Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

The best part of this six-hour sailing cruise is the mix of easygoing sea time and real activity. You sail from Nea Michaniona toward Navagio Beach near Epanomi, then swim from the boat to shore to see a shipwreck that has rested there since 1970. It is not a ride where you simply sit and watch the coast pass by.

I like two things in particular: captain Makis cooks lunch himself, often using fresh local ingredients, and the small group keeps the day personal. The boat carries no more than eight participants, with snorkels, masks, and floating aids available for the swim.

The main consideration is the water crossing to the beach. You need to be comfortable swimming at least about 50 meters each way, and the shore can be rough with stones and mussels. If you want a boat trip with no swimming, this is not the right choice.

Key points to know before you book

• Swim to the Epanomi shipwreck: The boat anchors offshore, and you swim to the beach before walking along the sand to the wreck.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Makis prepares a generous Greek meal onboard, with local wine included at one bottle per four people.
• A genuinely small group: The boat holds up to eight participants, making it easier to move around and get help in the water.
• Dolphins are possible: Several departures have spotted dolphins, though wildlife sightings can never be promised.
• Plan for strong sun: Bring sunscreen, a hat, towel, swimwear, water, and a shirt for the swim to shore.
• Transport is separate: The meeting point is at Nea Michaniona Port, near the fish market. Hotel pickup and return can be arranged for an extra charge.

Why this cruise works better than a standard beach outing

Thessaloniki is a city break with an excellent food scene, lively waterfront, and plenty of museums. But after a few days among streets and cafés, a day on the Thermaic Gulf gives you a welcome change of pace.

This cruise offers more than a scenic boat ride. You get sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a beach walk, a shipwreck, and a cooked meal in one outing. That combination explains the very high rating of 4.9 from 260 bookings, with a perfect score from 94 percent of participants.

I also like the scale. With a maximum of eight people, you are not packed onto a large excursion boat. You can sit near the front, use the aft seating, move around the deck, and speak directly with Makis or his first mate. Families have found the intimate setup comfortable, while couples and small groups can enjoy a quieter day on the water.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Greek music plays during lunch, and Makis is known for taking photographs, suggesting good poses, and helping people feel comfortable around the boat. That personal touch matters when you are trying to make the most of a short day.

From Nea Michaniona Port to open water

Your day begins at Blue Foam sailing cruises in Nea Michaniona Port, close to the local fish market. From central Thessaloniki, you can reach the port by bus, taxi, or the underground metro for part of the journey followed by another connection. A taxi is the simplest option if you are carrying beach gear.

Hotel pickup and return are not part of the standard price, but private transport can be arranged for an additional fee. This has been especially useful for people staying farther from the port, including groups who wanted a minivan and driver for the day.

Once aboard, expect roughly an hour and 15 minutes of sailing each way, depending on conditions and the route. The outward journey is part of the pleasure. You can stretch out on the deck, sit toward the stern, or watch the coast and Mount Olympus in the distance.

The boat is described as a well-maintained 46-foot Hunter sailing yacht. Basic spaces, including the bathroom, have been kept clean, which is important on a six-hour outing. The crew speaks English and Greek, and Makis gives information about the route, the boat, and the area as you sail.

The mood may change with the weather. Some departures have had calm water and gentle sailing, while others began with wind. The captain adjusts the route and activities to conditions, so the exact order of swimming and lunch can vary.

Arriving at Navagio Beach and the 1970 wreck

The main stop is Navagio Beach near Epanomi, set opposite Mount Olympus. The mountain gives the view a dramatic backdrop, especially on a clear day, while the shallow coastal water can take on a striking turquoise color.

The boat anchors around 50 meters from shore. You then swim to the beach with the help of snorkel gear, life vests, and pool noodles if needed. From the beach, you walk along the sand to the shipwreck.

The wreck sank in 1970 and now lies partly in the water along the sandy coast. It is not a polished museum site or a protected archaeological attraction. Its appeal comes from the contrast between the weathered metal, the bright sea, and the quiet beach around it.

Bring swimming shoes if you have them. The shore includes stones and mussels that can be uncomfortable under bare feet. You also need to manage your sunscreen carefully. Once you swim away from the boat, you cannot easily reapply it, and the water can wash off whatever you put on before departure. A lightweight shirt is useful for the swim and beach walk.

Snorkeling around the wreck can reveal small fish, and the clear water makes it easier to see the shallow underwater area. Conditions vary, of course. Wind, waves, and water clarity affect how much you can see on any given day.

The swim is the key physical part of the trip. One participant who could not swim comfortably would have struggled with the crossing, so be realistic about your ability. The crew provides equipment and watches the group, but this is still an open-water swim, not a walk straight from the boat onto the beach.

Lunch with captain Makis

While you explore the wreck and beach, Makis prepares lunch back on the boat. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of simply booking a basic sailing transfer.

The meal centers on traditional northern Greek flavors. Past menus have included Greek salad, grilled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves, pork or lamb sausages in pita, homemade tzatziki, fruit salad, and other regional dishes. Vegetarian requests have been accommodated, so mention your needs when booking.

The food is served onboard with local wine and Greek music. One bottle of wine is included for every four people, while extra wine or beer costs more. Water is not specifically listed among the inclusions, so bring plenty of your own drinking water. This is especially important during the hot months.

I like the timing of the meal. You are not eating in a rushed port café before returning to the city. You are sitting on the boat after a swim, with the coast and sea around you, while the captain serves food he prepared himself. That makes lunch feel like part of the outing rather than a standard catering stop.

The meal is also filling. Come hungry, but remember that you will likely want to swim again afterward. If you drink wine, pace yourself in the sun and keep water close.

A second swim and the return sail

After lunch, the boat may move closer to another beach or swimming spot. This gives you time for another dip, sunbathing, or a few jumps from the boat before the return journey.

This second stop is useful because the wreck visit is not the only water activity. You can enjoy the sea without needing to swim all the way to shore again. Families with teenagers have particularly liked the freedom to jump from the boat and spend time in the water.

You should still use care. Sun exposure builds quickly when you are on the deck or swimming, and the wind can make the heat feel less intense than it is. Reapply sunscreen when you return to the boat, cover your shoulders, and wear a hat between swims.

The return to Nea Michaniona is slower and restful. You can dry off, sit on deck, and watch the coast recede. Dolphin sightings have occurred on both outward and return journeys, including close encounters, but they are a lucky extra rather than part of the guaranteed program.

What the $112 price includes

At $112 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The value comes from the amount packed into the six hours.

Your price includes the cruise, an experienced skipper, fuel, the full onboard meal, and wine at one bottle per four people. Snorkeling equipment and floating aids have also been made available during the swim. You are paying for a small yacht outing with a captain who also serves as host and cook, not simply for transport from one port to another.

A comparable day built from separate taxi rides, a beach visit, lunch, and a boat rental could easily become more expensive and less simple. The price is strongest for families or small groups that appreciate the personal service and included meal.

The value is less clear if you do not drink wine, dislike swimming, or mainly want a short sightseeing cruise. Hotel transfers, extra drinks, and any special transport are additional costs, so include those in your budget.

Who will enjoy this day most

This cruise suits you if you want a relaxed but active day outside Thessaloniki. It works well for couples, families with older children, friend groups, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a crowded excursion vessel.

It is especially good for:

• People who want to swim and snorkel in clear water
• Families with teenagers who enjoy jumping from the boat
• Food-focused visitors who value a homemade Greek meal
• Small groups seeking a private or intimate sailing setting
• Visitors who want Mount Olympus views without traveling to a Greek island
• Anyone happy to trade a little convenience for a more personal outing

It is less suitable for wheelchair users, since the boat, water entry, beach landing, and walk to the wreck are not step-free. It is also a poor fit if you are not a confident swimmer or if you want guaranteed access to a sandy beach directly from the boat.

The cruise can operate as a small group or private sailing experience. If you want the boat to yourself, ask about the private option when arranging the trip.

Practical packing advice for a sunny six hours

Bring your passport or ID card, since port regulations require the full name, date of birth, and identity or passport number of each participant when you book.

Pack lightly, but do not forget:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Plenty of drinking water
• Swimming shoes for the rocky shore
• A shirt or rash guard for extra sun protection
• A camera or waterproof phone case
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer

The captain can provide snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer your own mask for comfort. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing anything you do not want exposed to salt water.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Extra wine or beer is also not included, so do not assume you can stock the boat with your own drinks.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before arranging transport to the port.

Should you book the Blue Foam cruise?

Book it if you want a full day of sea, swimming, food, and friendly hosting rather than a quick coastal ride. The homemade lunch, small group, clean boat, and chance to swim to a real shipwreck give this outing more character than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Think twice if you cannot swim about 50 meters each way, dislike open-water access, need wheelchair-friendly facilities, or want every drink included. Also allow extra time and money for reaching Nea Michaniona if you are staying in central Thessaloniki.

For most active visitors, the $112 price is fair because it covers six hours, fuel, a skipper, equipment for the water, a substantial meal, and wine. Add your own water, sun protection, and a sense of adventure, and this is one of the better ways to make the Thermaic Gulf part of your Thessaloniki stay.

FAQ

Where does the sailing cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Nea Michaniona Port near the fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing, swimming, shipwreck visit, lunch, and return to the port.

What is the main destination?

The main destination is Navagio Beach near Epanomi, opposite Mount Olympus. The beach is close to the wreck of a ship that sank in 1970.

Do I need to swim to reach the beach?

Yes. The boat usually anchors about 50 meters from shore, and you swim from the boat to the beach before walking to the shipwreck.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, including masks, is available, along with floating aids and life vests.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full meal prepared onboard by the captain is included, along with local wine at one bottle for every four people.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra wine or beer is not included. Bring plenty of water for the six-hour trip.

Can the cruise accommodate vegetarians?

Yes. Vegetarian meals have been accommodated, but you should provide your dietary requirements when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional charge. The port can also be reached by bus, taxi, or by using the metro for part of the journey.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the boat access, swimming requirement, beach landing, and walk to the wreck.