Athens Semi private Morning Catamaran cruise with meal & drinks

The best part of this Athens outing is the change of pace: you leave the city behind for clear-water swims, a small catamaran, and lunch prepared onboard. It is a simple way to spend a hot morning on the Saronic Gulf without chartering a boat yourself.

I like the 10-person limit, which leaves room to move around and makes this feel more personal than a large sightseeing boat. I also like that the price includes two swim stops, snorkel gear, lunch, water, and some wine and beer, so the day is more than a short ride out and back.

The main consideration is that this is a boat day, not a guaranteed sail under canvas. One person found that the boat motored rather than sailed, and wind and conditions can affect how much sailing you get. You will also need to make your own way to Alimos marina.

• Two Riviera swim stops: The route includes Megalo Kavouri and a spot off Vouliagmeni near Astir Beach Hotel.
• A genuinely small group: No more than 10 people share the catamaran.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Expect seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers, with fruit also served on some trips.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: You can use the gear at the swimming stops.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Bottled water is included, along with wine and beer in a limited amount.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and transfers to and from the port are not listed as included.

Leaving Alimos for the Athens Riviera

The cruise starts at 9:30 am from Istion Yachting’s Alimos Charter Base, in Alimos marina. It lasts about five hours and returns to the same meeting point, making it an easy half-day plan if you want a break from Athens without giving up the whole day.

The marina is south of central Athens, and port transfers are not included. Plan your route there before cruise morning, and check the precise meeting instructions with the operator. The boat is easy to find once you have the right base, but a little confusion about the meeting point has cropped up, so don’t leave the final detail until you are standing at the marina.

This is a shared trip rather than a private charter. The maximum group size is 10, a useful distinction at $169.31 per person: you get the feel of a small outing without paying for the whole boat. The exact number aboard can be lower, and the boat’s open space makes a difference when everyone is changing position between sun and shade.

Megalo Kavouri: the first chance to swim

The first stop is off the coast of Voula and near Hydroussa islet, in the Megalo Kavouri area. The water here is described as shallow and clear, with around an hour and a half set aside for swimming before lunch is served.

That length of stop is a real strength. You have time to get into the water, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and settle into the day rather than hopping in and out on a rushed schedule. If you are happiest in the sea, this is likely to be the part you remember most.

Do keep expectations grounded: the stop is offshore, so this is not the same as spending time on a sandy beach with facilities on shore. The appeal is the water and the view from the boat. Bring a towel, and consider what you need to feel comfortable getting in and out of the sea.

Lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is included and served onboard. The menu features seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers, with Greek and Mediterranean dishes prepared by the crew. Some trips have also included fruit afterward, a welcome refreshment after time in the sun and water.

The meal matters to the value of this trip. You are not just paying for a ride to a swimming spot; lunch is part of the outing, and you do not need to arrange a separate meal while you are out on the water. The intimate setting also makes a homemade meal feel more fitting than a packaged snack.

Food needs deserve a little planning. The crew has accommodated dietary needs, including gluten-free meals and food allergies, but that does not mean every request can be met automatically. Contact the operator ahead of time if you have an allergy or dietary restriction, and get confirmation before you go.

Vouliagmeni: another long swim stop

The second swimming stop is off Vouliagmeni Beach, near the Astir Beach Hotel. The schedule allows about two hours here, making this the longer pause of the cruise. You can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the boat and the coastal scenery.

The location gives you a different view of the Riviera from the first stop, while keeping the day’s focus on time in the water. As at Megalo Kavouri, the plan is to swim from the boat rather than treat this as a shore excursion. If you would rather spend your time walking along a beach or exploring a town, this is not that kind of tour.

Together, the two stops make the outing feel unhurried. The published stop times add up to about three and a half hours, leaving the balance of the five-hour trip for getting out along the coast, serving lunch, and returning to Alimos. The precise rhythm can vary with conditions and the crew’s schedule.

Sailing, motoring, and what the day feels like

The trip is advertised as five hours aboard a sailing catamaran. You will get the coastal views and the pleasure of being on the water, but do not book solely for a long stretch of sailing. At least one person wished the boat had sailed more and motored less. The wind, route, and timing can affect what the boat can do.

The catamaran itself is described as modern, clean, spacious, and comfortable, with places to sit in shade and areas to sunbathe. A boat’s layout matters on a half-day outing: you can find a spot that suits you instead of being fixed in one seat for the whole ride. One account also praised the onboard bathroom’s cleanliness and space, though conditions can vary by vessel.

Crew members make a noticeable difference on a small boat. Names associated with trips include hosts Nikki, Johanna, and Stephanie, and captains Nikos and Chris. The staff can change from one departure to another, but the job is personal by nature: helping with drinks, meals, and getting everyone settled for swimming.

What the $169.31 fare includes

At $169.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. It is also not a bare-bones boat ride. The fare covers five hours aboard, fuel and port fees, taxes, lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a limited amount of wine and beer. Gratuities are not included.

That bundle makes the price easier to judge. A private charter would cost more, while a larger boat might offer less space and a less personal meal service. Here, the small group and onboard lunch are central to the value, especially if you plan to swim and want a relaxed alternative to another day in the city.

The drinks are not unlimited, so think of them as part of the meal and outing rather than an open bar. The minimum drinking age is 18. If you do not drink alcohol, there is still bottled water and plenty of reason to choose the trip for the swimming, scenery, and meal.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would put this high on the list if you want to break up a city-focused Athens visit with a few hours at sea. It suits couples, solo visitors, and families with older children who are happy to swim. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum group size can affect whether a departure runs.

It is especially appealing in warm weather, when time in the water can feel like a proper reset after walking around Athens. The trip also works well as a final-day treat: it offers a slower pace and a fresh view of the coast without requiring an overnight stay outside the city.

Think twice if you dislike boats, do not want to swim, or are looking for a private, customized itinerary. The experience is built around sharing the catamaran and stopping to swim. You also need to arrange your own transport to the marina and bring a towel.

Practical details before you book

The cruise is offered in English, and you receive confirmation when you book. It is listed as suitable for most people, but the core activity involves being aboard a boat and swimming from the stops. If you have a particular mobility or health concern, ask the operator about your needs before booking rather than assuming the general suitability note covers your situation.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can be offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

This tour is often booked about 29 days ahead on average. That is a useful planning clue, not a rule, but if your dates are fixed, waiting until the last minute may narrow your options. I would book once your Athens plans are firm, then keep your morning clear and leave enough time to reach Alimos.

Should you book the Alimos catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group day on the water, with two long swimming stops and lunch included, and you are comfortable paying for a more personal outing instead of a basic boat transfer. The mix of swimming, food, and a maximum of 10 people is the strongest reason to choose it.

Skip it if sailing under wind power is your main goal, since the boat may motor for part or much of the route. And if you are set on a shore-based beach day, choose a beach visit instead. For a relaxed morning out of Athens, though, this cruise offers a practical balance of sea time, food, and comfort.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about five hours, from departure at 9:30 am until it returns to the meeting point.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Istion Yachting’s Alimos Charter Base in Alimos marina, Greece.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What food is included?

Lunch is served onboard and includes seafood pasta, salads, and appetizers.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water is included, along with wine and beer in a limited amount. Alcohol is available only to people aged 18 or older.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the swimming stops.

Are transfers to the marina included?

No. Transfers to and from the port are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.