Athens: Morning Catamaran Cruise & Swimming with Lunch

Thirty minutes from Athens, there's a coastline most visitors never see

You sail out from Alimos Marina on a small catamaran to two swimming spots along the Athenian Riviera, with snorkeling gear and lunch onboard. The water is shallow and clear at the first stop near Voula, then you move to a second spot near Astir Beach. Wine, beer and seafood lunch are included in the five-hour morning trip, so you return to the city by early afternoon without arranging transport or paying extra at a beach club.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning catamaran cruise and swimming

• Depart from Alimos Marina
• Swim at Voula and Hydroussa islet
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Swim near Astir Beach Hotel

The experience

What if the best swimming in Athens wasn't at a crowded beach, but somewhere you could only reach by boat? The morning catamaran cruise departs Alimos Marina at a time that lets you sleep in a little, then sails out to the Athenian Riviera where the water turns from murky harbor blue to something actually clear. The boat holds a small group, not a floating party, just enough people that you're not alone but you're not packed in either. Five hours sounds long until you realize how much of that is just floating in the water with a drink in hand.

The first swim stop is off Voula, near the Hydroussa islet, where the water stays shallow and transparent enough that you can see the bottom. You get time to swim, snorkel if you brought the gear (or use theirs, it's included), and just sit on the deck watching the coast. Then the boat moves to the second stop near Astir Beach, one of those places that usually costs money to access but here you're already there, already in the water. Lunch arrives while you're still damp (seafood pasta, salads, appetizers), and they pour wine and beer without the usual resort markup. It's not fancy, but it tastes better when you're floating on the Aegean.

The sailing itself is the point. You're on an actual catamaran, not a speedboat, so the motion is gentle and the whole thing feels less like a tour and more like someone invited you out on their boat for the day. Bottled water keeps showing up, the crew knows the spots where the water is calmest, and by the time you head back toward Alimos in the late morning, you've had five hours away from the city without having to rent a car or figure out which beach bus goes where.

What’s included

Five hours sailing on a catamaran, two swim stops with snorkeling equipment, lunch onboard with seafood pasta and salads, wine and beer, bottled water, fuel and port fees, and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Mar 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by YachtHop

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to swim in clear water without renting a car or navigating beach clubs. The boat handles the transport and the meal, so you just show up and get in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Alimos Marina from central Athens?

About 30 minutes by car or public transport from the city center.

What time does the catamaran depart?

Every morning. Check the booking confirmation for your specific departure time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided. Bring your own if you prefer.

What's included in the lunch?

Seafood pasta, salads, appetizers, plus wine and beer (not unlimited).

How many people are on the boat?

Small group size. Exact numbers vary by departure.

What if the weather is bad?

Check your confirmation for the operator's weather policy and cancellation terms.

Do I need to bring anything?

Sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit. Water and snorkeling gear are provided.