From Skiathos: Skopelos and Alonissos Boat Trip with Stops

Exploring the North Sporades islands from Skiathos by boat is a fantastic way to see more of Greece’s beautiful archipelago without the hassle of multiple bookings or complicated travel plans. This 9-hour boat trip offers a well-rounded taste of Skopelos and Alonissos, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, swimming, and enjoying local sights.

What we really love about this experience is how smoothly it balances sightseeing with relaxation—there’s enough time on each island to explore without feeling rushed. Plus, passing through the Marine Park and catching a glimpse of the iconic Blue Caves adds an extra layer of beauty and interest. One potential consideration is the timing; since it’s a full-day trip, it involves quite a bit of time on the water, which might not suit everyone, especially those prone to seasickness or who prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, spontaneous island exploration, and lively atmospheres. It’s ideal for those looking for a fun, social day out that combines sightseeing, swimming, and perhaps a bit of Mamma Mia-inspired photo ops. If you’re after a relaxed “sleep in and unwind” kind of day, this might be less suitable, but for island lovers eager to pack in a lot in one go, it’s perfect.

Key Points

• Ideal for island hopping in one day, with flexible stops and scenic views.
• Fun, lively atmosphere with a knowledgeable crew and entertainment.
• Includes time for swimming and exploring at each island, especially Skopelos and Alonissos.
• Value for money considering the included stops, sightseeing, and entertainment.
• Passes through Marine Park and Blue Caves, offering unique photo opportunities.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those seeking a quiet, slow-paced day.

If you’re spending your time in Skiathos and want to see more of the North Sporades without complicated logistics, this boat trip is a convenient, engaging choice. It’s run by MTM TOURISM GREECE OE and boasts a high satisfaction rate—rated 4.7 out of 5 from 260 reviews—indicating consistent positive experiences.

Booking and Price

At $63 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the full day of activities, scenic cruising, and island stops. The price covers your boat ticket, taxes, and a group leader, with meals and drinks (not included) as optional extras. This means you can bring your own snacks or plan to eat onshore, which most reviewers see as a good way to enjoy local cuisine at your own pace.

Departure and Meeting Point

The trip begins early from Skiathos Old Port, with the boat Agios Nikolaos departing at 09:15 AM. Check-in is at 09:00 AM, giving you time to settle in. The meeting point is straightforward, though it’s worth noting that pickup from hotels isn’t available in Skiathos Town; most travelers meet directly at the port.

Itinerary Breakdown

The day unfolds with a series of scenic passages and stops, carefully timed to maximize your island experience:

• Skiathos Departure: The boat leaves around 09:15 AM, heading toward Skopelos after an 80-minute ferry ride. The first stop is the main town of Skopelos, with about 1.5 hours for exploration. Here, you can stroll through narrow, picturesque streets, visit churches, or shop for souvenirs. The reviews mention the charm of the streets and the chance to see the famous Agios Ioannis Chapel from the film “Mamma Mia,” which is a highlight for many film buffs.

• Travel to Alonissos: After Skopelos, a 40-minute boat ride takes you to Patitiri on Alonissos. There, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore the Old Town, perched on a hill with spectacular views of the Aegean. Reviewers share that this part of the trip is a real highlight, with some describing it as a “stunning” spot for photos and sightseeing. Many appreciate the opportunity to visit this lesser-known gem, especially since it’s less crowded than Skopelos.

• Blue Caves and Marine Park: During the sail from Alonissos to Kastani Beach, you’ll pass through part of the Marine Park, with the chance to photograph the Blue Caves—an iconic feature of the area. Passengers often comment on how neat it is to see these natural formations, making the journey more than just a transfer.

• Kastani Beach: The boat anchors near Kastani Beach for about an hour, giving everyone the chance to swim, sunbathe, or take photos. This is one of the most praised stops, with many mentioning how beautiful the beach looks, especially with the backdrop of lush greenery and rocky shores.

• Return Journey & Highlights: On the way back to Skiathos, the boat sails along the west coast of Skopelos, where you might spot dolphins—a thrill for both children and adults. Plus, passengers get a good view of the famous Agios Ioannis Chapel and Amarantos Rocks, both associated with “Mamma Mia.” Reviewers often note how these scenic spots are best photographed from the boat, so keep your camera ready.

• Relaxation and Swimming: The final stretch includes a swim at Milia Beach, which many find the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The reviews rave about the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sea, with some describing the experience as “fun-filled” and “entertaining.”

The Experience On Board

What truly makes this trip special is the crew’s friendliness and the lively atmosphere onboard. Guests mention the captain, notably “George,” as a fun and engaging host who keeps everyone entertained with jokes, stories, and music—especially ABBA and Mamma Mia tunes. Several reviews highlight how the crew makes an effort to keep everyone involved, whether through singing, dancing, or sharing interesting facts.

Reviewers like Jacqui praise the crew’s attentiveness and the lighthearted vibe, mentioning the singing and dancing as a highlight. Others appreciate how the crew balances entertainment with safety and organization, making the day flow smoothly. The boat itself is described as comfortable, and the schedule is clear—each stop announced well in advance, so you can plan your exploration.

What’s Notable

• Time Management: With about 1.5 hours on Skopelos and Alonissos, and an hour at Kastani Beach, the schedule is quite packed but feels just right for most. Some reviews suggest perhaps a tad more time at each stop, but overall, travelers find the balance appropriate given the full-day nature.

• Food & Drinks: No meals are included, but the boat has a bar with reasonably priced drinks and snacks. Reviewers recommend bringing your own food or eating onshore, especially since some of the island towns offer lovely local tavernas.

• Photography & Sightseeing: From passing the Blue Caves to capturing the iconic film locations, there’s plenty of photo-worthy moments. The boat’s route along the coast also offers excellent vantage points for scenic shots.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the villages.
• Pack sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essentials.
• A swimsuit and towel are must-haves for swimming stops.
• Cameras and phones will come in handy for capturing the views.
• Remember, this trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain of some stops.
• Check the weather forecast—bad weather might affect the route or stops.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is particularly great for lively, social travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and entertainment. Families, couples, and groups of friends will all find something to love here. If you’re a “Mamma Mia” fan or want to see the film’s iconic settings, this tour adds a fun layer to your trip. That said, those seeking a super relaxed, slow-paced day may prefer a different, more leisurely option.

This boat trip from Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonissos offers excellent value and a chance to see some of the best spots in the North Sporades archipelago in a single day. The mix of scenic cruising, island exploration, and onboard entertainment makes for a dynamic experience, especially if you enjoy lively atmospheres and engaging guides.

The crew’s friendliness and the well-chosen stops make this a memorable outing—an ideal choice for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a fun, social vibe. If you’re after a full day of swimming, photo opportunities, and exploring charming Greek towns, this tour ticks all the boxes.

While not suited for those with mobility issues or quiet relaxation seekers, it’s perfect for travelers who want to see more of Greece’s stunning islands without the fuss. The overall positive reviews and high ratings reflect how well this trip manages to deliver on its promises of fun, scenic beauty, and good value.

Is food included in this tour?
No, meals are not included. The boat has a bar with drinks and snacks, but most travelers bring their own food or plan to eat onshore.

What time does the trip start and end?
The trip departs at around 09:15 AM from Skiathos Old Port and returns approximately by 19:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention families enjoying the trip. Just keep in mind the full-day schedule and plan for swimming and exploring stops.

Are there any accessibility limitations?
Yes, this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain of some stops and the boat’s facilities.

How long are the island stops?
Each main stop—Skopelos and Alonissos—is about 1.5 hours, with additional time at Kastani Beach for swimming.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Absolutely! The crew is known for their lively attitude, jokes, stories, and music, especially ABBA and Mamma Mia tunes.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, camera, and a sense of adventure are highly recommended.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, the booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later, giving flexible planning.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers find this trip a fun way to meet others, thanks to the lively atmosphere and group activities.

This full-day boat adventure is a fantastic way to see more of the beautiful North Sporades, combining scenic views, island exploration, and genuine fun. Whether you’re a film fan, a nature lover, or just after a lively day on the water, this trip offers plenty of memorable moments.