From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ

REVIEW · ATHENS

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ

  • 3.73 reviews
  • 1 day
  • From $135
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by FIRSTCHOICE TRAVEL · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Sun looks better from the water. This Athens Riviera sailing day turns a simple trip out of Athens into a real seaside routine: sun loungers on deck, set swimming time in the Saronic Gulf, and a Greek buffet lunch served while you’re moving along the coast. I like that it’s built for an all-day hang, not a quick sightseeing sprint—especially with the live DJ and the sunset cruise feeling.

You’ll also get a proper Greek meal at sea. The buffet comes with Mediterranean-style options plus unlimited wine, soft drinks, and filtered coffee, and there are two onboard bars if you want drinks while you relax. One thing to consider: the meeting point can be confusing, and if you end up walking in summer heat (or taking an extra taxi), it can cut into your day fast—so double-check the pin before you go.

Key highlights at a glance

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Key highlights at a glance

  • Onboard DJ for the sunset sail so the last hour feels like a party, not just “time on a boat”
  • Deck time that’s actually comfortable with sun loungers, beanbags, and showers
  • Swimming stops around Agistri, Metopi, and Perdika built around warm-water breaks
  • Greek buffet lunch with unlimited wine and soft drinks plus filtered coffee
  • Saronic Gulf sailing from Athens with the Athenian coastline scenery shifting all day
  • A Moni option if you want extra time off the main route

Sailing the Athenian Riviera: what your day is really like

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Sailing the Athenian Riviera: what your day is really like
This cruise is straightforward in the best way: you leave Athens, spend the day out on the water, and come back with sun on your shoulders and salty hair. The “story” of the day is the coastline of the Athenian Riviera plus repeated swim-and-relax breaks along the way.

Expect a mix of two moods. Part of the time you’ll be in easy vacation mode—deck lounging, music from the ship’s DJ, and breaks when you can cool off in the Mediterranean. Other times are more about switching gears: put on your swimsuit, get your towels sorted, and get ready for the next stop.

The vibe is social without being chaotic. There’s a multilingual guide (Greek and English), plus two fully equipped bars. That matters because if you want a drink or a break from the sun, you can do it without hunting around.

Getting to the boat: the one logistics detail worth fixing now

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Getting to the boat: the one logistics detail worth fixing now
The meeting point is given via a map link, and you should treat that link as the source of truth. In summer, being even 20 minutes late can turn into a stressful scramble, especially because you may need time to walk to the correct spot.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

  • Check the map pin the night before and screenshot it.
  • Arrive early enough to adjust if the pickup spot is slightly different from what you expected.
  • If you’re coming from a hotel, consider confirming the exact arrival location in advance.

There’s also a practical tip from real-world experience: when meeting point confusion happened, a car pickup was reportedly sent to help people get to the correct place. That’s reassuring, but it’s still smart to avoid needing a rescue in the first place—especially if you’re traveling on a tight day schedule.

Your deck setup: sun loungers, beanbags, showers, and shade plans

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Your deck setup: sun loungers, beanbags, showers, and shade plans
This boat is set up for lounging, not just sitting. The deck includes sun loungers and beanbags, plus showers, so you can rinse off after your swim stops without going through the whole “sticky swimsuit” drama.

What to plan for:

  • Choose your “home base” early. If you snag loungers or a beanbag spot near the action, you’ll save time when you want to swim and then return fast.
  • Bring items for comfort beyond the obvious. A sun hat helps more than you think, and flip-flops plus water shoes make deck-to-water transitions easier.
  • Sunscreen is required on your packing list, and you’ll want biodegradable sunscreen for a day in the water.

Also note: the boat is not wheelchair-accessible, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

The swim stops around Agistri, Metopi, and Perdika

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - The swim stops around Agistri, Metopi, and Perdika
The cruise is designed around time in the water, and your stops focus on beaches and sea access along the Athens Riviera.

Agistri: your first “wow, it’s clear” swim moment

Agistri is one of the names you’ll hear tied to the best easygoing seaside time. What makes a stop here work is how quickly you can switch from boat view to swimming. The water in this region is typically clear enough that you’ll feel like you can see what’s happening under the surface without needing gear.

If you’re into snorkeling, bring snorkeling gear from your list. Not every day on every boat delivers great visibility, but if conditions are right, having gear lets you use the swim time for more than just cooling off.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Athens

Metopi: another beach break with a different feel

Metopi is another named stop on the route. Practically, think of it as a second chance to swim and reset. Different coastlines mean different water edges—some spots feel calmer, others feel more “open sea.” Your best move is to treat each stop as a chance to find the water and shoreline that suits your mood that day.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, this is where the boat staff and crew guidance matters most. You’ll want to follow crew instructions and stay within easy swim comfort zones.

Perdika: a mix of sea time and shoreline relaxation

Perdika adds variety to the day. You’ll still have the same overall pattern—boat, stop, swim time, then back onboard—but the shoreline setting changes your experience. Some people love it because it breaks up the sun routine. Others love it because it gives you a quick “beach moment” before you settle back on deck.

One consideration: weather at sea can feel different from weather on land. Even when it’s sunny in Athens, conditions out in the Saronic Gulf can change how choppy the water feels and how comfortable swimming is.

Moni island option: extra time, extra choices

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Moni island option: extra time, extra choices
Moni island shows up as an optional excursion. That means you shouldn’t assume everyone will do it or that it’s built into the main cruise time the same way the main swimming stops are.

How to decide:

  • If you want more island time beyond swimming, the Moni option can be a good add-on.
  • If you mainly care about water time plus deck relaxation, you may not need it.

Since the Moni excursion is optional, you keep control of how you want your “one day” to feel—more like beach-exploration or more like a long, easy cruise day.

Lunch at sea: Greek buffet that actually fuels the afternoon

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Lunch at sea: Greek buffet that actually fuels the afternoon
Lunch is included, and it’s not served like a sad afterthought. You’ll get a Mediterranean-style buffet, and it pairs with the drink setup: unlimited wine, soft drinks, and filtered coffee.

What makes that valuable is timing and energy. A cruise day with swimming turns your appetite into an athlete’s appetite. Having lunch included means you don’t have to hunt for food during the gaps between swim breaks. And unlimited wine plus refreshments makes the meal feel like part of the experience instead of a necessary interruption.

If you’re planning your day smart:

  • Eat early enough that you can enjoy the rest of the stops without feeling heavy.
  • If you’re drinking wine, pace it. Dehydration is the enemy of “best day ever,” and you’re in sun and salt air all afternoon.

Also, there’s a small practical upgrade you can expect: ice was reportedly provided on request, which helps keep drinks more enjoyable in the heat. One improvement suggested was having more cold drink water available, so keep an eye on water supply and prioritize hydration.

Sunset with the onboard DJ: the last hour you’ll remember

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Sunset with the onboard DJ: the last hour you’ll remember
The final act is the sunset sailing, with music from the ship’s own DJ. This is the part where the day turns from “nice cruise” into “okay, I get why people come back.”

Why it works:

  • Sunset from the water gives you that shifting light show, with the coastline changing colors and depth.
  • The DJ keeps the energy steady, so you’re not relying on luck for entertainment.

If you want the best seat, go to the deck earlier than you think. Popular lounging spots fill up fast, and this is your best chance to settle in without rushing.

Price and value: is $135 worth it?

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - Price and value: is $135 worth it?
At $135 per person for a 1-day cruise, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re paying for:

  • A full day out of Athens
  • Multiple swim stops (Agistri, Metopi, Perdika)
  • Lunch (Greek buffet) plus unlimited wine and soft drinks
  • Filtered coffee
  • The onboard DJ and two bars
  • Deck comfort (loungers, beanbags, showers)

From a value standpoint, it stacks up best if you plan to actually use the inclusions: swim at each stop, eat lunch onboard, and enjoy at least one or two drink rounds. If you treat it like a “watch and snack” trip, value drops a bit. But if you want a one-day seaside reset, the included food and drinks reduce your mental load and keep you from spending extra once you’re on the water.

What to pack for a comfortable swim day

From Athens: Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise with Buffet & DJ - What to pack for a comfortable swim day
Use the provided packing list as your baseline. I’d add a few practical habits based on how these days feel in the sun.

Bring:

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear + towel
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Flip-flops
  • Water shoes (excellent for uneven entry points)
  • Snorkeling gear (if you want to use the swim time beyond a quick dip)

Onboard rules matter too. You can’t jump, and you shouldn’t plan to do anything risky around the water. Nudity is not allowed, weapons or sharp objects are prohibited, and intoxication isn’t permitted—so keep your day relaxed and follow crew guidance.

Weather, schedule changes, and how to stay flexible

Tours depend on favorable weather conditions, and that’s normal at sea. The operator may also change course and itinerary to ensure passenger and crew safety and comfort. Arrival and departure times may deviate from the schedule.

So what’s the smart traveler move?

  • Plan the rest of your day with a little breathing room.
  • Keep your expectations flexible. If conditions change, your day might feel slightly different, but the point is still swimming, relaxing on deck, and enjoying the coastline.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This Athens Riviera swimming cruise is a great fit if you want a one-day “sea day” with minimal planning:

  • Couples who want a relaxed day with a fun soundtrack
  • Groups of friends who’ll enjoy the DJ vibe and the included drinks
  • Beach-and-swim lovers who prefer comfort over complicated logistics
  • People who want lunch and drinks handled for them

Skip it if:

  • You need wheelchair accessibility (the boat is not wheelchair-accessible)
  • You hate sun-and-water days and prefer museums or cities instead
  • You want a tightly controlled, no-changes itinerary no matter what (the captain can adjust for safety and comfort)

Should you book the Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise from Athens?

I’d book it if you want a simple day with real payoff: swimming time in the Mediterranean, a comfortable deck setup, a Greek buffet lunch, and a sunset sail with onboard DJ energy. At $135, the value is strongest when you’ll use the inclusions, especially the unlimited drinks and lunch.

I’d also book it with one homework task first: double-check the meeting point pin so you don’t lose time to a last-minute scramble. If you do that, this is exactly the kind of Athens day trip that feels like a vacation instead of a chore.

FAQ

How long is the Athens Riviera Swimming Cruise from Athens?

It’s a 1-day experience. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

What does the price include?

Lunch buffet, unlimited wine, refreshments, and filtered coffee, live DJ entertainment, deck access with sun loungers/beanbags and showers, a multilingual guide, and two fully equipped bars.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and not included.

What islands or stops are part of the cruise?

The experience includes stops around Agistri, Metopi, and Perdika, and there is also an optional excursion to Moni island.

Is there a DJ onboard?

Yes. There is a live DJ on the ship.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Yes. You’ll have a Greek buffet lunch with Mediterranean cuisine.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Unlimited wine, refreshments, and filtered coffee are included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring your passport or ID card, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, water shoes, and snorkeling gear if you plan to use it.

What is not allowed on the boat?

Weapons or sharp objects aren’t allowed, pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed), intoxication is not allowed, unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and jumping is not allowed. Nudity, fireworks, explosives, and making fire are also prohibited.

What happens if weather is bad?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Athens we have reviewed