Sail the Athenian Coastline on a Catamaran with Meal & Wine

The best part of this five-hour outing is the change of pace: you leave Athens behind for open water, swimming stops and lunch prepared aboard the boat. At Hydroussa, a small uninhabited island off Voula, you anchor for a swim before sailing on to Vouliagmeni Bay.

I like two things in particular: the small group, capped at 12, gives the skipper and host room to look after people, and the lunch is more than a token snack, with salads, starters, a main course and fruit. A second swim stop and gear for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddling add choice.

One consideration: you’ll need to get yourself to Alimos Marina, and the sea conditions can affect the route. The water may not always be clear enough for rewarding snorkeling, so come for the sailing, scenery and swim time as a whole, not for a guaranteed underwater show.

• Hydroussa is the first swim stop: Expect a sail of about an hour from Alimos, then time to swim near a small uninhabited island.
• Vouliagmeni brings a different coastal setting: The second stop is in a popular bay framed by rugged shoreline.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: The meal includes two salads, two starters, a main course and fruit. Special diets can be accommodated if arranged again in advance.
• The group stays small: No more than 12 people share the catamaran, with an English-speaking captain and host.
• Choose morning or afternoon: The afternoon option can include sunset views, depending on the departure and conditions.
• Plan your own trip to the marina: Transfers from your accommodation are not included, and you finish back at Alimos.

A sea-day break from Athens

Athens can fill a day with ancient sites, busy streets and plenty of walking. This catamaran trip gives you a different view of the city: from the water, with time to rest rather than race through another set of sights. You sail out of Alimos Marina, spend much of the outing on the Athenian Riviera, then return to the same marina.

The appeal is not a long passage to a far-off island. It is a half-day escape close to the city, with a proper stretch of sailing, two anchor stops and a meal on board. You still see the surrounding coast and Saronic Gulf on the return, but the main event is time on the water.

At $163.33 per person, it costs more than a basic boat ride. The value comes from putting several parts of a day together: a small-group catamaran, a captain and host, water gear, two swim stops and a freshly cooked lunch. If you want a quiet, organized outing and will use the swimming time, the price is easier to justify. If you only want a short ride or prefer to spend the day on land, it may be more than you need.

From Alimos to the island off Voula

The meeting point is Alimos Marina, on the southern side of Athens. The tour ends there too, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from another port. Transfers from your accommodation are not included; allow time to make your own way to the marina.

From Alimos, the catamaran sails for about an hour toward Nisís Idhroúsa, also called Hydroussa. This small, uninhabited island lies off the coast near Voula. The boat anchors nearby for a swim in clear-looking blue water, with roughly an hour set aside for this first dip according to the route description.

That stop is the clearest chance to get into the water early in the trip. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can also use the SUP or kayak. Conditions matter, though: the water can be cloudy, which may limit what you see beneath the surface. Bring a towel, since it is not listed among the included items.

The island stop is not a visit ashore. You stay aboard or in the water around the anchored catamaran, so this suits you if swimming and relaxing are the point. If you want to walk around an island or explore a town, this is not that kind of excursion.

A second swim in Vouliagmeni Bay

After Hydroussa, the boat sails for about 30 minutes to Vouliagmeni Bay. Here the setting shifts from an island anchorage to a popular, cosmopolitan stretch of the Riviera, with rugged coastline around the bay. The boat drops anchor for another swim stop.

The stop gives you a second chance to swim, float or use the water equipment. That matters if you prefer not to get in at the first location, or if you simply want more time in the sea. You can also stay aboard and take in the coast. The activity is flexible, but the main attractions are still swimming and relaxing rather than a guided visit on land.

The schedule lists two hours for this stop, but the full outing is about five hours and includes sailing time between places. Treat the timings as part of an approximate route rather than a promise of a fixed amount of time in the water. Wind and sea conditions can alter where the captain goes; on a breezy day, the crew may choose another suitable spot.

Lunch, wine and the small-boat feel

The meal is a real part of the day, not an afterthought. The menu is described as two salads, two starters, a main course and fruit, freshly prepared on board. Special diets can be catered for, but you need to confirm them again in advance.

The crew names most often associated with this outing include Captain Bill and hosts or cooks Julia and Claudia. Other crew members, including Chris and Nikki, have also led trips, so do not assume a particular person will be aboard on your date. The role split can be practical on a small boat: the captain handles sailing, while the host may also prepare food and help with the boat.

The small group size changes the feel of the outing. With a maximum of 12 people, there is more room to ask the captain about the boat and the sea, or to get help with equipment than you might expect on a large sightseeing vessel. It also keeps the trip social without making it feel like a crowded excursion.

Wine is part of the experience as described, and afternoon departures can make a relaxed sunset outing. Still, the included-items list specifically names lunch and equipment, not wine, so check the current details when booking if drinks are a deciding factor. The meal and crew receive especially strong praise, but food preferences are personal, and a freshly cooked Greek meal may not suit every palate.

Morning sail or afternoon light

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. A morning trip gives you a daytime break and leaves the rest of the day open after the return. An afternoon option can bring softer evening light and, in suitable timing and conditions, a sunset on the way back.

Either departure is best viewed as a five-hour commitment, not a quick add-on. The route description gives roughly an hour to Hydroussa, around 30 minutes onward to Vouliagmeni and about an hour and 15 minutes back to Alimos, along with the two stops. The timing is approximate, and the listed stop durations should not be read as a precise timetable.

If swimming is a priority, consider the weather and sea conditions for your date. The outing requires good weather, and a change in wind can affect the route or the feel of the ride. A sunny, breezy day can be lovely, but if you are prone to seasickness or dislike choppy water, keep that possibility in mind before booking.

What the price buys, and who will enjoy it

The $163.33 fare includes the small-group catamaran outing, an English-speaking captain and host, snorkeling equipment, a SUP and kayak, and the Greek lunch. The group cap of 12 is a meaningful part of the value: you are paying for more than transport, with space to swim, eat and relax without a large crowd around you.

It is a good fit for couples, friends and families who want a calm day outdoors after Athens sightseeing. The trip can also suit people who are not keen swimmers, since you can stay aboard and enjoy the views. Still, swimming is central to the itinerary, and the best value goes to people who expect to use the stops and water gear.

This is not a substitute for a full island excursion or a city tour. You will not spend the day exploring villages or visiting historic sites. Instead, you trade land-based sightseeing for sailing along the coast, time at anchor and lunch on the water. That contrast can be just what you need between hotter, more active days in Athens.

The experience is recommended by 96% of participants and has a 4.9 rating from 165 reviews. The consistently praised elements are the crew’s care, the food, the boat and the chance to unwind. There are occasional operational hiccups: one account described a delayed morning departure that was replaced with an afternoon cruise, and some confusion around transport afterward. Arrive at the stated marina, keep your phone available and contact the operator if anything seems off.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Transfers to and from your accommodation are not included, so check your route to Alimos Marina before the day.

Bring a towel and any personal items you know you will want during a swim. Snorkeling gear, a SUP and a kayak are provided, but the included list does not specify towels. If you have a special diet, ask the operator to reconfirm it in advance rather than assuming a request made at the last minute can be met.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather forces the operator to cancel, you can be offered another date or a full refund. The local-time cut-off applies, so make any changes well before the final 24 hours.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a restful half-day on the Athenian coast, enjoy swimming, and value a small boat, a cooked meal and attentive hosting. The strongest reason to go is the combination of two water stops with a meal and sailing, all without spending the whole day away from Athens.

Skip it if you want a land-based cultural visit, need accommodation transfers, or would be disappointed by cloudy water or a route change. For most people looking to cool off, slow down and see a different side of Athens, this is a worthwhile splurge, especially between busy sightseeing days.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip lasts approximately five hours, including sailing and stops.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Alimos Marina in Alimos, Athens.

How many people can join?

The group is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Both morning and afternoon departure times are offered.

What swimming stops are included?

The route includes a stop near Nisís Idhroúsa, off Voula, and another in Vouliagmeni Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with use of a SUP and kayak.

What food is served?

A freshly cooked Greek meal is served, with two salads, two starters, a main course and fruit.

Can the meal accommodate special diets?

Special diets can be catered for, but they must be reconfirmed in advance.

Are transfers to Alimos Marina included?

No. Transfers to and from your accommodation are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.