Private Full Day Wooden Boat Cruise from Varkiza to Cape Sounio

This is a full day at sea on a private traditional wooden boat, leaving Varkiza Marina on the Athens Riviera at 10:30 and returning at 18:30. You cruise the coast to Cape Sounio, see the Temple of Poseidon from the water, swim and snorkel in clear bays and share a Greek barbecue lunch on deck. The price starts from €1,200 for the whole boat, with crew, fuel, food and drinks included.

What is the full day wooden boat cruise?

It is eight hours on a renovated 10-metre traditional Greek motor boat, booked only for your group. The boat has an open deck, shade and music, and comes with an experienced captain and crew who look after the route, the swim stops and the food. There are no other guests, so the day runs at your pace.

A traditional wooden boat is not built for speed. It cruises gently along the coast, sits close to the water and makes every stop feel easy. For a long summer day with swimming, food and good company, that is a big part of the appeal.

Where does the cruise go?

You leave from Varkiza Marina and follow the Athens Riviera, passing Lemos Vouliagmenis, Astir Beach and the coves around Varkiza. The main goal of the day is Cape Sounio, the headland at the southern tip of Attica where the marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon stand above the sea. Seeing the temple from the water, with the cliffs below it, is one of the best views on this coast.

On the way there and back, the captain anchors in quiet bays where the water is clear and calm. The exact stops depend on the wind, and the crew picks the most sheltered spots on the day.

What happens on the day?

You meet the crew at Varkiza Marina in the morning. We email the exact meeting point after booking. The boat leaves at 10:30, and the time is flexible if your group needs a little more or less.

The first part of the day is about the coast and the water. At each stop you can swim, snorkel with the gear on board, float on the water sofa or take out the stand-up paddle board. Around the middle of the day the crew prepares a Greek meal on board: barbecue, Greek salad and fresh fruit, with wine, beer, ouzo, soft drinks and water. After the visit to Cape Sounio and more time in the water, you cruise back and arrive at Varkiza around 18:30.

What is included?

• The boat: a private full day cruise on a 10-metre traditional wooden boat.
• Crew: an experienced captain and crew.
• Water fun: snorkelling gear, a water sofa and one stand-up paddle board.
• Food: a Greek meal with barbecue, Greek salad and fresh fruit.
• Drinks: wine, beer, ouzo, soft drinks and water.
• Costs: fuel, VAT, taxes and the equipment on board.

Is it right for me?

It suits families, couples and groups of friends who want a whole day on the water without planning anything. No boating experience is needed, and you can swim as much or as little as you like. Because the boat is private, it also works well for small celebrations such as birthdays. Tell us what you are celebrating and we will pass it on to the crew.

Good to know

• The price covers the whole boat, so it gets better value as your group grows.
• There is one paddle board, so the group takes turns.
• Shade is available on board, but eight hours in the sun is a long time, so bring a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
• Let us know about allergies and dietary needs when you book.

When is the best time to go?

The best months for a long swimming day are June to September, when the sea is warm and the days are long. July and August are the hottest and busiest, while June and September often bring calmer seas and more comfortable temperatures. Weekends fill first, so we recommend booking early for summer dates.

How to get there from central Athens

Varkiza is on the coast south of Athens, about 30 kilometres from Syntagma. The simplest option is a taxi or car along the coastal avenue through Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. Leave plenty of time in summer morning traffic so you are at the marina before 10:30.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. A light long-sleeved top is useful for the afternoon sun and for the ride back in the early evening.