Five hours, four swim stops, big Greek smiles. This Porto Rafti cruise slides you into East Attica for coastal views and water breaks away from the most crowded beaches. I love the crystal-clear swim time and the included snorkelling gear.

I also like the on-board Greek BBQ lunch—chicken and pork skewers, Greek salad, pita, fruit—and the easy drink setup (wine, beer, or soft drinks). One thing to plan for: you’ll want your own towel and sunscreen, and the sea/weather can affect the day’s run.

Key highlights worth planning around

• 4 swim stops with real jumping-in time, plus pool floats onboard
• Snorkelling equipment so you can actually see what’s under the water
• Mediterranean BBQ lunch served with Greek salad, pita, and fruit
• Scenery passes en route including the Colossus of Porto Rafti, Natura 2000, and the Blue Lagoon
• On-board shade and lounge areas so you’re not baking the whole trip

Getting from Athens area to Porto Rafti fast: Resalto Terminal to open water

This cruise is built for an easy half-day: you check in at 8:30, then the sailing runs 9:00 to 14:00. The meeting point is East Attica Cruises – Resalto Terminal, and you’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early to stay calm and start enjoying the morning.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is relaxed but organized. There’s a shaded area plus lounge space for sunbathing, so you can split your time between “in the sun” and “not in the sun.” That sounds small, but on a Greek day it makes a difference.

What I like most is that the trip doesn’t feel like a bus ride with a boat on top. You get moving water views right away, and then the water stops take over the schedule in a good way.

Four East Attica swim stops: fjord turquoise, a cave swim, and a church island

The heart of the experience is the 4 swim stops. You’re not just doing a quick dip. You’re getting multiple chances to jump in, swim, and switch gears between snorkeling and relaxing.

Here’s how the destinations tend to feel, based on the kinds of places you’re heading toward in East Attica:

Stop types you can expect

• A natural fjord-style stretch with turquoise-looking water where the shoreline scenery feels scenic and protected.
• An area around an island with a traditional cycladic-style church, where you can explore on foot when it’s offered.
• A shallow cave with an amazing viewpoint—one of those spots where you can swim under and come out feeling like you found something special.
• A beautiful coast stop that works well for straightforward swimming and hanging out.

The practical benefit: you get variety without needing to plan or drive. One stop can be about snorkeling, another is about taking photos, and another is just about swimming and cooling off.

The “jumping in” reality

You’ll be swimming in open water, not a resort pool. That’s part of the fun, but it also means you’ll want basic comfort in the water. This cruise isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s not ideal for people with motion sickness.

If you’re a confident swimmer, these breaks can feel like mini vacations inside one tour. If you’re only a casual swimmer, you’ll still have time to enjoy the vibe, but follow the crew’s guidance and choose safer, calmer entry spots.

Snorkelling gear: what you’re actually getting (and how to use it)

Snorkelling gear is included, along with pool floats. That combo matters. In real life, the difference between “I saw something” and “I got nothing” often comes down to comfort and staying buoyant.

The gear is provided onboard, so you don’t need to bring your own kit. I like that because it saves luggage space and avoids the classic vacation problem of renting something last minute at the wrong place.

A simple way to get better results:

• Put on your mask and fins before you’re far from the boat.
• Keep your movements slow when you enter the water.
• Spend a little time looking down and around, not only straight ahead.

You’re aiming for clear-water spotting—this trip is set up around swim stops known for clean conditions. Still, water visibility can change day to day, so treat it as your chance to see the seabed and fish, not a guaranteed aquarium show.

Also, if you’re photographing while snorkelling, remember you’ll have wet hands and saltwater. Keep your phone secure and your actions steady.

The on-board BBQ lunch: chicken and pork skewers plus Greek salad basics done right

After the first water stop (and probably a bit of salt-chasing), you’ll get the Greek meal. It’s served onboard with on-board grilling, and the menu is built from crowd-pleasing Greek staples.

What’s included:

• Chicken and pork skewers (2 skewers per person, with both options available)
• Greek salad
• Pita bread
• Fruit

There’s also a welcome setup when you board: coffee and cookies. It’s a small thing, but it helps if you’re arriving hungry and a bit “airport-brain.”

Drinks: included choice, plus a mini-bar

Your price includes a drink choice: one glass of wine OR two beers OR two soft drinks. You’ll also get water bottles (described as 2 drinks per person). If you want more, there’s a mini bar available onboard where you can purchase extra drinks.

My practical take: this model is good value because you won’t feel nickel-and-dimed for your first round. If you know you’ll want several drinks, budget extra for the mini bar, since that part isn’t included.

Vegetarian or vegan?

Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available upon request. If you have dietary needs, plan to mention them at booking so the crew can prepare ahead.

Transit scenery you don’t get from the city: Colossus, Natura 2000, and the Blue Lagoon

You’re sailing from the Athens area coastline out along East Attica, and the route includes a few memorable sights. Even when you’re not swimming, you’ll still have good photo moments and a sense of “we’re going somewhere.”

Highlights included along the way:

• Colossus of Porto Rafti (you pass it during transit)
• Natura 2000 region (a protected environmental area)
• Blue Lagoon (another notable water-and-coast reference along the route)

Why this matters: these are not just random points on a map. Natura 2000 areas are often chosen because the water and shoreline stay visually interesting, not built-up. The Colossus reference also gives the cruise a strong “Porto Rafti identity,” so the trip feels anchored in place rather than being generic sightseeing from the sea.

Plus, you’ll be moving. A boat view makes the coast look wider and quieter. It’s the kind of perspective that makes you slow down and look longer than you meant to.

On-board comfort and safety: shade, lounge space, and lifeguards

This isn’t a party boat, but it’s still a lively day on the water. There’s music onboard, plus a shaded lounge area so you can recover between swims.

Safety is handled with a lifeguard onboard. That matters a lot on a route with repeated water entry, especially since you’re also snorkeling. You still need to swim within your comfort zone, but it’s reassuring to know a lifeguard is part of the setup.

A few comfort notes that can save your day:

• Bring flip-flops for getting around decks safely.
• Plan on getting sunscreen on before you’re out there long.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses since glare can be intense on open water.

What to bring (and what not to assume)

The tour includes snorkeling gear, pool floats, meals, coffee/cookies, and the included drink choice. But you should bring your own basics for comfort.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• Sunglasses

Not included:

• Towels
• Sunscreen

This is the most common avoidable problem I see on boat days. People show up thinking the tour will have it. It won’t. Pack it in your bag the night before, because you’ll thank yourself when you’re ready to jump in.

Also, since the schedule depends on water conditions, you’ll want to move with the day. Swim when invited. Eat when served. Don’t try to “tough it out” against the heat or chop.

Weather and sea conditions: the one variable you can’t bully

Greek weather can be fair one hour and moody the next. The good news is the operator checks the forecast and posts the day’s conditions on their weather page.

If conditions are poor, you’ll either be offered alternative dates or a refund if the cruise can’t safely run. That’s a smart approach because sea conditions are what determine whether those swim stops are comfortable and safe.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this cruise isn’t suitable for you. That’s worth taking seriously; a boat with repeated stops can feel like more movement than you expect.

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

This is a strong pick if you want:

• a 5-hour boat day without driving around on land
• multiple swim chances and snorkeling gear included
• a real meal onboard with Greek BBQ flavors

It’s especially good for couples and friends who want a day that feels special but not complicated. You’re not chasing buses or waiting in line. You’re on the water, then you eat, then you swim again, then you head back.

Skip it if:

• you’re not a swimmer (it’s not suitable for non-swimmers)
• you’re sensitive to motion sickness
• you need a child-focused cruise (not suitable for children under 3)

If you want a calm day with some ocean time and good food, this tends to hit the mark.

Is it worth $76 per person? The value math that actually matters

At $76 per person for a 5-hour cruise, the real question is what’s bundled.

You get:

• 4 swim stops (the core activity)
• snorkelling equipment and pool floats
• BBQ lunch plus Greek salad, pita, fruit
• welcome coffee and cookies
• a drink choice (wine/beer/soft drinks) and water bottles
• lifeguard and shaded seating onboard

In practical terms, that’s a lot of “day cost” bundled into one ticket. A typical half-day boat outing without snorkeling gear or lunch can be similar or more once you add food and drinks. Here, the meal and gear are part of the package, which makes it feel fair.

The only hidden “extra” is what you bring yourself: towel and sunscreen. And if you want more drinks beyond the included choice, that’s the mini bar.

If you’re planning to swim and snorkel anyway, this looks like a sensible use of time.

Should you book the Porto Rafti Athens Cruise with Mediterranean BBQ?

Yes, if you want an Athens-area day that feels like the coast, not the city. This cruise gives you multiple swim chances, snorkelling gear, and a proper Greek BBQ lunch without the hassle of organizing each piece yourself.

Book it if:

• swimming is a big part of your Greece trip
• you like variety in scenery (fjord-like stretches, caves, coast lines)
• you want lunch and drinks handled onboard

Consider skipping (or picking another style of day) if:

• you’re not comfortable in open water
• you get motion sick
• you hate packing essentials like towels and sunscreen

If you can handle boats and you’re excited by the idea of several swims in clear water, this is the kind of tour that turns into a memorable afternoon.

FAQ

What time does the Porto Rafti cruise run?

The cruise runs for about 5 hours, with departure listed as 9:00–14:00. Check-in is at 8:30.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at East Attica Cruises – Resalto Terminal. You should arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

How many swim stops are included?

The cruise includes 4 swim stops at 4 destinations.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included onboard, along with pool floats.

What’s included in the meal and drinks?

The onboard meal includes Greek salad, pita bread, fruit, and chicken & pork skewers (2 skewers per person). Drinks included are one glass of wine OR two beers OR two soft drinks, plus water bottles (noted as 2 drinks per person).

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available upon request when booking.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so bring them if you plan to swim and stay out in the sun.

Is the cruise suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring besides swimwear?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops.

What happens if weather and sea conditions are bad?

This is subject to weather and sea conditions. The operator checks forecasts, and if conditions are unfavorable, they offer alternative dates or cancel and refund. The tour also supports free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.