Thessaloniki: Half-Day Sailing Cruise to Shipwreck Bay

Swim to a 1970 shipwreck, then return to a sailboat lunch cooked by Captain Makis. This six-hour trip across the Thermaic Gulf offers clear water, quiet beaches, Mount Olympus views, and a small group limited to eight people. I especially like the personal cooking and the chance to explore Epanomi’s Navagio Beach from the water rather than simply viewing it from shore.

I also like the calm pace. You get time to sit on deck, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and watch for dolphins instead of racing between several stops. The main consideration is the swim to shore, which can be about 50 meters each way. If you are not a confident swimmer, the shipwreck may be difficult to reach.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Makis cooks lunch onboard: Expect a generous northern Greek meal, often with homemade tzatziki, grilled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves, salad, meat, fruit, and local wine.
• The shipwreck sits off Epanomi: You swim from the boat toward shore, then walk along the beach to see and explore the wreck.
• The group is very small: The boat carries no more than eight participants, creating a friendly, quiet setting with room to move around.
• Mount Olympus may frame the route: On clear days, the legendary mountain is visible across the water during much of the cruise.
• You get more than a quick swim: The schedule allows substantial time around the wreck, followed by another swim and rest period.
• Bring extra water and strong sun protection: Wine is included, but extra wine or beer costs more, and you should bring your own drinking water.

Leaving Nea Michaniona for the Thermaic Gulf

The cruise begins at Nea Michaniona Port, near the town fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat. From central Thessaloniki, you can reach the port by bus, taxi, or the metro for part of the route followed by another connection. Hotel pickup and return are not included, though the captain can arrange transport for an additional charge.

That transfer option can be useful if you are staying far from the port. One family arranged a private minivan and driver for a hotel roughly 45 minutes away and found the convenience worthwhile. Just confirm the price before accepting the arrangement, since it is separate from the cruise fare.

The boat is described as a well-maintained 46-foot sailing yacht. You can sit toward the bow, use the rear seating, or find a place on deck to watch the coast slide by. The trip to the swimming area takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, depending on conditions, so the sailing itself is a major part of the day rather than a short ride between activities.

That is good news if you enjoy being on the water. You can stretch out, talk with the small group, listen to Greek music, and watch for dolphins. Several outings have included dolphin sightings, but these are wild animals, not a guaranteed part of the program.

The boat has a bathroom and the facilities have been described as clean and well kept. Snorkels, masks, life vests, and floating aids such as pool noodles are available, which saves you from packing every piece of water equipment yourself.

Navagio Beach and the Epanomi wreck

The main stop is Navagio Beach near Epanomi, opposite Mount Olympus. The beach is known for the wreck of a ship that sank in 1970. Part of the wreck rests in shallow water near the sandy coast, giving you a chance to see it from the beach and in the water.

The usual approach is from the boat. The yacht anchors around 50 meters offshore, and you swim toward the coast. Once ashore, you can walk along the beach to the wreck and look around before swimming or paddling back to the boat.

This is the most active section of the cruise. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to make the return trip. The distance is not huge, but swimming with a mask, fins if you bring them, and personal belongings can feel harder than it looks from the deck.

The shoreline may include stones, shells, and mussels, so water shoes are a smart addition. One useful tip is to wear a sun shirt or apply sunscreen carefully to your back and shoulders before entering the water. You may not want to carry sunscreen onto the beach, and swimming can wash away the protection you applied earlier.

The wreck is not a polished museum attraction. Its appeal comes from the unusual setting: an old vessel lying in clear coastal water, with the beach, open sea, and Mount Olympus in the distance. You might see small fish around the wreck, but the quality of visibility depends on wind, sea conditions, and the time of year.

The boat may also stop at another swimming location. This gives you a second chance to get in the water, jump from the boat, or simply remain on deck and enjoy the view. The exact order and length of stops can change with conditions, so think of this as a flexible sea day rather than a tightly timed sightseeing circuit.

Lunch cooked by Captain Makis

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Captain Makis prepares the meal from scratch while you swim or explore. That personal touch changes the feeling of the trip from a basic boat transfer into a long, shared Greek meal at sea.

The food varies, but the descriptions include traditional northern Greek dishes such as grilled meat and sausages served with pita, homemade tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables, Greek salad, fruit salad, and other local produce. Some meals have included vegetables from the captain’s garden. Vegetarian requests have also been accommodated.

The portions are described as plentiful, so arrive hungry. The meal is served onboard, usually with Greek music and local wine. One bottle of wine is included for every four people. Extra wine or beer is not included, and you should bring plenty of water. This is especially important in the strong summer sun.

The meal works best as part of the rhythm of the day. You swim first, return to the yacht, rinse off, eat, and then have time for another dip or a period of rest. You are not being hurried through lunch so the boat can rush to the next sight.

Food is also where Captain Makis receives the most praise. He is not simply handling the boat. He welcomes people, explains the route, takes photographs, offers local suggestions, and cooks. That combination gives the cruise a warm, informal character that a larger vessel would struggle to match.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

A typical day can be understood in four parts:

1. Boarding and the outward sail: You meet at Blue Foam in Nea Michaniona and settle into the yacht. The outward journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the deck and the views.
2. Swimming and shipwreck exploration: The boat anchors near Navagio Beach. You swim to shore, walk along the beach, and explore the wreck area.
3. Lunch and a second swim: You return to the yacht for a full meal and wine. Afterward, there is more time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or jump from the boat.
4. Return to the port: The boat sails back to Nea Michaniona, normally completing a six-hour outing.

This schedule is a good fit if you want a slow day with activity built in. It is less suitable if you want constant sightseeing or several different coastal stops. Much of the day is spent sailing, eating, and relaxing, which is exactly the point.

The small group matters here. With a maximum of eight participants, you are not fighting for deck space or waiting for dozens of people to climb back onboard. Families have appreciated the relaxed setting, while couples and solo participants can usually settle into the social atmosphere without feeling lost in a crowd.

Swimming, snorkeling, and safety details

The water around the anchorage is frequently described as clear and refreshing. Snorkeling around the wreck can reveal fish and underwater details, though visibility will depend on the day. Masks, snorkels, life vests, and floating equipment are available.

You should still judge your own ability honestly. The captain can help, and one account describes him responding quickly when a swimmer became panicked, but assistance does not remove the need for basic open-water confidence. If you cannot comfortably swim about 50 meters to shore and back, ask about your options before booking.

There may be no practical way to carry all your belongings onto the beach. Leave valuables secured on the boat and bring only what you need for the swim. A waterproof phone pouch can be useful if you want photographs near the wreck, but the supplied information does not promise underwater photography equipment.

Captain Makis has also taken photographs for participants and helped with poses. You can ask him to photograph your group, but bring your own camera or phone if you want personal copies.

The sun is the main everyday hazard. Pack a hat, towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a shirt for the water. Reapply protection before departure and after swimming. The deck provides little escape from the sun, so do not judge the day’s heat only by the breeze while the boat is moving.

Is $112 a fair price?

At $112 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Thessaloniki. It is also more than a simple public boat ride. The fare includes six hours aboard a private sailing yacht, an experienced skipper, fuel, a full meal, and wine. The small group is an important part of the value.

You are paying for the whole outing, not just transportation to the wreck. Lunch alone would be a substantial meal, and the captain’s cooking, equipment, local explanations, and flexible hosting add to the experience. For a family or group that wants a quiet day on the water, the price is easier to justify than for someone who only wants a quick swim.

The cost does not include hotel transfers, extra alcohol, or your own water and personal gear. If your hotel is in central Thessaloniki, calculate the time and cost of getting to Nea Michaniona. A taxi or arranged transfer may add a noticeable amount, especially for a larger group.

The best value comes when you use the full day: enjoy both sailing legs, spend time at the wreck, eat lunch onboard, and take advantage of the second swimming stop. If you plan to leave the boat after one quick look, it will feel expensive.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families with older children, couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who prefers a personal boat day to a crowded beach club. Teenagers have plenty to do, including swimming, snorkeling, exploring the wreck, and jumping from the boat where appropriate.

It also suits people who want Greek food and conversation as part of the outing. Captain Makis is often praised for his friendliness, practical help, and local suggestions for Thessaloniki. The atmosphere is social but not rowdy.

Confident swimmers will get the most from Navagio Beach. If you have limited mobility, note that the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. The swim-to-shore arrangement and beach access also make it less practical for anyone who cannot move comfortably between the boat, water, and uneven shoreline.

The cruise can run outside the hottest summer period. October outings have still offered attractive water and good hospitality, but conditions can change. Check the forecast and understand that swimming time and the route may be adjusted for safety.

Booking details worth handling early

At booking, you must provide each participant’s full name, date of birth, and ID or passport number because of port regulations. Bring the same passport or identity document on the day.

The cruise is available as a small group or private charter. The standard small group is limited to eight participants. English and Greek are offered, and the guide is live rather than audio-recorded.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Thessaloniki plans are still shifting.

What to pack for Blue Foam

Keep your packing simple, but do not forget the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, hat, and a shirt for swimming
• Passport or ID card
• Water shoes for the beach
• Extra drinking water
• Snorkel gear if you prefer to use your own
• Camera or waterproof phone protection

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Extra wine or beer is also not included, so do not assume the onboard wine allocation covers all drinks for the day.

Should you book the Epanomi shipwreck cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a quiet, food-centered sailing day with a real swim and a genuinely unusual stop. The combination of a small yacht, clear water, the Epanomi wreck, Mount Olympus views, and Captain Makis’s homemade lunch gives you more character than a standard sightseeing boat.

Skip it if you dislike open-water swimming, need wheelchair access, want guaranteed dolphin sightings, or prefer a packed schedule of many beaches. For everyone else, $112 is a reasonable price for six hours of sailing, food, equipment, and personal attention, provided you budget for transport to Nea Michaniona and bring enough water and sun protection.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is Blue Foam sailing cruises at Nea Michaniona Port, near the fish market. Look for the Blue Foam sailing boat.

How long is the sailing cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing, swimming, shipwreck visit, lunch, and return to port.

How far is Nea Michaniona from central Thessaloniki?

The meeting point can be reached by bus, taxi, or the metro to part of the route followed by additional transport. The exact journey time depends on your starting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price, but transport can be arranged for an additional charge.

How many people are in the group?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full meal prepared onboard by the captain is included, along with wine. One bottle of wine is provided for every four people.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra wine or beer is not included. You should also bring plenty of drinking water.

Can I swim to the shipwreck?

The usual visit involves swimming from the boat to shore, walking along the beach to the wreck, and returning to the boat. You should be comfortable swimming about 50 meters each way.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks, snorkels, life vests, and floating devices are available for use during the swimming stops.

What documents do I need?

Bring a passport or ID card. At booking, you must provide the full name, date of birth, and ID or passport number for every participant because of port regulations.