Semi-Private Catamaran Cruise Athens: BBQ, Swim Stops & Pick-up

Our semi-private catamaran cruise takes a maximum of 10 guests on a Lagoon 400 sailing catamaran along the Athens Riviera for five hours. Hotel pick-up, a Greek barbecue lunch, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks, and two to three swim stops are all included, from €170 per person. It is the closest thing to a private yacht day without paying for the whole boat.

What is a semi-private catamaran cruise?

It is a shared cruise with a strict cap on numbers. Only ten guests sail together, so you get the space, attention and pace of a private charter while sharing the cost with a few other travellers. The boat is a Lagoon 400, a 12-metre sailing catamaran with two hulls, wide decks, loungers and trampoline nets stretched between the bows where you can lie over the water.

Catamarans are steadier than single-hull boats, which makes them a good choice for anyone worried about motion. They also sit high and flat, so moving around the deck with a glass in hand is easy.

Where does the cruise go?

We sail from Alimos Marina, south of central Athens, and follow the Athens Riviera coastline for about 25 nautical miles. This is the coast of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and the rocky headlands beyond, with the mountains of Hymettus behind and open Saronic Gulf in front.

The skipper picks two or three anchorages on the day, choosing secluded bays with clear water and shelter from the wind. That flexibility matters: on a breezy day the best swim spot can change, and a small boat can get into coves that larger cruise boats cannot.

What happens on the day?

A minivan collects you from your hotel in central Athens and drives you to Alimos Marina. After a welcome drink and a short safety briefing, the crew casts off and you head south along the coast. At each anchorage you can dive off the stern, snorkel with the gear on board, float, or stretch out on the nets in the sun.

While you swim, the crew fires up the grill. Lunch is served family style: grilled meats and seafood, Greek salad, Mediterranean vegetables, dips and appetisers, then seasonal fruit and dessert. Wine, beer and soft drinks are unlimited throughout. After the last swim you sail back to Alimos, and the driver takes you to your hotel.

What is included?

• Transport: minivan pick-up and return from central Athens hotels.
• Food: family-style Greek barbecue with meat, seafood, salads, dips, fruit and dessert.
• Drinks: welcome drink, then unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks.
• Swim kit: snorkelling masks and fresh towels.
• Crew: a professional skipper and crew, plus a safety briefing before departure.

Is it right for me?

This cruise suits couples, small groups of friends and families who want a relaxed, social day at sea with good food and room to breathe. No sailing experience is needed, and you can be as active or lazy as you like. Children are welcome but must be supervised in the water. If you have special dietary needs, vegetarian and vegan meals can be prepared when you tell us in advance.

Semi-private or private?

• Semi-private: you book seats, share the boat with up to nine other guests and pay per person.
• Private: your group has the whole catamaran or yacht, sets the route with the skipper and pays one price for the boat.

For couples and small parties, semi-private is usually the better value. For groups of six or more, a private charter can work out similar per head.

When is the best time to go?

The sea along the Riviera is warmest from July to September, though June and early October are often ideal for swimming with fewer boats around. Afternoon winds on the Saronic Gulf can pick up in midsummer, which is when the skipper’s local knowledge of sheltered bays pays off. Peak months fill quickly, so we recommend booking at least two weeks ahead.

How to get there from central Athens

You do not need to get there yourself. Hotel pick-up and return from central Athens are included, and we confirm the pick-up time once you book. If you are staying outside the centre or prefer to make your own way, Alimos Marina is around 20 to 30 minutes by taxi from Syntagma, and the tram along the coast stops nearby. The boat leaves from Pier 8.

Good to know

• Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• The catamaran has shade, but the sun on the water is strong, so reapply often.
• Tell us about allergies when you book so the crew can plan the barbecue.
• Cruises depend on weather. If we cancel for safety, you choose a new date or a refund.