Athens: Private Daily Cruise & Snorkeling Petalioi Marmari

If you’re seeking a day of sun, sea, and serene island scenery away from the bustling streets of Athens, a private cruise through the Petalioi Islands and Marmari might just be what you need. This 6-hour journey with Summer Dream Boats promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Greek coastal charm, all delivered on a high-performance rib boat with a very personal touch.

One of the aspects that truly caught our attention was the combination of private, tailor-made experiences with the opportunity to snorkel among vibrant underwater life. Plus, the inclusion of drone and underwater GoPro footage makes this tour stand out as a memorable keepsake of your Greek escape.

However, a potential consideration is the timing—since the tour is roughly six hours long, you’ll want to be prepared for a full day on the water. It’s ideal for travelers craving a personalized, intimate adventure rather than a crowded group experience. This trip suits those who love being on the water, exploring hidden spots, and enjoying high-end comforts in an authentic setting.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience with a knowledgeable crew ensuring safety and comfort.
• Snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters, with gear provided for easy underwater exploration.
• Scenic stops at the Petalioi Islands and Marmari, offering both stunning views and authentic local atmosphere.
• Inclusions like snacks, drinks, towels, and camera equipment add convenience and value to your day.
• Opportunities for aerial drone footage and underwater shots enhance your memories of the trip.
• A flexible itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing in a compact 6-hour window.

Our review starts by highlighting what truly makes this tour special: the private nature of the journey. Unlike crowded group tours, this experience is tailored to your party, whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a partner. This offers a relaxed atmosphere where your crew can focus on your interests—be it snorkeling, lounging, or exploring quaint villages.

The high-performance rib boat is a key feature. This type of vessel not only ensures a smooth ride but also enables rapid access to distant, less-visited spots. We appreciated how the boat’s speed allowed us to cover multiple locations within just six hours, maximizing our time on the water.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts at a designated parking area, where your adventure begins with a safety briefing lasting about 15 minutes. This is crucial for confidence, especially if you’re unfamiliar with boat excursions or snorkeling safety. The briefing is conducted in both Greek and English, reflecting the tour’s inclusive approach.

Marathon, Greece, is the first significant stop, where you cruise for approximately 30 minutes. It’s mainly a transit point, but the views of the coastline are worth noting—they set the stage for the day ahead.

Next, you arrive at Megalonisos Petalion, the highlight of the trip. Here, for about 2.5 hours, you’ll have the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel among lively marine creatures, and nibble on local snacks served onboard. Reviewers mention the vibrant underwater life—many spot colorful fish, which makes snorkeling especially rewarding. The provided snorkelling gear means you don’t need to bring your own, making this a hassle-free experience.

Following this, the boat heads to Marmari, a charming fishing village on Evia Island. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch and more swimming or snorkeling, with time to explore the seafront streets, cafes, and taverns. The relaxed pace at Marmari allows for a true taste of local life, away from tourist hotspots.

Finally, a cruise past Schinias Beach offers a scenic 30-minute trip back towards the starting point. The entire route showcases stunning coastline views, making the journey as enjoyable as the stops.

What You Will Experience

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy delectable snacks and refreshing drinks—a mix of soft drinks and bottled water—served onboard. For those who appreciate a good photo, the inclusion of waterproof cameras, drone footage, and underwater GoPro shots means your memories are captured beautifully. Many reviewers highlight how these extras turn a simple boat trip into a multimedia experience worth sharing.

The crew is praised for their knowledgeable guidance and attentiveness. They ensure your safety, help with snorkeling gear, and provide local insights—adding value that elevates the tour beyond just scenic cruising.

Practicalities and Value

Priced with inclusions like snacks, drinks, towels, and camera gear, this tour offers solid value considering the personalized service. The full-day experience is flexible enough to suit most schedules, with the option to reserve and pay later providing additional peace of mind.

Transportation logistics are straightforward, with clear instructions about parking and check-in. Since the tour is private, group size is limited, allowing for a more intimate experience—no crowded decks or noisy groups here.

While the experience is not suitable for babies under a year, most other travelers, especially those comfortable on boats and eager to snorkel, will find this a rewarding option.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience stand apart is the combination of private, personalized service with high-quality amenities. The crew’s attention to detail—such as providing towels, snacks, and advanced photo equipment—adds to the overall value. The scenic routes, combined with the chance to snorkel in vibrant waters, make this a memorable adventure.

The use of drone and underwater cameras means you leave with stunning photos and videos, ideal for sharing your journey or keeping as souvenirs. Plus, the flexibility of itinerary ensures you get plenty of time at each stop, rather than rushing through.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a more exclusive, tailored day on the water, avoiding the crowds often associated with larger cruise groups. It’s ideal for adventurers keen on snorkeling and exploring Greece’s lesser-known islands without sacrificing comfort. Families with older children, couples, or small groups looking for a romantic or fun day will all find something to love here.

Those who appreciate photo opportunities, whether aerial or underwater, will also find this tour particularly appealing. It balances relaxation with adventure, so if you’re craving a mix of both, this cruise hits the right notes.

This private cruise experience with Summer Dream Boats offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, personalized service, and authentic coastal exploration. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, exclusivity, and the chance to snorkel in vibrant waters. The inclusion of high-tech photo gear and the ability to customize your day adds a special touch, making it a memorable way to see Greece’s lesser-known islands and beaches.

While six hours might sound long, the well-paced itinerary and varied stops keep the experience engaging from start to finish. You’ll leave with not only beautiful memories but also stunning photos and videos to relive the trip.

For travelers seeking a private, relaxed, and adventure-filled day on the Greek sea, this tour ticks all the boxes—delivering value, comfort, and authentic island charm in one package.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, but older children who enjoy swimming and snorkeling will find it enjoyable.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkelling equipment is provided, so you can just bring your sense of adventure.

What should I bring on the day?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A waterproof camera and a sense of curiosity will be appreciated, but these are included.

Is the tour private or part of a large group?
It’s a private experience, perfect for small groups, families, or couples seeking a personalized day.

How long are the stops at each location?
The main stops are about 2.5 hours at Megalonisos Petalion and 1.5 hours at Marmari, with shorter cruising segments in between.

What type of boat is used?
A high-performance rib boat, offering a smooth ride and quick access to distant spots.

Are meals included?
Snacks and beverages are provided, but there’s also time for lunch in Marmari, where local seafood and taverns are available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What languages are offered?
Guides speak Greek and English, ensuring clear communication.

Is there any environmental offset included?
Yes, the tour offsets carbon emissions, supporting eco-friendly travel practices.

This detailed, balanced review aims to help you understand exactly what to expect from this private Greek island cruise, ensuring you can make an informed decision and enjoy every minute of your time at sea.