From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ

A sun-soaked island day with a surprise underwater relic. This nine-hour cruise from Naxos combines swimming, a World War II airplane wreck, a generous Greek BBQ, and time on two small Cycladic islands. I especially like the unusual stop at Alimia and the relaxed two-hour visit to Agios Georgios. The main drawback is that rough weather can affect the route, and one booking in September was reportedly cancelled without advance notice.

You leave Agia Anna at 9:30 a.m. and return around 7 p.m., so this is a full day on the water rather than a quick island hop. I also like that lunch includes several vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, local wine, soft drinks, and fruit. Still, this trip suits confident swimmers best, and the schedule can feel loosely managed at times.

Key points to know before booking

• World War II airplane wreck: Stop above the wreck of an Arado AR196 at Alimia, Iraklia, with time for photographs and swimming.
• Two hours at Schinoussa: Swim at Tsigouri or Livadi Beach, then eat a full BBQ lunch onboard.
• Two hours in Agios Georgios: Walk around Iraklia’s small capital village instead of spending the entire day at sea.
• Plenty of food: Greek salad, potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, vegetable rice, bread, souvlaki, fruit, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Useful equipment onboard: Sunbeds, loungers, masks, life jackets, a lifebuoy, and sea-pool noodles are provided.
• Weather matters: Strong northerly winds can make the sea rough and may affect the plan.

What this Naxos sailing day is really like

This is a long, sea-focused outing from Naxos to two of the Small Cyclades: Schinoussa and Iraklia. You spend much of the day aboard the boat, with three main breaks for swimming, lunch, and walking around a village.

The appeal is variety. You are not simply anchored at one beach for nine hours. The day moves from the western coast of Naxos to Alimia, then Schinoussa, then Agios Georgios on Iraklia, with a possible final swim at Gerolimionas on Schinoussa before returning to Agia Anna.

The boat leaves from the taxi stand and dock area at Agia Anna. Look for the word NAVIGATOR on the dock. Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with arrival back at about 7 p.m. That timing makes this difficult to combine with another major activity on the same day, but it gives you a proper taste of the islands beyond Naxos.

I would treat the timetable as a framework rather than a minute-by-minute promise. One booking received poor marks after the boat did not leave and the customer said no warning arrived. That appears to be an exception among the supplied feedback, but I would still confirm the departure before setting out, especially if you are staying far from Agia Anna.

The Alimia stop and its World War II airplane wreck

The first memorable stop comes before the boat reaches Iraklia. At Alimia, you stop above the wreck of a World War II Arado AR196 aircraft.

This is the unusual heart of the trip. Many island cruises offer a pretty cove and a swim. This one adds a tangible piece of wartime history beneath the water. You can take photographs from the boat and use the stop for swimming and snorkeling above the wreck.

The supplied details do not promise a guided historical talk, a glass-bottom view, or a full wreck expedition. Think of it as a chance to see the site from the water, not a technical wreck tour. Conditions will affect visibility, and the boat’s exact position may depend on the sea.

Bring your own waterproof phone case if you want pictures. The operator provides masks and life jackets, but there is no mention of underwater cameras. A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel belong in your day bag from the start.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes in the stated itinerary. That is enough for a swim and a look, but not a long session. Non-swimmers should note that this activity is not suitable for them, and the trip is also not recommended for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Schinoussa gives you the best beach break

The next major stop is Schinoussa, with Tsigouri or Livadi Beach named as the likely area. You have about two hours here for swimming and lunch.

This is the most complete pause of the day. You get time in the water, time to dry off, and a substantial meal rather than a rushed snack. The cruise includes sunbeds and loungers, so you can settle in after swimming instead of standing around with a towel under your arm.

Schinoussa is small, and the pleasure here is simple: clear water, a quiet beach stop, and an easy meal at sea. The exact beach can depend on conditions, so do not book this expecting one fixed shoreline experience every time. The route also lists Gerolimionas as a possible final stop if the weather allows.

The water equipment is a useful touch. Masks, life jackets, sea-pool noodles, and a lifebuoy are available. That makes the swimming stops easier for people who are comfortable in the water but do not carry their own gear. You should still bring a towel and proper swimwear, since the boat provides equipment but not personal beach clothing.

A BBQ lunch with more than souvlaki

Lunch is much better supplied than the usual excursion sandwich. The BBQ includes pork or chicken souvlaki, Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, and fruit.

Vegetarians and vegans have several possible choices, including salad, potatoes, pasta, rice with vegetables, bread, and fruit. The information does not promise a separate vegan menu or confirm how every dish is prepared, so anyone with strict dietary requirements should ask before booking.

Drinks served during lunch include water, Coca-Cola, Sprite, orange juice, and wine. Local wine with a meal on a warm island day is exactly the kind of small pleasure that makes the cruise feel more connected to Greece rather than like a generic boat transfer.

The food is also part of the value. At $94 per person, the fare covers the cruise, multiple swimming stops, island time, equipment, and a full meal with drinks. You will still need to judge the price against your own priorities, but the inclusion of lunch and onboard equipment makes the cost easier to justify than a bare transportation ticket.

The review feedback describes the food as abundant, and one family found the day especially enjoyable for children. That makes sense: a BBQ, open water, swim gear, music, and a break on land give the day a useful rhythm. Children still need close supervision near the water and boat edges.

Two hours in Agios Georgios, Iraklia

After Schinoussa, the cruise heads to Agios Georgios on Iraklia for about two hours. This is a change of pace from swimming and eating.

Agios Georgios is the capital village of Iraklia, and the scheduled stop gives you time to walk around instead of seeing the island only from offshore. The information does not list a guided village tour or specific sights, so you should expect an unhurried stroll and time to look around independently.

I like this part of the plan because it gives you a little contact with island life. A beach cruise can otherwise feel like a day spent moving from one anchorage to another. Two hours ashore lets you stretch your legs, take photographs, and enjoy the village at your own speed.

It is also a useful break if you are prone to seasickness. One person who normally has some trouble with motion reported managing well even in strong northern winds, but that experience will not apply to everyone. If you know you get seasick, sit where the movement is easiest for you, avoid arriving hungry, and carry any medication you normally use. The operator does not list seasickness treatment as an inclusion.

The possible final swim at Gerolimionas

If the weather permits, the last stop is Gerolimionas on Schinoussa. This gives you one more chance to swim before the return to Agia Anna.

The phrase weather permitting matters. Sailing routes are shaped by wind, waves, and safe anchoring, so do not treat this stop as guaranteed. The boat can still provide a full day if the final swim is skipped, since the main program already includes Alimia, Schinoussa, and Agios Georgios.

The timing also means you may want to save some energy for the afternoon. Three separate water opportunities sound easy on paper, but a full day in the sun can catch up with you. Drink water throughout the trip, use sunscreen repeatedly, and take the village walk at a comfortable pace.

How the boat day handles wind and comfort

The strongest positive comments focus on the crew, the room onboard, and the captain’s handling of rough water. The crew was described as kind and helpful, and one particularly cheerful moment involved a crew member jumping in to retrieve a child’s sunglasses after they fell overboard.

Another account describes nearly 40-kilometer-per-hour northerly winds. The captain handled the crossing well enough that a person with some motion sickness still managed the trip. That is encouraging, but it is not a promise of calm conditions. A strong wind can make any open-water outing tiring.

Music is part of the atmosphere too, with Greek music playing during the cruise. You should expect a social, informal boat day rather than a silent sailing trip. The amount of personal space appears to be comfortable in at least some departures, but the exact boat capacity is not provided, so I would not assume a small private cruise.

One criticism concerned organization rather than the sights or crew. The journey plan was called less organized, which suggests that the order or timing of stops may shift. Keep your expectations flexible, especially when the wind is up.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to confident swimmers, families with active children, couples who want a full day at sea, and visitors who have already seen much of Naxos and want to add nearby islands.

It is particularly good for you if you like a mixture of activities. The airplane wreck adds something unusual, the beach stop provides relaxation, the BBQ removes the need to find lunch, and Agios Georgios gives you a short cultural break.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a fixed schedule, cannot swim, use a wheelchair, or have a medical condition that makes a long day at sea unwise. High heels are not allowed, and pets and nudity are also prohibited. Those rules are easy to follow, but comfortable flat footwear is the sensible choice.

You must provide each participant’s full name and birthday date when booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available according to the supplied information.

Is $94 a fair price from Naxos?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Naxos. It is also more than a simple ferry ride because the price includes a hosted cruise, swimming stops, onboard equipment, lunch, and drinks.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, beach equipment, and transport to Schinoussa and Iraklia. You also get the airplane wreck stop, which is the kind of detail that gives this outing a clear identity.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want one quiet beach and dislike a long day on a boat. In that case, a local Naxos beach may give you more time to relax for less money. But if you want to see two smaller islands in one day without arranging separate boat connections, the package is practical.

The overall rating of 4.4 from 74 ratings suggests a generally strong experience with some real-world limitations. The praise centers on the beautiful islands, plentiful lunch, helpful crew, and successful handling of rough seas. The weaker points concern organization and one serious communication problem around a cancelled departure.

What to pack for the nine-hour outing

Keep your belongings simple and easy to reach. You will want:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear and comfortable flat shoes
• A waterproof way to protect your phone
• Any personal motion sickness medication you normally use

Water is included, but carrying a refillable bottle can still be useful. Do not count on the final stop if you are trying to plan around a strict evening reservation. The return is scheduled for 7 p.m., and sailing times can shift with weather.

Should you book the Schinoussa and Iraklia cruise?

Book it if you want an active, all-day sea outing with three different flavors: a wartime aircraft wreck, a beach and BBQ stop, and a village walk. The meal is generous, the crew feedback is mostly warm, and the $94 price includes enough extras to make the day reasonable value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed timing, dislike rough water, cannot swim, or want a quiet day with no fixed program. Before leaving for Agia Anna, confirm that the boat is operating, then arrive ready for sun, wind, music, swimming, and a little timetable flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from the taxi stand at Agia Anna, Naxos. At the dock, look for NAVIGATOR.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled departure time is 9:30 a.m.

What time does the cruise return?

The planned return to Agia Anna is at 7 p.m.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about nine hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Schinoussa and Iraklia, with stops at places including Tsigouri or Livadi Beach, Agios Georgios, and possibly Gerolimionas.

Can I see a World War II airplane wreck?

Yes. The boat stops at Alimia, Iraklia, above the wreck of a World War II Arado AR196 airplane. You have time for photographs and swimming or snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ includes souvlaki, Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, and fresh fruit.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Water, Coca-Cola, Sprite, orange juice, and wine are provided during lunch.

Is equipment provided for swimming?

Yes. Masks, life jackets, sunbeds, loungers, a lifebuoy, and sea-pool noodles are listed as available onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Is the cruise suitable for non-swimmers?

No. Non-swimmers are specifically listed among those for whom the experience is not suitable.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the supplied booking terms.