Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

The best part of this cruise is the combination of shipwreck swimming and a proper Greek lunch cooked aboard the boat. You sail across the Thermaic Gulf to Navagio Beach near Epanomi, then swim from the yacht to shore and walk along the beach to the wreck of a ship that sank in 1970.

I like the small size, with no more than eight participants, and I like the personal touch from skipper Makis, who also serves as the cook and photographer. The main caution is simple: reaching the wreck means swimming roughly 50 meters from the boat to shore, then walking over a beach with stones and shells. This is not the best choice if you cannot swim comfortably.

Key points at a glance

• Swim to Epanomi’s 1970 shipwreck: The boat anchors near Navagio Beach, and you swim or paddle to shore before walking to the wreck.
• A real meal, not just snacks: Makis prepares a filling northern Greek lunch with local ingredients, wine, salad, grilled food, and homemade tzatziki.
• Small-group sailing: The yacht carries up to eight participants, plus the skipper and crew, so the day feels calm and personal.
• Mount Olympus views: On a clear day, you can see Mount Olympus across the water while sailing toward the beach.
• Dolphin sightings are possible: Dolphins have been spotted during the cruise, though no wildlife sighting can be promised.
• Bring more than a swimsuit: Pack a towel, hat, strong sunscreen, drinking water, and sturdy water shoes if you have them.

Why this six-hour cruise works so well

This is a good way to trade Thessaloniki’s city streets for open water without giving up a full day. The cruise begins at Blue Foam sailing cruises in Nea Michaniona Port, near the local fish market. From central Thessaloniki, you can reach the port by bus, taxi, or the metro for part of the journey followed by another connection. Hotel pickup and return are not included, but the captain can arrange private transport for an extra charge.

At $112 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride in the usual sense. You are paying for six hours on a sailing yacht, an experienced skipper, fuel, a full meal, wine, swimming time, snorkeling equipment, and a group limited to eight people. Compared with a crowded motorboat trip that only offers a quick swim stop, the value is much better if you care about space, food, and a relaxed pace.

The strongest part of the experience is its personal feel. Makis handles the sailing, explains the route and local area, prepares lunch, helps people in the water, and often takes photographs with your camera. That makes the day feel closer to being invited aboard someone’s boat than joining a large sightseeing outing.

Leaving Nea Michaniona with Mount Olympus ahead

The meeting point is easy to recognize. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat near the fish market at Nea Michaniona Port. The exact starting time changes by date, so check availability when booking and arrive ready for a six-hour outing.

Once on board, you can settle on the front of the yacht or use seating toward the back. The yacht is described as a well-maintained 46-foot Hunter sailing boat, with clean onboard facilities and room to move around. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a yacht rather than a large tour vessel. Expect a more intimate setup and limited personal space if the group is full.

The sail toward Epanomi takes about an hour and 15 minutes each way, according to the detailed trip descriptions. The ride itself is part of the point. You have time to watch the Thermaic Gulf, feel the breeze, and look toward Mount Olympus across the water. Greek music may play during lunch, and Makis provides information about the surroundings and sailing.

Dolphins have been seen along this route, sometimes close enough for the captain to slow down so you can watch them. Treat this as a lucky extra, not part of the guaranteed program.

Navagio Beach and the shipwreck walk

The main stop is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Bay, near Epanomi. The wreck lies along a sandy stretch opposite Mount Olympus. It sank in 1970 and now forms the center of the outing, both as a photo subject and as a place to explore from the water.

The yacht anchors about 50 meters from shore in clear water. You can use a mask, snorkel, life vest, or floating device supplied on board. From there, you swim to the beach, walk along the shoreline, and reach the wreck. Some people paddle or swim back to the boat after exploring.

This sounds easy, but it is worth taking seriously. You need to be able to swim slowly from the boat to shore and back, and you should feel comfortable in open water. One person who became anxious in the water received immediate help from the captain, but you should not count on this being a suitable setting for a weak swimmer.

The beach itself may have sharp shells and stones. Water shoes would be useful, though they are not listed as provided equipment. You also cannot simply carry sunscreen into the water and expect it to stay on. Apply plenty before swimming, especially on your shoulders and back, and consider a swim shirt if you burn easily.

The water is the highlight here. It is described as turquoise, clear, and full of small fish around the wreck. Snorkeling is not a formal reef excursion, but the combination of shallow coastal water, fish, and the old ship makes this a much more interesting swim than a standard open-sea stop.

Lunch prepared by the captain

After the shipwreck visit, lunch is served on board. This is where the cruise earns much of its price. Makis cooks from scratch while the group is swimming and exploring, then brings out a generous meal based on northern Greek flavors.

The exact menu can change, but meals described on the cruise have included grilled lamb and pork sausages in pita, homemade tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, fruit salad, cheese, and other traditional dishes. Some ingredients have come from the captain’s own garden. Vegetarian catering has also been arranged when requested.

Wine is included at the rate of one bottle for every four people. The meal may be accompanied by Greek music, giving lunch a festive but easygoing feel. Extra wine or beer costs more, and you should bring plenty of water because water is not specifically included in the package.

The food is more than a pleasant extra. A sailing day with swimming, sun, and wind can leave you hungry, and a small snack would not be enough. Here, you get a filling meal with local character instead of a packaged sandwich. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator when booking rather than waiting until you board.

A second swim and a slower ride home

After lunch, the boat may move closer to another beach for more swimming and sunbathing. The timing leaves room for another dip, floating beside the yacht, or jumping from the boat before the return sail.

That flexible rhythm is a real advantage. The outing is not built around rushing from one photo stop to another. You sail, swim, eat, rest, and sail again. Families with teenagers have found the mix especially appealing because there is enough activity to prevent boredom, but also plenty of quiet time on deck.

The return trip takes roughly the same amount of time as the outward sail. If you are prone to seasickness, consider how you normally handle a six-hour boat day and bring any usual remedies. The supplied information does not describe a specific seasickness policy or onboard medication, so prepare independently.

What the small group changes

With a maximum of eight participants, the boat feels far less crowded than a typical coastal excursion. You can move between the front and rear seating, find a place to sunbathe, and ask the captain questions without competing with a large crowd.

The small group also shapes the social side of the day. You may be sharing lunch and swim time with people you have just met, so this suits visitors who enjoy a friendly communal setting. It is not a private yacht charter unless you book the private option, but the standard group remains limited.

Families have used the boat successfully, including groups with teenagers. Children should still be confident around water, and parents need to judge the swim from the yacht to shore for themselves. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the yacht, swimming transfer, beach access, and uneven shore.

Useful preparation before you go

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

Your basic packing list should include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Hat and strong sunscreen
• Drinking water
• A camera or phone in a waterproof case
• Water shoes if you own them
• A light cover-up or swim shirt for extra sun protection

You may use the boat’s snorkeling equipment and floating devices, but bringing your own mask is reasonable if you want a better fit. A waterproof phone pouch is also a good idea because the best photographs come from the water and the beach.

The cruise does not allow pets, alcohol, or drugs. Extra beer or wine is not included. Hotel transport is available for an additional charge, and this can be useful if you are staying well away from Nea Michaniona. Some visitors arranged a paid minivan transfer from hotels about 45 minutes away and found the convenience worthwhile.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The guides speak English and Greek.

The people who will enjoy this most

I would choose this cruise if you want a water day with substance, not just a short boat ride and a quick photo stop. It suits couples, families with older children or teenagers, small groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting a few other people.

It is particularly good for anyone who values food. The homemade lunch is repeatedly praised for being fresh, generous, and better than the usual boat catering. The captain’s role as host and chef gives the trip much of its character.

You should think twice if you cannot swim 50 meters, dislike boats, need step-free access, or want a highly structured sightseeing program. The route can include swimming, snorkeling, beach walking, and jumping from the boat, but the exact order and conditions can change with the sea and weather.

The cruise also depends on good conditions for the best experience. The water can be calm and clear, but you are still spending six hours outdoors. Pack sun protection carefully, and do not assume that a mild breeze means you are safe from sunburn.

Should you book the Blue Foam sailing cruise?

I would book it if you want an intimate day on the Thermaic Gulf with a memorable swim, a distinctive shipwreck stop, and a real Greek meal. The $112 price makes sense when you use the included sailing time, fuel, skipper, onboard lunch, wine, and equipment. The small group is another strong point.

The decision comes down to the water transfer. If swimming from the yacht to shore sounds exciting, this is one of the more unusual ways to spend a day near Thessaloniki. If that sounds stressful, choose a beach excursion with direct shore access instead.

For most confident swimmers, the mix of Mount Olympus views, clear water, possible dolphins, a 1970 wreck, and Makis’s cooking makes this a strong choice. Pack water shoes, sunscreen, and enough drinking water, then leave room for a long, relaxed lunch at sea.

FAQ

Where does the sailing cruise start?

It starts at Blue Foam sailing cruises in Nea Michaniona Port, near the Nea Michaniona fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours. The outward sail takes about an hour and 15 minutes in the conditions described, with a similar length of time for the return trip.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full meal prepared by the captain is included, along with one bottle of wine for every four people. Extra wine and beer are not included.

Do I need to swim to reach the shipwreck?

Yes. The yacht anchors about 50 meters from shore, and you swim or paddle to the beach before walking to the wreck. You should be comfortable swimming this distance in open water.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in English and Greek.

Is hotel pickup included?

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