Blue Lagoon-Vourvourou Lunch Cruise from Ouranoupolis

The main reason to book this cruise is simple: it gets you to two beautiful swimming spots without the bother of arranging boats, beaches, and lunch yourself. You spend 90 minutes at Vourvourou’s Blue Lagoon, then another 90 minutes at Alykes beach, with the boat itself serving as your base.

I like the two long swimming stops, which give you enough time to swim rather than merely pose for a quick photograph. I also like the included souvlaki lunch, a useful touch at this price, with a vegetarian meal available if you request it at least a day ahead.

The catch is space. Up to 100 people can be on board, and seats outside may go quickly. One practical tip is to arrive well before the 11 a.m. departure if you want a good place near the bow. The glass-bottom feature also appears modest, with only four small viewing windows.

Key points to know before you book

• Two 90-minute swimming stops: You get substantial time at Vourvourou’s Blue Lagoon and Alykes beach.
• Lunch is included: Souvlaki is served after the first stop. Vegetarian food requires advance notice.
• Boat slides add a playful touch: You can use the water slides from the boat for extra fun.
• Swimming matters more than sightseeing: Both main stops are built around getting into the water.
• Arrive early for outdoor seating: The boat can carry up to 100 people, and the best outside seats may fill quickly.
• Bring your own drinks and snorkeling gear: Snacks, drinks, and equipment are not included.

Why this six-hour cruise works well in Halkidiki

Halkidiki is at its best from the water. The coast is broken into bays, small islands, and pale beaches that are much easier to appreciate from a boat than from a road. This cruise gives you a full half-day on the sea for $48.27 per person, including lunch.

That price is good value if you want a relaxed day built around swimming. You are not paying for a private boat or a quiet, tailor-made outing. You are paying for transport to attractive water stops, a meal, and the fun of using a larger excursion boat.

I would think of this as a social day out rather than a peaceful sailing trip. Music may be played on board, and the vessel can be busy. One account described the music as too loud near a speaker, though the crew turned that speaker off when asked. That suggests the atmosphere is adjustable, but you should not expect silence.

The cruise leaves from Ouranoupolis, a useful base for this part of Halkidiki. The meeting point is the Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion, also called Tower Prosforios, at Ouranoupoli 630 75. The listed departure time is 11 a.m., and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Vourvourou Blue Lagoon: 90 minutes in clear water

The first main stop is Vourvourou Bay, at the famous Blue Lagoon near one of Vourvourou’s islets. The boat stops in water about three meters deep, and you enter from the boat stairs.

That detail matters. This is not a stop where you simply walk from the vessel onto a beach. You need to be comfortable climbing down into open water and getting back aboard. For confident swimmers, it is a pleasant way to enjoy the sea. For anyone uneasy in deeper water, the three-meter depth is an important point to consider.

You have 90 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. That is generous by cruise standards. You can take your time, use the boat slides, float near the vessel, or look around from the water. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore below the surface.

The Blue Lagoon is the cruise’s most memorable swimming stop. The setting is the star, with the boat positioned near an islet rather than tied to an ordinary urban beach. I like that the schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the place at your own pace instead of rushing you back on board after a few minutes.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The tour is designed for swimming in a beautiful setting, not for a guided marine-life lesson. The crew does not provide snorkeling equipment, and no underwater commentary is listed.

Lunch after the first stop

After the first swim, you get a traditional Greek lunch during the cruise. Souvlaki is included, and the meal has also been described with salad. It is a straightforward, fitting choice for a day at sea: filling, familiar, and easy to serve to a large group.

I see real value in having lunch included. A six-hour boat outing can become expensive once you add food and drinks, so the meal makes the $48.27 price easier to justify. It also means you can focus on the stops instead of trying to find a place to eat during a short shore visit.

Vegetarian food is available on request, but you must inform the operator at least one day before departure. Do not wait until boarding and assume a special meal can be arranged. Snacks and drinks are not included, although food and refreshments may be available to purchase on the boat.

Because the cruise is built around swimming, I would bring water and any small snacks you prefer, even though the boat may sell additional items. The supplied details do not specify a drink package, so plan to pay separately for beverages.

Alykes beach and its lagoon

The second stop is Alykes beach, described as a famous lagoon. The boat stops at the port of the beach, giving you another 90-minute swimming break.

This stop changes the rhythm of the day. After swimming from the boat at the Blue Lagoon, you get time at a beach and lagoon setting. The combination gives you two different ways to enjoy the coast, one centered on open-water access and the other connected with a beach port.

Again, swimming is the point. You should not book this cruise expecting a long guided walk around Alykes or an extended village visit. The schedule allows 90 minutes, which is enough for a good swim and a little time to relax, but not a full beach day.

I like the balance between the two stops. A single swimming location can feel repetitive on a half-day cruise. Here, the change from Vourvourou’s islet area to Alykes gives the outing more variety without packing in too many short stops.

Water slides, swimming stairs, and the glass-bottom claim

The water slides are a strong bonus for families and anyone who likes a little motion with their swimming. You can slide from the boat into the water, then climb back aboard using the stairs. It is playful rather than sophisticated, but that is exactly why it works.

The boat is also described as having a glass-bottom feature. You should keep this in perspective. The viewing area consists of four small glass windows, and one account reported that the display appeared to show a monitor rather than a clear view through the hull. A technical error apparently made that especially obvious.

I would not choose this cruise for underwater viewing. Treat the glass-bottom feature as an extra, not the reason to pay for the trip. The actual value is the route, the swimming stops, the lunch, and the chance to use the slides.

The boat itself has been described as modern, clean, and comfortable. That is important on a six-hour outing. Even if you spend much of the day in the water, you will return to the boat between stops for food, music, shade, and a place to sit.

Seating, group size, and the best way to board

The maximum group size is 100 people. That is not a small boat trip, and the number affects how you should plan your morning. If you want an outside seat near the bow, arrive early. One account recommends arriving at least an hour before departure to improve your chances.

That early arrival can matter more than the exact seat location. Once the boat leaves, you will be moving between sitting, eating, and swimming, so you are not locked into one place. Still, the bow and outer areas offer the best chance of feeling open to the sea.

A larger boat has advantages. It can feel stable, it provides more space than a tiny speedboat, and it supports features such as stairs and slides. The tradeoff is a less personal atmosphere and more competition for prime seating.

The staff seems willing to help. Theodosis and his future wife were specifically praised for being friendly and fun, while other accounts describe the crew as helpful and attentive. I would expect a pleasant working crew, though not necessarily constant entertainment or a highly structured program.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if you:

• Like swimming more than sightseeing
• Want two long water stops rather than many short photo stops
• Are happy joining a larger group
• Prefer an included lunch and simple day planning
• Enjoy boat slides and a relaxed family atmosphere
• Can manage boarding by stairs and swimming from a vessel

Families may find the slides and glass-bottom viewing area appealing, especially when children need something to do between swims. The clean boat and included meal also make the day easier to manage.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, intimate cruise. The boat can carry up to 100 people, outdoor seating may be limited, and music can be loud depending on where you sit. A private cruise would better suit anyone who wants control over the route, pace, and sound level, though it would not offer the same low price.

You should also think about your swimming ability. The first stop uses boat stairs and water about three meters deep. The tour is best for people comfortable in the sea, not for someone looking mainly for shallow, walk-in beach access.

Meeting point, timing, and cancellation details

You meet at the Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion in Ouranoupoli. The start time is 11 a.m., and the cruise ends back at that same meeting point after about six hours.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the swimming format remains the key practical issue.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

What to bring for a better day

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and drinking water. Since snorkeling equipment is not included, pack your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface.

I would also bring a small bag that is easy to keep near your seat. You will move between the deck, lunch, and the water, so complicated luggage only gets in the way. The supplied details do not list storage arrangements, so avoid bringing anything you cannot keep secure yourself.

If you want an outdoor seat, arrive early. If you are sensitive to music, choose a seat away from speakers when possible, or ask the crew to lower the sound. The response to that request has been positive.

Is the $48.27 price good value?

For a six-hour cruise, two 90-minute swimming stops, and lunch, I consider $48.27 a fair price. The strongest value comes from the amount of water time. You are not paying for a quick boat ride with one brief stop. You get three hours scheduled for swimming, plus the cruise between locations.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a small-group sailing experience or polished underwater viewing. The glass-bottom feature is limited, drinks cost extra, snorkeling equipment is not supplied, and a full boat can make seating feel competitive.

For most people who want an easy, active day in Halkidiki, the package makes sense. The beautiful stops do most of the work, while lunch and the slides add useful extras.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Alykes cruise?

Book it if your ideal Halkidiki day includes clear water, long swims, souvlaki, and a boat with a playful family feel. The two 90-minute stops are the main reason to go, and the price is reasonable for the time on the water.

Skip it if you want solitude, shallow beach access, or a genuine glass-bottom marine-life tour. Arrive early for the best chance at outdoor seating, request a vegetarian meal one day ahead, and bring your own drinks and snorkeling gear. With those expectations set, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see two of Halkidiki’s popular swimming spots.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion, also called Tower Prosforios, in Ouranoupoli, Greece.

What time does the cruise depart?

The listed start time is 11 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point in Ouranoupoli.

Which swimming locations does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Vourvourou Bay near the Blue Lagoon and at Alykes beach and its lagoon.

How long do you stay at each swimming stop?

You have about 90 minutes at Vourvourou’s Blue Lagoon and another 90 minutes at Alykes beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Traditional Greek souvlaki is included after the first swimming stop. A vegetarian meal can be arranged if you notify the operator at least one day ahead.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in another date or experience, or a full refund.