Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

The main treat here is not simply the shipwreck. It is the calm, personal rhythm of sailing toward Epanomi’s Navagio Beach, swimming from the boat to shore, then returning for a fresh Greek meal cooked by skipper Makis. On a clear day, Mount Olympus forms a striking backdrop across the Thermaic Gulf.

I like the small size, limited to eight participants, and the practical extras such as masks, snorkels, life vests, and floating devices. I also like the food, which has included homemade tzatziki, Greek salad, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables, sausages, fruit, and local wine.

The main point to consider is the swim to shore. You need to manage a slow swim of roughly 50 meters each way, and the beach can have stones and sharp mussel shells. Hotel transfers cost extra, and you should bring more water than you think you need.

Key points at a glance

• A 1970 shipwreck near Epanomi: Swim from the anchored boat to the beach and walk along the sand to see the wreck.
• A true small-group cruise: The boat carries no more than eight participants, creating a quieter day than a large excursion vessel.
• Makis cooks lunch onboard: Expect a filling northern Greek meal prepared during the swimming stop, with one bottle of wine per four people included.
• Mount Olympus across the gulf: The mountain can remain in view during the outward sail, giving the cruise a memorable setting.
• Swimming and snorkeling time: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Snorkeling equipment and flotation aids are available.
• Nea Michaniona departure: The boat leaves from the port near the local fish market, not from central Thessaloniki.

The basic shape of this Thessaloniki sailing day

This is a six-hour sailing cruise from Blue Foam sailing cruises at Nea Michaniona Port, on the eastern side of the Thermaic Gulf. The route heads south toward the Epanomi area, where Navagio Beach and its partially submerged shipwreck provide the central stop.

The trip is best understood as a relaxed day on the water with one major swimming and exploring session, not as a fast sightseeing circuit. You spend about an hour and a quarter sailing each way in some conditions, with time near the wreck, lunch onboard, and additional swimming before returning to port.

That pace is part of the value. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to another. You can sit at the front of the sailing boat, settle into the rear seating, watch the coast pass, and use the water stop as the day’s main activity.

The advertised price is $112 per person. For six hours on a well-kept sailing yacht, with fuel, an experienced skipper, a full meal, and wine included, that is a reasonable package. It becomes an especially good deal when you compare it with arranging a boat, lunch, snorkeling gear, and transport separately.

Still, this is not a cheap beach transfer. You are paying for the boat, the small group, the skipper’s hospitality, and the meal as much as for the wreck itself. If you only want to reach a beach and swim, a public beach day may cost less. If you want a social sailing experience with food and personal attention, the price makes more sense.

Setting out from Nea Michaniona Port

The meeting point is at Nea Michaniona Port, close to the fish market. Look for the sailing boat named Blue Foam. From central Thessaloniki, the port can be reached by bus, taxi, or the metro for part of the journey followed by another connection.

Allow extra time for the trip from the city center. Nea Michaniona is outside central Thessaloniki, and the ride can feel long if you are staying downtown. A taxi is the simplest option, while public transport requires more planning.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but an arranged transfer is available for an additional charge. This can be useful for families or larger groups, particularly if you are staying well away from the port. One family arranged a minivan and driver from a hotel about 45 minutes away and found the convenience worthwhile.

At the harbor, Makis and his crew give you the basic orientation before departure. The boat has been described as a clean, well-maintained Hunter 46 sailing yacht, with space to sit at the bow or stern and a bathroom onboard. The small group limit helps the boat feel personal rather than crowded.

Sailing across the Thermaic Gulf

The outward cruise is a big part of the experience, so do not treat it as dead time. You are on the water for a substantial stretch, with the chance to watch Thessaloniki’s shoreline recede and the open gulf widen around you.

Mount Olympus, across the gulf, may remain visible during the journey. Its connection with the ancient Greek gods gives the view a pleasing sense of place, though visibility will depend on weather and haze.

Makis also shares information about sailing, the boat, the surrounding area, and Thessaloniki. His role is more than simply steering. He keeps the mood easy, helps with photographs, and watches the group during the water activities.

Dolphins have been spotted on several departures, sometimes close enough for the boat to slow and watch them. This is a lucky extra, not something you should count on. The same applies to perfectly calm conditions. The cruise may be peaceful, but wind and weather can change the feel of a sailing day.

Bring a hat and apply sunscreen before leaving the port. The sun reaches your shoulders and back while you are on deck and in the water. One useful lesson from the trip is that sunscreen washed off during the swim cannot be reapplied once you are on the beach, so a swimming shirt is a smart choice.

Arriving at Navagio Beach and the Epanomi wreck

The main stop is Navagio Beach, near Epanomi, opposite Mount Olympus. A ship sank here in 1970, and the wreck now rests in the shallow coastal water, creating the unusual sight that gives the bay its name.

The Blue Foam anchors offshore rather than pulling directly onto the beach. You then swim to shore, using the supplied snorkel equipment, life vests, or floating aids as needed. The distance is manageable for a confident swimmer, but it is not ideal for anyone who struggles in open water.

The swim is part of the adventure, not a minor detail. You leave the boat behind, reach the beach, and walk along the coast to inspect the wreck. The route can feel like a small workout, especially if the water is choppy or you are carrying equipment.

At the shore, expect stones and sharp mussel shells in places. Swimming shoes would be useful, although they are not listed as supplied. Take care when stepping out of the water, and do not assume the beach has the soft sand of a resort bay.

The clear water is the reward. You can see fish around the wreck and use a mask to look below the surface. The shipwreck is not a dry-land museum or a polished attraction. It is a weathered vessel in the sea, and its appeal comes from the setting, the swim, and the sense of discovering it from the water.

You usually get a generous period for swimming and exploring, with one departure allowing about an hour and a half before lunch. The exact time can change with conditions and the group. Some people spend most of the stop snorkeling, while others prefer to walk the beach and take photographs.

Keep your camera secure. You can ask Makis to take photographs from the boat, and several families appreciated his help with action shots and jumping pictures. Do not bring loose valuables into the water.

Lunch prepared by Makis onboard

After the wreck stop, return to the boat for the meal. Makis prepares lunch from scratch, often while the group is swimming, then serves it onboard with Greek music and wine.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Menus described during the experience have included homemade tzatziki, pita, lamb or pork sausages, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables, a large Greek salad, fruit salad, and other regional dishes. Produce from Makis’s garden has also been used.

This is not a token snack. The portions are filling, and the meal gives the cruise a genuine northern Greek flavor. The food also turns the boat into a temporary taverna, with the water around you instead of a dining room wall.

One bottle of wine per four people is included. Extra wine or beer costs more, and white wine is the option specifically noted. Water is not listed among the included drinks, so bring plenty of your own water. That is particularly important on hot summer departures.

Vegetarians can be accommodated, but tell the operator in advance. The meal may be one of the most memorable parts of the day, yet food needs vary, so clear communication before departure is sensible.

The captain’s cooking also changes the social feel. You are not simply handed a packaged lunch. You see the meal being prepared, hear Greek music, and share a table with a handful of other people. For me, that personal touch is worth more than a fancier menu served by a large catering crew.

A second swim before the sail home

After lunch, the boat moves closer to another beach or swimming area. This gives you time for another swim, more sunbathing, or a few jumps from the boat before the return sail.

The second stop is useful because it keeps the day from being built around only one activity. If the walk to the wreck leaves you ready to relax, you can stay near the boat and float. If you still have energy, you can swim and snorkel again.

The crew pays attention to safety in the water. Makis has helped passengers who became anxious during a swim, and flotation equipment is available. Even so, you are responsible for judging your own comfort. Tell the skipper if you are uneasy before entering the water.

The boat then sails back to Nea Michaniona. Use the return journey to dry off, sit in the sun, or find shade. Six hours can pass quickly when the day includes a long sail, two water sessions, beach time, lunch, and photographs.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a relaxed day at sea without leaving the Thessaloniki area. Teenagers have plenty to do, including swimming, snorkeling, floating, beach exploring, and jumping from the boat where appropriate.

It also suits people who care about food and conversation. Makis is known for being friendly and helpful, and he gives practical information about Thessaloniki as well as the route. The atmosphere is closer to a hosted outing than a formal guided tour.

The cruise is less suitable if you dislike boats, cannot swim comfortably, or want constant sightseeing from dry land. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, since the boat, swimming stop, and beach access require mobility.

Families should plan carefully. The limited group size is excellent for personal attention, but young children need close supervision around the boat and in the water. Bring extra drinking water, sun protection, and a shirt for swimming.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour runs in English and Greek. You must provide the full name, date of birth, and passport or ID number for every participant at booking because of port regulations. Bring the same ID or passport, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Extra wine or beer is not included. Hotel transportation is also separate, so check the final cost if you need a pickup from central Thessaloniki or a distant hotel.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The cruise may be offered as a small group outing or a private cruise, which is worth considering for a family celebration or a group that wants more control over the day.

Weather matters. Clear skies improve the view of Mount Olympus and the wreck, while calm water makes the swim easier. The operator controls the sailing route and timing, so expect the schedule to bend slightly around sea conditions.

Should you book the Blue Foam cruise?

Book it if you want a full day feeling from a half-day tour: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a shipwreck, a beach walk, homemade Greek food, wine, and a second swim. The small group and Makis’s hands-on hosting give it a personal character that many boat excursions lack.

Think twice if your priority is a short, inexpensive ride to a sandy beach, or if you are not comfortable swimming from an anchored boat. The wreck requires effort to reach, the beach can be rough underfoot, and you need to bring your own water.

For most visitors who want a break from Thessaloniki’s streets, this is a strong use of six hours and $112. Pack sunscreen, a towel, swimming shoes if you have them, and an appetite. The shipwreck is the headline, but the food, quiet water, and friendly crew are what make the day worth remembering.

FAQ

Where does the sailing cruise depart from?

It departs from Nea Michaniona Port near the fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including sailing, swimming, snorkeling, beach exploration, lunch, and the return trip.

How far is Nea Michaniona from central Thessaloniki?

The meeting point is outside central Thessaloniki. You can reach it by bus, taxi, or metro for part of the route followed by another connection. The exact travel time depends on your starting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional charge.

How many people can join the small group cruise?

The small-group cruise is limited to eight participants. A private cruise option is also available.

Who leads the cruise?

The skipper is Makis, supported by crew members on some departures. The tour is conducted in English and Greek.

Do I need to swim to reach the shipwreck?

Yes. The boat anchors offshore, and you swim to the beach before walking along the coast to the wreck. One practical estimate given for the swim is about 50 meters each way.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment, life vests, and floating devices are available for use during the water stops.

What food and drinks are included?

A full meal prepared onboard by the captain is included, along with one bottle of wine for every four people. Extra wine or beer costs more.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Extra drinking water, a swimming shirt, and swimming shoes are also sensible choices based on the conditions described for the beach and water activities.