From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ

This cruise is interesting because it mixes big, memorable water time with a couple of real island stops, Iraklia village life and Schinoussa beach breaks. I especially like the chance to swim over a World War 2 Arado AR196 airplane wreck near Alimia, and I also like the Schinousa and Iraklia beach time that makes the day feel like more than just a transfer.

The main consideration is that this is a water-focused outing. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and if you get motion sickness easily, the sea can be rough at times, though the captain is clearly used to working through that.

Key highlights that make this sailing day worth it

• WWII AR196 airplane wreck stop at Alimia: time to look down at history and swim in the same area you’d rather brag about.
• Two strong beach blocks: Tsigouri/Livadi on Schinoussa plus a final swim stop that depends on weather.
• Ag Georgios village stroll on Iraklia: a slow, pretty walk in the island’s capital.
• Onboard BBQ lunch with wine and non-meat options: Greek classics, plus vegetarian/vegan choices.
• Snorkel-friendly setup: masks and swim gear are provided, and the crew helps people get comfortable in the water.
• Captain and crew go hands-on: from keeping the day moving to helping when small things fall overboard.

A Day at Sea Between Agia Anna, Iraklia, and Schinoussa

You start from Agia Anna port, departing at 09:30 and returning by 19:00 for a solid, full-day outing. The boat sails along the west coast of Naxos first, so you’re not just sitting still right away. After about two hours of cruising, the day turns into a classic Cyclades mix: water, food, a village walk, and one more swim if conditions allow.

What makes this format work is that you get multiple “zones” instead of one long stop. You’ll swim early around Iraklia, then you’ll have a proper break with lunch on Schinoussa, and then you’ll switch from sea time to land time for a couple of hours at Ag Georgios. By late afternoon, you’re ready for one last swim before heading back.

The Arado AR196 Airplane Wreck at Alimia, Iraklia

This is the headline moment. Before the cruise reaches Alimia, the captain stops at the wreck of a World War 2 Arado AR196 airplane. The operator builds in time for photos, plus time to go into the water and see it up close.

I like this stop because it’s not a generic snorkel spot. You’re not just looking at fish. You’re looking at a real aircraft wreck resting in the sea near Iraklia, which gives the water time a story you can actually explain later.

Practical tip: treat this as a swim-safety stop, not a “wing it” stop. Bring your towel and sunscreen, and make sure you’re comfortable in the water before you go. The tour provides masks and basic safety gear, including life jackets and loungers, but you still need to be the one who stays calm and steady in open water.

Schinousa’s Tsigouri/Livadi Beach, Plus the BBQ That Actually Matters

After the Iraklia swim time, the boat heads to Schinousa for Tsigouri/Livadi beach. You get about two hours here, which is enough time to swim, find a comfortable spot, and actually enjoy the break rather than rush through it.

Then comes lunch, and this is where the day earns its value. The BBQ is onboard, and it’s more than just a plate of meat. You’ll have a mix of Greek staples, including Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, and dishes like spetzofai, plus rice with vegetables and fresh bread. The BBQ options also include pork or chicken skewers (souvlaki), and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans.

Drinks are part of the lunch time too. You’ll have wine along with water and soft drinks like Coca Cola, Sprite, and orange juice. I like that this is handled like a proper meal service, not a token snack. When you’re spending nine hours on a boat, good lunch is not optional.

Weather note: expect a beach day to be affected by wind and sun. Bring sunglasses and a hat. Even in the Cyclades, you can feel the sun faster than you expect, especially when you’re in and out of the water all day.

Ag Georgios, Iraklia: The Pretty Capital Stop on Foot

Once the boat time and lunch reset your energy, you shift to land. You’ll visit Ag Georgios in Iraklia for about two hours, with time to stroll through the village.

This stop matters because it breaks the day up in a way that makes it feel like a real visit, not just a series of swims. Iraklia’s Ag Georgios is the island’s capital village, so you’re getting a snapshot of day-to-day island life, not a beach resort bubble.

What to do with your two hours: go slow. Wander at a pace where you can stop for photos, chat with locals if you’re approached, and just watch how the village sits against the sea. Since you’re not locked into a guided program (at least from what’s provided), this is your time to wander your own way.

Gerolimionas on Schinousa, If Weather Plays Along

For the final stop, the schedule includes Gerolimionas on Schinousa, but it depends on weather. That detail is important. In the Cyclades, wind can change quickly, and boats do what they can.

I like a weather-permitting last swim stop because it gives you something to look forward to as the day winds down. It’s also a nice way to stretch your time in the water without turning the whole day into a marathon.

If the sea is calm, you’ll feel like you’re wrapping the day in one more chance to relax. If it’s choppier, the captain’s choice will keep the day safe and realistic, so don’t treat it as a guarantee.

Food, Drinks, and What the BBQ Includes (Yes, Vegetarians and Vegans Are Covered)

This tour is built around lunch, and the list of included items is long enough to count as a full meal. Besides Greek salad, you’ll have oven potatoes and pasta. There’s also spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, and fruit.

For me, the best practical detail is that vegetarian and vegan options are explicitly included, not an afterthought. On a day like this, that means you won’t be stuck at the edge of the boat hoping for something that works.

One more small but real comfort: because lunch is onboard and timed into the day, you don’t have to worry about finding food once you’re out on the water. You just show up, swim when it’s time, and eat when the BBQ is served.

Boat Comfort and the Water Gear You Get

This is a sailing cruise with beach-style access, so expect a casual setup. You’ll have sunbeds and loungers, plus safety equipment like life jackets. Masks are included, which helps if you want to see underwater around stops like the wreck area.

Also, there’s mention of sea-pool spaghetti (a playful item name for something floaty or fun), plus life buoys. You’re not going to confuse this with a luxury yacht, but you also shouldn’t need to. The whole point is getting value from a full day of swimming and eating, without paying extra for basic gear.

What to bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

What not to bring:

• High-heeled shoes
• Pets
• Nudity

If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, it helps to remember that sea conditions can vary. One guest reported handling strong north wind close to 40 km/h very well, even while usually prone to mild seasickness. Still, if you know you’re affected, plan accordingly.

Timing, Meeting Point, and How to Make Sure You Board the Right Boat

Departure is at 09:30 from Agia Anna port and return is at 19:00. So build in a buffer, not just because it’s Greece and ferries happen, but because you’ll want time to get settled, put on sunscreen, and get your swim gear ready.

For the meeting point, the instruction is specific: on the dock look for NAVIGATOR. That’s the kind of detail that saves stress.

You’ll also be asked for full names and birthday dates when confirming. It’s quick, but do not ignore it, since it’s part of what keeps everything smooth for the operator.

Price and Value: Is $94 Worth a Full Day on the Water?

At about $94 per person for a 9-hour cruise, the value comes from packing several expensive-feeling experiences into one ticket.

You’re paying for:

• multiple water stops, including the WWII airplane wreck area
• swim time and snorkel gear access (masks are included)
• a real BBQ lunch onboard with wine, soft drinks, and water
• a village stroll component (Ag Georgios on Iraklia)
• loungers/sunbeds and safety gear

If you tried to recreate this yourself, you’d likely spend time coordinating transport between islands, figuring out where to swim safely, and paying for meals at different places. Here, the schedule organizes it for you.

The best part is that the day doesn’t feel like a single-purpose trip. It gives you both water and land, and lunch is a central feature rather than a bonus.

Who This Cruise Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great fit if you:

• love snorkeling or swimming in clear water
• want a full-day plan without booking separate island transport
• like the idea of one memorable underwater stop, the WWII wreck, plus beach time
• appreciate a BBQ lunch that works for different diets

It is not suitable if you are:

• a wheelchair user
• a non-swimmer
• dealing with pre-existing medical conditions (the operator states it is not suitable)

Also, it’s wise to use your judgment about sea conditions. The route can run into wind, and even strong swimmers should be prepared for a choppier ride on some days.

One more practical note: there’s at least one reported day where departure didn’t happen as expected and someone was left starting at a different place. I can’t predict that outcome, but I can tell you what I would do. Check the boat name on the dock, show up early, and if anything seems off, ask on the spot rather than waiting.

Should You Book This Sailing Cruise?

Book it if you want one ticket that delivers a packed day: swim time around a WWII Arado AR196 airplane wreck near Iraklia, a beach-and-lunch block on Schinousa with BBQ and wine, and a calm two-hour village stroll at Ag Georgios. At around $94, it’s the kind of outing where your money goes toward time on the water and a meal you actually sit down to enjoy.

Skip it if you don’t swim, need wheelchair access, or you have medical limitations that make open water a bad idea for you. And if you’re the anxious type about timing, take a little extra care on departure morning, because the small details like finding NAVIGATOR on the dock are what keep the day trouble-free.

If that sounds like your pace, this cruise is a strong value way to experience the calmer side of the South Aegean islands.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave and return?

It departs at 09:30 from Agia Anna port and returns at 19:00.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet on the dock at Agia Anna, and look for NAVIGATOR.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. There is a BBQ onboard with a variety of dishes, including Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, bread, fruit, and souvlaki (pork or chicken skewers). Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Wine, water, and soft drinks are included during lunch time.

Is there time to swim or explore the wreck?

There is a stop near Alimia at the wreck of a World War 2 Arado AR196 airplane, with time to take photos and go in the water, plus masks are provided.

What should I bring to the cruise?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.