Athens Riviera: Morning Catamaran Cruise with Swim & Lunch

Summary

Swim off Voula & Astir Beach then seafood lunch on a catamaran

You’ll sail from Alimos Marina along the Athens Riviera with a small group, stopping for swims near Voula and Astir Beach Hotel. Fresh seafood lunch is served onboard after your first swim, with wine or beer included. It’s a relaxed way to see another side of Athens — one you might not expect so close to the city.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Megalo Kavouri before I realized how close the Athenian Riviera actually is to the city — maybe half an hour from downtown Athens, and suddenly you’re looking at water so clear you can see your toes. Our guide, Yannis, handed out snorkels and grinned when I hesitated (I’m not exactly a fish). The morning air felt salty and fresh, kind of woke me up better than coffee. There was this low hum of conversation in Greek and English, just enough to feel like we were all in on something good.

The first swim stop was off Voula, near Hydroussa islet. I didn’t expect the water to be that cool — sharp at first but then just right. Someone passed around slices of watermelon and the juice ran down my wrist; it mixed weirdly with the smell of sunscreen and sea. Yannis pointed out where the locals like to swim, said he used to come here as a kid. He laughed when my friend tried some Greek (“efharisto!”), probably got it all wrong but nobody seemed to mind.

Lunch happened somewhere between swims — seafood pasta, salads, little plates of olives and bread. I still think about that pasta; maybe it was just being out on the water but everything tasted brighter. We stopped again off Astir Beach Hotel (apparently very fancy) for another dip. Sun bounced off the deck and there was this lazy rhythm to everything — people drying off in patches of sun or just watching the coastline slide by. Five hours went fast. I found myself wishing we’d lingered even longer at sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning catamaran cruise and swim stops

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

Top questions

How long does the Athens catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 5 hours in total.

Where does the catamaran depart from in Athens?

The tour departs every morning from Alimos Marina.

Are meals and drinks included on this cruise?

Yes, lunch is served onboard along with wine or beer (not unlimited).

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for guests who want to use it.

What are the main swim stops on this tour?

You’ll stop near Voula (Hydroussa islet) and off Astir Beach Hotel.

Can children join this catamaran cruise?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is public transportation available near Alimos Marina?

Yes, public transportation options are nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Alimos Marina, five hours sailing on a semi-private catamaran along the Athenian Coast with stops for swimming near Voula and Astir Beach Hotel. You’ll have bottled water, snorkeling gear if you want it, a fresh seafood pasta lunch with salads and appetizers onboard (plus wine or beer), and all port fees covered before heading back in the afternoon.