Lindos: Sailboat Cruise with Prosecco and more

The best part of this Lindos outing is that you are not simply riding past the coast. Under the skipper’s watch, you can steer the boat and trim the sails, then stop for swims at Red Sand, Agathi caves, and Lindos Bay. It feels more hands-on than a standard cruise.

I like the small private-group format and the generous onboard package: Greek lunch, fruit, three alcoholic drinks per person, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, and floats. I also like that the skipper can explain how sailing works instead of leaving you to watch from a seat. The main consideration is comfort: this is a day on an open boat, with sun, sea movement, shared equipment, and strict rules about keeping the deck tidy.

Key details at a glance

• Hands-on sailing: Take a turn at the wheel and help trim the mainsail and jib under the skipper’s direction.
• Three swim areas: The route includes Red Sand, Agathi caves, and Lindos Bay, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food and drinks included: You receive Greek lunch, salad, fruit, water, soft drinks, and three alcoholic drinks per person.
• Private booking: The price is $557 for a group of up to six, while the boat’s maximum capacity is 12.
• Flexible timing: Trips run from roughly three hours to six and a half hours, with a full daytime route and sunset options.
• Extra costs to note: Gratuity of at least 5 percent is compulsory, hotel transfers cost extra, and stand-up paddleboard use is €20 for 30 minutes.

Setting sail from Pallas Beach

You meet at the big jetty near Pallas Beach, by Gin Tonic Lindos. The boat returns to the same place, which keeps the day simple if you are staying around Lindos.

The full daytime schedule begins with a 9:00 departure. Exact operating times can vary, so check the available start time when booking. The experience can also be arranged as a shorter outing or a sunset sail, but the published daytime route gives you the clearest idea of what a full day looks like.

The boat has bed-style cushions and a broad swim platform at the stern. That layout matters. You can stretch out between stops, climb into the water without a complicated beach landing, and keep wet gear near the swimming area rather than across the seating space.

The skipper handles the navigation and safety, but you are encouraged to take part. You can steer and adjust the sails, making this more interesting than a cruise where the crew does everything. The skipper’s sailing advice is especially useful if you have never handled a mainsail or jib before. You should expect instruction, not free rein. Follow directions closely, particularly while the boat is moving or moored.

The boat’s maximum capacity is 12, but the advertised rate is for a private group of up to six. That makes the price easiest to understand for a family or group of friends sharing the booking. If your party is larger, confirm the exact arrangement and cost before paying.

Red Sand and the first swim

After about an hour and 20 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Red Sand for a swim and snorkeling stop scheduled at roughly 10:20. You have around 40 minutes here on the full route.

Red Sand is one of the scenic anchors of the trip. The stop gives you a chance to cool off after the first sailing stretch and use the provided snorkeling gear. Noodle-style floats are also available, which suits people who want to relax in the water without swimming continuously.

The boat carries a waterproof camera, though you should ask the skipper how it is being used and how the images will be handled. Do not assume that every photograph is automatically sent to you after the cruise.

A practical point: bring your own towel and sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day, since the open deck offers plenty of sun exposure. There is no reason to arrive covered in beach sand. A nearby hose can be used to rinse off before boarding if needed.

Agathi caves and a second chance to snorkel

The next stop is Agathi caves, reached after about 20 minutes of sailing. The planned swim lasts around 40 minutes, giving you another block of time for snorkeling and floating.

This second stop helps break up the day. You are not expected to sit in one place for hours, and you can choose how active you want to be. Use the mask and snorkel for a closer look beneath the surface, or simply swim and enjoy the setting from the water.

Check the gear before you use it. If a mask, snorkel, or float seems faulty, return it to the skipper for a replacement. You are not charged for equipment damage when you report a problem properly. When finished, place the gear in the basket rather than leaving it loose on the deck or swim platform.

That small bit of discipline matters on a compact boat. Loose fins, masks, and floats create trip hazards, especially while people are moving between the seating area and the stern. The crew asks you to keep pathways clear and the boat tidy throughout the outing.

Lunch in Haraki, with a choice to make

Around 12:20, the boat reaches Haraki for the lunch stop. The included meal is a Greek lunch with salad and fruit, served onboard. This is a useful part of the package because you do not need to arrange food during the main route.

Drinks include bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and prosecco. Complimentary alcoholic drinks are limited to three per person, so the package is generous but not unlimited. Drink sensibly, particularly if you plan to swim, handle the wheel, or help with the sails.

You can also request an off-boat lunch at a restaurant or fish taverna, but that changes the route and costs extra. The modified schedule places lunch around 12:30, followed by another swim stop before returning to Lindos. Restaurant food is paid for directly at the venue.

I would choose the onboard lunch if you want to keep the sailing day moving and control the total cost. The restaurant option makes more sense if your group cares more about a sit-down meal than time on the water. Ask in advance if you want this change, since it is not a casual last-minute add-on to the standard plan.

Lindos Bay and the final sail

The route then continues toward Lindos Bay, with a planned swim and snorkeling stop from about 14:20 to 15:00. This is the last proper water break before the return.

The timing works well for a long day. You have had two earlier swim stops, a meal in the middle, and a final chance to get in the water near Lindos. If you prefer not to snorkel, the swim platform and floats let you enjoy the stop at a slower pace.

From 15:00 to 15:30, the boat sails around Lindos Bay using the sails. This is the part that brings the sailing theme into focus. Instead of running only on the engine, the skipper can demonstrate how the mainsail and jib work, and you can help with steering and sail trim.

The route is weather dependent. Wind conditions can affect the exact order, time spent at each stop, and how much sailing is possible. That is normal for a sailing trip, but it is worth knowing if you have a fixed plan later in the afternoon.

A sunset departure offers a different mood and may be a good fit for a birthday, full moon gathering, hen party, or stag do. The published information does not give one fixed sunset schedule, so confirm the start and finish time before booking.

What the price really includes

At $557 for up to six people, the booking works out to about $93 per person if your group is full. That is before the compulsory minimum gratuity of 5 percent, which brings the total to about $585. The per-person cost changes if fewer than six people share the boat.

For that amount, you are paying for a private sailing experience rather than a basic seat on a large vessel. The skipper, fuel, insurance, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, floats, and waterproof camera are included. You also get the value of a flexible group day, where you can swim, eat, and sail without coordinating separate activities.

The strongest value comes when your group wants all of those pieces. Six friends or family members who plan to spend the day on the water can make good use of the fixed price. A couple may find the total harder to justify, especially after gratuity and any transfer charge.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The fee depends on your location. If you are already near Lindos, meeting at the jetty is easier and avoids another charge. Stand-up paddleboard use is also separate at €20 for 30 minutes.

Who will enjoy this boat day

I would recommend it most for groups who want privacy, swimming, and a little active participation. Families with older children, couples celebrating a special occasion, and friend groups can all shape the day around their own pace.

It is also a good match if you want more than a sightseeing cruise. The chance to handle the wheel and sails gives the outing a practical edge. You are still on holiday, but you get a feel for what makes a sailing boat move.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, people using mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, or non-folding strollers. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted, and the activity is not considered suitable for people over 80. Anyone who may struggle with a boat’s steps, swim platform, or moving deck should ask the provider about their needs before booking.

You also need to be comfortable with basic onboard rules. No jumping into the water while the engine is running, no litter in the sea, and no smoking damage to cushions or equipment. The head must be used carefully, with waste placed in the bin and a flush before returning to the deck.

Practical advice before you board

Wear clothing that works for sun, spray, and swimming. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and leave high heels at home. Sharp objects, weapons, fireworks, explosives, and anything that could create a fire risk are not allowed.

Arrive sand free and keep the rear of the boat clear during mooring. These rules may sound fussy, but they protect the crew and make movement safer in a tight space.

Alcohol is included, but intoxication is not permitted. That is especially important on a boat where you may be climbing from the swim platform, walking on a wet deck, or taking a turn at the helm.

The cancellation policy is forgiving: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Lindos plans depend on the weather.

My verdict on the Lindos sailing experience

Book this if you want a private day at sea with real sailing time, several swim stops, and food already arranged. The combination of Red Sand, Agathi caves, Haraki, and Lindos Bay gives the route variety, while the skipper’s instruction keeps you involved.

Think twice if you want a low-cost boat ride, a fully accessible activity, or a guaranteed schedule unaffected by wind. Also check the final price after gratuity, transfers, and any paddleboard or restaurant extras.

For a full group of six, the value is strongest. You receive a personal boat, a skipper, Greek lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and time to steer. Add the sunset option for a celebration, or choose the daytime route if swimming and a complete coastal circuit matter most.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start and finish?

You meet at the big jetty near Pallas Beach, by Gin Tonic Lindos. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the experience last?

Available trips range from about three hours to six and a half hours. The full daytime route departs at 9:00 and returns after the final sailing section around 15:30. Check availability for the exact starting time.

What places does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Red Sand, Agathi caves, Haraki, and Lindos Bay. The exact itinerary can change with the weather.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard meal includes Greek food, salad, and fruit. You can request an off-boat meal at a restaurant or fish taverna, but you pay the restaurant directly and the route must be modified.

What drinks are included?

The boat provides prosecco, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. Complimentary alcoholic drinks are limited to three per person.

Can I steer the sailboat?

Yes. You can steer and help trim the mainsail and jib under the skipper’s instruction. The skipper remains responsible for the boat and safety.

What should I bring, and are there any restrictions?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. High heels, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, and littering are not allowed. You must also follow the skipper’s instructions and avoid jumping into the sea while the engine is running.