Ready to spend the day sailing around some of the clearest water in Greece? Well, you’re in the right place.
This catamaran cruise was my favorite thing that I did in Naxos! Between swimming in unbelievably beautiful water, eating homemade Greek food, and laughing all day with Captain Akis and the rest of the group, it ended up being one of the most enjoyable boat trips I’ve ever been on.
I booked this Naxos catamaran cruise after reading so many glowing reviews, and it still exceeded my expectations. So, I’ve written this honest review to share exactly what the day was like, what I loved, and a few things to know before you book. Let’s go!
- My Itinerary on the Tour
- What I Loved About This Tour
- What I Didn't Like About This Tour
- Would I Recommend This Tour?
- Other Activities to Do in Naxos
- Where to Stay in Naxos, Greece
- Thanks for reading!
- Free ebook Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Europe
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
My Itinerary on the Tour
Meeting point – Naxos Marina
The cruise departs at 9:30 am from Naxos Marina, right in Naxos Town, so it’s super easy to reach if you’re staying in Chora. I walked over from my hotel in less than 10 minutes, which made for a very stress-free start to the day.
As soon as I stepped onboard, the crew made everyone feel welcome. Captain Akis was hilarious from the very beginning and quickly had the whole group laughing, which created a really friendly and social atmosphere right from the jump.
That friendly atmosphere continued throughout the day. I loved this tour because it felt like spending the day out on the water with a big group of friends, and as a solo traveler, I really appreciated that!
First stop – Swimming in Paros
Our first swim stop was just off the coast of Paros, where the water was this incredible shade of deep green-blue. It was also incredibly clear! There was snorkeling equipment available for anyone who wanted to use it, and while there weren’t huge numbers of fish, the visibility was amazing.
The sea temperature was perfect, and it was so calm that I decided to swim all the way from the boat to the shore. Now I can say that, technically, I’ve been to Paros!
From this point onwards, drinks were available throughout the day, including wine, beer, and soft drinks, so the cruise really was all-inclusive. Once everyone had finished swimming, we relaxed onboard with bread and delicious local dips before setting off again.
Second stop – Lunch and more swimming
Our second stop was also just off the coast of Paros, where we anchored for around an hour and a half. This gave us plenty of time to enjoy the water, the sunshine, and our lunch without feeling rushed!
Speaking of lunch, it was way better than I expected! We each got a big plate of homemade moussaka, fresh salad, and bread. I loved getting a proper Greek meal rather than the kind of basic food you sometimes get on a boat excursion. There was also a vegetarian option available for those who don’t eat meat, and of course we all washed our food down with plenty more drinks.
Third stop – Agios Prokopios
Our final swim stop was at Agios Prokopios, back on Naxos. The cruise between the second and third stops was a little longer, which gave everyone plenty of time to relax and sunbathe, or even squeeze in a quick nap between swims.
Once we anchored, there was one last chance to jump into the water and make the most of those beautiful Cycladic blues. It was a great opportunity to swim at one of the island’s best beaches before heading back to Naxos Town.
Afterward, the crew brought out even more snacks, including apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon, bananas, and homemade vanilla and chocolate sponge cake. It was such a lovely final treat and ensured that nobody went hungry!
Returning to Naxos Marina
Before I knew it, we were sailing back towards Naxos Marina. Although the cruise lasts for around seven hours, the day just flew by, and I genuinely wasn’t ready for it to end!
The atmosphere onboard had been so friendly that several people from the group ended up going out for dinner together afterward, which says a lot about how relaxed and sociable the whole experience was. It never felt like a boat full of strangers.
One practical tip: bring your own towel for the swimming stops. Also, make sure you remember to take it home with you afterward, unlike me – whoops!
Related Read: Want to turn this amazing tour into an unforgettable Naxos trip? Check out my Naxos itinerary for exactly how I recommend spending your time on the island!
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What I Loved About This Tour
Captain Akis and the crew were brilliant
Captain Akis was hilarious, and he created a really warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment we stepped onboard. This cruise never felt formal or commercial. It was super relaxed, and the entire group spent the day laughing and getting to know one another. The first mate, Antonis, was also very sweet, and I have to give kudos to him because he was the one who cooked all of the delicious food for us!
The water was unbelievably beautiful
I’ve been lucky enough to swim in some incredible places around the world, including the Maldives, but the water on this cruise was still absolutely stunning. It was such a deep, vivid blue, and the visibility was incredible. The swimming just felt magical – I honestly could have stayed in the water forever!
It really is all-inclusive
Drinks were available throughout the day, including wine, beer, and soft drinks, and there was lots of food at every stop. Between the dips, homemade lunch, fruit, and cake, I never felt hungry! I also liked that the drinks weren’t limited to lunch. You could help yourself throughout the cruise, which made the experience feel truly all-inclusive.
The pace was perfect
I loved that the cruise never felt rushed. Each stop felt long enough to properly relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, so this truly felt like the perfect vacation day.
Great value for a full day out
Considering everything that’s included, from multiple swim stops to lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment, I thought this cruise was excellent value for money! It gave me a full day out without any extra planning or unexpected costs, and it ended up being my favorite memory from Naxos. I will definitely book this again when I come back to Naxos someday.
Free cancellation
Another big advantage is that free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance. This gives you some flexibility to rearrange your plans and aim for the best weather day, rather than committing too far ahead. That was especially useful for me because I visited Naxos in May, when the weather can be a little unpredictable! I had gorgeous sunshine for the cruise, but it rained the following day, so keeping an eye on the forecast and adjusting your booking if needed can really come in handy.
What I Didn’t Like About This Tour
It’s a long day
At around seven hours, this is definitely a full-day activity, so it will take up a good chunk of your time in Naxos if you’re only spending a few nights here. However, the day flew by, and I really didn’t want it to end! Even if you’re only on the island for a few days, I still think this cruise is worth making time for.
Don’t expect lots of marine life
If you’re hoping to see huge numbers of fish while snorkeling, you might be a little disappointed. There were some fish around, but nothing super impressive. However, I loved how clear the water was and I still really enjoyed snorkeling overall!
Remember to bring a towel
You’ll need to bring your own towel for the swimming stops, so make sure you pack one before leaving your hotel. This is hardly a major downside, but it is easy to forget when so much else is included. Also, remember to take it home afterward, because I accidentally left mine on the boat!
Related Read: Exploring more of Greece? Check out this guide to the best things to do in Greece for top experiences and must-do activities around the country!
Would I Recommend This Tour?
Absolutely yes! This was one of my favorite experiences in Naxos and hands down the most enjoyable boat trip I’ve ever been on. The water was amazing, the food was delicious, and the drinks were unlimited, so what’s not to love?
It was truly a perfect day, and I would definitely book it again if I came back to Naxos, as it’s the kind of tour you could do hundreds of times without getting tired of it. Nothing beats a day out on the water in Greece, so if you’re only going to book one organized activity in Naxos, make it this one!
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Other Activities to Do in Naxos
This boat tour was definitely my favorite activity in Naxos, but it wasn’t the only one I loved! I packed a lot into my time on the island, and I highly recommend the following activities.
- Farm-to-table cooking class at a local farm – If you love Greek food, I can’t recommend this cooking class enough. Set on a beautiful family farm, you’ll tour the gardens, meet the resident animals, and learn to cook traditional Naxian dishes using fresh ingredients grown on-site. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences on the island, second only to the boat cruise!
- Explore mountain villages and traditional workshops – I loved seeing Naxos’ more rural side on this sightseeing bus tour. I did this on my first day in Naxos, and it was the ideal way to get acquainted with the island, from visiting traditional mountain villages where local crafts are still going strong, and checking out historic sites like the Temple of Demeter and the mysterious Kouros statue.
- Go tasting at a traditional winery – Naxos has a long history of winemaking, so what better way to learn about it than to visit a local winery and sample some for yourself? On this tour, you’ll explore the beautiful vineyard, learn all about the production process, and try lots of local wines in a peaceful, rural setting.
- Hike up the famous Mount Zas – As the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zas offers incredible panoramic views and is said to be where Zeus spent part of his childhood. While experienced hikers can tackle it independently, I recommend this guided tour, which also includes transport so you won’t have to wait for the bus afterward.
- Go sea kayaking – For a more adventurous day out, consider exploring Naxos’ coastline by sea kayak. This tour includes snorkeling and a picnic, making it a really adventurous way to discover hidden coves and sea caves that you can’t easily reach by land! Just bear in mind that, like many water-based activities, it’s weather dependent, so schedule it early in your trip rather than for the last day.
Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Naxos for all of my favorite activities, tours, and island experiences!
Where to Stay in Naxos, Greece
To make visiting Naxos as easy as possible, I highly recommend staying in Chora, aka Naxos Town! It’s Naxos’ central tourist hub, and it’s compact and walkable, so getting around is a breeze. This is where I stayed, and I had zero problems with transport or navigation – it was all super easy.
And Chora isn’t just convenient, either. It’s also a really lovely town that boasts a beach, the iconic ancient Portara, a Venetian castle, and tons of great restaurants – what’s not to love?
Luxury – $$$
Spiros Hotel is a chic hotel built in that classic Cycladic style, with bright white walls and lots of arches. It has a lovely outdoor pool and a gorgeous spa with a hot tub, sauna, and hammam for when you’re craving some rest and relaxation.
The location couldn’t be better, either! It’s just a minute’s walk from Agios Georgios beach and a 10-minute walk from the waterfront and the Old Market.
Rooms here start from around €300 per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Argo Boutique Hotel is a charming mid-range stay in Naxos Town, just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and historic sites. The stylish rooms and suites feature a blend of traditional and modern decor, with some offering private balconies, spa baths, and even hot tubs! Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the spa area, and have a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant to refuel after a day of exploring.
Prices usually start at around €200 per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Georgia Mare is where I stayed in Naxos, and I would definitely stay here again! It’s a fairly simple property, but it’s spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. It was honestly the owners who really made it special, though. The hotel is run by Spiros and his daughter Georgia, and they’re incredibly kind and welcoming – they really showed me true Naxian hospitality.
I also have to mention how amazing the hotel breakfast was. Every morning here, I woke up to a fantastic spread of cakes, pastries, local cheeses, Greek yogurt, and delicious bread. I always wanted to eat more than I was physically able to!
Rooms at Georgia Mare start at around €120 per night, including breakfast. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Naxos here!
Related Read: For even more great hotel options and a full breakdown of the best areas to stay in Naxos, check out our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
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Thanks for reading!
What a day! This catamaran cruise gave me everything I wanted from a day in the Greek islands: ridiculously clear water, plenty of sunshine, homemade Greek food, unlimited drinks, and a boat full of people who felt more like friends by the end. It was easily my favorite experience in Naxos, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat.
Before you go, have a look through my other Greece blogs! I’ve spent tons of time traveling around this part of the world and have plenty more guides, itineraries, and honest tour reviews to help you plan an unforgettable trip. I’ve linked a few of my favorites below to keep the inspiration going. Happy travels!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Athens: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Athens, Greece: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Mykonos, Greece: 2-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
