Athens Riviera: Catamaran Cruise, BBQ & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Swim in clear waters eat Greek BBQ and sail Athens coastline

You’ll sail along the Athens Riviera on a semi-private catamaran cruise with hotel pickup included. Swim at two scenic spots, relax on deck with unlimited drinks, and enjoy a fresh Greek BBQ lunch cooked onboard by your crew. Expect laughter over shared plates and quiet moments watching sunlight dance on the water — memories that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

“You can leave your shoes there, if you want,” our skipper said as we stepped onto the catamaran, and honestly, I didn’t need telling twice. The deck felt warm under my feet — not hot, just sun-soaked — and right away I could smell the sea mixing with something garlicky from the kitchen. There were only a handful of us, maybe eight or nine, and everyone seemed a little giddy to be out of Athens traffic and suddenly surrounded by blue water. Our guide, Eleni, handed me a cold beer with a grin that made it feel like we’d known each other longer than five minutes.

The first swim stop was this quiet cove along the Athens Riviera — not empty but peaceful enough that you could hear someone laughing from another boat across the bay. The water was clearer than I expected; when I put on the goggles (they had plenty), even my awkward doggy paddle felt less embarrassing somehow. Back on board, towels appeared out of nowhere and someone passed around slices of cucumber sprinkled with salt. The sun wasn’t harsh yet, just bright enough that everything looked extra sharp.

After we sailed further down the coast — honestly I lost track of time — Eleni started setting up for lunch. That’s when the real magic happened: charcoal smoke and oregano drifting over the deck while she flipped vegetables and shrimp saganaki on the grill. I tried to say “melitzanosalata” (eggplant dip) in Greek; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her wine. Everything tasted fresher than anything I’ve had back home — maybe it was just being out at sea or maybe it’s their olive oil (they kept bragging about it). We ate with our legs stretched out under the table, salt still drying on our skin.

On the way back toward Athens, most people went quiet for a bit — not sad exactly, just that kind of full-body contentment you get after swimming and eating too much in good company. Someone played music softly from their phone but mostly it was just wind and low voices. When we docked again I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all afternoon. That view of the city from the water sticks with me more than any museum tour ever did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury Catamaran Cruise and Greek Meal

• Welcome on board with a drink
• Skipper gives safety briefing
• Enjoy cold drinks and views
• First swimming stop with towels
• Sail to snorkeling spot
• Snorkel in deep blue sea
• Enjoy traditional Greek BBQ meal
• Relax during return cruise
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Athens catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this catamaran tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer from anywhere in Athens is included.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, a traditional Greek BBQ lunch or dinner is served onboard using local ingredients.

How many people are on each cruise?

The semi-private cruise hosts up to 10 guests per trip.

Are drinks included on this Athens Riviera cruise?

Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are available throughout your trip.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You should bring your bathing suit and sunscreen; towels and snorkeling gear are provided.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If poor weather cancels your cruise, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup and return anywhere in Athens, about five hours sailing along 25 nautical miles of coastline with two swimming stops (towels provided), unlimited beer, wine or soft drinks onboard plus all snorkeling gear you might need. A fresh Greek BBQ meal is cooked right there by your crew before you head back to shore together at sunset or dusk.