REVIEW · NAXOS
All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise
Book on Viator →Operated by Naxos Yachting |Catamarans Danae, Rena, Anassa & Steve · Bookable on Viator
Crystal water, Greek food, zero planning. This all-inclusive Naxos catamaran day cruise turns a normal sea day into a set of easy, guided swims with the kind of hospitality that makes you relax fast, especially when hosts like Akis and Melania are on board. You’ll sail on a modern catamaran, get your bearings quickly, and spend most of the day outside, in the wind and light.
Two things I really like: first, the trip hands you the snorkeling setup (mask, snorkel, fins), so you don’t drag gear around the Cyclades. Second, the lunch is genuinely Greek, served with cold drinks, beer, raki, and wine, not just a sad sandwich and a sip of water.
One consideration: the day is weather-dependent, and the captain may shift the route if conditions change. Also, at or near max capacity (up to 25), it can feel a bit busy on the most popular swim breaks.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Why this all-inclusive Naxos catamaran day cruise works
- Price and what you get for about $181
- Meeting point and timing: the 9:30 AM start in Naxos
- On board: modern catamarans, a motor-sail day, and real hosting
- The sea-day route: Naxos swim coves, possible Paros stop, and last fun moments
- Stop-by-stop feeling: what each swim moment usually delivers
- Lunch on deck: traditional Greek flavors + drinks that actually help
- Snorkeling setup: bring less, swim more
- What to bring for comfort (and a calmer day)
- Who this cruise suits best
- Should you book this Naxos all-inclusive catamaran day cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran cruise?
- What time does the tour start, and where do you meet?
- Is lunch included?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
- What if weather is bad?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Snorkeling equipment included (mask, snorkel, fins), so pack light.
- All-inclusive lunch with Greek salad + alcohol served on board.
- Multiple swim stops in clear Aegean water; often including a Paros option.
- Small group size (max 25), which helps the boat feel lively instead of chaotic.
- Friendly crew and active hosting from start to finish, with safety kept front and center.
Why this all-inclusive Naxos catamaran day cruise works

This isn’t a sightseeing-only cruise where you mostly stay seated and admire the shoreline. The core idea is simple: you spend the day on a modern catamaran, then rotate between sailing time and water time. When the stops are right, you’ll get that big Aegean payoff—bright water, cliffside views, and the feeling you’re seeing spots most people only pass by.
I also like the tone. The crew runs the day like hosts, not like a factory. You’ll get coffee and snacks early, you’ll be taken care of at each swim moment, and you’ll feel included even if your group is a mix of ages and countries.
And because it’s capped at 25 travelers, you usually find a spot—on deck, in the shade, or leaning into the wind—without a constant scramble for space.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Naxos
Price and what you get for about $181

At around $181.48 per person for a roughly 7-hour cruise, the value comes from what is already built in:
- Lunch (traditional Greek dishes using locally sourced products)
- Coffee and/or tea
- Snacks
- Drinks with lunch (including beer, raki, and wine)
- Snorkeling equipment for everyone
If you’re trying to compare this to a “book a boat + pay extra on top” day, the math usually improves fast. You’re buying a whole package: food, drinks, gear, and a planned route to secluded swimming coves.
You’re also paying for convenience. No scooter. No late check-ins. No hunting for the right boat at the right hour. From Naxos, it’s one departure that returns to the same meeting point, and you’re done for the day.
Meeting point and timing: the 9:30 AM start in Naxos
This cruise starts at 9:30 am at Naxos Yachting Catamarans, with multiple catamarans used (Danae, Rena, Anassa, Steve, and others listed as part of the same provider lineup). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
That morning start is practical. You get out on the water while it’s still calm and the day feels open. It also helps with the rhythm: you’re fed and refreshed early, then you can focus on swimming and snorkeling without feeling like you spent half the day waiting for lunch.
If you hate rushing, plan to arrive a bit early anyway. Being first in line makes it easier to settle in, confirm any dietary needs, and get your snorkel fit right before you hit the water.
On board: modern catamarans, a motor-sail day, and real hosting

The boats are described as modern and comfortable, and the overall vibe is “relaxed but organized.” You’ll usually find a place to sit, even with around 20-something people onboard. Some reviews note it can feel slightly crowded when the boat is near capacity, so if you hate elbow-to-elbow moments, try to arrive early and claim your preferred spot.
One useful heads-up: this is often a motor-sail kind of outing. You might have wind-powered sailing at times, but you should expect the engine to be used as conditions require. That matters because it keeps the schedule workable and helps the captain reach the best swim stops safely.
Crew service is a big part of why this trip gets repeat praise. Hosts like Akis and Melania (and other crew members mentioned such as Kostas, Andreas, Thomas, and Yannis) tend to communicate during the day, check in with passengers, and keep things moving. Safety is taken seriously too—life in the water is fun, but it’s managed.
The sea-day route: Naxos swim coves, possible Paros stop, and last fun moments

The trip is built around planned sailing and secluded beaches/coves. The exact order can change with winds and weather, because the captain may adjust the itinerary to keep things safe and comfortable.
Here’s what you should expect in practice:
- You’ll get multiple chances to swim.
- The water is usually clear enough that snorkeling feels worthwhile.
- Many days work in two swim moments near Naxos, and some departures also include a Paros swim stop.
Some days end with extra fun. Reviews mention a cliff jump at the end, and that can be a highlight if you’re the type who likes to make memories quickly and then laugh about it later. Even if you don’t jump, you’ll still enjoy the scenery and the final reset before heading back.
A quirky (and very memorable) bonus that some days include: volcanic-area stops where the crew shares how to make and apply volcanic mud for a kind of on-the-spot spa moment. If that stop isn’t in your route, don’t worry—the main value stays the same: clear water, good snorkeling, and a great day afloat.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Naxos
Stop-by-stop feeling: what each swim moment usually delivers

I can’t promise the exact coastline every time, but you can plan your expectations around the way these trips typically run.
First swim near Naxos:
This is where you’ll settle into the day. You’ll get in the water, test out your mask and snorkel setup, and get that first hit of clear Aegean visibility. It’s also when first-time snorkelers feel the most supported, because the crew can guide you on simple “start here, swim slow, breathe easy” tips.
Middle stop (sometimes Paros):
If your route includes Paros, you’ll often feel a shift in scenery—more “island-hopping” energy without needing to manage any ferries. Expect another round of swimming time, with views that make you stop and just stare for a second.
Later swim near Naxos:
By this point, you’re in the flow. You know where you like to sit, you know how your gear feels, and you can pick your swimming style—snorkel around, float, or just swim without thinking too hard.
Final moments:
If your captain includes a cliff-jump style moment, it tends to happen near the end. Reviews describe it as a highlight. Either way, you’ll be returning to Naxos with the day’s main goals checked off: water time, food time, and enough scenery to feel like you did something special.
Lunch on deck: traditional Greek flavors + drinks that actually help

Lunch is not an afterthought here. It’s a proper meal served on board, with Greek salad and traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
What I like is the way it supports the day: you’re out in the sun, active in the water, then you get warm-and-filling Greek comfort. Reviews specifically mention moussaka showing up as part of the meal, along with snacks before and after the main lunch.
Drinks with lunch include beer, raki, and wine, plus cold refreshments. That means you can keep it simple—eat, drink a little, reset—and not spend the afternoon tracking down a bar.
Vegetarian or vegan? Good news: those options are available if you tell the operator at booking. If you’re picky about ingredients, confirm your preference during booking so the kitchen can plan.
Snorkeling setup: bring less, swim more

This is one of the biggest practical wins of the day. You leave your snorkel gear at home, and the crew provides mask, snorkel, and fins for everyone.
Why that matters: in the Cyclades, where you’re often moving between islands, packing heavy snorkeling equipment is just dead weight. Here, the cruise takes that responsibility off your shoulders.
Also, since the day focuses on swimming coves and clear water, snorkeling feels like part of the schedule rather than a rushed add-on. Each stop is long enough that you can get in, get comfortable, and have fun—not just a quick “try it for five minutes” moment.
What to bring for comfort (and a calmer day)
You don’t need much gear, but a few items can make the day smoother:
- Sunscreen: strong recommendation. Reviews call it out, and the sun on the water is no joke.
- A hat and sunglasses if you hate squinting.
- Swimwear and an extra layer for the ride back.
- If you have motion sickness tendencies, consider bringing your usual remedy. One review notes getting sea sick and the crew handled it kindly, but prevention is still smarter than panic.
- Towels are not included, so plan to bring one or arrange it on your end.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, the provided equipment and frequent swim breaks make it easier to keep everyone happy without constant “Are we there yet?” moments.
Who this cruise suits best
This is a great match if you want:
- an active day on the water without planning a route yourself
- snorkeling with provided gear
- a small-group feel (max 25) with friendly hosting
- a real meal included, not just snacks
It also works well for mixed groups—couples, friends, and families—because you can participate at your own pace. Some people snorkel hard, some just float and swim, and some do the cliff-jump moment if the day allows it.
If you’re the type who hates any crowding at all, the only caution is that near full capacity it can feel a bit tight. In most cases, though, it doesn’t sound like a deal-breaker if you’re flexible and you grab your spot early.
Should you book this Naxos all-inclusive catamaran day cruise?
I’d book it if you’re aiming for a simple, high-value day: catamaran time, clear water, included snorkeling equipment, and lunch with real Greek flavor plus drinks. It’s the kind of tour where the value isn’t only the scenery—it’s the fact that you’re taken care of from start to finish.
Skip it (or at least think twice) if you need a guaranteed sailing-only experience with no engine use, or if you’re extremely sensitive to weather and wind. The captain can change the itinerary for safety, and the day is built around good conditions.
If you want a straightforward way to turn a Naxos vacation day into a sea-and-swim highlight, this one is a strong bet.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran cruise?
It lasts about 7 hours (approx.).
What time does the tour start, and where do you meet?
The start time is 9:30 am. You meet at Naxos Yachting Catamarans at the address listed for the catamarans Danae, Rena, Anassa, Steve, and others.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included and it includes traditional Greek recipes made with locally sourced products, served with Greek salad.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
Yes. Alcoholic beverages served with lunch include wine and beer, and raki is also listed.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) is provided.
What if weather is bad?
The captain may change the itinerary for safer conditions. If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.









