The most memorable part of this boat trip is a 40-meter WWII shipwreck resting at the entrance to Vourlia Beach. Some of the wreck lies just below the surface, so you can see it without specialist equipment.

I like the choice between a two-hour afternoon trip and a fuller four-hour morning outing. I also like the small group limit of eight, plus the included mask, snorkel, and fins. The main consideration is simple: the afternoon boat visits only one spot, and there is no guide in the water, so confident swimming matters.

Key points to know before booking

• A shallow WWII shipwreck: Sections of the old ship sit just under the surface near Vourlia Beach.
• Two trip lengths: The morning outing lasts about four hours and visits two snorkeling sites. The afternoon option lasts about two hours and visits one.
• Small boat group: Scuba Turtles limits the group to eight participants.
• Equipment included: You receive a mask, snorkel, and fins, with shorty and full wetsuits available as optional additions.
• Uninhabited island setting: Proti Island sits about two nautical miles from Marathopolis, off the west coast of the Peloponnese.
• Best for swimmers: This is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Why the Proti Island wreck makes this trip worthwhile

Proti Island is uninhabited, and that gives the trip a clean, quiet feel from the start. You leave the Scuba Turtles Dive Center at Marathopolis and head roughly two nautical miles offshore, toward a small island with no roads, shops, or beach facilities to interrupt the view.

The main attraction is Vourlia Beach, a sandy cove with clear turquoise water. At the mouth of the bay, a ship from World War II rests in the sea. Its length, around 40 meters, gives you something more interesting to look for than a quick swim along the shore.

You should not expect a full wreck exploration with tanks, lines, or a specialist shipwreck guide. This is a snorkeling encounter. The sections closest to the surface are the easiest to see, and the appeal comes from getting a clear look at an old vessel while swimming above or beside it.

That makes the site a good match for people who want a little history with their swimming. It also helps explain why the wreck is the strongest part of the outing for many people. The fish and sea floor can be pleasant, but they may not hold your attention as long as the ship itself.

Leaving Marathopolis with Scuba Turtles

Your meeting point is the Scuba Turtles Dive Center. Arrive at the stated meeting time, not early, since the center may not be ready to receive you before then. That small instruction matters in a compact operation where the boat, equipment, and staff are likely being prepared close to departure.

The group limit is eight participants, which is a useful middle ground. You get more room than on a large excursion boat, but you are still sharing the experience with other swimmers and possibly people taking part in scuba activities. One outing included snorkelers alongside a few divers, so expect a mixed water group rather than a snorkeling-only program every time.

The available languages are English, Greek, and Spanish. Staff are described as kind and helpful, and equipment fitting is part of the preparation. Take a moment to check that your mask seals well and that your fins feel secure before the boat leaves.

One practical issue is keeping track of your equipment once you are on the boat. A mask and fins may look much like someone else’s, so remember which set is yours. This is a minor point, but it can prevent a scramble when several people return from the water at once.

Choosing between the four-hour morning trip and the two-hour afternoon trip

The morning tour lasts about four hours and includes two snorkeling locations around Proti Island. The listed water time includes about 70 minutes at Vourlia Beach and roughly another hour at the second location, with the remaining time covering boat travel, preparation, and moving between sites.

That longer version suits you if snorkeling is a main event of your day. You have time to settle into the water, look over the wreck, swim around the cove, and visit another area instead of rushing through a single stop.

The afternoon tour lasts about two hours and visits only one location. It is a better fit if you have limited time in the Marathopolis area or want a shorter outing before dinner. It is also the sensible choice if you are unsure how much time you want to spend in the water.

The tradeoff is clear. The afternoon option gives you the shipwreck and one snorkeling stop, but not the second location. If you are paying mainly to see the wreck, that may be enough. If you want variety, the morning trip offers better value.

Starting times vary, so check the available schedule before booking. The flexible reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Peloponnese plans are still shifting, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Vourlia Beach and the WWII shipwreck

Vourlia Beach is the centerpiece. The sand and sheltered cove give you a calm setting for the first water stop, while the clear water makes it easier to see below the surface. You can expect around 70 minutes here, a generous amount of time for a snorkeling stop.

The wreck sits at the entrance to the bay. Since some parts are just below the surface, you do not need advanced skills or scuba equipment to appreciate it. Stay within your comfort level, keep your mask fitted properly, and focus on the sections that are easiest to see from above.

The water around the wreck is also where the outing gains its strongest sense of place. You are not simply stopping at a generic swimming cove. You are looking at a vessel linked to World War II, in water beside an uninhabited Greek island.

Still, keep your expectations measured. Clear water does not guarantee a dramatic display of marine life. The amount of fish and the interest of the sea floor can vary, and some people may find the natural scenery less compelling than the wreck. If you prefer a trip centered on marine animals, this may feel modest. If you enjoy unusual places and historic objects, the wreck should carry the experience.

What happens at the second snorkeling site

On the four-hour morning trip, you return to the boat after Vourlia Beach and continue to a second snorkeling location around Proti Island. The scheduled time in the water is about one hour.

The benefit is variety. You get another chance to swim in the island’s clear water rather than spending the whole morning in one cove. The second stop also gives you more total water time, which matters if you have paid for the longer trip and want a full outing.

The limitation is that the second site is not described with the same specific attraction as Vourlia Beach and its wreck. You might find fish, rock, and sea-floor views, but you should not book the morning trip expecting two shipwrecks or two equally major sights.

This is one reason the shorter option can make sense. If the wreck is your priority, a single well-chosen stop may be all you need. If you enjoy unhurried swimming and want to compare two areas, choose the morning boat.

Equipment, wetsuits, and comfort in the water

Mask, snorkel, and fins are included in the price. The equipment is described as good quality overall, and staff adjust masks and fins before the boat goes out. That is important because a leaking mask or loose fin can spoil an otherwise fine swim.

Optional wetsuits are available in two types: a 2.5mm shorty and a 5.5mm full wetsuit. One participant found the wetsuit especially helpful, so consider it if you get cold easily or plan to spend a long time in the water.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water. Snacks are not included, so eat beforehand or make your own plan for food. Alcohol, smoking, fishing, littering, feeding animals, and drugs are not allowed.

There is no on-water guide included. Staff give instructions and help with equipment, but you should be comfortable managing yourself in the sea. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The price and what you receive for $58

At $58 per person, the trip offers reasonable value if you choose the four-hour morning option and make good use of both water stops. Your price covers the boat outing, the visit to Vourlia Beach, the chance to see the WWII wreck, and basic snorkeling equipment.

The value is less obvious on the two-hour afternoon trip, simply because it includes one location. That does not make it poor value. It may be exactly right for a short schedule, and the wreck is the most distinctive feature. But compare the two options carefully before assuming the cheaper or shorter-feeling choice is best for you.

The small group size adds practical value. Eight participants means less crowding than a large boat excursion and makes equipment preparation easier. You are still sharing the boat, but the scale should feel more personal.

The absence of snacks and an in-water guide keeps the package focused. You are paying for transport to Proti Island, time in the water, and equipment, not for a catered cruise or a guided natural-history lesson.

Who should book this Proti Island outing

I would choose this trip if you are a competent swimmer who likes clear water, small boats, and one unusual historic feature. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a half-day away from the coast without committing to a full scuba program.

The morning outing is best for you if snorkeling is a priority and you want two sites. The afternoon outing works well if you have only a short gap in your schedule or mainly want to see the wreck.

You should think twice if you dislike shared equipment, need a guide beside you in the water, or want guaranteed abundant sea life. You should also skip it if you cannot swim or have a pre-existing medical condition that makes sea activity unsafe.

The island’s uninhabited character is a plus for anyone seeking a quiet setting. It also means you should arrive prepared with water, sun protection, and anything else you need for several hours away from shore.

My verdict: choose the morning trip if snorkeling matters

I recommend the Proti Island boat trip, with one clear suggestion: choose the four-hour morning tour if you want the best overall value and enough time to enjoy two sites. The wreck at Vourlia Beach gives the outing a strong focal point, and the second stop adds welcome variety.

Choose the afternoon tour if your schedule is tight or you want a quick, focused visit to the wreck. You will give up the second location, but you will still get the island setting, the clear cove, and the ship just below the surface.

The trip is not a full marine safari, and the lack of an in-water guide may matter to beginners. For a confident swimmer looking for a relaxed boat ride, useful equipment, and a WWII wreck in a quiet Greek setting, $58 is a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the Proti Island snorkeling tour start?

The meeting point is the Scuba Turtles Dive Center in Marathopolis. Arrive at the designated meeting time, not earlier, because the center may not be ready to welcome you before then.

How long does the tour last?

The morning tour lasts about four hours. The afternoon tour lasts about two hours.

How many snorkeling locations does the morning tour visit?

The morning tour visits two snorkeling locations around Proti Island.

How many locations does the afternoon tour visit?

The afternoon tour visits one snorkeling location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and fins are included. You may also have the option of a 2.5mm shorty wetsuit or a 5.5mm full wetsuit.

Can I see the WWII shipwreck while snorkeling?

Yes. The wreck is at the entrance to Vourlia Beach, and some sections are just below the surface.

Is Proti Island inhabited?

No. Proti Island is uninhabited and sits about two nautical miles from Marathopolis off the west coast of the Peloponnese.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and water. Snacks are not included.