Mediterranean · HALF-DAY
Every trip has one free day too few. These 14 half-day boat trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Spend four to five hours sailing from Palma across the bay to Cala Vella. Swim and snorkel in clear water, eat a fresh buffet, and watch for Palma Cathedral and Bellver Castle on the return. Choose a daytime or sunset departure, with VIP seating available at the front nets.
“We had a great day. The crew, the food and trip were perfect.”
Spend about five hours aboard a small catamaran from Vlychada Marina, with hotel transfers, local wine and beer, swimming at Red Beach and the hot springs, and a freshly prepared Greek meal. The crew, including Giannis, Natalie, Alex, Mika, Kostas, and Bill on various departures, keeps the day friendly and informative.
“Absolutely wonderful time! This was hands down our favorite experience in Santorini. A must-do activity while you’re on the island! Our team (Natalie, Alex, and Giannis) was top notch, and kept the energy high while also stopping at key points to explain the history surrounding certain areas. The food was DELECTABLE! Honestly probably some of the best food we’ve had while we were in Santorini - and this was all cooked and prepared on the Catamaran. Bravo to the crew! We will be sure to share and recommend this activity to our family and loved ones!”
Travel by boat from Venice to Murano and Burano with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Watch a glassblowing demonstration, see traditional lace making, and enjoy free time among Burano’s colorful houses. The $34 small-group tour is well suited to first-time visitors, though many people want more time on Burano.
“Upon arrival at the dock in Murano there was an incident involving a gentleman. Flavia handled this extraordinary incident with such grace and professionalism! As a guide I can’t even imagine what must have been going through her head, however she tended to all of her guests to ensure everyone continued to enjoy their adventure! Of course we never heard anything more regarding the gentleman, so we pray that he has remained of good health! To the young woman from Sweden, travelling on your own, studying to be a doctor, your quick reactions were commendable, and my heart went out to you watching you process the events after the fact.…”
Set out from Trogir with a skipper such as Petar, Ivan, or Lujo for a five-hour island-hopping trip. Swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon, stroll Maslinica on Šolta, and cool off at Duga Bay on Čiovo. The small speedboat, usually carrying about 8 to 12 people, makes this a lively and personal way to see the coast.
“It was a really great program, the captain was nice, he said interesting things at all three stops, but there wasn't too much. The free time at the second stop could be 30 minutes more, then you can eat comfortably! :) Overall 5 stars! :)”
From Split, you’ll cruise with a captain and English-speaking guide to Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Okrug Gornji on Čiovo. Expect a fast, sometimes bumpy ride, two swim stops, about an hour in Trogir, goggles for snorkeling, music, and a maximum of 12 passengers. Guides such as Nino, Mya, Martina, and Marino have been warmly praised.
“We loved this boat tour, we spent the perfect amount of time at each location. The blue lagoon was stunning, and was great to see the shipwreck and Trogir too.”
Spend 6.5 hours at sea with Golden Yachting & Sailing, swimming off Rhenia, eating a BBQ lunch, and visiting Delos. You can choose the two-hour archaeological stop or stay aboard for another swim. Expect a friendly family crew, music, and dancing on the way back. Delos entry, hotel transfers, and snorkeling gear cost extra.
“Hosts were amazing, friendly and made you feel looked after. Swimming in Rhenia was idyllic. Food was tasty with unlimited wine, water and soft drinks with more drinks available to purchase. Delos was full of history but be prepared to walk around at the hottest part of the day with little shade.... take plenty of water and sunscreen. The journey back was a dance party which was so much fun. I would highly recommend this excursion, it's a must do.”
You’ll sail from Heraklion with a two-person English or Greek-speaking crew to Dia Island’s Gulf of Saint George, once explored by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Expect a private boat for up to eight, clear water for swimming and snorkeling, fishing gear, paddleboards, fruit, wine, soft drinks, and about 2.5 hours at anchor. Hotel transfers and full meals cost extra.
“Sailing trip was great, guides gave a lot of explanation concerning the boat, island and history.”
Meet at Cannes Old Port, take a short ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island, then board a modern catamaran for a three-hour afternoon cruise. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard when weather allows. French and English commentary is available, and water is included. Bring a towel, swimwear, and cash for onboard extras.
“Great boat, friendly crew, perfect short cruise. We enjoyed drinking beers on the back of the boat and a relaxing swim in a cute bay.”
Sail from Adamas along Milos’s volcanic west coast aboard a catamaran, passing colorful sirmata fishing houses and Arkoudes rock. Swim at Kalogries, visit Sikia Cave and Kleftiko, then enjoy a freshly prepared Greek lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Captains such as George, Spiros, and Dimitris lead the six-hour outing.
“Captain Black and his crew were great; very friendly and organised. They put on a delicious lunch, we had ample stops to swim in beautiful blue oceans and I cannot recommend this activity enough!!”
Leave Split’s Riva in a small speedboat for Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling, a relaxed stop at Okrug Gornji’s Borkko beach bar, and free time in UNESCO-listed Trogir. An English-speaking skipper leads the 15-person tour. Choose morning or afternoon departure, and bring cash for beach bars.
“Hands down, best experience ever! The whole experience from start to finish was so easy. The staff were super friendly and our tour guide was amazing, very knowledge and brought a lot of fun to the trip! Highly recommend - I will be back!”
Sail from Alimos Marina along southeast Athens toward the Athenian Riviera and Vouliagmeni Bay. You will have two chances to swim or snorkel, enjoy a seafood pasta lunch with salads and Greek appetizers, and relax with wine, beer, and water. Crews may include hosts such as Nikki, Joanna, or Dimitri, depending on the departure.
“A great experience. The crew were really nice people and did their best to make us feel comfortable in every way. Would love to do it again.”
Sail from Paphos Harbour toward Coral Bay on the Wave Dancer, with a fresh BBQ, local drinks and cocktails, live music, reserved adult sunbeds, kayaking, and a supervised swim stop. Performers including Chris and Jenny help create the onboard mood, which shifts from relaxed cruising to lively singalong fun.
“AMAZING. From boarding to leaving a truly great fun filled 4 hours Chris singer and all round host was brilliant and a great voice his banter partner (10years) an amazing guitarist and other string instruments player & singer made a great double act. Fresh cooked Buffet 5 stars! , drinks and many cocktails all included 5stars.Swimming in Coral bay well organised with great safety measures. Returning journey they had everyone up and dancing,singing. This trip has to be done !!!! Mike O’Dea & Penny”
Sail from Cannes’ Old Port to the Lérins Islands aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard before a cold buffet lunch and glass of rosé. The half-day trip ends on St. Marguerite Island, where you take the included ferry back to Cannes.
“Such a great trip! Was the best thing we did all weekend! Would recommend getting there early to get a good spot on the boat.”
Set out from Alimos Marina for four relaxed hours along the Athenian Riviera. Your skipper and crew serve seafood pasta, salads, appetizers, wine, beer, and water, with time to swim and snorkel from the boat. Small private groups keep the mood calm rather than rowdy. Confirm the departure time if sunset views matter to you.
“Had a lovely day sailing on the catamaran, host was lovely and couldn’t do enough to keep us comfortable, making sure we had enough to drink and chatting to us all. We stopped off for swimming in the sea (noodles and masks provided) then had a lovely freshly made dinner, after the trip we had problems getting a taxi and our hosts went above and beyond to arrange a taxi for us.”
A coast, a kind of hull, or a day you already have in mind.
