Luxury Catamaran Morning Private & Greek Gastronomy in Athens

The best part of this Athens outing is the quick change of scene: you leave the city behind and spend the morning on a private catamaran with clear swimming water, snorkeling gear, and a SUP ready to use. I like the onboard Greek meal, with appetizers, salad-style dishes, pasta or other fresh fare, fruit, and dessert, and I like that your group gets the boat to itself. The main catch is the price: at $1,583.09 for up to 10 people, it makes the most sense for a full group rather than a couple.

I also like the easy pickup option around Alimos and the thoughtful extras, including towels, fishing gear, WiFi, restroom access, local beer, wine, and soft drinks. Keep in mind that the exact meal and swimming stops can shift with weather and timing, and the listed transport supplement varies by group size.

Key things to know before you book

• Ydrousa is the main swimming stop: You can snorkel, use the SUP, sunbathe, fish, or simply stay on deck.
• Greek food is cooked onboard: Coffee, welcome drinks, snacks, traditional appetizers, a main meal, and dessert are included.
• The catamaran is private for your group: The boat accommodates up to 10 people, with an English-speaking skipper and chef.
• Pickup is available near Alimos: The operator can collect you within 8 kilometers of the marina, usually 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
• Vouliagmeni adds a second swimming break: You get time at the beach while the chef prepares the main meal.
• The price works best for groups: A large family or group of friends can divide the cost, while two people pay a much higher effective rate.

Leaving Athens from Alimos at 9:30

This private catamaran trip begins at Pier 2 in Alimos at 9:30 in the morning. Alimos is a practical departure point for an Athenian Riviera outing, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

If you are staying within 8 kilometers of the marina, pickup can be arranged from your location. The van normally arrives about 1 to 1.5 hours before departure, then brings you back after the cruise. The driver contacts you by WhatsApp, Viber, or phone, which helps when a hotel entrance is hard to spot.

Pickup is not included in the tour price. The supplied details list a round-trip charge of €50 for one person, €25 per person for two people, and €20 per person for groups of three to 10. Confirm the exact amount when booking, especially if you are traveling alone, since the pricing is presented differently for a solo pickup.

The tour lasts about six hours, including travel time. One sailing account describes a trip closer to five hours, so I would not plan a tight connection or a fixed afternoon appointment afterward. Boat schedules can change with wind, anchoring, and meal preparation.

A private boat with room to set your own pace

The boat is reserved for your party, not mixed with a larger public group. That makes a real difference for families, friends, and groups celebrating a special day. You can move between swimming, sunbathing, eating, and sitting in the shade without having to match the mood of strangers.

The published capacity is up to 10 people per group. That is a useful size for a family gathering or a group of friends, but comfort depends on how much personal space each person wants. Ten people can share the boat, though a smaller group will naturally have more room to spread out.

The onboard setup is practical rather than bare-bones. You have a restroom, WiFi, fresh beach towels, snorkeling equipment, a SUP, and fishing equipment. These details save you from packing a beach bag full of bulky gear. I would still bring a swimsuit, sun protection, a change of clothes, and anything specific you need for the day.

The English-speaking crew includes a skipper and chef. Prodromos and Eva are named in the trip information as members of the crew, and their role is described as warm, attentive, and professional. The skipper handles the sailing and safety side while the chef prepares food onboard.

Ydrousa, the day’s main swim stop

The first listed stop is Ydrousa, a small uninhabited island. The plan allows about 1 hour and 15 minutes there, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, fishing, and relaxing on the catamaran.

The appeal is simple. You are not visiting a crowded town or checking off a long list of sights. You are using the island as a quiet base for time in the water. The lack of permanent settlement helps give the stop a more peaceful feel, though it also means there are no shops, cafés, or facilities ashore.

The supplied equipment includes masks and snorkels, so you can get into the water without renting gear. A SUP is also available, which gives you another way to enjoy the bay. Fishing equipment is included too, although the information does not promise a catch or describe a dedicated fishing session.

This is the part of the outing that families often find easiest. The boat provides towels, water, snacks, and a restroom, while children can choose between swimming and staying onboard. For younger children, you will still need to supervise them closely around the water and on the boat.

The main limitation is that Ydrousa is a swimming stop, not a sightseeing destination with a formal shore visit. If you want ruins, village streets, or a guided tour of an island, this is not that kind of excursion. If you want a quiet patch of sea and several hours away from Athens, it fits well.

Vouliagmeni Beach and the second swim

The second stop is Vouliagmeni Beach, another place to swim and enjoy the golden sand. The planned time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and this stop gives the day a change of setting after the more secluded Ydrousa.

Vouliagmeni is part of the Athenian Riviera, so you get a different view of the coast and the city’s seaside side. The stop is described as historic, though the activity centers on swimming and exploring the beach rather than a formal historical explanation.

This is also when the chef prepares the main meal. That timing works well: you can swim first, dry off with one of the provided towels, and then settle in for lunch. Since the meal is prepared on the boat, you are not spending part of your limited cruise time searching for a restaurant or waiting for a table.

The two stops also make the day feel less repetitive. Ydrousa offers a small-island setting, while Vouliagmeni brings you back toward the familiar Athenian coast. Still, the exact order or time at each location may depend on the day’s conditions, so treat the schedule as a plan rather than a guarantee.

Greek food served between swims

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this catamaran instead of a basic boat rental. The menu includes coffee and welcome drinks, fresh fruit, snacks, traditional appetizers, a main meal, soft drinks, water, local beers, and dessert.

The food is described as Greek and made with fresh local ingredients. Examples associated with the onboard meal include canapés, Greek specialties, Greek salad, and pasta with pesto prepared on the boat. The menu can change with the time of day and the ingredients available, so do not book expecting one fixed restaurant-style menu.

I like the way the food is built into the rhythm of the cruise. You are not handed a boxed lunch and left to manage it yourself. Small bites and drinks are available early, then the more substantial meal comes after swimming. That makes the experience feel generous without turning the entire outing into a long formal lunch.

Local beer and wine are included for those aged 18 and over. Mineral water and soft drinks are also provided, which matters on a warm day when you need more than alcohol. Special wines and cocktails cost extra, as do additional drinks and meals for special events.

Vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free choices are available. Tell the operator about dietary needs before the trip so the chef can plan properly. The supplied details do not provide a fixed list of substitutions, so you should confirm the exact menu if your restrictions are serious or medically necessary.

What the $1,583 price really means

The listed price is $1,583.09 per group of up to 10 people. That is a high total, but it includes a private boat, crew, fuel, port fees, taxes, food, drinks, water equipment, towels, and a six-hour outing.

For 10 people, the base cost works out to about $158 per person before pickup and gratuity. For five people, it is about $317 each. For two people, the same private boat becomes a major splurge.

This is why group size matters more here than with a standard shared cruise. A large family can spread the cost across several people and gain the privacy of a dedicated crew. A couple may prefer a shared sailing trip or a shorter boat rental if keeping the budget under control is important.

The value is strongest for people who care about convenience. You do not need to rent snorkels, buy beach towels, arrange a restaurant lunch, or pay separate marina costs. You also avoid the uncertainty of finding a boat that can accommodate a mixed-age group.

Tips for the crew are not included. Pickup is also extra. Add those costs before comparing this outing with other Athenian Riviera cruises.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this experience to families and friend groups that want a relaxed day rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. The private format makes it easier to accommodate children, dietary needs, different swimming abilities, and people who want to stay dry.

It also suits couples celebrating a special occasion, provided they are comfortable with the price. The combination of a private catamaran, prepared lunch, swimming, and city views gives the day a special feel without requiring a full overnight escape from Athens.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or want an active itinerary on land. The main activities are swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, eating, and relaxing. The uninhabited island has no shops or organized shore attractions.

The trip is also weather-dependent. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protection is useful, but you still need flexibility in your Athens schedule.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water without fuss. Bring sunscreen and a hat, even though towels are provided. The information does not specify how much shade is available, so I would not assume you can stay out of the sun all day.

Use the provided WhatsApp, Viber, or phone contact to confirm your pickup details. If you are staying more than 8 kilometers from Alimos, the operator will give you another meeting point rather than promising a hotel collection.

The boat has WiFi and a restroom, but the real appeal is being outside. Keep your phone protected from spray, especially if you plan to take photos while using the SUP or snorkeling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The local time in Athens controls the cutoff.

Should you book this private Athens cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to divide the cost and want a private day of swimming, Greek food, and easy onboard service. Families will appreciate the gear, towels, food, and flexible pace, while friends can use the boat as a comfortable base for a half-day on the Athenian Riviera.

Think twice if you are traveling as only one or two people and price matters. The boat, chef, drinks, and private crew are appealing, but the per-person cost becomes steep. Also skip it if your main goal is historical sightseeing, because the day is built around the sea rather than monuments.

For the right group, this is a polished way to trade Athens heat and traffic for open water, a quiet island stop, and a meal cooked while you swim. Just confirm pickup charges, dietary arrangements, and the day’s expected timing before paying.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin?

The meeting point is Pier 2 in Alimos, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am. Pickup, when arranged, usually takes place about 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available within an 8-kilometer radius of the Alimos marina. If you are farther away, the operator will provide another meeting point.

How much does transportation cost?

The supplied details list round-trip pickup at €50 for one person, €25 per person for two people, and €20 per person for groups of three to 10. Confirm the exact charge when booking.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private catamaran accepts groups of up to 10 people. Only your group participates in the activity.

What food and drinks are included?

The experience includes coffee, welcome drinks, fresh fruit, snacks, traditional appetizers, a main meal, dessert, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer, and wine for those aged 18 and over.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a SUP, fishing equipment, and fresh beach towels are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.