Snorkeling in Athens: Catamaran cruise with Greek meal

The captain teaches you how to sail while the chef cooks lunch aboard.

A five-hour catamaran cruise on the Athenian Riviera with snorkeling in two bays, a traditional Greek meal prepared on board, and guidance from a local captain and hostess. You choose between a morning departure to catch the light on clear waters or an evening cruise timed for sunset. The boat departs from Alimos Marina, stops first at Vouliagmeni Bay for swimming, then heads to Prasoniso Island where lunch is served before the return journey.

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Alimos Marina twice daily and carries a small group out to the Athenian Riviera's clearest waters. At Vouliagmeni Bay, the first stop, you swim and snorkel in the Aegean with equipment provided; the water is shallow enough to see the seabed clearly. The captain handles the boat while sharing stories of his years at sea and explaining how the catamaran works—the kind of detail that makes the sailing itself part of the day, not just the backdrop.

Prasoniso Island is the second stop, and this is where the meal happens. The chef prepares a traditional Greek dish fresh on board while you're still in the water or relaxing on deck, and she'll walk you through the recipe and technique if you're interested. Wine and beer are included for adults; soft drinks and bottled water are available throughout. The boat carries dietary options—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free—and takes allergies seriously, so you can request what you need when you book.

You'll be back at Alimos Marina an hour before the day ends. The morning cruise lets you watch the light play across the water as it clears; the sunset cruise times the return for the Golden Hour, when the sky shifts through reds, oranges and purples. Both run five hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; the sun on the water is stronger than you expect.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• a traditional Greek meal prepared on board.
• wine and beer for adults.
• soft drinks and bottled water.
• guidance from a local captain and hostess in six languages.
• dietary accommodations including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sun Sea Sailing Athens

Is this one for you?Choose the morning cruise if you want to photograph the light on the water and spend the afternoon elsewhere; pick the sunset cruise if you're free to stay on the water through the Golden Hour. Both run five hours, and the guide speaks your language—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or three others—so the captain's stories about sailing and the area come through clearly.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is included and the captain's crew will guide you through it. The water at both stops is calm and shallow enough to stand in, so you can go at your own pace and stay in as long as you're comfortable.

What's the difference between the morning and sunset cruises?

The morning cruise departs early and you see the Riviera in bright daylight with the sun reflecting off clear water. The sunset cruise leaves later in the day and times your return for the Golden Hour, when the sky turns deep red, orange and pink—the light is the main draw for that one.

Is the meal a full lunch or just a snack?

A traditional Greek meal is prepared fresh on the boat and served at Prasoniso Island, the second stop. It's a proper meal, not a light snack, and the chef includes recipes and cooking tips if you want to learn how to make it at home.

What languages does the guide speak?

The captain and hostess guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and three additional languages. Let the operator know which language you need when you book.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The catamaran carries a small group, which keeps the experience relaxed and lets the crew give personal attention to everyone aboard.

What should I bring besides my swimsuit?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and clothing that protects you from the sun—the reflection off the water intensifies the heat. All snorkeling gear is provided, and the boat supplies bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day.