ON THE WATER · ISLAND CRUISES WITH LUNCH IN GREECE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 island cruises with lunch in Greece worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you pay.
Spend 7.5 hours aboard the Barco de Pirata from Kos, stopping at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati. You get a Greek BBQ lunch, swimming, snorkeling, music, and a waterslide. English and German crew members, including Kostas and Yanis, help keep the day moving.
“We had the best time ! The crew were amazing. Be prepared for a day of dancing,laughing, drinking and lots of sun☀️”
Set sail from Marina Delta Kallitheas at 9:45 for Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina. You’ll get swimming time, island walks, a Mediterranean buffet, wine, soft drinks, coffee, deck loungers, and a live DJ on the return to Athens. Hotel pickup is optional, and a VIP upgrade may be available onboard.
“Lots of fun. Great swimming events, great lunch and great hospitality.”
Set sail from Ouranoupoli on a glass-bottom boat to Sithonia, Diaporos, Vourvourou, and Ammouliani. You’ll see yellow corals, swim in clear water, eat souvlaki and Greek salad, and enjoy music from the onboard DJ. The crew speaks English and Greek, with vegetarian meals available by request.
“The cruise was really lovely, everything very well organised. The crew was professional and helpful, the boat clean and the meal tasteful. It was the first boat trip for my son and he enjoyed it so much that he wants to repeat the experience. The second swimming stop, at the Alykes Beach, in Ammouliani, was the one that we enjoyed the most. The crystal clear water was simply amazing, a joy to swim in for adults and kids.”
Spend about 7.5 hours aboard the Santa Maria from Kos, visiting Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos. Swim from the boat, walk through Vathy, shop for sponges, enjoy Greek BBQ, and use a free phone audio guide. Crew members Alex and Alexander are known for keeping the day friendly and fun.
“The whole trip was amazing. You get to see some beautiful places and we even got the chance to see dolphins. The crew on board were all so lovely and friendly and looked after us all.”
Spend nine hours on the Saronic Gulf aboard a spacious wooden yacht, with stops at Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina. Swim from the boat, enjoy a Greek buffet and unlimited local drinks, then wander Aegina’s harbor. Pickup from Athens is optional, and a live DJ keeps the return sail lively.
“I recommend this cruise to everyone, nice long cruise and nice service, everything organized at a high level”
You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus from Thessaloniki to Ormos Panagias, then spend eight hours cruising around Ammouliani, Banana Beach, and the Diaporos Islands. Expect swimming, a beach lunch, free time ashore, and a final 30-minute stop in crystal-clear water.
“We were with a friend who had problems with his legs and couldn't walk. The Captain and his crew went out of their way to accommodate our friend and made arrangements at each of the stops to get him to the destination points. They were fantastic!”
Sail from Heraklion to protected Dia Island on a modern catamaran with up to 20 people. Crew members including Jana and Wesley provide attentive service, while Chef Yarris prepares a seasonal Cretan lunch. Swim, snorkel, kayak, use the slide, or relax with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.
“My partner and I had a lovely time. Stunning views, the boat was immaculate. Plenty of equipment for the swimming portion. A real highlight was the food, and was makes this trip stand out from previous boat trips I’ve been on. Highly recommend!”
Sail from Vlichada Marina to Red Beach, White Beach, Mesa Pigadia, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, and Nea Kameni. You’ll swim, snorkel, eat a Greek barbecue, and enjoy unlimited drinks. Evening departures add a sunset return, while morning cruises offer a quieter ride back.
“Superb trip not to be missed. Very special and looked after extremely well by the crew. After reading all the reviews settled on this one as despite being slightly more expensive, it was quite obviously a cut above the others. Lovely other guests from all around the world. The food was fantastic all round and the sea bream with prawns beautifully cooked served at a table with linen cloths and plates/cutlery. Drinks served all day without question, couldn't top us up any faster. Sunset was beautiful and all in all a day we will always rememberRead more”
Sail from Heraklion’s Old Venetian Harbor to Dia Island aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and paddle boarding, followed by a Mediterranean meal, unlimited drinks, and sea views. Sophia and the crew handle the details in English or Greek.
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The catamaran was beautiful, the staff was absolutely amazing and so friendly — they made everyone feel welcome and taken care of from start to finish. The cruise itself was unforgettable: the water around Dia Island was crystal clear and perfect for swimming, and watching the sun slowly set over the sea was just magical. The meal served onboard was delicious and added such a nice touch to the whole experience. If you’re visiting Heraklion, don’t miss this tour — it’s the perfect mix of relaxation, stunning views, and great vibes.”
Spend 8.5 hours at sea aboard a wooden yacht with sundecks, shade, and a bar. Swim off the boat, visit Platy, Kalymnos, and Pserimos, and stop in Vathy for sponges, honey, and orange juice. Hotel transfers are included, with Alexander, Mike, and Kosta among the crew members named by recent guests.
“Eine schöne Tour.Leider wurde auf dem Schiff nur englisch gesprochen und es wurde nichts über die Inseln erzählt.”
Join a traditional wooden boat from central Athens for a 10-hour Saronic Gulf cruise. Swim near Agistri and Moni, eat Greek food with drinks onboard, then explore Aegina, its pistachios, port, and temples. Crew members such as Anna, Hassan, Panous, and Dines are praised for warm service.
“This trip was a very good tour. The places we stopped were awesome with lots of good swimming spots. Lunch was fantastic. Only thing was I wish the guides explained our itinerary a bit at the beginning and after each stop. Other than that 10/10”
Spend five hours sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island on a spacious catamaran with a professional English-speaking crew. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, fish, and watch the sunset while enjoying unlimited drinks and a fresh seafood and meat dinner. Hotel transfers are available from many Cretan resorts.
“The boat is very clean and comfortable, Dia bay is extremely amazing place for swimming and snorkelling. The hospitality on board was on the top level! I would recommend it to all 😍”
Set out from Elounda with a local fishing guide such as George or Dimitris, learn simple rod-and-bait techniques, swim near quiet coves, and eat freshly cooked fish aboard. This six-hour trip includes transfers, snorkeling gear, Greek salad, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
“Had such a fantastic time on this trip. Booked for my partners birthday and I was sceptical as it’s not my cup of tea but actually had a great time. The host was lovely and full of information about the island. Went in late October and still managed to catch loads of fish. Would highly recommend!”
Meet at Ouranoupolis’ Byzantine Tower at 11 a.m. for a six-hour cruise to Vourvourou Bay and Alykes beach. Swim from the boat in about 3 meters of water, enjoy souvlaki lunch, and use the boat slides. Theodosis and his crew help keep the day friendly and easygoing.
“Dejlig tur i det bedste vejr. God service og let lækker frokost der blev tilberedt på båden. Lydhøre kaptajn- musikken var meget høj, og da vi sad lige ved en højtaler, spurgte vi om de ville skrue lidt ned, slukkede de denne højtaler, så vi igen kunne nyde turen- hvilket vi gjorde. Dejlige svømmesteder, strand og sol”
Spend seven hours at sea from Nidri, visiting Papanikolis Cave, Giovanni’s Cave, Meganisi, Lakka Beach, and the waters near Scorpio. You will have swim stops, time in Spartochori, and a Greek BBQ buffet with drinks. The boat carries up to 40 people, and hotel transfers are not included.
“Utrolig rar båd. God plads. Ikke for mange mennesker! Virkelig lækker mad! Kunne godt have brugt lidt mere tid ved hulen og meganisis. Vi havde ikke tid til at svømme ind i hulen og på Meganisis nåede vi kun at gå op og så ned igen. Højtaleren på båden skrattede så det var svært at høre guiden. Der blev “dyttet” utroligt meget som fjernede roen og afslapningen. Musikken spillede de samme numre, og kaptajnens sms’er gik ind over musikken hele tiden. Kaptajnen lå og facetimede med høj lyd på ved stops. Det virkede lidt uprofessionelt. Men guiden var utrolig sød og imødekommende!”
Pick a river, a harbour or a kind of evening.
