Athens: Riviera Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks

Imagine cruising along Athens’ sparkling coastline on a sleek, luxurious catamaran, with the Aegean Sea stretching out before you. This half-day sailing experience offers a fantastic combination of scenic views, delicious food, and relaxing downtime—perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity in Greece’s famous waters.

What we love most about this tour is how well-organized it is, with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and chat with fellow travelers—all while enjoying generous drinks and a home-cooked meal prepared onboard. The only thing to consider is that the tour is not suited to wheelchair users, and the weather can influence some activities, like swimming or sailing with sails up.

This experience works best for those who appreciate a mix of adventure and leisure, enjoy good company, or want to learn more about Athens’ coastal areas from knowledgeable guides. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a memorable day on the water without feeling rushed or crowded.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The tour is conducted on a high-quality catamaran with plenty of space to relax.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes drinks, a family-style BBQ, towels, goggles, and transportation.
• Beautiful Stops: Two swimming stops in scenic locations, with the crew offering brief historical insights.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable skippers and crew enhance the experience.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and keep plans flexible with pay-later options.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 10 participants, making it intimate and personalized.

An In-Depth Look at the Athens Riviera Catamaran Cruise

Starting the Adventure: Pickup and Departure

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the hotel pickup within central Athens. This means you won’t have to worry about navigating to the marina—your driver will come to fetch you, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. It’s a real plus, especially after a morning of exploring Athens, because it lets you arrive relaxed and ready for sailing.

Once at the Alimos Marina, the crew—led by friendly skippers like Costas and George—will help you settle in. Expect to receive a welcome drink before the adventure begins, setting a relaxed tone that continues throughout the trip.

The Catamaran Itself: Comfort and Style

The vessel is described as a luxurious catamaran, with plenty of space to lounge, sunbathe, or enjoy the views. Many reviews mention how well-organized and comfortable the boat is, with ample room for small groups, often less than 10 people, ensuring a private, boutique feel. The boat’s stability and safety are also highlighted, making it suitable for travelers of various ages, even those with mobility concerns—though, as noted, it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Cruising the Athens Riviera

As the boat departs from the marina, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Athens’ coastline. The crew, including guides like Costas and Joanna, provide interesting snippets about the area’s history and features. Their storytelling, combined with the scenic backdrop, keeps the atmosphere lively yet laid-back.

The sails are often hoisted when the wind allows, turning the boat into a wind-powered vessel—an added touch of authenticity that many seasoned sailors appreciate. Even if sailing isn’t your main focus, watching the sails catch the breeze is pretty mesmerizing.

Stops for Swimming and Relaxation

The itinerary includes two swimming stops at carefully selected, picturesque locations. Reviewers say these are perfect spots for cooling off in the clear waters, with some mentioning how the calm bays make for easy swimming. The crew provides towels and goggles, and you can bring your own float if you want to lounge in the water.

Some guests like Rita and Jessica have highlighted how refreshing these stops are, especially on hot days or after a morning of city sightseeing. However, a few mention that the water might be less appealing if the weather is cooler—so check the forecast if swimming is your main goal.

The Meal: A Greek Family-Style Barbecue

One of the biggest highlights, according to numerous reviews, is the home-cooked BBQ lunch served onboard. The crew—like Dennis, the chef—whips up a feast featuring grilled pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, and a variety of grilled vegetables. Fresh bread, tzatziki, Greek salad, and pasta are also included, offering a hearty, authentic Mediterranean meal.

Guests rave about the quality and freshness of the food, with many saying it was the best meal they had during their entire trip in Greece. The meal is served family-style, encouraging sharing and good conversation among the small group.

Drinks and Refreshments

The cruise is fully all-inclusive, with unlimited Greek wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the voyage. Reviewers like Liliane and Fraser appreciate the generous drinks service, which keeps everyone refreshed while enjoying the sun and sea.

The Return Journey and Drop-Off

After the meal and swimming, the boat makes its way back to the marina, often at a relaxed pace with sails up. Many travelers enjoy the peaceful, scenic return, soaking in the views and listening to music. The crew ensures everyone is comfortable and well-taken-care of, creating a genuine friendly vibe.

Once back at the marina, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, making the entire experience seamless from start to finish.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious yet relaxed day on the water. If you love good food, scenic views, and a chance to swim in protected bays, this is a fantastic choice. The small group setting enhances intimacy, making it perfect for couples or families.

It’s also suitable for those who value local, authentic touches like Greek wine and freshly grilled food. The knowledgeable guides, like Costas and Joanna, add a lot to the experience with their storytelling, making it more than just a boat ride.

However, if you’re after a vigorous adventure or want to explore Vougliameni Lake (which the tour does not visit), this might not be the right fit. Also, those with mobility constraints should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Price and Value Analysis

At $192 per person, the tour offers excellent value for a full five-hour experience that includes hotel pickup, all drinks, a hearty meal, towels, goggles, and transportation to and from Athens. Compared to other water-based excursions, the small group size and inclusive nature make it feel intimate and well worth the cost.

Many guests highlight the quality of the food and drinks, as well as the attentive crew, as key value points. The fact that you receive an all-inclusive experience—rather than paying extra for drinks or food—adds to the perceived value.

Why It’s Worth It

The combination of luxury, authentic Greek cuisine, scenic stops, and knowledgeable guides** makes this an experience worth considering for those looking to add a special touch to their Athens trip. The flexibility of booking with free cancellation and pay-later options only sweetens the deal, giving travelers peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic escape from the hustle of Athens, this cruise offers a perfect escape. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good food, lush views, and friendly service. Small groups ensure a more personalized experience—ideal if you want to avoid large, impersonal tours.

Couples and families will find plenty to love here, from swimming and sunbathing to savoring the fresh, homemade meal. It’s also a great choice if you want to learn a bit about Athens’ coastal areas from engaging, knowledgeable guides.

This tour isn’t just about the boat—it’s about enjoying Greece’s stunning scenery with comfort and style, all while feeling like a guest in a local’s home on the water.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from your hotel or accommodation within central Athens, making it super convenient.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including pickup, cruising, stops, and return.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal items for swimming (like goggles or a float).

Is it suitable for children or only adults?
While many reviews mention families and kids enjoying the trip, it’s best suited for those comfortable on a boat and able to enjoy outdoor activities.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, Greek wine, beer, and soft drinks are served throughout the cruise with no extra charge.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as per the provided information.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can influence sailing and swimming stops. The tour offers free cancellation if needed, so check the forecast before booking.

To sum it up, the Athens Riviera Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, authentic Greek flavors, and relaxed luxury. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day on the water, this experience delivers on comfort, authenticity, and value. It’s a superb choice for those who want to see another side of Athens—by sea, with good company and great food in a small, friendly setting.