Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

The best part of this cruise is the pairing of a half-submerged shipwreck and clear swimming water. You sail from Nea Michaniona toward Epanomi, opposite Mount Olympus, then swim from the boat to shore and walk along the beach to see the wreck from the water and sand.

I like two things in particular: Captain Makis cooks a full Greek meal onboard, and the small group size gives you room to stretch out on the deck instead of queuing for a crowded excursion. The main consideration is the swim to shore. You need to manage roughly 50 meters in open water, and the beach has stones and shells, so this is not a good fit if you are not a confident swimmer.

Key points to know before booking

• The Epanomi shipwreck is reached by swimming from the boat, then walking along the beach.
• Captain Makis prepares lunch from scratch, with traditional northern Greek food, Greek music, and local wine.
• The boat carries no more than eight participants, plus the skipper and crew.
• The cruise lasts six hours, including about 1.25 hours of sailing each way for many departures.
• Snorkels, masks, life vests, and floating aids are available, though you should bring your own towel and sun protection.
• Dolphin sightings are possible but never guaranteed, and passengers have spotted them near the route.

A shipwreck cruise with a proper Greek lunch

This is not simply a short boat ride followed by a quick swim. At $112 per person, the price covers six hours on the water, an experienced skipper, fuel, equipment for swimming and snorkeling, and a full meal with wine. For a day that combines sailing, beach time, food, and views of Mount Olympus, I find the value solid.

The personal touch comes from Makis, the captain, who also acts as cook and host. His lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic sightseeing cruise. Food can include Greek salad, grilled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves, sausages served with pita, homemade tzatziki, fruit, and other regional dishes. The exact menu can vary, and vegetarian meals can be accommodated.

The meal is served onboard, often after you return from the shipwreck. You sit on the boat, listen to Greek music, and eat while the water moves below you. That pause gives the day a pleasant rhythm: sail, swim, explore, eat, swim again, then sail home.

Leaving Nea Michaniona for the Thermaic Gulf

You meet the Blue Foam sailing boat at Nea Michaniona Port, near the local fish market. From central Thessaloniki, you can reach the port by bus, taxi, or by using the metro for part of the route and continuing from there. Hotel pickup and return are not included, but Makis can arrange transportation for an extra charge.

That paid transfer can be useful if you are staying far from the port. One family arranged a minivan and driver from a hotel about 45 minutes away and found the service convenient. If you prefer to make your own way, allow extra time. The port is not in central Thessaloniki, and a relaxed cruise can begin with a rushed arrival if you underestimate the journey.

Once aboard, you have several places to sit. You can stretch out near the front of the sailing boat, sit toward the stern, or move around as the boat travels. The Hunter 46 sailing yacht has been described as clean and well maintained, with a usable bathroom and tidy spaces.

The trip out often takes around an hour and 15 minutes, depending on conditions and the route. That is a meaningful part of the experience, not dead time. You get open-water views, a slower pace, and the chance to see Mount Olympus across the gulf. Keep your camera ready, but remember that dolphins are an occasional bonus, not part of the guarantee.

Reaching Navagio and the Epanomi wreck

The main stop is commonly called Navagio Beach, at the Epanomi shipwreck. The wreck sank in 1970 and now rests partly in the water along a sandy stretch of coast. Its position creates a striking setting for photographs, swimming, and looking beneath the surface.

The boat anchors offshore, often about 50 meters from the beach. From there, you swim to shore with a mask, snorkel, life vest, or pool noodle if needed. You then walk along the beach to reach the wreck area. This makes the stop active rather than purely scenic.

You should take the swimming distance seriously. One passenger noted that you need to be able to swim a slow 50 meters to the beach and back. The captain keeps safety in view and has helped passengers who became uncomfortable in the water, but you should still judge your own ability honestly before booking.

At the shore, the bottom can be rough. Stones and mussel shells make swimming shoes useful, although they are not listed as provided equipment. Bring them if you already own a pair. A rash guard or swimming shirt can also help because sunscreen wears off in the water, and you may not be able to reapply it once you leave the boat.

The water around the wreck is described as clear, with small fish visible near the boat and ship. Snorkeling here is simple rather than a full guided marine activity. You will have time to look around at your own pace, photograph the wreck, swim, or sit on the beach.

Lunch prepared by Captain Makis

Lunch is more than a snack between swims. Makis prepares the food onboard, and the meal is repeatedly praised for being generous, fresh, and distinctly Greek. Ingredients may include vegetables from his garden, homemade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, pita, sausages, stuffed grape leaves, fruit, and other home-style dishes.

You receive one bottle of wine per four people. Extra wine or beer costs more, and the included drink is not a full open bar. Bring plenty of water. This is one practical point worth taking seriously, especially in the strong summer sun, since the included package specifically covers wine rather than unlimited nonalcoholic drinks.

The food also makes the trip feel tied to northern Greece instead of being a generic boat buffet. You are not stepping off at a restaurant and losing time to a fixed menu. The captain prepares lunch while you swim or explore, then serves it on the boat when you return.

Vegetarians can be accommodated, but you should mention dietary needs when booking. The tour asks for each participant’s full name, date of birth, and passport or ID number because of port regulations. Have those details ready rather than trying to sort them out at the dock.

A second swim and an easy ride home

After lunch, the boat may move closer to another beach or swimming area. This gives you another chance to get in the water without repeating the shore excursion. You can jump from the boat, float, snorkel, or simply relax on deck while your meal settles.

For families with teenagers, this second swim can be the liveliest part of the day. The boat provides floating aids, and jumping from the boat is possible when conditions and the crew allow it. Parents should still keep an eye on children, since the main swimming takes place from an anchored boat rather than a shallow public beach.

The final sail back to Nea Michaniona is usually quiet. After lunch and several hours in the sun, most people settle into the deck space and watch the coast pass. The return journey also gives you more time with the captain. Makis is happy to share information about the area and offer suggestions for Thessaloniki, which adds useful local guidance to the outing.

Why the eight-person limit matters

The small group is one of the tour’s clearest advantages. The stated limit is eight participants, with the captain and crew also onboard. That means you can move around the boat, ask questions, and get help with equipment without the feel of a large party cruise.

A small boat also makes the lunch feel more social. You sit together, share dishes, and have a better chance to talk with the captain and other people onboard. If you want privacy, a private cruise is also available, but the regular small-group version already keeps the atmosphere fairly intimate.

The trade-off is that a small sailing boat has less room than a large catamaran or ferry. You should expect a close setting, shared facilities, and limited personal storage. The boat has a bathroom, but this is still a six-hour outing at sea, not a floating resort.

The parts that require preparation

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, towel, hat, and sunscreen. Put sunscreen on your back and shoulders before leaving the boat. Several hours of swimming, sitting on deck, and walking the beach can expose you to more sun than expected.

Pack extra drinking water. The cruise includes wine, but extra wine and beer are not included, and the supplied information does not promise unlimited water or other drinks. A reusable bottle is a sensible addition.

You may also want to pack:

• Swimming shoes for the rocky, shell-covered shore
• A swimming shirt for sun protection
• Your own snorkel or underwater camera if you prefer personal gear
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for small valuables
• A hat that fits securely in the wind

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond the permitted tour drinks, and pets are not allowed. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the boat, swimming transfer, and beach access.

Is $112 a fair price?

I think the price works best for people who intend to use the whole six-hour experience. You are paying for a sailing boat, skipper, fuel, a full cooked meal, wine, swimming equipment, and a small group rather than just transportation to a beach.

The value is weaker if you only want a quick look at the wreck or do not plan to swim. The main attraction requires an active transfer from the boat to shore, and much of the day is built around being in and around the water. A standard coastal sightseeing trip may suit you better if you want to remain seated and dry.

Compared with arranging transport, lunch, and a beach visit separately, this cruise puts the day together neatly. You do not need to find a restaurant near the wreck or arrange a second boat for the return. The extra cost for hotel pickup may also be worthwhile if you are staying far from Nea Michaniona, particularly with children or a larger family group.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want an active day near Thessaloniki without committing to a distant Greek island. It suits couples, families with older children, small groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys swimming, fresh food, and a slower pace on the water.

It is especially appealing if you care about the meal as much as the destination. Makis is widely praised for cooking, hosting, taking photos, helping with transport, and making passengers feel looked after. You get a captain who is closely involved in the whole day, not someone who simply steers the boat and disappears.

I would think twice if you cannot swim in open water, dislike boat travel, need fully step-free access, or want a predictable beach day with easy shore access. The wreck is interesting, but reaching it takes effort. Wind, sea conditions, and the timing of the day can also affect the swimming stop.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The guide languages are English and Greek. Starting times vary, so check availability before making other plans in Thessaloniki.

Should you book the Blue Foam sailing cruise?

Book it if you want a personal sailing day built around swimming, a shipwreck, and a real Greek lunch. The combination is unusual for a city break, and the small boat keeps the experience relaxed rather than commercial.

Before you commit, make sure everyone in your group can handle the swim from the boat to shore and back. Bring water, strong sun protection, and swimming shoes. If those details suit you, this is a very good way to trade Thessaloniki’s streets for calm Thermaic Gulf water without giving up a memorable meal.

FAQ

Where does the sailing cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Blue Foam sailing cruises at Nea Michaniona Port, near the Nea Michaniona fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long does the cruise last?

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

What is included in the price?

The $112 price includes the six-hour cruise, an experienced skipper, fuel, a full meal with wine, and one bottle of wine per four people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. They can be arranged for an additional charge.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. The boat anchors offshore, and you may need to swim about 50 meters to the beach and back. The tour is not suitable for people who cannot manage an open-water swim.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks, snorkels, life vests, and floating aids are available on the boat. You may also bring your own equipment.

Can I book a private cruise?

Yes. The experience is available as a small-group cruise or as a private cruise.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans flexible.