Skiathos & Skopelos: Day Sailing Tour with Lunch & Swim Stops

Summary

Small group sailing from Skiathos to Skopelos with lunch, swim stops and local crew

You’ll sail between Skiathos and Skopelos on a small-group yacht with local crew (and Naya the dog), stopping to swim at hidden beaches and enjoy lunch cooked right on board. Expect laughter over wine, fresh fruit under Greek sun, and easy conversation as you drift past pine-covered coves—plus maybe dolphins if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first time I saw Rainbow bobbing in the port at Skiathos — bright paint, sun already glinting off the water, and Naya the German shepherd wagging her tail like she already knew us. There was this mix of excitement and that weird calm you get before something good starts. Our guide, Yiannis, handed out coffee and a little cake (I think it was orange? Still not sure) as we set off. The engine faded and suddenly it was just wind and the sound of ropes creaking. I’d never realized how blue the water could look until we reached Tsougria Island for our first swim — like someone turned up the color settings.

We sailed toward Skopelos after that, passing Panormos Bay. You could smell pine trees drifting from shore when the breeze shifted. Yiannis pointed out a cove where they filmed some scenes from Mamma Mia — he seemed amused by how excited we got about that. Swimming there felt kind of surreal; salt stung my lips but in a good way. Lunch was cooked right on board (the kitchen is tiny but somehow everything tasted better out there). Greek spirit kitchen is what they called it — grilled veggies, fresh bread, wine that made us all a bit chatty.

There were only a handful of us on this day trip Skiathos Skopelos sailing tour, so it never felt crowded or rushed. At one point Naya curled up next to me while I dried off in the sun — she takes her job as “crew” very seriously. Someone spotted dolphins for about five seconds and everyone scrambled for their phones but mostly just laughed because they were gone too fast. We stopped again near Arkos Island for fruit salad and cold drinks; I’m still thinking about that watermelon under the afternoon sun.

The sail back was quieter, everyone stretched out along the deck or leaning over the side watching Skiathos come into view again. I didn’t expect to feel so at home on a boat full of strangers, but maybe that’s just what happens when you share salty hair and stories for a whole day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and swimming around Skiathos and Skopelos

• Start sailing at 10:00 AM
• Swim at Tsougria Island
• Sail to Skopelos from Panormos Bay
• Swim at Panormos Bay
• Sail close to Skopelos coast
• View Mamma Mia and Elios beaches
• Swim and have lunch on board
• Visit Lalaria or Dasia and Arkos Islands
• Enjoy fruit salad and cold drinks
• Return to Skiathos port around 17:00

Top questions

How long is the Skiathos & Skopelos sailing tour?

The tour starts at 10:00 AM and returns around 5:00 PM, so about 7 hours.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is cooked on board using Greek recipes and includes drinks.

Are there swimming stops during the sailing tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming at different islands and beaches along the route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for guests to use during swim stops.

Can children join this sailing trip?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee and cold drinks are offered throughout the day.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Skiathos port for departure.

Is there a guide or crew on board?

Yes, there’s a helpful local crew plus Naya the German shepherd who keeps everyone company.

What’s included

Your day includes morning coffee with dessert as you set sail from Skiathos port, all snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle gear for swim stops at Tsougria Island and Skopelos coves, plus lunch cooked fresh on board with wine or beer. Cold drinks are served throughout—alongside fruit salad in the afternoon—before returning to port by evening.