Porto Rafti: Athens Cruise Tour with Mediterranean BBQ

The best part of this Porto Rafti cruise is its mix of four swim stops and a hot Greek BBQ served on board. You spend the morning moving between clear-water coves, a natural fjord, a small church island, and a shallow cave, then return to the boat for food with the East Attica coast around you.

I like the easy rhythm: swim, snorkel, dry off, eat, and repeat. I also like that snorkeling gear, pool floats, water, and a lifeguard are included, so you can pack lightly. The main drawback is practical: this is not a good choice for non-swimmers, people with motion sickness, or anyone hoping for a quiet sightseeing boat with no swimming.

Key points

• Four separate swim stops: Each stop offers a different setting, from turquoise water to a cave you can swim beneath.
• Fresh BBQ on board: Chicken and pork skewers come with Greek salad, pita bread, fruit, and a choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks.
• Porto Rafti sights: Look for the Colossus of Porto Rafti, the Blue Lagoon, and the Natura 2000 region while cruising.
• Useful gear included: Snorkels, masks, pool floats, water, shade, and a sunbathing lounge are provided.
• A half-day outside Athens: The five-hour cruise gives you a coastal break without using a full day of your trip.

Four swim stops along the East Attica coast

This is a swimming cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. You will not spend the whole morning sitting in a seat while a guide lists landmarks. The boat moves between four places chosen for their water, scenery, and chance to get in for a swim.

The route includes a natural fjord with turquoise water, a pretty coastal stretch, an island with a traditional Cycladic-style church, and a shallow cave with a view you can see from the water. The exact order may depend on sea and weather conditions, but the pattern remains simple: cruise to a spot, swim or snorkel, then return aboard.

I appreciate that four stops give the outing some variety. If one place is windy or less appealing, the next may offer a different feel. You should still expect the stops to be active rather than long shore visits. The experience does not promise extended time on land at every destination.

Porto Rafti, the Colossus, and the Blue Lagoon

As the boat leaves the terminal, keep your camera ready for the coastal sights between swim stops. The Colossus of Porto Rafti is one of the route’s notable points of interest, while the Blue Lagoon adds the kind of bright water and rocky coast that make this part of Attica popular for boat trips.

The Natura 2000 region is another important part of the route. It signals protected natural areas where the coast and surrounding habitats have conservation value. You are seeing more than a string of swimming spots, even though swimming remains the main activity.

The boat also passes a small island with a traditional Cycladic-style church that you can explore. That detail gives the cruise a touch of Greek character beyond the usual sun-and-sea formula. Cycladic churches are known for their simple white forms and blue accents, so this stop should appeal to anyone who likes photographing local architecture.

The cruise is not a substitute for a full archaeological tour of East Attica. Instead, it gives you a compact look at coastal nature and small-scale Greek places that are hard to reach from a beach towel.

What each swim setting offers

The natural fjord is likely to be one of the strongest stops for scenery. Its enclosed shape and turquoise water create a calmer, more sheltered setting than an open stretch of coast may provide. This is a good place to use the floats or simply ease into the water.

The church island adds a chance to get out and explore rather than staying in the sea for every stop. Bring flip-flops, since the provided equipment does not include footwear and the information does not specify the type of shore access at each location.

The shallow cave is the most unusual feature of the route. You can swim under it and look back toward the coast, giving you a different view from the usual open-water swim. It is still a swimming activity, not a walk-in cave visit, so you should be comfortable in the water and able to follow the crew’s instructions.

The fourth stop is described as a beautiful coast with clear, clean water. This may be the simplest stop, but simple is often welcome after several scenic features. You can snorkel, float, or jump from the boat where conditions allow.

The crew and lifeguard are on board, but that does not make the cruise suitable for non-swimmers. You need to judge your own comfort in open water. If you are unsure, ask the crew about the safest way to use the floats and enter the sea.

Snorkeling without packing a full kit

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a real advantage at $76 per person. You do not need to buy or carry a mask and snorkel for a single morning, and you can use the equipment at the stops where conditions are suitable.

The attraction here is the water itself and the chance to look below the surface. The description does not promise a particular fish species, reef, or underwater site, so set your expectations around clear water and natural coastal scenery rather than a formal marine-life tour.

I would bring your own mask only if you already have one you trust. Otherwise, the included gear keeps the outing easy. Pool floats are also available, useful if you want to relax in the water without constantly swimming.

Sunscreen and towels are not included. Pack both, along with sunglasses, swimwear, and flip-flops. A dry change of clothes is not specifically listed, but it is a sensible addition after four water stops.

A Greek BBQ served while you are still at sea

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise instead of a basic boat ride. The meal includes two skewers per person, with chicken and pork options, plus Greek salad, pita bread, and fruit. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available by request, so make that request when booking rather than waiting until the meal is served.

The on-board grilling gives the meal a fresh, casual feel. You swim in clear water, climb back aboard, and eat a warm Greek meal with the coast in view. That simple sequence is the heart of the experience.

Your included drinks are one glass of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks, plus water bottles. The package allows you to choose what suits you, while a mini bar is available for extra purchases. Since only two drinks per person are included apart from water, you should not assume unlimited alcohol or soft drinks.

Welcome coffee and cookies are served at the start. This is a small touch, but it matters when you arrive early for check-in. Fruit after the meal also helps keep the food from feeling too heavy during a morning of swimming.

The meal is not a restaurant lunch with a long menu. It is a focused Greek barbecue designed to fit the boat and the schedule. I see that as a strength, especially if you want your half-day to keep moving.

Life on the boat between stops

The boat has a shaded area and a lounge for sunbathing, with music on board. That gives you a choice between sitting out of the sun, stretching out to dry, or listening to the on-board atmosphere between swims.

The experience will feel social rather than silent. Music, shared food, and several swim stops create an easy group setting. If you prefer a calm boat with no planned activity, this may not be your best match.

A lifeguard is on board, and the crew speaks English and Greek. The driver is also listed as speaking English and Greek. The crew’s role covers more than navigation, since the service includes food preparation and hosting as part of the trip.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but swimming access and the physical demands of getting in and out of the water can vary. If you use a wheelchair, contact the provider before booking to confirm how the accessible features work at the terminal and on board.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76, I consider this a solid value if you plan to swim and eat on the boat. You are paying for five hours on the water, four swim stops, snorkeling gear, floats, a lifeguard, a cooked meal, coffee, cookies, fruit, water, and selected drinks.

A basic coastal cruise may cost less, but it may not include a BBQ or four chances to swim. On the other hand, this price does not include transport to the terminal, towels, sunscreen, or extra drinks from the mini bar.

The value depends on how much of the program you will use. Strong swimmers who enjoy snorkeling and open-water swimming are likely to get the most from it. If you plan to stay seated for most of the trip, the package becomes less attractive because the main appeal is the time spent in the sea.

The cruise ends back at the East Attica Cruises, Resalto Terminal. Since transportation is not included, you need to arrange your own way to and from Porto Rafti. Allow enough time to arrive by 8:30 for the 9:00 departure.

Weather can change the morning

The operator checks the weather and sea forecast before departure. If conditions are poor, the cruise may be canceled with a refund, or you may be offered another date.

That policy is useful, but you should still build some flexibility into your plans. Sea conditions matter more here than on a land tour because the program depends on safe swimming and comfortable boat movement.

If you get motion sickness, think carefully before booking. The cruise spends five hours on the water, and the experience is specifically not suitable for people with motion sickness. It is also not suitable for children under three.

You will need to provide each participant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and gender when booking. This is required for port authority regulations, so have those details available rather than treating them as optional paperwork.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Athens schedule is still changing, but they do not remove the need to plan for the weather.

Who will enjoy this Porto Rafti cruise?

I would choose this for you if you want a relaxed but active morning away from city crowds. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who are confident in the water and enjoy a shared meal.

It is especially good for:

• Swimmers who want several chances to get in the sea
• Anyone who likes snorkeling but does not own the equipment
• Visitors seeking a coastal day without committing to a full-day island cruise
• People who enjoy informal food, music, and a social boat setting
• Photographers looking for church, coast, cave, and water views

I would look elsewhere if you dislike being on a boat, need a very quiet outing, cannot swim, or are prone to motion sickness. The cruise is also a poor fit if you want substantial time exploring on land. Only one of the featured stops clearly includes an island you can explore, while most of the program centers on swimming from or near the boat.

Should you book the East Attica BBQ cruise?

Book it if the phrase four swim stops plus a Greek BBQ sounds like an ideal Athens break. The combination is well judged: you get clear water, snorkeling, local coastal sights, a warm meal, and included drinks in five hours.

I would book early if your schedule is tight, then watch the sea forecast and keep your swim gear ready. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and flip-flops, and request a vegetarian or vegan meal before the cruise.

For a half-day of active swimming with a generous food package, $76 is reasonable. Just remember that Porto Rafti is your responsibility to reach, and this is a sea outing, not a passive sightseeing trip.

FAQ

How long does the Porto Rafti cruise last?

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

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at the East Attica Cruises, Resalto Terminal.

How many swimming stops are included?

The itinerary includes four swimming stops at different coastal destinations in East Attica.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and pool floats are included.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive two skewers per person, with chicken and pork options, Greek salad, pita bread, fruit, water, and a choice of one glass of wine, two beers, or two soft drinks. Welcome coffee and cookies are also included.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available upon request.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. Towels and sunscreen are not provided.

Is the cruise suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The cruise is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with motion sickness. It is also not suitable for children under three years old.