Coves, BBQ, and clear water in a single half-day. This East Attica cruise layers four swim stops with snorkeling gear and a warm, freshly cooked Mediterranean BBQ lunch while you cruise past dramatic coastal scenery.

I especially like the rhythm of the day: anchor, swim, return for coffee and snacks, then settle in for the long BBQ stop. The meal is real Greek comfort food too: two skewers per person (chicken or pork), Greek salad, pita bread, fruit, plus vegetarian/vegan options if you request them ahead.

One caution: this trip is not suggested if you get easily seasick. If you’re even mildly sensitive to boat motion, you’ll want to think twice before booking.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Four swim stops in East Attica coves: Erotospilia, Vravrona bay, Chamolia, and the natural-fjord stop for BBQ
• Snorkeling gear + lifeguard onboard: You’re not just sightseeing from the deck
• On-board Mediterranean BBQ lunch: Two skewers plus salad, pita, and fruit, with wine/beer/soft drinks included
• Small-group feel: The max group size is 25, so the day stays calm and coordinated
• Natura 2000 coast + Blue Lagoon waters: Long scenic cruising time with clear views off the boat
• No towels or sunscreen included: Bring your own so you’re not stuck in a dry, uncomfortable scramble

How This Athens Cruise Works (And Why It Feels Worth It)

This is a 5-hour Athens-area cruise that’s built around one thing: water time. You’ll spend the day bouncing between four swimming anchors in East Attica, then cruising slowly through scenic stretches where the coast looks like it was sketched in pencil—cliffs, inlets, and small islands around the Natura 2000 region.

At $78.36 per person, the value comes from how much is included for a boat day. You’re not just paying for transportation. You get snorkeling equipment, a lifeguard on board, shaded space, and a proper Greek meal served during the long final swimming/BBQ stop. Drinks are also included, which matters because boat days can get expensive fast once you’re thirsty.

The pace is also practical. Each swim stop is roughly 30 minutes, which means you can actually get in the water without feeling rushed or stuck waiting around for long stretches. Then you get a longer stop at the fjord-style bay for BBQ lunch and grilling—where you can slow down.

From Erotospilia to Chamolia: The Four Swim Stops

You’re basically doing a mini route of “best-looking coves first,” with each stop giving you a different kind of shoreline to explore. Here’s what to expect, and how it changes the day.

Stop 1: Erotospilia Beach and the Sunken Cave

Your first swim stop is Erotospilia beach, where the water is smooth and turquoise close to the cliffs. The big visual detail is the carved sunken cave area formed by where the cliffs meet the sea—so even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, you still get something to look at.

Duration is about 30 minutes. That’s short enough to keep things lively, but long enough to get a proper swim in without turning it into a chore.

Stop 2: Vravrona Bay Islet, Church, and Windmill Views

Next up is Vravrona bay, with a small picturesque islet you can swim toward. The top of the islet has a small church and a windmill, which gives you something above water to aim for and photograph. This stop feels more like a calm island detour than a random beach stop.

Again, expect around 30 minutes. It’s a nice balance: swim, float, look around, and get back before the boat needs to move.

Stop 3: Chamolia Paralia, Trees Behind You, a Small Cave

Chamolia Paralia is described as a quiet secret beach setting. You’ll see trees covering the background and a small cave adding interest to the shoreline view. The payoff here is the contrast: after two more “scenic features” stops, this one feels more relaxed and sheltered.

This one is also about 30 minutes. If you like slowing down—treading water, doing a gentle snorkel, and just taking in the quiet—this is the stop that helps.

Stop 4: Paralia Arachnes Natural Fjord With BBQ Lunch

The last swim stop is where the cruise turns into the main event: Paralia Arachnes, a small natural fjord with crystal-clear water. You’re stopping not only to swim, but also for grilling—Greek souvlaki BBQ—and your lunch.

This stop runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that extra time matters. You get a longer window to be in the water, then come up and actually enjoy the meal without feeling like it’s an afterthought. If you’re prone to getting “hangry” on tours, this longer final stop is a big benefit.

Raftis Island, Blue Lagoon, and the Natura 2000 Stretch

Between swim anchors, the boat cruises through some of the most photogenic parts of the Porto Rafti and Vravrona coastline.

One highlight is Raftis Island and its statue. Raftis means tailor, and locals believed the seated figure holding scissors represented a tailor. Even if you don’t know the legend ahead of time, it’s a fun landmark to spot while the boat slows down for pictures. You’ll get the kind of photo moment you actually can work with—no sprinting between stops.

Then there’s the Blue Lagoon area formed by islets Perati and Aspronisia. This circled sea creates very clear, colorful water that can look almost unreal from the deck, especially when sunlight hits the surface.

Most cruising time is spent in the Natura 2000 region around Vravrona Bay. The point here isn’t that you’ll be walking trails. It’s that you’ll glide through a protected-coast setting where marine life and birds find peace. It’s the kind of scenery that feels less commercial and more “allowed to be itself.”

This is also where the cruise feels different from a classic Athenian sightseeing day. You’re not just looking at ruins. You’re seeing how the coastline behaves when it’s protected and left to do its own thing.

The Mediterranean BBQ Lunch: What’s Included, and What It Means for You

The lunch at the BBQ stop is one of the strongest reasons to book this exact cruise.

Included meal components are:

• Two skewers per person (chicken or pork options)
• Greek salad
• Pita bread
• Fruit

Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available upon request, which you’ll want to plan for rather than trying to wing it at the last second.

Beverages are also structured in a way that makes budgeting easier. Your price includes one of the following per person:

• a glass of wine, or
• two beers, or
• two soft drinks

Plus bottled water.

If you want more than what’s included, there’s a mini bar where you can purchase additional drinks. And there’s an important rule under Greek law: alcoholic drinks are served only to travellers 18 and above. Under-18s are served non-alcoholic drinks instead.

What I like about this meal setup is that it avoids the common boat-day problem where food is vague or snack-sized. Here, you get a full lunch format, and you get it during the longest water stop, so you’re likely to feel satisfied rather than “we ate something, but barely.”

Snorkeling Gear, Shaded Areas, and the Real Comfort of a Small Boat

This is where the small-group nature shows up in day-to-day experience. The tour runs with a maximum of 25 travellers, and that smaller size tends to keep coordination straightforward—less chaotic than the big-deck chaos many people fear on group cruises.

You also get practical safety and comfort touches:

• Snorkelling equipment is included
• A lifeguard is on board
• There’s a shaded area
• There’s a restroom on board
• Music is played during the cruise

A few notes that matter for real life:

• There’s no mention of towels being provided, so plan to bring your own.
• Sunscreen isn’t included either, so don’t assume you’ll buy it quickly at the terminal.
• The cruise runs with enough movement that you should prepare accordingly if you’re sensitive to waves.

One of the stronger points from past experiences is the friendliness of the crew. Expect a young, kind onboard team that keeps the vibe relaxed rather than rigid.

Price and Timing: Getting Value From East Attica Without a Rental Car

You start at 9:00 am from East Attica Cruises at Resalto Terminal (Porto Rafti). You’ll also be back at the meeting point when the cruise ends. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving in from Athens.

So why is a 5-hour cruise like this a good use of your time? Because it gives you:

• multiple swims (not just one quick dip),
• snorkeling gear included (so you don’t have to rent),
• a full Greek BBQ meal,
• and sightseeing cruising time through spots like Blue Lagoon and the Natura 2000 coast.

If you’re trying to balance Athens sightseeing with a real taste of the coast, this fits nicely. It’s not so short that you feel cheated, and it’s not so long that you end the day exhausted.

Who it suits best:

• couples and friends who want a calm, scenic day
• people who enjoy swimming and want a route with less crowded beach feel
• anyone who wants Greek food and a few included drinks without planning a whole day of logistics

Who might reconsider:

• anyone who gets seasick easily
• people who want long land walks or museum-style sightseeing (this is a water-and-coast cruise, not a walking tour)

Practical Tips: What to Pack and How to Get the Most Out of the Water

This cruise gives you snorkeling gear and shaded comfort, but you still need to show up ready for the sea.

Bring:

• your towel (not included)
• sunscreen (not included)
• swimwear you can handle after lunch
• a simple cover-up for the transition between swimming stops and BBQ time

If you’re bringing a phone, keep it secure during swim periods. The schedule includes multiple water transitions, and you’ll be happier if you don’t spend the day worrying about gear.

Also, plan your drinks in your head. You get one included option per person (wine OR two beers OR two soft drinks). If you want extra alcohol, you’ll need to purchase it from the mini bar. That keeps the included portion straightforward and helps you pace your day.

Finally, respect the sea. With a lifeguard on board, you’re in good hands, but this still isn’t a calm pool. Follow crew instructions and keep your energy realistic across four swim anchors.

Should You Book This Athens Cruise With Mediterranean BBQ?

I’d book this if you want a true East Attica coastal day with minimal fuss: four swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a proper BBQ lunch that doesn’t feel like a token offering. The combination of clear-water coves plus the Natura 2000 and Blue Lagoon cruising makes the scenery portion feel like more than background.

I would not book it if you’re prone to seasickness. That’s the one clear deal-breaker mentioned for a reason, and it can ruin what should be an easy, relaxing day.

If you’re okay with a boat-based itinerary and you like swimming, this is a strong value pick—especially because you get both the water time and the meal in the same 5-hour block.

FAQ

How long is the Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ?

The cruise is approximately 5 hours long.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 9:00 am at East Attica Cruises, Resalto Terminal, Porto Rafti (190 03), Greece, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the Greek meal?

You get Greek meal service with two skewers per person (chicken and pork options), Greek salad, pita bread, and fruit. Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available upon request.

Are drinks included, and can I get wine or beer?

Yes. Your price includes either a glass of wine, or two beers, or two soft drinks per person, plus bottled water. Alcohol is only served to travellers 18 and above.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and there is also a lifeguard onboard.

Do I need to bring towels or sunscreen?

Towels and sunscreen are not included, so you should plan to bring your own.

Is this cruise recommended if I get seasick?

No. The tour is not suggested for people who get easily seasick.

What happens if weather cancels the cruise?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.