Athens, Nea Makri: Guided Small Group Snorkeling Boat Excursion

The best part of this outing is its small scale. With no more than seven people aboard, Dimitris can keep an eye on the group, point out anemones, sponges, fish, octopus, and other sea life, and adjust the pace when needed. You get a fast, scenic ride from Marathon Beach to the quieter waters around Marathon Cape and Schinias Bay.

I like the included wetsuits and snorkel gear, especially since the Aegean can feel cold outside midsummer. I also like the mix of water time and beach time: you snorkel over rocky seabeds, then slow down at a sandy cove with snacks and drinks. The main caution is that this is not a passive boat cruise. You need basic swimming skills, and some families found the water cold and the first snorkel stop demanding for younger children.

Key points

• Small group of up to seven: You get close attention from the instructor instead of being one face in a large crowd.
• Two different water stops: Expect rocky seabed and sea life at one site, followed by calmer shallow water and beach time.
• Dimitris leads the outing: He helps with equipment, explains local marine life, and may take underwater photos.
• Equipment and refreshments included: Wetsuits, masks, fins, flotation aids, bottled water, tea, juice, snacks, and other drinks are provided.
• Plan for a cool, active half-day: Bring towels, swimwear, and dry clothes, and confirm transport if you are staying in central Athens.

A small boat into Marathon Bay

This excursion begins at Kanelakis Diving Experiences on Frinis Street in Nea Makri. The speedboat ride from Marathon Beach takes about 20 minutes, though one account of the trip describes roughly half an hour before reaching the first anchorage. Either way, the boat ride is part of the experience, not simply a transfer.

You leave the shore and head toward the open water around Marathon Cape. The ride gives you views of the coast and a pleasant break from Athens sightseeing. It also explains why this trip works best as a half-day outing from Nea Makri rather than a quick add-on from central Athens.

The boat is described as a small speedboat or RIB-style vessel, with a maximum group size of seven. That keeps the mood friendly and makes it easier for Dimitris to help with masks, fins, wetsuits, and flotation gear. It also means less room to stretch out than you would find on a large sightseeing boat. If you prefer a broad, stable deck and lots of shade, this may feel basic.

The supplied information highlights hotel pickup and drop-off as a convenience, but the stated meeting details list Kanelakis Diving Experiences as both the start and end point. I would confirm the pickup arrangement before paying, particularly if you are staying in Athens rather than Nea Makri. Getting there can take planning, while the local area has beach restaurants and bus connections for the return.

Getting fitted with gear before entering the water

Dimitris and his staff provide the main snorkeling equipment. You can expect a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, life jacket, and, for children or less confident swimmers, noodle-style flotation aids. The instructor helps you get the equipment on and explains how to use it.

That preparation matters. The trip suits beginners, but it is not designed for people who cannot swim. Basic swimming skills are required, and you should be comfortable being in the sea. The presence of flotation aids helps, yet it does not turn the outing into a supervised float trip for non-swimmers.

I especially like the wetsuits because water temperature can change the whole experience. An April outing had chilly water and strong wind. Adults were comfortable in wetsuits, while several children aged seven to twelve became cold after only a short time. Summer conditions may feel easier, but the provided information does not promise warm water, so pack with some flexibility.

Bring your own towel. You will also appreciate having dry clothes to pull on after snorkeling, especially if wind picks up during the boat ride home. Swimwear is essential, but it is not supplied.

Marathon Cape and the first snorkel stop

The first main water stop takes you around Marathon Cape, where the boat anchors near rocky areas, coves, or island formations. This is the more active snorkeling portion of the trip. The instructor leads the group and points out small details on the seabed that you could easily miss alone.

The underwater sights can include anemones, sponges, several kinds of fish, starfish, squid, and, with luck, an octopus. The area is not presented as a huge tropical reef. You may see fewer fish than you would in warmer, more heavily populated snorkeling destinations. The pleasure comes from noticing the small things and learning what you are looking at.

Dimitris is a major part of the experience here. He has been praised for patiently helping first-time snorkelers, explaining the marine life, and making sure people are comfortable with the equipment. He may also use an underwater camera and send photos afterward, though you should confirm that arrangement rather than treat it as a guaranteed inclusion.

The rocky bottom has a practical drawback. Entering and moving around near rocks can feel less comfortable for a first-time snorkeler than standing in shallow sand. Pay attention to the instructor, use the flotation aid if needed, and do not assume you can simply walk out of the water.

Some accounts describe around an hour or two in the water across the main snorkeling portions. The exact time depends on conditions, the group, and how comfortable everyone feels. This flexibility is useful for confident swimmers, but it can feel strenuous for mixed-age groups. A party ranging from children to older adults may not move at the same speed.

Dispa Island and the quiet side of the trip

The route includes Dispa Island, one of the more secluded points on the outing. The island and nearby coves give you a change from the mainland beaches and create a peaceful setting for swimming and looking below the surface.

Do not expect a major land visit with a long walk or sightseeing program. This is a boat-based stop. You may anchor nearby, swim, snorkel, or look into the water around the island before moving on. The appeal is the setting and the quiet, not a long list of formal attractions.

The ride between stops is also a pleasant part of the day. You can sit on the boat, take in the coast, and let the instructor choose a sheltered area if wind makes the first location less comfortable. One outing moved to a protected cove when conditions became windy, which shows the value of having a small boat and an experienced guide.

Schinias Bay and the easier second stop

Schinias Bay is the gentler half of the excursion. It is part of a protected Natura 2000 area, with clear water, sandy beaches, and a more relaxed feel than the rocky first site. You can swim toward the beach, sunbathe on the boat, or sit in shallow water.

For families, this stop may be the most successful part of the day. Children who were nervous or cold during the first snorkel had more fun playing in the shallow water at the beach. Adults could snorkel near shore while the children enjoyed a simpler swim.

The sandy site may not offer as much sea life as the rocky area. You need to look closely to spot creatures around the seagrass, and the seabed can seem quiet at first. That is not a flaw if you treat this stop as time to relax, but it matters if your main goal is continuous snorkeling.

You may spend close to an hour here, depending on conditions and the group. Snacks, bottled water, tea, fruit juice, biscuits, and other light refreshments are available aboard. That simple food is well timed after swimming, when you want something quick rather than a full meal.

What $102.80 buys you

At $102.80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The price makes more sense when you count the boat, fuel, instructor, equipment, wetsuit, flotation aids, refreshments, and access to two different coastal settings in about four hours.

The small group is the strongest value. A large boat might offer a lower price, but you would likely get less individual help with equipment and less direct guidance in the water. Here, Dimitris can explain what you are seeing and keep the outing moving at a pace that suits the group.

The value is also better for beginners. You do not need to bring your own mask, fins, or wetsuit, and you receive an introduction before entering the sea. Experienced snorkelers may find the price reasonable for the boat access and scenery, though they should not expect a full-day expedition or a tropical reef.

Transport is the one detail that could change the value. The description highlights hotel pickup and drop-off, yet the meeting information says to start and finish at the Nea Makri meeting point. If you must arrange a long taxi ride from Athens, add that cost and time before deciding.

Who should book this Nea Makri outing

I would choose this trip if you want a personal introduction to Greek coastal waters and do not want to spend a full day at sea. It fits couples, small families, and first-time snorkelers who can swim and are happy with a mix of activity and rest.

It is also a good choice if you value the guide as much as the scenery. Dimitris is described as friendly, patient, attentive, and well informed about local sea life and history. He can help beginners get comfortable, identify creatures, and offer practical help after the trip, including local restaurant or transport suggestions.

Families should think carefully about age and water temperature. The minimum age is six, and children must be accompanied by an adult. That makes participation possible, but it does not mean every six-year-old will enjoy the rocky stop. Young children who have never used a snorkel mask may need encouragement, and cold water can end their swim quickly.

I would skip it if you want guaranteed warm water, extensive coral, or a purely relaxed cruise. The boat ride is lively, the snorkeling requires effort, and conditions can change with wind and weather. One low-rated account also raised concerns about the physical demands for a mixed-age group, so communicate your abilities clearly before departure.

Practical details before you reserve

The activity lasts about four hours and is offered in English. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The group is capped at seven people, which is worth checking if you strongly prefer a private-feeling outing.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather can cancel the trip, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate if they meet the swimming requirement, but children need an adult with them. You should contact the operator ahead of time if you have concerns about the boat, swimming, equipment, or pickup.

Should you book it?

I would book this excursion if you want a friendly, small-group day on the water with real instruction rather than a crowded beach transfer. The strongest reasons are the seven-person limit, the two very different swimming locations, and Dimitris’s patient help with beginners.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may see anemones, fish, sponges, starfish, squid, or an octopus, but sea life is never guaranteed. Bring a towel and dry clothes, prepare for cool water, confirm the transport plan from Athens, and be honest about your swimming ability. With those points settled, the $102.80 price is fair for a well-equipped, personal half-day around Nea Makri.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling trip start and finish?

The stated meeting point is Kanelakis Diving Experiences, Frinis 20, Nea Makri 190 05, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately four hours, including the speedboat ride and time at the snorkeling and beach stops.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is seven people.

What equipment and refreshments are included?

Snorkel gear, wetsuits, life jackets, flotation noodles, bottled water, and light snacks and drinks are provided. You should bring your own towel, swimwear, and dry clothes.

Is this suitable for children and beginners?

The minimum age is six, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Basic swimming skills are required. Beginners can participate with instruction and equipment support, but young children may find the water cold or the first rocky stop demanding.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to another date or a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.