Athens Riviera Catamaran Cruise: Swim, Greek Meal & Drinks

Summary

Swim in clear Aegean waters taste Greek food on a laid-back catamaran trip

You’ll drift along the Athens Riviera on a small-group catamaran cruise with friendly local crew, stopping to swim in clear bays and enjoy a simple Greek meal with wine. Expect laughter over lunch at Prasonisi Island and quiet moments floating in Vouliagmeni Bay — it’s less like a tour and more like joining old friends for a day at sea.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to feel so far from Athens just half an hour after leaving Alimos Marina. The city faded behind us and suddenly it was all blue — water, sky, even the light felt different out here. Our captain, Nikos, chatted about growing up near these shores while his friend Maria started slicing tomatoes for lunch. There’s something about hearing local stories when you’re bobbing along the Athenian Riviera that makes it all stick in your mind more.

We stopped at Vouliagmeni Bay first — I’d seen photos but the water is actually clearer than I thought possible. I’m not a strong swimmer but Maria handed me a snorkel and said “don’t worry, just float.” So I did. Little silver fish zipped around my toes and I could smell sunscreen and salt on my skin. It’s funny how quickly you forget about emails and deadlines when you’re drifting like that. The keyword “Athens Riviera catamaran tour” popped into my head for some reason — maybe because this is exactly what I’d hoped for when searching day trips from Athens.

Lunch happened at Prasonisi Island — not fancy, just honest food: feta so fresh it squeaked between my teeth, olive oil so green it almost glowed. Nikos poured wine (not too much) and told us about a storm he once got caught in off these same rocks. Someone tried to pronounce “kalamata” properly and Maria laughed so hard she nearly dropped her bread. We sat there with our plates balanced on our knees, sun-warmed and salty.

I still think about that last swim before heading back — the way the sun hit the water made everything look gold for a minute or two. If you’re looking for a private catamaran cruise in Athens with lunch included, honestly, this one felt more like being out with friends than anything official. And then suddenly we were back at Alimos Marina again, hair tangled from the wind, still smelling of sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour along Athens Riviera

• Depart from Alimos Marina
• Relax and watch Athenian Riviera
• Swim in crystalline Aegean Sea
• Stop at Vouliagmeni Bay
• Stop at Prasoniso Island
• Enjoy freshly prepared Greek meal
• Listen to captain's sailing stories
• Return to Alimos Marina

Top questions

Where does the Athens Riviera catamaran tour depart from?

The tour departs twice daily from Alimos Marina in Athens.

Are meals included on the catamaran cruise?

Yes, a freshly prepared traditional Greek meal is served onboard by the crew.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included for all guests during swimming stops.

Does this cruise include drinks?

Wine or beer (for adults), soda/pop, and bottled water are included but not unlimited.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

The crew can cater to gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan diets and take care with allergies if notified in advance.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

The main stops are Vouliagmeni Bay for swimming and Prasonisi Island for lunch before returning to Alimos Marina.

Is pickup included for this catamaran tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Alimos Marina for departure.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes, use of snorkeling gear for swimming stops at Vouliagmeni Bay and Prasonisi Island, bottled water plus soda or pop onboard, wine or beer (for adults), guiding by local captain Nikos and hostess Maria who speak several languages, as well as a freshly made Greek meal prepared right on the boat — with options available if you have dietary needs like gluten free or vegan.