Skopelos to Alonissos Sailing: Small Group Marine Park Day

Summary

Sail skopelos to alonissos marine park with meals small group

You’ll sail from Skopelos with a small group and family crew, swimming in hidden coves inside Alonissos Marine Park. Enjoy breakfast after your first swim, try SUP or snorkel gear in calm bays, and share lunch on deck before heading back across open sea — it feels less like a tour and more like being let in on something local.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how quiet the sea felt just after we left Skopelos port. It’s funny — I expected chatter, maybe music, but it was mostly the sound of water brushing the hull and the siblings (our skippers) calling out to each other in Greek as they raised the sails. There were only seven of us plus them, so it felt more like joining someone’s family day out than a tour. The sun wasn’t too harsh yet; I could still smell coffee from the galley drifting up while we watched the coastline slip by. Someone pointed out dolphins but I missed them — typical.

Our first swim stop in the Alonissos Marine Park was this cove where the water was so clear you could see pebbles at the bottom. I hesitated before jumping in (it looked cold), but our guide, Eleni, just laughed and said “you’ll regret not trying.” She was right — it felt sharp at first but then kind of perfect. Breakfast tasted better after swimming, maybe because we’d earned it or maybe because everything tastes different at sea. There was this bread with local honey that stuck to my fingers.

We sailed deeper into the marine park for lunch — another bay, even quieter. Some people tried stand-up paddleboarding (I fell off twice, which got applause from Nikos). Lunch was simple but good: fresh salad, grilled fish, that sort of thing. At some point I just lay back and listened to nothing except water lapping against the boat and distant cicadas on shore. It’s strange how quickly you lose track of time out there; I almost forgot we had to go back.

The last swim stop had a different feel — more open water, a bit windier, saltier on your skin somehow. On the way back to Skopelos, everyone got quiet for a while. Maybe tired or just not wanting it to end yet. Even now I can picture that light over the Sporades as we sailed in — kind of gold and blue at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day sailing to Alonissos Marine Park

• Depart from Skopelos at 10:00
• Sail towards Alonissos and Marine Park
• First swim stop and breakfast on board
• Sail to second bay for swimming and SUP
• Lunch served on board while anchored
• Final swim stop and relaxation
• Sail back to Skopelos Port

Top questions

How long is the sailing trip from Skopelos to Alonissos?

The full-day sailing trip lasts from 10:00 am until around 6:00 pm.

Is food included during the sailing day?

Yes, both breakfast and lunch are served on board during the trip.

Are there swimming stops during this tour?

Yes, there are several swim stops within Alonissos Marine Park at different bays.

How many people are on each sailing trip?

The maximum group size is 8 guests plus crew.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I try stand-up paddleboarding on this tour?

Yes, two SUP boards are available for guests during stops in calm bays.

Is this sailing trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels as long as you’re comfortable getting on and off the boat.

Are drinks included during the day?

Bottled water, coffee and tea are included throughout your day on board.

What’s included

Your day includes morning departure from Skopelos port with breakfast served after your first swim stop inside Alonissos Marine Park; lunch is prepared fresh onboard while anchored in a quiet bay; bottled water plus coffee or tea are always available; you can use snorkel gear or try stand-up paddleboards between swims; restroom facilities are onboard too before returning late afternoon.