Private Wooden Boat Sunset Cruise from Varkiza, Athens Riviera

This is a private sunset cruise on a renovated traditional wooden boat, leaving Varkiza Marina on the Athens Riviera. Over about five hours you swim in quiet coves, try the paddle board, eat a home-made meal on deck and watch the sun go down over the Saronic Gulf. The price starts from €900 for the whole boat, with skipper, crew, food, drinks and fuel included.

What is the wooden boat sunset cruise?

It is a relaxed afternoon and evening at sea on a 10-metre traditional Greek motor boat, the kind of wooden boat that fishermen and island families have used for generations, restored and fitted out for guests. The boat is booked for your group only, so there are no strangers on board and the skipper sets the pace around you.

Traditional boats move slowly and sit low on the water, which is exactly the point. You are close to the sea, the deck is open, there is music on board and nobody is in a hurry. It feels very different from a modern yacht, more like a day out with a local family who happen to own a boat.

Where does the cruise go?

The cruise starts and ends at Varkiza Marina, on the southern stretch of the Athens Riviera. The route follows the coast around Varkiza, Lemos Vouliagmenis and Astir Beach, then heads in the direction of Cape Sounio for the sunset. Along the way the skipper stops in secluded bays and coves that you can only reach by boat, where the water is clear and there are no crowds.

The exact route depends on the wind and sea on the day. Local skippers know which side of each headland will be calm, so the swim stops are chosen on the spot rather than fixed in advance.

What happens on the day?

You meet the crew at Varkiza Marina. We email you the exact meeting point after you book. Once everyone is on board, the boat heads out along the coast and the first swim stop comes soon after.

At each anchorage you can jump in, snorkel with the masks and fins on board, or take the stand-up paddle board out across the bay. Back on deck there is a light home-made meal with fresh fruit, plus water, soft drinks, wine, beer and ouzo. As the afternoon turns to evening, the boat moves towards the best spot for the sunset, and you watch the light change over the water before cruising back to Varkiza.

What is included?

• The boat: a private cruise on a renovated 10-metre traditional wooden boat.
• Crew: a professional skipper and crew.
• Swim kit: snorkelling masks and fins, and one stand-up paddle board.
• Food and drink: a light home-made meal, fruit, water, soft drinks, wine, beer and ouzo.
• Costs: fuel, VAT and taxes.

Is it right for me?

Yes, if you want an easy, social evening on the water with your own group. This cruise works well for couples, families with children, groups of friends, student groups and bachelor or bachelorette parties. No boating experience is needed, and swimming is optional. If someone in your group prefers to stay dry, the deck is a comfortable place to spend the whole trip.

Good to know

• The price is for the whole boat, not per person, so it gets better value as your group grows.
• Only one paddle board is on board, so the group takes turns.
• The boat is slower than a modern yacht, which suits a calm sunset trip.
• Tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you book.

When is the best time to go?

The swimming season on the Athens Riviera runs from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest sea from July to September. June and September are often the most pleasant months, with warm water, softer heat and long evenings. Sunset times change through the summer, so we set the departure time with you when we confirm the booking. Weekends and peak summer dates go first, so book early.

How to get there from central Athens

Varkiza is on the coast road south of the city, roughly 30 kilometres from Syntagma. The easiest way is by taxi or car along the coastal avenue through Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. Allow extra time in summer traffic, especially on Friday and weekend afternoons. If you are driving, ask us about parking near the marina when we send your meeting details.

What to bring

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. A light layer is useful for the ride back after sunset, when the breeze on the water can feel cool even in summer.