Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ

REVIEW · ATHENS

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ

  • 5.033 reviews
  • From $76
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Operated by East Attica Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 5.0 (33)Price from$76Operated byEast Attica CruisesBook viaGetYourGuide

Four swim breaks beat most beach plans. This East Attica boat cruise is built for time in the water, with snorkelling gear and multiple anchor stops, plus sights you don’t get from the shoreline. I like how it mixes scenery with action: coffee and cookies to start, then swims, then the on-board grill firing up.

My second favorite part is the food setup. You get a proper Greek meal on the boat, including chicken and pork skewers (Greek salad, pita bread, fruit), and you can choose your drinks included with the price. One thing to keep in mind: this cruise is subject to weather and sea conditions, so plans can change on the day.

Key Points at a Glance

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Key Points at a Glance

  • 4 swim stops at four different coastal locations in East Attica
  • Snorkelling equipment and pool floats included on board
  • Greek BBQ lunch cooked on the boat with salad, pita, and fruit
  • Beer, wine, or soft drinks included (your choice within the package)
  • Scenery from Porto Rafti to Natura 2000 and the Blue Lagoon
  • Shaded lounge, music, and a lifeguard on board for comfort and safety

From Resalto Terminal to East Attica Coast in One Easy Stretch

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - From Resalto Terminal to East Attica Coast in One Easy Stretch

The whole experience starts at East Attica Cruises – Resalto Terminal. Check-in is at 8:30, with departure around 9:00, and the cruise runs to about 14:00, back at the same meeting point. If you’re used to chaotic city meetups, this is refreshingly straightforward.

I like that the cruise gives you an early food moment. There’s welcome coffee and cookies before you settle in. Then the boat ride becomes part of the day, not just a transfer. You’re already out on the water when most people are still deciding where to stand for a photo.

Also, the crew is actively running the experience: music on board, lifeguard on board, and the on-board grilling. You’re not stuck watching someone else have the fun.

Porto Rafti, Natura 2000, and the Blue Lagoon: Why the Ride Matters

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Porto Rafti, Natura 2000, and the Blue Lagoon: Why the Ride Matters

The cruise doesn’t treat the coastline like background. On the way between stops, you’ll pass classic East Attica highlights like the Colossus of Porto Rafti, along with a view into the Natura 2000 region. The big payoff here is that you get that “you’re out there” feeling without needing to drive to multiple locations yourself.

The scenery is the kind that makes you stop talking. You’ll see a natural fjord with turquoise waters, a coastline that looks great from the boat, and the general geography of this area is what creates those calmer-feeling coves where swimming is easy.

One important note: the cruise is built for moving from point to point. If your idea of a perfect day is one long beach towel session with zero schedule, this is less your style. But if you like variety, this format works.

Four Swim Stops in East Attica: How It Feels When the Boat Anchors

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Four Swim Stops in East Attica: How It Feels When the Boat Anchors

The headline is four swim stops, and that number really matters. Instead of one good swim followed by “now what,” you get repeated chances to hop in when conditions are right. You can jump from the boat, and you’ll have time to swim, relax, and reset between locations.

Here’s what makes the stops feel different from each other:

At least one stop focuses on the famous Blue Lagoon area. It’s the kind of place where the water clarity is a big part of the magic, and the water is inviting enough that the boat becomes your changing-room setup.

Another stop ties to the region’s natural shapes: a natural fjord look, where the water can feel protected by the surrounding land. You’ll also have a shallow-cave-style spot, where the view from the water and the way light hits the rock can be memorable—and yes, it’s described as something you can swim under.

Then there’s a stop that includes an island detail: a traditional cycladic-style church you can explore. That’s a nice break from the all-water routine and gives you something to do with your camera besides shoreline shots.

And finally, there’s a beautiful coast stop that rounds out the day so you don’t just feel like you’re repeating the same bay over and over.

Practical tip: bring swimwear that dries fast. Between swims, you’ll usually be moving around the boat, and it’s easier if you can rinse off, towel briefly, and be comfortable again.

Snorkelling Gear: What You Actually Get and How to Use It

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Snorkelling Gear: What You Actually Get and How to Use It

Snorkelling gear is included, along with pool floats. The boat setup matters because it makes snorkelling feel doable even if you’re not a trained ocean person. You’re not hunting for equipment or trying to decode how to set it up. You just pick up the gear and use the calmer swim windows at each stop.

What you’ll look for is what’s visible with clear water and shallow areas. Even without assuming anything specific about sea life, you can count on the underwater view being part of the attraction: the natural coast textures, rock shapes, and the way light changes underwater at each cove.

If you’re new to snorkelling, keep it simple. Use the pool floats for getting your bearings, and spend your first few minutes adjusting the mask before you go longer. The biggest benefit of this cruise is that you get multiple chances across the day—if one spot isn’t for you, another one might be.

Safety note: the cruise isn’t aimed at people who want to snorkel alone. There’s a lifeguard on board, and the routine is guided by the crew’s timing between stops.

The Mediterranean BBQ Lunch: Skewers, Salad, and Drinks on a Moving Boat

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - The Mediterranean BBQ Lunch: Skewers, Salad, and Drinks on a Moving Boat

This is not a snack stop. The lunch is a real Greek meal built around an on-board grill. You’ll eat chicken and pork skewers (with the Greek salad and pita coming as standard), plus fruit. Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available on request, which helps if your group has different eating styles.

Two skewers per person is a solid portion for a five-hour outing where you’re probably swimming. I like that the meal is scheduled as part of the experience, not something you have to go hunt for later.

Drinks are also handled in a clear way. Your included portion is one glass of wine OR two beers OR two soft drinks, and you’ll have water bottles as well. There’s also a mini bar on board if you want to purchase more drinks beyond what’s included.

That combo—food plus water plus swim time—adds up to real value. You’re paying for a full day of sea time, meals, and equipment, not just a ride around the bay.

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

What to Bring (And What to Skip) for a Smooth Day

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - What to Bring (And What to Skip) for a Smooth Day

You don’t want to be the person searching for a towel when the boat is already heading out. Bring:

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

Towels and sunscreen are not included, so plan ahead. Sunscreen matters here because you’re on open water and you’ll be moving between sun and shade. If you can’t reapply, even the best water day can turn into a sunburn day.

Good to know for comfort: there’s a shaded area and lounge for sunbathing. That means you don’t have to spend all your time directly under the sky between swims.

Also consider how you handle boat movement. The cruise isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness, so if that’s you, plan carefully.

If you need accessibility info: the cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible. You can ask the provider for the practical details of boarding and onboard space before you go.

Price and Value: Is $76 a Good Deal Here?

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Price and Value: Is $76 a Good Deal Here?

At $76 per person for about five hours, the value comes from the package nature. You’re getting:

  • a 5-hour cruise out of Athens area waters
  • four swim stops
  • snorkelling equipment and pool floats
  • a Greek BBQ meal (skewers, salad, pita, fruit)
  • included drinks (wine/beer/soft drinks choice) plus water

A lot of day trips charge extra once you add food and activities. Here, the key pieces are bundled. If you were to book separately for boat time, meal, and snorkelling access, you’d likely spend more—and you still wouldn’t get the same pacing of multiple swimming chances.

The trade-off is that your day depends on sea conditions. If the sea is rough, plans can shift. The good part is the provider actively checks forecasts and offers alternatives dates or a cancellation with a refund if conditions aren’t workable.

Another cost reality: transportation to and from the boat isn’t included. So the best value is for travelers who can handle the last-mile logistics easily.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Should Skip

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Should Skip

This tour is a great fit if you want:

  • a beach day format with more variety than one shoreline
  • swimming and snorkelling across multiple stops
  • an on-board meal so you don’t spend your day chasing food

It’s also a good option for groups that enjoy pictures. Between the fjord-like views, the Blue Lagoon-style clarity, and the church exploration moment on an island stop, you’ll have plenty to work with.

You should skip it if:

  • you’re a non-swimmer
  • you have motion sickness
  • you’re traveling with kids under 3

And if you hate uncertainty from weather, keep your expectations flexible. Sea conditions are the one thing the crew can’t control, so your best strategy is to book with a plan that allows for adjustments if needed.

Should You Book This East Attica Swim and BBQ Cruise?

Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ - Should You Book This East Attica Swim and BBQ Cruise?

If you’re planning an Athens-area trip and you want one high-value day on the water, I think this is worth booking. The combination of four swim stops, snorkelling gear, and a Greek BBQ lunch means you’re not just paying for a view—you’re paying for a full day’s worth of water time plus food.

Book it if your “win” is clarity in the water, jumping from the boat, and using multiple locations to find the best-feeling swim conditions. Skip it if swimming is a no-go or if boat motion makes you miserable.

If your schedule allows flexibility for weather, you’ll be in the exact sweet spot for this kind of cruise.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at East Attica Cruises – Resalto Terminal. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise run, and when should I check in?

The cruise runs from 9:00 to 14:00. Check-in is at 8:30, and you should arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

How many swim stops are included?

The cruise includes 4 swim stops at 4 destinations.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and pool floats are also available on board.

What’s included in the BBQ lunch and drinks?

Lunch includes Greek meal items: chicken & pork skewers, Greek salad, pita bread, and fruit. Drinks included in the price are either a glass of wine OR two beers OR two soft drinks, plus water bottles. A mini bar is available for extra purchases.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan meal option?

Yes. Vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available upon request.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so bring your own.

What if the sea conditions are bad?

The provider checks the forecast and shares predictions for your cruise. If conditions are unfavorable, they offer alternative dates or cancel the cruise and refund you.

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