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If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day on the water amidst some of Greece’s most spectacular scenery, the Blue Lagoon-Vourvourou Lunch Cruise might just be your next favorite experience. This 6-hour journey takes you to two of Halkidiki’s renowned swimming spots—Vourvourou’s Blue Lagoon and Alikes Lagoon—offering plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and soak in the natural beauty. With a friendly crew, a hearty Greek lunch, and water slides from the boat for extra fun, it promises a memorable day on the Aegean.
What we particularly like about this cruise is how it balances relaxation with adventure, making it suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends. The glass-bottom boat allows you to enjoy the views even from the deck, and with snorkeling gear provided, you can explore underwater life at your own pace. That said, the tour can feel crowded at times, especially if you’re aiming to secure a seat at the front or shaded areas—arriving early is advisable. Whether you love swimming or simply want to enjoy the scenic cruise, this experience offers good value for its price, especially considering the included lunch and snorkeling equipment.
If you’re someone who enjoys being close to nature, values authentic local experiences, and doesn’t mind a group setting, this tour is a superb choice. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a straightforward yet enjoyable way to see Halkidiki’s coast and enjoy some leisure time in crystal-clear waters.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery at two iconic Halkidiki locations that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Inclusive Greek lunch with vegetarian options available, adding value to the experience.
- Fun water slides from the boat for an extra splash of entertainment.
- Flexible snorkeling gear and toys offered free of charge, making underwater exploration accessible.
- Early arrival recommended due to limited seating and high demand.
- Ideal for swimmers and water lovers who want a mix of relaxation and adventure.
An In-Depth Look at This Halkidiki Cruise
More ways to experience Halkidiki from the water include these boat tours
An Overview of the Experience
This cruise, operated by Eirinikos Glassbottom Daily & Private Cruises, offers a compact yet fulfilling introduction to the stunning coastline of Halkidiki. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 75 reviews, it’s clear that most travelers find it a worthwhile outing, especially considering its affordable price point of around $46 per person. The experience lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a manageable day trip that can fit comfortably into most travel plans.
The Meeting Point and Scheduling
You’ll gather at the Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion in Ouranoupolis at 11:00 am. The tour is well-organized, with tickets sent instantly after booking, and most travelers book at least two weeks in advance—highlighting its popularity. The activity ends back at the starting point, so it’s easy to plan your day afterward.
Why This Tour Stands Out
What sets this tour apart is its balanced itinerary—two distinct stops that showcase Halkidiki’s best swimming spots. The first stop at Vourvourou Bay features the famous Blue Lagoon, a shallow, shallow-close islet with impressively clear waters perfect for snorkeling and floating. The second stop at Alikes Lagoon offers a different vibe—more expansive and tranquil, ideal for a laid-back swim.
The Scenic Cruise and Glass-Bottom Views
Cruising along the coast, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Halkidiki’s rugged coastlines and turquoise waters. The boat’s glass-bottom feature adds an extra element, allowing even non-swimmers or those less inclined to get wet to enjoy glimpses of the underwater world beneath the boat. Several reviewers highlight how the boat was clean, modern, and comfortable—one noted that the staff was helpful and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable.
You might also want to explore these Halkidiki activities
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Stop 1: Vourvourou Bay (1.5 hours)
This is the highlight for many: swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon. The islet’s shallow depth of about 3 meters makes it easy to float and snorkel, especially with the equipment provided. The reviews emphasize how remarkable the scenery is—“Beautiful landscapes that make for perfect photo moments,” as one traveler put it. Snorkeling here is particularly recommended, thanks to the coral and vibrant fish that populate these waters.
The crew supplies free snorkeling gear and toys, which make the experience accessible whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer. Reviewers mention that jumping from the boat into the water was one of the trip’s most fun moments—“Jumping from boat to see in two locations was super fun,” shared one guest.
Stop 2: Alikes Lagoon (1.5 hours)
The second stop offers a more relaxed experience at Alikes Lagoon, a large, open bay with calm waters. Here, swimmers can enjoy lounging on the sand or floating in the tranquil waters. The port location makes it easy to hop in and out, and the reviews highlight how peaceful and beautiful the setting is.
The Lunch Experience
After the first swim, your crew will prepare a Greek traditional lunch on board. You can expect a serving of souvlaki—an iconic Greek grilled meat or vegetarian alternative—accompanied by salad and other local flavors. Vegetarian options are available if requested a day in advance. Multiple reviewers praised the meal as being of good quality and generous in portion, making it a satisfying break during the day.
Water Slides and Extra Fun
One of the tour’s unique features is the water slides from the boat, adding a splash of fun for kids and the young at heart. This playful touch enhances the overall experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
Practical Details and Tips
Price and Value
At around $46.44 per person, this cruise offers excellent value, especially when considering the included snorkeling gear, lunch, and the scenic journey. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to experience Halkidiki’s coast without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.
Group Size and Atmosphere
The tour caps at 100 travelers, which keeps it lively but not overwhelming. Several reviews mention friendly staff who go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. The more personal touch is often found in the crew’s helpful attitude and the ease of the experience.
Arrival and Seating Tips
Because many tickets are sold in advance, arriving at least an hour early is advised—especially if you want to secure a shaded spot or a seat at the bow for the best views. Some reviewers noted that the boat can get crowded, and outside seats fill up quickly.
Weather and Cancellation Policy
This tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund or rescheduling offered if canceled due to poor weather. So, keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for possible changes.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This cruise is ideal for swimmers and water lovers who want a relaxed day exploring Halkidiki’s most beautiful swimming spots. Families with kids will appreciate the shallow waters and water slides, while couples can enjoy the scenic journey and authentic Greek lunch. It suits travelers who don’t mind being in a group setting and value good value for money. If you’re after a day with stunning views, underwater exploration, and a touch of fun, this cruise checks all those boxes.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Lagoon-Vourvourou Lunch Cruise offers a genuine taste of Halkidiki’s natural beauty, combining scenic cruising, swimming in crystal waters, and authentic Greek cuisine. Its well-balanced itinerary ensures you get plenty of time at each stop, with snorkeling gear and water slides adding extra fun. The experience earns a solid 4.5 out of 5, and many reviewers highlight its memorable landscapes and friendly staff.
While arriving early for seats and managing expectations about crowd levels might be necessary, overall, it’s a fantastic way to spend a summer day in Halkidiki. Whether you’re into snorkeling, relaxing on the deck, or just soaking up the scenery, this tour provides a worthwhile slice of Greece’s coastal charm.
FAQ
Is this cruise suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, the glass-bottom boat allows non-swimmers to enjoy underwater views comfortably. Snorkeling gear is available, but you can also relax and watch from the boat.
How long are the stops?
Each swimming stop is about 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, or relax on the boat.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Snorkeling equipment and toys are provided free of charge.
Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request if you inform the tour provider a day before.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
It’s best to arrive early, as seats fill up quickly. The tour ends back at the starting point, so staying for the entire experience is recommended.
Are there water slides?
Yes, water slides from the boat are available for fun, especially for kids.
What’s the capacity of the boat?
The tour can accommodate up to 100 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How is the food quality?
Reviewers claim the lunch is good quality, with generous portions and authentic flavors.
Where is the meeting point?
At the Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion in Ouranoupolis, conveniently near public transportation.
In summary, this tour offers a laid-back, scenic, and fun way to experience Halkidiki’s stunning coastlines, with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and authentic local flavor. Perfect for those who love water activities but also value comfort, good food, and beautiful landscapes.
