A sailing day can make the map feel small. This one turns the Aegean into your main attraction, with swim stops, snorkeling, and a good chance of wildlife like dolphins. I especially like the included taverna lunch part of the day, so you’re not hunting for food between beach hops. One thing to factor in: on windy days the captain may adjust the route, so a specific stop like Lalaria might not happen.

The best part is how smooth the whole day feels. You get breakfast on board, snacks during the sail, and water time built in so you can actually enjoy the coves instead of rushing from one “photo spot” to the next. I also like that the boat setup supports hanging out, including SUP (stand-up paddle) and snorkeling gear. The trade-off is that it’s an 8-hour sea day, so bring a change of clothes and be ready to spend real time in swimwear.

The crew style matters too. Crews led by skippers such as Lambros, with support from team members like Alexandra, tend to keep things easy-going and practical, whether you want to snorkel, paddle, or just soak up the sailing. You meet at Skiathos New Port, in front of Sol Levante Cafe (opposite the park), and you’ll want to arrive about 10 minutes early so the day can run on schedule.

Key things to know before you board

• Breakfast on board starts the day right: croissants, biscuits, juice, and coffee before you leave the port.
• Swim and snorkeling kit is included: snorkeling gear, plus towels when you’re ready to get back aboard.
• SUP is part of the fun: you can paddle when conditions allow, not just watch from the dock.
• Lunch is real Greek taverna time: you eat at a local harbor restaurant (included).
• Route can flex with the weather: if winds are up, the captain swaps stops, but you still get plenty of swim time.

A yacht day that feels like freedom, not a schedule fight

This trip is built around one core idea: spend the day on the water, then use the boat to reach places you wouldn’t manage on foot or by bus. Instead of cramming in “see-this, see-that” landmarks, the day is paced for sailing time, anchor time, and water time.

I like that the boat moves like a boat should. Several people note that sailing under sail keeps the vibe calmer because you’re not stuck with engine noise all day. You still get steady progress between stops, but the atmosphere stays relaxed, with time to chat, snack, and sunbathe between swims.

And the crew approach matters. You’re looked after, but you’re not constantly managed. In plain terms: you get help when you need it, and you get space when you don’t.

Getting to the boat at Skiathos New Port (and what matters for you)

Meeting is at Skiathos New Port, opposite the park. The Marina boat is in front of Sol Levante Cafe, so it’s pretty hard to miss once you’re inside the port area.

Arrive early, even if you think you’ll have time. Being at the meeting point about 10 minutes before departure makes the whole day smoother, especially with the quick check-in and getting everyone settled.

What to bring is straightforward and totally worth packing well:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear (you’ll use it)
• A change of clothes for the ride back
• Sunscreen

It also helps to think like a boat day. You’ll be alternating between shade and sun, and your “dry” moments are shorter than you might expect.

Breakfast, dolphin watch, and that first big swim in Lararia or Tsougria

The day starts on board with breakfast: croissants, biscuits, juice, and coffee. It’s a nice touch because it means you don’t burn time in the morning trying to solve breakfast on the dock.

Once you sail, the crew keeps an eye out for local wildlife. Dolphins are the headline here. You can’t bank on a sighting every single time, but the route is designed for that kind of watch as you head out.

Then comes the first anchor-and-swim moment. The boat drops anchor in places such as Lararia or Tsougria Bay, depending on the day’s conditions. These are the kind of stops where the water clarity makes snorkeling feel worth it immediately. You’ll get time to swim, and you can also use snorkeling gear once you’re in.

Practical tip: if you want the best visibility, aim to snorkel when everyone is still getting settled. The water often looks clearest right after the boat stops.

Skopelos bay hopping: Kastani (Mama Mia) and boat-only Hovolo

As the day turns south, you’ll do classic Aegean bay hopping—moving from one protected shoreline to the next. This is where the trip starts to feel like Skopelos from the water, not just from a viewpoint.

Two stops are highlighted often:

• Kastani, tied to Mama Mia beach (a known scene from the island’s popular culture)
• Hovolo, described as accessible only by boat

That “only by boat” part is the real value. Hovolo isn’t something you pop over to casually. By arriving on water, you get a calmer experience and a better chance to actually enjoy the snorkeling and swimming instead of dealing with crowds.

At each bay, you’re not just making a quick stop for pictures. The day is structured to give you time in the water, including chances to use the SUP if conditions allow. Even if you’re not a paddle person, watching someone paddle quietly through clear water is one of those simple joys that sticks in your memory.

Lunch at a traditional taverna in a small local harbor

Lunch is included, and it’s handled in the most practical way: you moor up and eat at a local traditional taverna in a small harbor.

This matters because it keeps your day grounded in real island life. You’re not eating lunch in a tourist bubble. The meal is the kind you’d expect on the islands—simple, Greek, and timed so you can digest and reset before the afternoon swimming.

What to watch for: while the lunch is included, some people note that extra drink choices at lunch time may cost extra beyond what’s included (for example, certain orders beyond the standard included water). So if you want a specific drink, just be ready to pay the difference.

After lunch, you’ll feel the day’s rhythm shift again: more sea time, more scenery, then another chance to get back into the water.

Dasia cave snorkeling and the Arkos fruit-salad stop before sailing back

The afternoon keeps the adventure focused on water fun, not long transit.

One of the key highlights is cave snorkelling in Dasia. The exact experience depends on sea and wind conditions, but the concept is that you’re close enough to the coastline and formations to make snorkeling more interesting than open-water swimming alone.

After that, you get a sweet and refreshing break: fruit salad on board, served during the final stop on Arkos island. It’s a nice way to refuel before the sail back to Skiathos. If you’ve been in and out of the water already, fruit can be exactly the right “reset” food.

Then you anchor again for the breath-taking sail back to Skiathos port. By the time you’re heading home, the day starts to feel like a loop of sailing, swimming, and eating—exactly what a good sea day should be.

The included perks that make the day feel worth $175

Let’s talk value, because $175 isn’t pocket change. The good news is that the day isn’t just “transport plus maybe lunch.”

The price covers a lot of real-time cost drivers:

• An experienced skipper
• Lunch at a Greek taverna
• Drinks, plus snacks during the day (soft drinks and alcoholic options are mentioned)
• Fruit salad and coffee during the afternoon
• Snorkeling gear
• Fishing gear
• Stand-up paddle (SUP)
• Towels
• On-board breakfast (croissants, biscuits, juice, coffee)

And it’s not only about the items. It’s about the total amount of water time. Several people highlight that the stops are frequent and the swimming time is meaningful. A day trip only feels expensive when you’re paying for travel and waiting. Here, you’re paying for more “in the water” hours.

Group size also adds value. One person describes the group as around 12 guests, and another says around 14 total. Smaller groups generally mean fewer people to wait behind and more room to actually relax on a boat.

Weather reality: when winds change the route (and why it’s still a win)

In the Aegean, weather is part of the plan, not an inconvenience.

Some people note that on their day, Lalaria wasn’t reached due to high winds, and that the route changed because of weather on the north side of the island. That can sound like a letdown—until you realize the trip is still built around multiple swim-ready coves and snorkeling opportunities.

So what you should do is adjust your mindset. If you’re chasing one single “must-see” beach, plan to be flexible. The captain’s job is to keep the day safe and enjoyable. When winds shift, you still get the core of the experience: anchors, swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and an included lunch.

Who should book this sailing trip from Skiathos?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• Swimming and snorkeling time with included gear
• An island day that feels uncrowded compared to busier shore options
• A relaxed pace with a crew that handles the sailing and logistics
• A sailing day that can work for different energy levels (snorkelers, paddle people, and sunbathers)

It’s also listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a big deal for planning, especially for travelers who want an accessible sea experience. Pets aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing animals.

If you’re the type who needs “structured sightseeing” every hour, this might feel too chill. But if you want a day with real water time, it’s an easy recommendation.

Should you book? My take on the decision

If you’re deciding between a quick tour and something that gives you a full Aegean day, I’d lean toward booking—mainly because so much is included: breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and SUP, plus an experienced skipper and a day built around swim stops.

Book it if:

• you’re excited about water time more than landmarks
• you want a smaller-group vibe
• you value having meals handled instead of planning around restaurant timing

Skip it if:

• you’re set on a single beach stop with zero flexibility (weather can change routes)
• you prefer shore-based exploring with no time spent anchored off coves

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the sailing day trip?

Meet at Skiathos New Port, opposite the park. The boat is the Marina in front of Sol Levante Cafe.

How long is the trip?

The experience runs for 8 hours.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

You get snorkeling gear, fishing gear, stand-up paddle (SUP), and towels.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served at a traditional Greek taverna in a local harbor.

What food and drinks are provided during the day?

You’ll have breakfast on board (croissants, biscuits, juice, and coffee) plus drinks during the trip. There are also snacks, and fruit salad plus coffee is served later in the day.

Will you definitely see dolphins?

No trip can promise dolphins, but the plan includes keeping an eye out for local wildlife, and dolphins are possible while sailing.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible, and are pets allowed?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed.