Athens Riviera: Catamaran Sailing with Greek Meal & Swim Stops

Summary

Sail from alimos marina for greek food swims and coastline views

You’ll sail along the Athens Riviera on a spacious catamaran with a local crew, stopping for swims at Hydrousa islet and Vouliagmeni Bay. Enjoy a freshly cooked Greek meal onboard—think salads, grilled mains, fruit—and use included snorkel or kayak gear if you want. It’s relaxed, friendly, and leaves you with that salt-on-your-skin feeling long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Athens looks like from the water? I hadn’t, not really, until we left Alimos Marina that morning and the city just sort of slipped away behind us. The catamaran felt bigger than I’d pictured—plenty of space to flop down, and the crew (I think our captain was called Yannis?) made it all feel so easy. There was this salty wind that kept blowing my hat off, which got a laugh from a couple sitting near me. We sailed past these low-slung houses and suddenly it was just blue everywhere—sea, sky, even the cushions were blue. I remember thinking: so this is the Athens Riviera.

Our first stop was Hydrousa islet—a tiny patch of rock and scrub out in all that turquoise. The water looked cold but wasn’t; I jumped in anyway and it felt like silk, honestly. Someone handed me a snorkel mask (included in the tour), and I tried to follow some darting fish under the boat but mostly just floated there listening to muffled splashes and distant gulls. Lunch happened soon after—our hostess Maria brought out plates of grilled chicken, salads with fat olives, something lemony I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Greek). Eating on deck with wet hair and sun-warmed skin made everything taste better.

We drifted over to Vouliagmeni Bay next—busier here, more boats bobbing around but still peaceful somehow. Some people took out kayaks or paddleboards; I just watched sunlight flicker off the water while Maria told us about growing up nearby (“My uncle used to fish right there,” she pointed at a rocky bit). Heading back toward Alimos took longer than I expected—I dozed off for a minute on one of those beanbags—and by then the sun had shifted, making Athens look kind of golden and far away. Funny how close you are but it feels like another place entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and swim along Athens Riviera

• Depart from Alimos Marina
• Sail one hour to Hydroussa islet
• Swim in pristine waters near Hydroussa
• Sail 30 minutes to Vouliagmeni Bay
• Swim and relax at Vouliagmeni Bay
• Sail back to Alimos Marina
• Arrive at Alimos Marina

Top questions

How long does the Athens catamaran tour last?

The sailing trip lasts about 5 hours including two swim stops.

Are meals included on this Athens Riviera catamaran cruise?

Yes, a freshly cooked Greek meal with salads, starters, main course, and fruit is served onboard.

Where does the catamaran depart from in Athens?

The tour departs from Alimos Marina on the Athens coast.

Do they provide snorkelling equipment?

Yes, snorkelling gear as well as SUP & kayak use are included in the tour price.

Is this suitable for families or kids?

Yes, families are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during sailing.

What are the main swim stops during this day trip?

The boat anchors at Hydrousa islet and Vouliagmeni Bay for swimming breaks.

Can special diets be accommodated onboard?

Yes, special diets can be arranged if requested ahead of time.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Alimos Marina with an English-speaking captain and hostess guiding your small group along the Athens Riviera. You’ll enjoy two swim stops at Hydrousa islet and Vouliagmeni Bay, use provided snorkelling gear or try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking if you feel like it. A freshly cooked Greek meal—including salads, starters, main course and fruit—is served onboard before returning to port in Athens.