A WWII plane wreck, then two island swims. I like the ARADO AR196 wreck stop at Alimia because you can get time in the water right above a World War II aircraft, plus there’s room for photos. I also like how the day is paced with real downtime: a beach break on Iraklia, BBQ lunch at Schinoussa, and a walk through Ag Georgios on Iraklia.

The main thing to consider is that this is built for people who are comfortable in the water. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers (or wheelchair users and people with pre-existing medical conditions), and you’ll be out on open water for hours.

Key things to know before you sail

• ARADO AR196 at Alimia: a World War II airplane wreck you can swim/snorkel over with time for photos
• Schinoussa beach + onboard BBQ: a long lunch stop with local wine, water, and soft drinks
• Ag Georgios on Iraklia: a proper village stroll, not just a photo stop
• Gear is provided: masks, life jackets, sunbeds/ loungers, and inflatables are part of the package
• A full day on the water: 09:30 to 19:00, with multiple swim opportunities

From Agia Anna dock to Schinoussa and Iraklia in 9 hours

This is a classic Cyclades day: you’re out on a boat early, you get multiple chances to cool off, and you still come back to Naxos at a sane hour. Departures run from Agia Anna port at 09:30 and you’ll return around 19:00. That timing matters. It gives you enough daylight for real beach time and a village walk, but it’s still a day trip, not an all-day slog with only one swim stop.

I like that the route has a rhythm. You don’t just head straight to one island and call it a day. You sail along the Naxos west coast, then work your way into the Iraklia and Schinoussa area with planned pauses for water time, lunch, and strolling.

Your meeting point is simple but worth respecting: on the dock, look for NAVIGATOR. If you’re trying to squeeze this into a tight Naxos itinerary, plan to arrive a bit early so you’re not hunting for the boat at the last minute.

The ARADO AR196 WWII plane wreck at Alimia: the standout moment

The headline experience is the stop at Alimia (Iraklia area) for the wreck of a World War II ARADO AR196 airplane. The boat pauses before you reach the shore, and the captain’s stop is the reason many people pick this cruise.

Why this is so memorable for you: it’s not an abstract museum story. It’s a real object in the sea, and it turns a normal swim day into something with a built-in “wow” factor. The schedule also gives you time—there’s room to take photos and to go in the water while the boat is there. That means you’re not just glancing over the top; you can actually look, move around, and get your bearings.

A practical tip: if you’re bringing a phone or camera, keep it in a dry bag and be ready to move quickly once the boat stops. Even with good boat handling, a stop like this is usually all about short, efficient water time. Also bring sunscreen and a hat—Alimia and these beaches sit under strong sun for much of the day.

Iraklia swim time and why 30 minutes still works

After the wreck stop, the day includes a first island moment on Iraklia with about 30 minutes of swimming time. On paper, that doesn’t sound like much. In practice, it works because you’re already in the zone and you’re already thinking about water.

This is a good length for:

• a quick snorkel/sniff-of-the-spot look at what’s around your swim area
• cooling down after a morning sail
• families who want beach time without turning it into a half-day logistics problem

You should still treat it seriously. The tour is not for people who aren’t able to swim. If you’re even a little uncertain about your ability in open water, this is the wrong fit.

Schinousa’s Tsigouri/Livadi beach break plus BBQ lunch

Next up is Tsigouri/Livadi on Schinousa, with a 2-hour stop that combines beach time and lunch. This is where the day really turns into a proper vacation meal.

The snorkeling/swimming part matters less than you might think, because the schedule is clearly built around a long break. Two hours gives you time to:

• settle in on the beach
• swim when conditions feel right
• and still have a calm lunch, not a rushed one

Then comes the BBQ. Lunch is onboard and includes a lineup of Greek-style staples: traditional Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, and fresh fruit. For the main, you’ll get pork or chicken skewers (souvlaki). There are also options for vegetarians/vegans, which is a big deal on Greek island days where menus can otherwise skew heavily toward meat.

Drinks are included with lunch: local wine, water, and soft drinks (Coca Cola, Sprite, and orange juice). That makes the $94 price tag feel more honest: you’re not paying island-stroll prices for drinks and food while you’re already on the boat.

Practical note: bring swimwear and towel so you’re ready to move quickly between water and lunch. The tour provides beach-style gear like sunbeds and masks, but you still need your personal sun protection.

Ag Georgios on Iraklia: a picturesque capital village walk

After lunch and more sea time, you get a 2-hour visit to Ag Georgios, the capital village of Iraklia. This stop is the “slow your pace” part of the day.

A village walk is valuable on a cruise like this because it balances the water activities. You get a change of scenery: streets, small-town rhythm, and the sense that Iraklia isn’t just beaches and boats. Even if you only do a short wander, it’s a good moment to step away from the sun and reset.

How to make the most of it:

• wear comfortable shoes you can walk in on uneven ground
• take your time with photos, but also pause for a drink or snack if you want something beyond the onboard lunch
• check the return timing early so you’re not rushing back to the dock

Gerolimionas final stop on Schinousa: last swim before the return sail

Weather permitting, the last stop is Gerolimionas on Schinousa. This is your final water window before heading back toward Agia Anna and your 19:00 return.

The timing is perfect for a last swim because it’s usually close enough to the end of the day that you’ll be motivated to enjoy it fully, but not so late that you feel exhausted. If you’ve spent most of the day in and out of the water, this also helps you end on a high note rather than just “sail back and call it.”

Because it’s weather-dependent, keep a flexible mindset. If conditions shift, the captain may adjust how the day feels at the end. In Greece, that’s normal. Good operators keep the day safe and still try to deliver the key stops.

What’s included on board (and why it matters for value)

At $94 per person, the real question isn’t just whether it’s affordable—it’s what you’re not spending money on during the day. Here’s what you get included:

• Cruise for the full trip (09:30–19:00)
• Barbecue onboard with a solid spread of food
• Drinks with lunch: local wine plus soft drinks and water
• Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, fresh fruit
• Sunbeds, masks, life jackets, and loungers (plus inflatables are listed, including sea-pool style flotation items)

That’s a lot of value bundled together. Beach days on the islands can be expensive fast once you factor in lunch, drinks, and equipment. Here, you’re mostly paying for the experience and the route, then getting a full meal and basic gear to enjoy the water time.

And since swimming is a core part of the day, the included masks and life jackets reduce friction. You don’t need to pack your own gear unless you want to. If you’re traveling light, that convenience is worth something.

Crew, comfort, and handling real sea conditions

On a sailing day, the sea can change fast. One passenger noted rougher waters and still felt okay, even while dealing with wind. That’s a useful clue for you: the captain may route through less-than-calm patches at times, but the day is designed to continue and keep the experience moving.

What you can control:

• bring swimwear and a towel so you can dry off and reset quickly
• use sunscreen early; waiting until later can turn a great day into a painful one
• if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider a plan before you go (even just knowing where you’ll sit on the boat can help)

There’s also a human side. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, including moments where staff jumped in to help when something was dropped overboard. That tells you the team stays attentive and ready, not just “run the schedule and disappear.”

Sound matters too on a day like this. Greek music was mentioned, which fits the vibe. It’s small, but it makes the boat feel like part of the holiday, not just a transport box.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want:

• a single-day plan that mixes snorkel time, beaches, and village walking
• onboard food you don’t have to think about
• a route that covers both Iraklia and Schinousa without extra ferry planning

You should skip it if:

• you’re a non-swimmer (the tour is not suitable)
• you need wheelchair access
• you have medical conditions that make boat days and open-water time risky

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of cruise can work well because it’s not just one long beach. You get multiple breaks and a meal that keeps energy steady. Still, stick to the “comfortable in water” rule.

Value check: is $94 a fair price for this day?

For $94, you’re paying for:

• transportation between islands in one day
• multiple scheduled stops, including the WWII wreck moment
• an onboard BBQ with drinks
• and provided water gear

If you’d otherwise spend on a ferry + beach day + lunch + drinks + rentals, this can start to feel like a bargain. It’s especially strong if you’re traveling without your own snorkeling gear and you want food and drinks handled.

Where you might question value is if you’re mainly interested in staying dry, or if your plan is the kind of trip where you’re happiest with long, slow time on one beach. This cruise is structured around movement and water time. It’s a “do the highlights” day.

Should you book the Naxos Island Tours Schinoussa and Iraklia cruise with BBQ?

If you’re excited by the idea of snorkeling over a WWII aircraft wreck and you want two islands plus a village walk in one outing, I’d book this. The combination of Alimia’s ARADO AR196 wreck, Schinousa’s beach-and-lunch setup, and Ag Georgios on Iraklia is a practical way to see more without turning your day into a transportation puzzle.

If you’re sensitive to motion, not confident in swimming, or you want a purely shore-based experience, look for something else. This one is built for people who will actually spend time in the water.

Bottom line: for the right traveler, this is the kind of day you remember for years—because you’re not just viewing islands. You’re in them, right down to a piece of history sitting in the sea.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at the dock in Agia Anna. On the dock, look for NAVIGATOR.

What time does the sailing day start and end?

The cruise departs at 09:30 from Agia Anna port and returns at 19:00.

Is the BBQ lunch included, and what drinks are provided?

Yes. BBQ lunch is included along with Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, pork or chicken souvlaki, fresh fruit, and drinks during lunch time (local wine, water, Coca Cola, Sprite, and orange juice).

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and people with pre-existing medical conditions should also avoid it.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wear beachwear, and use comfortable footwear since high-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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