Athens: Marathon Cape and Bay of Schinias Snorkeling Trip

The Athens: Marathon Cape and Bay of Schinias Snorkeling Trip offers an engaging experience for those looking to explore Greece’s underwater beauty without needing prior snorkeling expertise. Priced affordably, this 4.5-hour adventure departs from Nea Makri and includes snorkel equipment, guided support, and photos to enhance your journey. The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families, friends, or solo snorkelers seeking expert guidance and clear waters.

A standout feature of this tour is its focus on exploring two distinctive snorkeling spots in Central Greece, with a combination of scenic boat rides, beach relaxation, and marine discovery. While it does not include lunch, complimentary bottled water, biscuits or fruits, and beverages are provided to keep you refreshed. The tour operates rain or shine, but weather conditions can lead to cancellations, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

This tour appeals especially to those who value small-group experiences, knowledgeable guides, and marine wildlife encounters. Travelers should be comfortable in water, as the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or children under 6. Overall, it provides a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and education amidst Greece’s beautiful coastline.

Key Points

• Duration: 4.5 hours with multiple stops, including two snorkeling sites and beach time
• Small group size: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention
• Expert guides: Guides speak English and French, with extensive local knowledge
• All equipment included: Snorkel gear, photos, videos, and support from guides
• Scenic boat rides: 30-minute cruises to each snorkeling location with scenic views
• Ideal for: Families, friends, and solo travelers comfortable in water, with a minimum age of 6

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Starting Point at Frinis 20

The tour begins at Kanelakis Diving Experiences at Frinis 20, a dedicated dive center in Nea Makri. Here, travelers gather to meet their guides, receive the necessary equipment, and get a briefing before setting off. The meeting point is straightforward, and the small group size makes for an intimate start to the day.

Scenic Speedboat Ride to Marathon Cape

The adventure kicks off with a 20-minute speedboat ride from Nea Makri to Marathon Beach. During this cruise, travelers enjoy scenic views of the Greek coastline and warm sunshine. The boat ride is considered super fun by previous participants, and guides are attentive, making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Exploring Marathon Cape’s Marine Environment

Once at Marathon Cape, the guides provide tips and assistance before entering the crystal-clear waters. The area is known for its diverse marine life, with underwater sights that include starfish, octopus, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making this a rewarding experience regardless of snorkeling skill level. The 15-minute break at Marathon Cape allows for snacks and a quick rest before heading to the next location.

Discovering the Natural Beauty of Schinias Bay

After exploring Marathon Cape, the tour continues with a second cruise to Schinias Bay, part of Schinias National Park. The bay features pristine sandy beaches and crystal waters ideal for relaxing or swimming. The guides highlight the protected landscape and local flora and fauna, enhancing appreciation for this natural area. The scenic 30-minute cruise offers another chance to take in the views and perhaps snap some photos.

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Relaxing and Swimming at Schinias Beach

Back on land at Schinias Beach, travelers can top up their tan or swim in the clear waters. The wide sandy beach is a perfect spot for resting after snorkeling. The area’s natural setting makes it an enjoyable place to unwind, especially since no lunch is included—guests are encouraged to bring their own or explore nearby eateries afterward.

Return Journey to Nea Makri

The trip concludes with a 30-minute boat ride back to Frinis 20. Many previous participants mention the relaxing pace and informative commentary from guides during the cruise. The entire experience emphasizes scenic cruising and marine observation, ending with a smooth return to the starting point.

Included Amenities and Support

The tour package includes bottled water, biscuits or fruits, juice or tea, along with photos and videos taken during the trip. Snorkel equipment is provided, so there’s no need to bring your own gear unless preferred. Guides are available to support beginners and offer local insights, making the experience accessible and educational.

Logistics and Group Size

Meeting at the Kanelakis Diving Experiences dive center, the activity runs rain or shine, provided weather conditions are favorable. The small group limit of 7 participants ensures a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so travelers need to arrange their own transport to the meeting point.

Suitability and Physical Requirements

This snorkeling trip is suitable for children aged 6 and above, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers, but many reviews highlight how guides explain everything clearly and support beginners. Travelers should bring swimwear and a towel for comfort, and be prepared for gentle boat rides and easy-to-access snorkeling spots.

Weather Considerations and Cancellations

Since the tour is subject to weather conditions, poor weather could lead to cancellations. In such cases, guests are offered the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility adds confidence for travelers planning around weather variability.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What truly sets this snorkeling trip apart is the combination of scenic boat rides, small-group guidance, and the chance to see a variety of marine creatures in their natural habitat. The guides’ friendliness and expertise receive frequent praise, enhancing the overall experience. The crystal-clear waters and natural park setting make it a memorable outing for nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts alike.

Athens: Marathon Cape and Bay of Schinias Snorkeling Trip – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances adventure and relaxation. Its small-group format and experienced guides make it ideal for those seeking a personalized snorkeling outing near Athens. The scenic boat rides and diverse marine life encounters stand out, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers who appreciate nature and outdoor activities.

While it lacks lunch options, the inclusion of photos, videos, and support adds value to the experience. The ability to snorkel without previous experience makes it accessible, provided participants are comfortable in the water. Weather dependency is a consideration, but the tour’s flexibility with cancellations offers peace of mind.

This trip is particularly suited for small groups and families looking for a fun, informative day exploring Greece’s coastal waters. The high reviews and 4.8/5 rating reflect its consistent delivery of memorable, friendly service and beautiful sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the snorkeling trip?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including boat rides, snorkeling stops, and beach time.

Where does the tour start?
The activity begins at Kanelakis Diving Experiences located at Frinis 20 in Nea Makri.

Is lunch included in the trip?
No, lunch is not included. However, snacks, fruits, and beverages are provided during the tour.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are available in English and French to assist guests throughout the trip.

Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by an adult. It is not recommended for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring swimwear and a towel for comfort during beach stops and snorkeling.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is subject to weather conditions. Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled if notified 24 hours in advance.

Are photos and videos included?
Yes, the tour provides photos and videos taken during the trip for keepsakes.

How many participants are in each group?
The small group limit of 7 ensures a personal and attentive experience.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, guests can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel planning.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, the activity requires comfortable swimming skills; it is not suitable for non-swimmers.

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