Snorkeling Boat Excursions in Nea Makri, Athens

Exploring the waters around Nea Makri on a snorkeling boat tour promises a mix of natural beauty, guided expertise, and excellent value. This half-day adventure, rated a perfect 5.0 based on 99 reviews, offers travelers a chance to see some of Greece’s clearest waters and most secluded bays without the hassle of organizing their own boat. The tour’s focus on personalized attention, with small groups of up to 7 people, makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers looking for an intimate experience.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of scenic beauty and expert guidance. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, everything is designed to make the day smooth and enjoyable. Plus, the inclusion of snacks, water, and snorkel gear creates a hassle-free environment—perfect for relaxing and soaking up Greece’s natural wonders. A possible drawback is that, as with most outdoor activities, weather can influence the experience, but the tour provider offers flexibility with rescheduling or refunds if conditions aren’t ideal.

This tour is best suited for those who crave a quick but authentic escape into nature, want to discover Greece’s underwater life, or prefer small-group experiences for a more personal touch. Families with children over 6, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy snorkeling and scenic boat rides will find this trip particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups of up to 7 ensure ample attention from guides.
• Multiple Stops: Visit Dispa Island, Marathon Cape, and Schinias Bay, each offering unique sights and underwater landscapes.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Snorkel gear, snacks, drinks, and bottled water included, making it easy to relax and focus on the scenery.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides such as Dimitris enhance the trip with local insights and patience.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off save travelers time and hassle.
• Ideal for Beginners: Shallow waters and helpful guides make it accessible even for those new to snorkeling.

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

The Start: Easy Pickup and Scenic Voyage

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup from select locations around Athens. You’ll be driven to Kanelakis Diving Experiences in Nea Makri, where the boat departs from Frinis 20. From there, a short, lively 20-minute speedboat ride along the coast sets the tone, with views that immediately make you feel like you’re escaping the city’s hustle. Bright, small-group trips mean you’ll get plenty of interaction with your guide, Dimitris, a local expert.

First Stop: Dispa Island and Secluded Bays

One of the highlights—based on reviews—is visiting Dispa Island, a tiny, uninhabited spot known for its crystal-clear waters and quiet beauty. While some might find this a perfect spot for a peaceful swim, others have appreciated how guides like Dimitris share insights about the local ecosystem, pointing out marine life and underwater features. As one reviewer noted, Dimitris’s passion and knowledge elevate the experience, making it more engaging than just floating around.

Marathon Cape: Exploring Marine Life and Underwater Caves

Next, the tour moves to Marathon Cape, a protected Natura 2000 area. The scenic boat ride itself adds to the appeal—think warm sun, gentle sea breeze, and the chance to spot marine creatures from the boat. Once anchored, snorkelers can glide into the calm, clear waters famed for their excellent visibility. Tour participants have described encounters with diverse sea life, and how guides help locate the best spots. One reviewer mentioned how Dimitris’s patience was crucial, especially for newbies who may be apprehensive about the ocean.

Schinias Bay: Relaxing Beach Break and Snorkeling

The trip’s final stop is Schinias Bay, renowned for its golden sands and pristine environment. This area, part of Greece’s national park, offers a tranquil setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply floating in the welcoming waters. Reviewers have raved about how the shallow waters and calm surroundings make snorkeling accessible even for less confident swimmers. Food and beverages are available on the boat, or you might choose to explore the nearby town for lunch afterward—Nea Makri has options for fresh seafood and local tavernas.

The Return: Effortless and Relaxed

After a few hours exploring, the boat heads back to the meeting point. The experience is designed to be laid-back, with plenty of time for photos, relaxing, and chatting with your guide about local history and marine life. The inclusion of snacks, water, and equipment means you don’t need to worry about bringing much beyond your sense of adventure.

Why This Snorkeling Tour Offers Great Value

While the price tag is around $92.89 per person, reviews highlight how much travelers appreciate the overall experience. The small-group size ensures personalized attention, which many find valuable—especially for beginners or those wanting more guidance underwater. The tour includes snorkel gear, which saves you rental costs elsewhere, plus snacks and drinks, making it an all-in-one outing.

Compared to larger, more commercial excursions, this trip feels more tailored and intimate. Reviewers like Wayne and Krysti emphasize that the tour is “great value for money,” with caring guides like Dimitris making all the difference. For many, it’s not just about the scenery but also the friendly, knowledgeable instruction that turns a simple snorkeling trip into a memorable adventure.

The Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it perfect for a half-day outing. The easy pickup from your hotel in Nea Makri or nearby areas saves travel time, and the tour ends back at the same spot. Booking in advance—typically 27 days ahead—is recommended, given the popularity and limited group sizes.

Most travelers can participate, with a minimum age of 6 and basic swimming skills required. The small group size—up to 7—affords plenty of room for everyone to feel comfortable, and the guides are praised for their patience, especially when helping newcomers. Weather can influence the trip, but the provider offers the option to reschedule or get a full refund if conditions aren’t suitable.

Authentic Experiences: What Reviewers Say

Many reviews underscore the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Dimitris. His local knowledge, combined with genuine care, elevates the experience. One reviewer mentioned how Dimitris shared interesting facts about Athens as they headed to offshore dive sites, adding a layer of cultural richness.

Snorkelers also appreciated how the water’s excellent visibility allowed them to see a variety of marine life, often describing the underwater landscape as vibrant and diverse. Several reviewers, including Erica and Josi, highlighted the quality of the snorkel gear and how the shallow waters made it accessible for less experienced swimmers—using noodles or flotation devices to feel secure.

Lunch options in Nea Makri are also a bonus—many travelers enjoy extending their day with local seafood after the tour, with the town offering a charming and laid-back vibe perfect for relaxing after the boat excursion.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is ideal for families with kids aged 6 and up, especially those eager to explore Greece’s marine environment without the hassle of organizing everything themselves. It suits couples or small groups looking for a relaxing, guided experience with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and underwater life.

If you’re a beginners or someone wanting a personalized and intimate trip, this tour delivers. The knowledgeable guides, like Dimitris, make all the difference, sharing insights and helping you get the most out of your time in the water. The inclusion of snacks and gear makes it a great value, especially compared to other excursions that might lack such amenities.

That said, keep an eye on the weather—since the experience relies on calm waters and clear skies, flexibility with dates or weather cancellations is advisable. This tour offers a beautifully balanced mix of scenery, learning, and relaxation, perfect for those who want a genuine taste of Greece’s coastal treasures.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Snorkel gear, bottled water, beverages, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate, but they should be comfortable swimming and be accompanied by an adult.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
No, basic swimming skills are enough. The guides are attentive and help make the experience accessible for beginners.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups of up to 7 travelers ensure a more personalized experience and better guidance.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Kanelakis Diving Experiences in Nea Makri and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. Last-minute cancellations are not refunded unless due to serious reasons like illness or flight cancellations.

This snorkeling boat trip in Nea Makri offers a wonderful snapshot of Greece’s coastal beauty, combined with expert guidance and small-group intimacy. Whether you’re after vibrant underwater scenes or simply a relaxing escape with scenic views, this tour ticks many boxes for a memorable half-day outing.