Top Athens Cruises & Sailing - page 65

There are plenty of high-quality Athens cruises and sailing excursions to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best available right now:

• All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included

• Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ

• Athens Day Cruise: 3 Islands Tour in the Saronic Gulf with Lunch

• Athens: All-Day Cruise to Agistri Moni Aegina with Lunch & Drinks

• Athens Riviera Catamaran tour with fresh Meal Drinks and Swimming

While cruises and sailing excursions in Athens aren’t cheap, that’s because most are at least four hours long and include lunch. On the lower end of the price range, you’ll find cruises and sailing excursions starting around US$150 per person. The most expensive experiences are private boats that start around US$1,800 per group plus a fuel surcharge (around US$1,000).

Yes, Athens cruises and sailing excursions are worth it, especially if it's your first trip to Greece or you're visiting in the summer when the city is hot and crowded. Enjoy the cool sea breeze as you island hop and notice how each island has a slightly different vibe. Many excursions and cruises stop at remote beaches that are not easily accessible, and some include lunch or stops for snorkeling and kayaking.

Per one customer who booked the All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included, "I'd give this experience 10 stars if I could. It was an amazing day cruise with great food, great drinks, and great vibes. The crew was funny and helpful, and nothing beats visiting the Greek islands. We even got a private pistachio tour on Aegina."

Before booking cruises and sailing excursions in Athens, consider your goals. Look for a trip that doesn’t focus on having free time on land at local islands if you want to spend as much time as possible on the open water or snorkeling. Read reviews and check what’s included in the cruise package: not all vessels have restrooms, while some offer free Wi-Fi, snacks, snorkeling gear, or other amenities.

It’s best to bring your own towel for Athens cruises and sailing excursions, as most tour operators don’t provide them. Pack sunscreen and apply it frequently, and carry your own bottle of water. Also, be flexible: Your excursion is at the captain’s discretion, and they may have to deviate from the published itinerary due to boat traffic or weather conditions.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Athens aside from Athens cruises and sailing excursions. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Athens Archaeology Tours

• Athens Sailing Tours

• Athens Port Transfers

• Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

• Athens Spas

Most Athens boat tours head west toward the Saronic Islands, an archipelago that includes Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Salamina. You may also stop at the uninhabited islet of Metopi, which boasts a white-sand beach and beautiful turquoise water where you can swim. Some cruises simply sail southeast along the Athens Riviera and don’t drop anchor until they reach Alimos.

Most Athens cruises and sailing excursions that focus on sailing, swimming, and views last 4–5 hours. However, you’ll also find tours that offer ample free time to explore the islands, whether on foot or by bike; these typically last full days, so expect to be out for about 10 hours.

Yes, lunch or dinner is often included on Athens boat tours. Meals are typically Greek buffets or barbecues, and some tours offer drinks as well. Pricier tours may include alcoholic beverages, although they’re not always unlimited—check the package details before embarking and bring money if you may want to purchase more. Contact the operator before booking if you have food allergies or dietary preferences to ensure they can accommodate them.

The Private Cruise to Poseidon Temple at Sounio Cape with Snorkeling and Swimming is a top-rated boat tour to the Temple of Poseidon. While it's not cheap, this cruise is among the most scenic and peaceful ways to travel to the Cape Sounion landmark. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private tour guide, snacks, and even time for snorkeling. Per one reviewer, "We confidently declare this Athens trip the best ever! We were blown away by abundant wildlife: a majestic sea turtle, a rare octopus sighting, and mesmerizing schools of fish. The adventure was further enhanced by activities like rock jumping and snorkeling into a remarkable sea cave. Our guide, Denae, was exceptional."

You’ll need to pack several things for your cruise or sailing excursion in Athens: sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and cash for tipping the crew and for shopping on the islands you stop at. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear, a towel (if your cruise doesn’t provide them), a bag to put your wet bathing suit in, and perhaps a change of dry clothes. Typically, life jackets are provided by the boat crew.