Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise

Discover the Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise Experience

The Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise offers a full-day adventure across some of Greece’s most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea. Starting from Nidri Harbour, this 6-hour tour takes you to hidden caves, traditional fishing villages, and iconic islands like Scorpios. The cruise is led by English-speaking hosts from IONIAN K AND S CRUISES NE, ensuring smooth navigation and informative commentary.

One of the tour’s standout features is the visit to the Cave of Papanicolis on Meganisi, which played a role in World War II and is Greece’s largest sea cave, covering approximately 3,800 square meters. The tour’s highlight for many is swimming with the famous swimming piggies at Piggy Beach, an experience that combines adorable animals with stunning scenery. Visitors also enjoy relaxing at least 30 minutes at two swimming stops, plus a scenic round of Scorpios Island, the world-famous island once owned by Onassis.

While the tour promises spectacular views and a variety of activities, it’s worth noting that one review reports dissatisfaction with the experience, citing issues with timing, food service, and the atmosphere. The tour offers options to include lunch, and it’s suitable for those looking to combine adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation in a compact 6-hour window.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 6-hour cruise starting from Nidri Harbour in Greece
• Visits Meganisi’s Cave of Papanicolis and Piggy Beach to swim with swimming pigs
• Includes two swimming stops of at least 30 minutes each
• Cruises around Scorpios Island, famous for its Onassis connection
• Optional lunch available when booking
• Led by English-speaking hosts from IONIAN K AND S CRUISES NE

Meganisi’s Cave of Papanicolis: Greece’s Largest Sea Cave

The tour begins with a cruise toward the Cave of Papanicolis on Meganisi. This sea cave has historical significance, having played a part during World War II to protect the local region. It’s notable for being the largest sea cave in Greece, with about 3,800 square meters of space to explore. The guides emphasize going as far inside as possible to enable visitors to capture great photos of the cavern’s expansive interior.

The cruise allows enough time for visitors to appreciate the scale and natural beauty of this geological feature. The cave’s size and historical background make it a worthwhile start to the day’s journey. Since the guides are knowledgeable, expect some insights into the cave’s importance and natural features, making this stop both scenic and educational.

Swimming with Piggies at Piggy Beach

The next highlight is the famous Piggy Beach, where the swimming piggies await. Visitors are encouraged to swim with these adorable animals and take photos of the fascinating scenery. The tour provides ample time to enjoy the water and even allows guests to name some of the pigs, creating a fun and memorable connection.

This stop is a favorite for many, combining animal interaction with picture-perfect views. It’s a chance to relax, swim, and marvel at the unique experience of swimming alongside friendly pigs in the clear waters. The guide offers instructions about behavior on Piggy Island to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for both humans and animals.

Exploring the Islands of Kastos and Kalamos

After the piggy adventure, the cruise proceeds to visit Kastos and Kalamos, considered the most scenic part of the Ionian by the touring team. At Kastos, a small fishing village is explored, known for its slow-paced Greek lifestyle. This island has a year-round population of around 30-80 residents, offering an authentic taste of traditional island life.

Following Kastos, the tour moves toward Kalamos, where the scenery becomes even more striking. The coastline is depicted as green and lush, dropping into the crystal-clear Ionian Sea. Here, visitors enjoy another swimming stop, giving plenty of opportunities to dive into the water and create lasting memories amid breathtaking nature. The calm waters and scenic backdrop make this a relaxing and picturesque part of the cruise.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Cruise to Scorpios Island

Before heading back to Nidri, the tour makes a cruise around Scorpios Island, famously associated with Onassis and Jackie Kennedy. The island’s famous history makes it a prime photo opportunity, with many guests eager to snap pictures of the luxurious estate and beautiful coastline.

This part of the cruise provides a glimpse of Greece’s glamorous past while enjoying the natural beauty of the island’s surroundings. It’s a fitting way to end the day’s sightseeing before returning to Nidri Harbour.

Cruise Logistics and Practical Details

The meeting point for the tour is at Harbour Nidri, at the statue of Onassis (coordinates: 38.70999526977539, 20.7141170501709). The cruise departs at 09:30 and returns around 17:00. It’s a group experience led in English, with the option to include lunch when booking, offering a convenient meal during the day.

Guests should bring beachwear, as swimming is central to the experience. The tour explicitly prohibits food, drinks, alcohol, drugs, touching animals, or riding animals, emphasizing responsible enjoyment. Instructions about appropriate behavior on Piggy Island are provided on the boat, ensuring everyone understands the guidelines for a respectful visit.

The Realities of the Tour: Strengths and Challenges

This cruise is praised for its stunning scenery, variety of stops, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. The multiple swimming stops of at least 30 minutes each allow ample time for relaxation and exploration. The inclusion of lunch options adds value for those looking to enjoy a full day without concern for meals.

However, a notable review raises concerns about potential issues like timing changes, service quality, and atmosphere. It reports that the boat was moved away from the beach by staff, leading to a stressful environment, and mentions that food and drinks were not as expected, with food spilling and small drinks.

Despite this, the overall design of the cruise, including iconic island visits and animal encounters, remains attractive. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who prioritize scenic beauty and unique experiences but should be aware of potential discrepancies in service quality.

Who Will Enjoy the Meganisi & Atokos Cruise?

This tour suits travelers who love scenic boat journeys, animal lovers, and those interested in famous Greek islands like Scorpios. It’s ideal for people seeking relaxed swimming stops and a mix of history, nature, and fun. The availability of lunch makes it a practical choice for a full daytime activity.

However, those who expect luxurious service may want to manage expectations based on the mixed reviews. The casual pace and informal atmosphere appeal most to adventurous and flexible travelers eager to experience the Ionian Sea’s highlights.

The Sum Up: A Scenic Day with Unique Highlights

The Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise offers a memorable journey through Greece’s Ionian Islands, with notable stops at caves, swimming piggies, and scenic villages. The tour’s main strength lies in its combination of natural beauty and iconic locations like Scorpios and Kastos.

While the scenery and animal interactions are well-loved, some guests report service inconsistencies. It’s a good fit for adventure-seekers and photo enthusiasts who appreciate authentic island visits and relaxed swimming stops. Be prepared for a full day on the water, with the option of including lunch to enhance the experience.

This tour delivers a diverse snapshot of the Ionian Sea’s treasures, making it a worthy choice for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and island charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is available as an option when booking, providing a convenient meal during the 6-hour cruise.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests should bring beachwear and any personal items needed for swimming and photos.

Are animals touched or ridden during the tour?
Touching animals or riding animals is not allowed, and instructions about behavior on Piggy Island are provided on the boat.

What is the meeting point for the cruise?
The tour departs from Harbour Nidri, at the statue of Onassis.

How long are the swimming stops?
There are two stops, each lasting at least 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby