Snorkeling in Nafplio: Private Sail with Daskalio Island

Sail to three snorkeling stops and walk a 17th-century island in one day

A full-day private sailing cruise from Nafplio's Old Port through the Argolic Gulf, with stops for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, a walk through Daskalio's rugged landscape and Venetian ruins, and a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal on board. A live English or Greek-speaking guide and captain lead the route, which can shift due to weather. The itinerary includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day sailing and island exploration

• Sail from Nafplio Old Port
• Stop at Romvi Island for breakfast
• Sail to Daskaleio Island
• Explore Daskaleio Island and have lunch on board
• Sail to Xiropigado
• Swim and snorkel at quiet spot
• Swim and relax at another quiet spot
• Sail to Karathonas Beach
• Swim and snorkel at Karathonas Beach
• Sail back to Nafplio port

The experience

The boat leaves Nafplio's Old Port and sails along the coastline toward Romvi island, where you'll have breakfast surrounded by the Argolic Gulf. From there the route heads to Daskalio, an uninhabited island near Tolo that holds the ruins of a 17th-century Venetian fortress built by Francesco Morosini in 1686, plus the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi: the legendary site of a "Krifo Scholio" (Secret School) where locals studied in secret during Ottoman occupation. You'll step ashore for a short walk through the rugged landscape and take in the views before returning to the boat for lunch.

The afternoon splits between two more stops in quiet water: Xiropigado and Karathonas Beach, one of Nafplio's most famous stretches. At each you can swim, snorkel with the provided equipment, or stay on deck. The boat carries a live guide in English or Greek, a captain, snorkeling gear for everyone, a stand-up paddleboard, and a Bluetooth speaker. A GoPro camera and drone are on board if you want footage of the day. The full route takes eight hours and ends back at Nafplio port. Weather can shift the stops, but the core experience (sailing, snorkeling, history and food) stays intact.

Breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water, soda and snacks are all included. Life jackets are provided. You'll need to bring your own swimsuit, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. A light jacket or shawl is optional depending on the season. Infants can ride in a stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. The boat suits all fitness levels and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water, soda and snacks.
• a stand-up paddleboard.
• a live guide in English or Greek.
• a GoPro camera and drone for photos and video.
• return transport to Nafplio port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nafplio Sun Sail Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a fixed itinerary that combines snorkeling at multiple stops with a guided walk through 17th-century Venetian ruins and an onboard meal: all as a group moving together. Choose a rental boat instead if you'd rather set your own pace and linger at individual spots.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

11 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

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.

What can I actually see and do at Daskalio island?

Daskalio is an uninhabited island where you step ashore for a short walk through rugged terrain and see the remains of a 17th-century Venetian fortress built in 1686, plus the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi, which served as a secret school during Ottoman rule. The walk is brief and the views across the Argolic Gulf are the main draw.

How much time do I get to snorkel at each stop?

The itinerary includes three stops with crystal-clear water (Xiropigado, Karathonas Beach and Romvi), where you can swim and snorkel. The exact time at each depends on weather and conditions, but the boat is built around giving you multiple chances to get in the water across the full eight-hour day.

What's included in the meals, and are there dietary options?

Breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, bottled water, soda and snacks are all on board. The lunch is a freshly prepared Mediterranean meal featuring local flavors, served on deck. Dietary needs aren't specified in the booking details, so contact the operator directly if you have restrictions.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets. You'll need to bring your own swimsuit, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. A light jacket or shawl is optional. A stand-up paddleboard is also available if you want to try it.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary can be modified due to weather conditions, so the specific stops may shift. The core experience (sailing, snorkeling, the island visit and the meal) stays the same, but the route adapts to keep everyone safe.

Is this tour suitable for children and infants?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, and service animals are allowed on board.