in hand and sea air around you.

The cruise includes beer, Greek wine, and soft drinks, and they are served throughout the trip. I like that the open bar is paired with hotel transport. You can enjoy a glass of wine without having to plan how to get back to your hotel or marina afterward. If you would rather spend the time quietly, sunbathing or watching the coast is also part of the appeal.

The crew may raise the sails when conditions allow. That can add a more peaceful stretch to the return, when the boat moves under wind rather than relying only on its engine. Sailing depends on the conditions, though, so think of it as a possible part of the trip, not a guaranteed feature.

Two stops for swimming and snorkeling

The first stop is a chance to get in the water, dry off on a fresh towel, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view. At the next stop, the crew provides goggles for snorkeling. You can take a swim, look around underwater, or stay on deck if that suits you better.

These stops are a central part of the experience, not a quick photo pause. They give the cruise a nice rhythm: sail, swim, return to the boat, then continue on to the next point. Still, bring realistic expectations. The boat does not promise a particular marine life sighting or a guided snorkeling lesson. The gear is provided so you can explore on your own.

Water temperature can be a surprise. One person described the water as about 75°F and still chilly on entry. Conditions vary, but it is sensible to bring a towel-ready change of clothes and sunscreen, and to remember that swimming is optional. If the weather turns poor, the operator may cancel the cruise and offer another date or a full refund.

Greek BBQ served at sea

The meal is a highlight because it turns the cruise into more than a boat ride with snacks. The crew prepares and serves the food on board, with a spread that can include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, slow-cooked vegetables, dips, bread, and shrimp saganaki. Past meals have also included grilled pork or chicken, pasta, and squid. The exact menu can vary, so treat those as examples rather than a guaranteed list.

The timing changes with your departure. Morning cruises include lunch, while sunset departures serve dinner. Either way, the meal comes after time in the water, when a proper plate of food is especially welcome. You eat with the sea and shoreline in view, rather than hurrying back to a restaurant in town.

Tell the operator about allergies or dietary restrictions, and request the vegetarian option when booking. The crew has accommodated dietary needs, but the practical step is to share yours in advance rather than waiting until you board. If a birthday or special occasion is part of your trip, you can mention it; a birthday cake has been arranged on at least one cruise, but it should not be treated as a standard inclusion.

What the $205.58 price covers

At $205.58 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours by the water. The value depends on whether you will use the things included: hotel pickup and return, a small-group sail, two swimming stops, towels, goggles, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and a cooked meal. Add those together and the price is easier to understand than if you compare it with a basic boat transfer or a large group cruise.

The transport is particularly useful if you are staying in Athens and do not want to arrange your own way to Alimos Marina. The open bar and meal also mean you do not need to budget separately for drinks and lunch or dinner during the outing. If you do not drink alcohol, the soft drinks are included too, though the price still covers the wider package.

A maximum of 10 people is another part of the value. This is a semi-private cruise, not a private charter, so you will share the boat. But the group cap keeps the experience smaller than a typical excursion boat and leaves room for a more personal atmosphere. At least two passengers are required for the semi-private cruise to operate.

The cruise averages about 33 days of advance booking, so popular dates may fill ahead of time. The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Weather cancellations and trips that do not meet the minimum passenger count come with the offer of a different date or a refund.

Choosing between lunch and sunset

The morning option suits you if you want to swim and eat lunch, then keep the evening free for Athens. It also leaves more room in your day for museums, a neighborhood walk, or dinner in town. The sunset option gives the return sail a different mood, with the light changing over the water as you head back toward the marina.

Sunset is the stronger choice if you want the cruise to feel like a complete evening out, especially with dinner and drinks included. But it is not automatically better. Choose the morning if you would rather be back in town earlier or prefer to avoid ending the day at the marina. In October, cruises begin an hour earlier, so check the departure details when planning around dinner or another activity.

Either departure means you should set aside about five hours for the cruise itself, plus the pickup time. Since the driver collects you roughly an hour before sailing, keep your schedule light around the start. The ride back to your hotel is included, which makes the end of the outing straightforward.

Practical details before you book

Bring a bathing suit and sunscreen. Towels and goggles are supplied, but the swimwear and sun protection are up to you. If you are sensitive to cooler water, pack a dry layer for afterward. Smoking is not allowed on the cruises, except for electronic cigarettes.

You must provide each participant’s passport name, number, expiry date, and country at booking. The experience is offered in English, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. It is also listed as near public transportation, though the included pickup may make that less relevant for many visitors.

The operator is True North M.C.P.Y., known as Sailing Athens. The cruise is weather-dependent, and the exact pickup time is confirmed the afternoon before. Those details are worth keeping in mind if you are planning this around a flight, cruise departure, or another fixed appointment.

Should you book this Athens catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable half-day away from the city, enjoy swimming, and value having transport, food, and drinks handled together. The strongest reasons to go are the small group, two swim stops, and a freshly prepared Greek meal on board. It is an especially good fit for couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a sociable setting without a large crowd.

Skip it if you want a low-cost boat ride, need a fixed schedule regardless of weather, or would rather spend your time on Athens’ historic sights. The water may be cool, and the meal menu can vary. But if a relaxed sail, a swim in the Aegean, and dinner or lunch with a view sound like a good use of your Athens time, this package offers a lot in five hours.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts about five hours and covers approximately 25 nautical miles.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran departs from Alimos Marina. Pickup is offered from places in Athens and Piraeus, with return transport to your accommodation.

How many people are on the cruise?

The maximum group size is 10. At least two passengers are required for a semi-private cruise to operate.

Are there swimming stops?

Yes. The cruise includes two swimming stops. The crew provides fresh towels and goggles for snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a BBQ lunch or dinner, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The meal can include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, shrimp saganaki, and other dishes. The menu may vary.

Can I request a vegetarian meal or report an allergy?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available. Advise the operator of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a bathing suit and sunscreen. Fresh towels and goggles are provided.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.