Catamaran Charter Athens: Your Day on the Saronic Gulf

You want to see Athens from the water, with space to sprawl out and a cold drink in your hand. A catamaran charter in Athens gives you that, plus a skipper who knows the best coves for swimming and the quietest anchorages away from the crowds. At BoatHire24, we connect you with boats that leave from marinas along the Athenian Riviera, from Alimos to Vouliagmeni, and head out into the Saronic Gulf. You pick the date, we sort the boat and the skipper. Simple.

Forget the Acropolis queue for a day. On a catamaran, you get the same sun, better views, and no one telling you where to stand. The Saronic Gulf is warm, usually calm, and dotted with islands like Aegina, Hydra, and Poros that you can reach in a few hours. A catamaran charter in Athens means you can actually relax, because the skipper handles the ropes while you handle the wine list.

What a Catamaran Charter in Athens Includes

Every catamaran charter we list comes with a licensed skipper. That means you don't need a boating licence, and you don't need to navigate the tricky waters around the Saronic Gulf yourself. The skipper handles the navigation, the docking, and the safety brief. You handle the sunbathing, swimming, and choosing where to stop for lunch.

Most catamarans include a full inventory: snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards, a sound system, and a galley with a fridge and hob. Some larger ones have a barbecue on the back deck. You can bring your own food and drink, or order a catering package through the charter company. Fuel is usually extra, but for a day charter in the Saronic Gulf, you are looking at around EUR 150-250 in fuel costs depending on how far you go.

Standard day charters run from 10:00 to 18:00, but you can extend to a full 10-hour day or book a sunset cruise from 16:00 to 21:00. Overnight charters are also possible, with cabins and toilets on board. If you want to sleep on the water, you can, but you will need to plan your route to include a marina stop for the night.

Departure Ports for Your Catamaran Charter in Athens

The main departure point for a catamaran charter in Athens is Alimos Marina, about 20 minutes south of the city centre. It is the largest marina in Greece, with over a thousand berths, and it is where most charter companies base their fleet. You can get there by taxi or Uber from central Athens for around EUR 20-25.

Other options include Flisvos Marina, closer to the southern suburbs and with a more upmarket feel, and Vouliagmeni Marina, which is further south and closer to the Athenian Riviera beaches. If you are staying on the coast, Vouliagmeni is a good choice because you skip the traffic and get straight onto the water. There is also Lavrio Marina, about an hour east of Athens, which offers quicker access to the Cyclades islands if you want a longer trip.

Each marina has parking, cafes, and provisions shops nearby. You can arrive 30 minutes before departure to meet the skipper, do a quick safety briefing, and load your bags. The marinas are well-maintained and easy to navigate, even if you have never chartered a boat before.

Boat Options for Catamaran Charter Athens

Catamarans come in a range of sizes and layouts. For a day charter, the most common sizes are 38 to 50 feet (12 to 15 metres). A 38-foot catamaran sleeps up to 8 people in 4 cabins, but for a day trip, you can comfortably take 12-15 passengers. The larger the boat, the more deck space you get, which matters if you want to lounge on nets, sit at the helm, or eat at a proper table in the cockpit.

Popular models include the Lagoon 42, Bali 4.3, and Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42. These are modern, stable, and designed for charter use. They have shallow drafts, so you can get close to beaches and anchor in shallow coves. The flybridge gives you a panoramic view, and the forward seating area is perfect for sunbathing without getting in the way of the crew.

If you want something more luxurious, you can charter a larger catamaran like a Lagoon 52 or a Sunreef 60. These come with air conditioning, full kitchens, and multiple lounging areas. They cost more, but they offer a premium experience for corporate events or special celebrations. Prices for a day charter on a 42-foot catamaran start from around EUR 1,200, while a 52-footer can be EUR 2,000 or more.

Pricing Guidance for Catamaran Charter Athens

Prices for a catamaran charter in Athens vary by season, boat size, and duration. In the low season (April, May, October), you can find a day charter for around EUR 900-1,200 for a 42-foot catamaran. In the high season (June to September), prices rise to EUR 1,400-2,000 for the same boat. July and August are the most expensive, with some boats booking up weeks in advance.

Fuel is extra, as mentioned, and you should budget EUR 150-250 for a day trip to Aegina or Poros. If you want to go further, like to Hydra or Spetses, fuel costs can double. Some charters include a basic catering package with snacks and soft drinks, but full meals are usually an additional EUR 30-50 per person.

You can also add water toys like jet skis, inflatable slides, or seabobs, but these cost extra and need to be arranged in advance. A jet ski rental on the water can be EUR 150-200 for an hour. For most people, the standard paddleboards and snorkelling gear are enough.

Best Routes for a Catamaran Charter in Athens

The most popular route from Athens is to the Saronic Islands: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Aegina is the closest, about 1.5 hours by catamaran from Alimos. You can anchor off the coast, swim, and have lunch at a taverna on the beach. The island is known for pistachios, so you can buy some to take back.

Poros is about 2.5 hours away and has a charming town with a clock tower and narrow streets. Hydra is further, around 3.5 hours, but it is car-free and has a beautiful harbour lined with stone mansions. Spetses is about 4 hours, which makes it a long day trip but doable if you leave early. The water around Spetses is crystal clear, and the pine forests come right down to the shore.

If you want to stay closer to Athens, you can cruise along the Athenian Riviera, stopping at beaches like Vouliagmeni, Kavouri, and Schinias. There are also the islands of Salamina and Agistri, which are less crowded and offer quiet anchorages. Your skipper will know the best spots based on wind conditions and your preferences.

Seasons and Weather for Catamaran Charter Athens

The sailing season in Athens runs from April to October. April and May are cooler, with temperatures around 18-24 degrees C, and the water is still a bit chilly for swimming. June and September are ideal: warm air (26-30 degrees C), warm water (23-25 degrees C), and fewer crowds. July and August are hot, with temperatures often above 35 degrees C, and the wind can pick up in the afternoons, creating the famous Meltemi wind.

The Meltemi typically blows from the north in July and August, with speeds of 4-6 on the Beaufort scale. Catamarans handle this well because they are stable and have shallow drafts, but it can make the sea choppy. Your skipper will plan the route to minimise discomfort, often staying in sheltered bays or heading to leeward sides of islands.

In October, the weather is still pleasant, but the chance of rain increases. The water remains warm enough for swimming until mid-October. If you book in October, you might get a discount, but you should check the forecast a few days before and be flexible with your route.

Who Is a Catamaran Charter in Athens For

A catamaran charter in Athens works for groups of friends, families with children, and corporate teams. The stable platform means even people prone to seasickness feel comfortable. The wide decks and shaded areas make it suitable for families with young kids, as there is room to move around without feeling cramped.

It is also a good choice for celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, or even a small wedding. Some catamarans have a DJ setup and lighting, so you can turn it into a floating party. For corporate events, a day charter can include a catered lunch, team-building activities, and a presentation area (if the boat has a saloon with a screen).

If you are a solo traveller, you can join a shared catamaran charter, which is a day trip with other passengers. These are less common but can be found on some booking platforms. They cost less, around EUR 150-250 per person, and are a good way to meet people.

How to Book a Catamaran Charter in Athens

Booking through BoatHire24 is straightforward. You select your date, the number of passengers, and your preferred departure port. We show you available catamarans with photos, specifications, and prices. You can filter by size, amenities, and budget. Once you choose, you pay a deposit (usually 30-50%) and the balance is due a few days before the charter.

We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance for high-season dates, especially for larger catamarans or popular routes. For last-minute bookings, you might find availability, but the choice will be limited. You can also check our search page to see what is available today or this week.

If you are unsure about the route or the boat, you can contact us for advice. We can help you choose the right size and suggest itineraries based on your interests. We have been doing this for years, so we know which skippers are reliable and which coves are worth the detour.

What to Bring on Your Catamaran Charter in Athens

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (preferably reef-safe), a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is strong, even in spring and autumn. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful for the afternoon breeze. Wear non-marking shoes if you plan to walk on the deck, but most people go barefoot.

You can bring your own food and drink, but check with the charter company first. Some catamarans have a policy against red wine because it stains the deck. If you want a barbecue, ask if the boat has a grill and if the skipper can prepare it. Bring a cooler bag if you have perishable items, though the boat's fridge should have space.

If you plan to swim, bring a snorkel and mask. The catamaran usually provides them, but having your own is more hygienic. A waterproof phone case is a good idea for photos. And bring cash for the skipper's tip, which is customary in Greece, around 10-15% of the charter fee if you are happy with the service.

Why Choose BoatHire24 for Your Catamaran Charter in Athens

We are not a booking engine that just aggregates listings. We know the boats, the skippers, and the local conditions. When you book through BoatHire24, you get a dedicated contact who can answer questions before and during your charter. We have relationships with charter companies in Athens, so we can often get you a better deal or a last-minute upgrade.

We also have a blog with guides on routes, weather, and what to expect. Check out our blog for detailed posts on the Saronic Islands, tips for first-time charterers, and interviews with local skippers. We update it regularly, so you get current information, not recycled content from five years ago.

And if something goes wrong, we are here to help. Delays, cancellations, or issues with the boat: we intervene on your behalf. That is the difference between booking with a marketplace and booking with a partner who cares about your experience.

Catamaran Charter Athens vs. Sailing Yacht: Which Is Better

If you are deciding between a catamaran and a monohull sailing yacht for your Athens charter, the catamaran wins on space and stability. A 42-foot catamaran has roughly double the deck area of a 42-foot monohull. You get a wide beam, a flat platform, and no heeling when the wind picks up. That matters if you have guests who are nervous about leaning over or who get seasick easily. The trade-off is speed: a monohull will sail faster in light winds, but for a day charter where you are swimming and eating, the catamaran's comfort outweighs the extra knot or two. Fuel costs are similar because both use engines for docking and manoeuvring in marinas.

How to Combine a Catamaran Charter with Athens Sightseeing

You can split your day between the water and the city. A common trick is to book a morning charter from Alimos Marina, cruise to the coast of Vouliagmeni for a swim, then return to Flisvos Marina by 14:00. From Flisvos, you are a 20-minute taxi ride from the Acropolis or Plaka. That leaves your afternoon free for sightseeing without rushing. Alternatively, you can charter from Lavrio Marina and spend the morning at the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, visible from the water. The temple sits on a cliff 60 metres above sea level, and the view from a catamaran anchored below is one of the best photo spots in Attica. Your skipper can anchor for 30 minutes while you take pictures from the deck.

What to Expect from the Skipper on a Catamaran Charter in Athens

The skipper is a licensed professional, usually with a Greek endorsement from the Hellenic Coast Guard. They speak English, know the local waters, and handle all safety equipment checks before departure. They will give a brief on emergency procedures, lifejacket locations, and the use of the VHF radio. During the trip, they steer the boat, manage the anchor, and communicate with marinas for docking. They are not a tour guide, but they know the best swimming spots and can recommend tavernas on Aegina or Poros. If you want to learn basics like how to trim a sail or read a chart, most skippers are happy to teach you, as long as you do not interfere with their duties. Tip them at the end if you are satisfied: EUR 50-100 for a day trip is standard.

Catamaran Charter Athens for Non-Swimmers and Less Mobile Guests

Catamarans are accessible for people who cannot swim or have limited mobility. The wide, flat deck means no steep stairs to get in and out of the water. Many catamarans have a swim platform at the stern that sits just above the waterline, so you can step directly into the sea or use a ladder. If you bring a lifejacket, you can float safely. The main cabin and toilet are on the same level as the cockpit, so no climbing required. For guests in wheelchairs, check with the charter company in advance: some catamarans have wider doors and a lower profile, but not all are fully adapted. Alimos Marina has accessible parking and ramps, and the skipper can assist with boarding.

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