Snorkeling in Halkidiki: Private Sailing Yacht

Swim and snorkel in turquoise bays reachable only by boat.

A private sailing yacht cruise in Halkidiki where you choose your departure point (Kassandra or Sithonia), duration (3 to 7 hours), and stops. The boat includes snorkeling equipment and paddleboards. Your skipper customizes the route to quiet coves, Kelyfos Island, and pine-lined cliffs based on what you want to do that day. Suitable for all fitness levels, with an English-speaking skipper.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private sailing cruise around Halkidiki

• Depart from Kassandra or Sithonia
• Visit unique island for swimming and snorkeling
• Explore nearby private bays for swimming and snorkeling
• Visit landmark with shallow blue waters for diving
• Sail to Kelyfos Island
• Stop at Porto Carras private bays
• Relax on sandy beaches with beach bars

The experience

You pick where to start: Kassandra at Paliouri or Sithonia at Ammoa Resort. From either point, the yacht sails to spots most visitors never reach: private bays accessible only by water, where you swim and snorkel in shallow turquoise coves lined with pine forest. Kelyfos Island appears on the longer cruises, a limestone formation with underwater caves and depths ideal for snorkeling, especially if you're new to it. The skipper knows the route and adjusts it based on weather, your pace, and what you want to do: more time in the water, a longer sail, or a stop at a quiet beach bar.

Snorkeling gear and a paddleboard come with you. The 3-hour sunset option glides past isolated beaches as the light changes; the 5-hour cruise reaches Kelyfos and Porto Carras' private bays; the full 7-hour day includes all of it. Fuel, taxes and the skipper's expertise are included. If you want a traditional fish taverna stop, you can arrange that separately when you book.

This works for couples, friends, and families. The boat is yours alone: no shared departures, no schedule except the one you set. Your skipper speaks English and steers around the crowded tourist beaches toward the kind of water and quiet the guidebooks don't list.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and paddleboard.
• fuel and all taxes.
• skipper with English-language guidance.
• access to Kelyfos Island and private bays reachable only by boat.

Options for this experience

6 options

Sunset sailing trip from Kassandra, lasting 3 hoursGuide in English · 18:00Additional activities: The sailing departs from Chrouso pier for a sunset sail and ends back at the same marina when the evening wraps up. Length: 3 hours. Cruise along remote Sithonia beaches and unexplored coves, unwinding fully as the sky fills with color. Sunset at Chelona island: Experience at least one magnificent sunset in Halkidiki from the water! It's the ideal time of day to unwind and enjoy.

3-hour cruise from SithoniaGuide in English · 18:00Sithonia (Porto Carras marina): Starts at Porto Carras Grand Resort and safely returns to the resort's marina after a 3-hour sunset cruise. Length: 3 hours. A late-afternoon 3-hour outing, perfect for a quick, peaceful escape during the golden hour. Sailing route and stops: Cruise past remote Sithonia beaches and undiscovered coves, unwinding fully as the sky fills with color. Sailing yacht

5-hour cruise from SithoniaGuide in English · 10:00 and 16:00Sithonia (Porto Carras marina): Leaves Porto Carras Grand Resort, sails along the Sithonia coast, and drops you back at the resort after 5 hours. Length: 5 hours. A 5-hour trip with plenty of time to sail Sithonia's waters, swim, and relax without rushing. Sailing route and stops: Enjoy a cool dip at Kelyfos island before heading to the untouched, hidden swimming bays of Porto Carras. Sailing yacht

See 3 more options

5-hour cruise from KassandraGuide in English · 10:00 and 16:00Kassandra (Paliouri): Starts at Chrouso pier, explores the local coast, and safely returns to the starting point after 5 hours. Highlights: Swimming and snorkeling, exploring Kassandra, guided tour. Length: 5 hours. The best way to discover the beauty and magical places of Halkidiki while having a great time on a yacht. Kassandra: Departs Paliouri for a 5-hour cruise. Sail the untouched Kassandra coast to swim and SUP in secluded bays. Sailing yacht: A luxurious, spacious 40-46 ft (14 m) yacht for up to 12 people, fully equipped with snorkeling gear and a SUP (paddleboard).

7-hour cruise from KassandraGuide in English · 10:00Kassandra (Paliouri): Leaves from Chrouso marina, sails around the gulf, and returns to the exact same spot after 7 hours. Length: 7 hours, running from 10:00 to 17:00, a full-day outing to the finest spots of Halkidiki: Sithonia, Kassandra and Kelyfos. Sail and swim at Kassandra's beaches, snorkel and fish around Kelyfos island, and sunbathe and swim in Sithonia. Sailing yacht: A luxurious, roomy 40-45 ft (12 m) yacht for up to 8 people, fully equipped with snorkeling gear and a SUP (paddleboard).

7-hour cruise from SithoniaGuide in English · 10:00Sithonia (Porto Carras marina): Sets off from Porto Carras Grand Resort and returns to the resort's dock after a full 7-hour day of sailing. Length: 7 hours. A full day at sea exploring Sithonia's top coastal spots at a relaxed pace with many stops. Sailing route and stops: Sail to Kelyfos island for a refreshing swim, then explore the exclusive coves of Porto Carras that cannot be reached by car. Sailing yacht

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 16:00 and 18:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by YAKO Sailing

Is this one for you?Choose your departure point and duration at checkout (Kassandra or Sithonia, and 3 to 7 hours), so the boat leaves when you're ready and visits only the stops that match your day. The skipper steers the route, which means you spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling instead of navigating or deciding where to anchor next.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

47 verified traveler reviews

5 ★45

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Kelyfos Island is specifically noted as ideal for diving and snorkeling for children and beginners, with shallow, clear water and caves to explore. The skipper adjusts the stops and pace to your comfort.

What's the difference between the 3, 5, and 7-hour options?

The 3-hour sunset cruise glides past isolated beaches in evening light. The 5-hour option visits Kelyfos Island and Porto Carras' private bays. The 7-hour cruise includes all the stops and gives you the most time to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at each location.

Which departure point should I choose, Kassandra or Sithonia?

Kassandra at Paliouri sails west to Sithonia's rugged coast and secret turquoise bays. Sithonia at Ammoa Resort sails directly to Kelyfos Island and Porto Carras. Both reach the same quiet swimming spots. Choose based on where you're staying or which base suits your day better.

Is paddleboarding included, or do I have to use it?

A paddleboard comes with the yacht and snorkeling gear. You use it if you want to. It's there as an option, not a requirement.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The skipper customizes the route based on conditions, so you'll still sail and swim, but the stops may change. The yacht operates in a range of sea states suitable for all fitness levels.