From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ

WWII plane wreck and BBQ, plus quiet Aegean swims. This 9-hour cruise from Agia Anna is a smart way to pack two island swim stops and a proper BBQ lunch into one day, without renting a boat. I especially like the stop at Alimia, Iraklia, where you get time to head into the water near a World War II ARADO AR196 airplane wreck, and then switch gears to the slower beaches around Schinousa.

The one thing to keep in mind is that this is a sea day, so you should be prepared for rougher water depending on the day’s conditions. Also, make sure you confirm the exact dock details when you go, because there have been reports of confusion around departures and starting locations.

Key things to know before you go

• WWII ARADO AR196 wreck swim time at Alimia, Iraklia, with time for photos
• Two-hour Schinousa beach + onboard BBQ, with options for vegetarians and vegans
• Ag Georgios village stroll in Iraklia, the island’s pretty capital area
• Weather-dependent final swim stop at Gerolimionas, Schinousa
• Snorkeling-friendly setup includes masks, plus plenty of loungers and sunbeds onboard
• Not for non-swimmers and not ideal if you have medical conditions that don’t mix with boat time

From Agia Anna to Iraklia and Schinousa, what this 9-hour plan feels like

This trip runs from 09:30 to 19:00, departing from the Agia Anna port area. If you’re staying on Naxos, that timing is useful because you still get a full day, with enough time to swim, eat, and walk, then be back before the evening gets late.

The pace is built around three main blocks. First comes the open-water sail and the memorable wreck stop. Then you get a long lunch-and-beach stretch at Schinousa. Finally, there’s the village walk in Iraklia plus a last swim chance if the weather cooperates.

One reason I like this itinerary is that it doesn’t just throw you off the boat and hope for the best. Each stop has a purpose: water time, food time, and land time. You’ll also get the practical benefit of not having to arrange transport between islands yourself.

Meeting the boat: find NAVIGATOR and plan your arrival window

Your meeting spot is on the dock at Πιάτσα ταξί Αγίας Άννας. Look for the boat name NAVIGATOR. Arrive a bit early, because a calm check-in is one of those small things that can save your whole day.

What to bring is straightforward, and you’ll feel the difference if you come prepared: sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable beachwear helps too, since you’ll be switching between sitting onboard and getting in the water.

Also note what’s not allowed: high-heeled shoes, pets, and nudity. And if you’re traveling with the wrong footwear, you might feel awkward once you’re on the deck. The trip is clearly designed for sandals or easy slip-on shoes.

Alimia, Iraklia: ARADO AR196 wreck, photos, and time in the water

The standout moment on this cruise is the stop near Alimia, Iraklia, where the boat visits the wreck of a World War II Arado AR196 airplane. The captain will slow down so you can take photos and get in the water for time at the wreck area.

A trip like this is about two things at once. Yes, it’s a rare, story-level sight. But it’s also a fun water break, because you’re not just swimming in open sea, you’re swimming around a real object below the surface. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, the presence of the wreck tends to make the water time more engaging.

Practical expectations: plan to spend real minutes there, not just a quick stop. The schedule is built so you get time to look around and do something with it. Because this portion happens by sea, bring your sun protection and stay ready for wind.

If you get motion sickness, keep this in mind. There are accounts of people handling rougher conditions well, including on windy days. I still suggest you pack any seasickness remedy you normally trust, just in case the sea is choppy when you’re on the water.

Schinousa beach time at Tsigouri or Livadi, plus BBQ lunch onboard

After the wreck stop, the cruise heads to Schinousa for a longer break at Tsigouri/Livadi beach, with about two hours by the water. This is your main swimming window of the day, and it’s paired with lunch, so you can do the whole beach loop without stress.

Here’s what makes the lunch portion feel like real value: the BBQ is onboard and timed as part of your beach stop, meaning you don’t waste time searching for food. You’ll get Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, fruit, and skewers with pork or chicken (souvlaki). Drinks during lunch include local wine, water, Coca Cola, Sprite, and orange juice.

What you should also know: there are vegetarian and vegan options, not just a token side dish. That matters on a sea day, because when lunch is the “anchor meal,” you want to feel like you’re included. The vibe here is easy, and you can usually settle in without juggling plates while others are swimming.

The beach itself is where the day softens. This is your time to swim, float, and take it slow. If the wind is up, sit where you can get a bit of shelter, and use the onboard loungers and sunbeds before you head in.

Ag Georgios in Iraklia: why the village walk is worth the schedule

Next comes the land break: a visit to Ag Georgios, the picturesque capital village of Iraklia. You get about two hours for a stroll.

This stop adds variety that many beach-only boat trips miss. Swapping saltwater time for village time helps you reset. You can wander at your own pace, look at the little streets, and experience how people actually live on the island, not just how it looks from the water.

Two hours is a good length here. It’s long enough to walk around and find a snack if you still want something after BBQ, but short enough that you’re not rushed back to the water. I like that the itinerary keeps it simple: stroll, absorb the atmosphere, then back to sea.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a decent break from swimming. There’s space to wander, and the village stop tends to feel calmer than the beach crowds.

Gerolimionas on Schinousa, weather permitting, then back to Agia Anna

The final stop is Gerolimionas (Schinousa), but it’s explicitly weather permitted. Translation: if conditions are right, you’ll get one last swim chance before heading back to Agia Anna at 19:00.

I like having this flexible final piece because it gives the cruise a chance to end on a strong note, even if earlier sea conditions were less than perfect. Still, it’s good to be mentally prepared that you might not get this last swim if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The earlier wreck stop and the Tsigouri/Livadi beach break are still the core of the day.

Once you’re on the return leg, plan your energy for the ride home. Even when the crew is skilled and the boat stays steady, your body will have had a full day of sun and water. Bring that towel, and keep sunscreen handy for the earlier stops when the sun can hit hard.

What’s included, and how it affects the value of the $94 price

At $94 per person, you’re paying for a full-day structure, not just transport. The cruise includes the sailing, the onboard BBQ, lunch drinks, and key beach essentials like water and salad plus multiple hot dishes. You also get practical comfort items onboard: sunbeds, masks, life jackets, loungers, and lifebuoys.

That package matters because most of what you’d otherwise pay for is bundled. If you tried to recreate this day on your own, you’d likely spend extra on boats or ferries, then still need to find food, then still need your own snorkeling gear setup. Here, the schedule already sequences everything so you can follow the day without logistics.

Is it a private yacht experience? No. This is a shared cruise. But for a day that includes a WWII wreck visit and multiple swimming breaks, the value can be excellent, especially if you care about water time and a filling meal.

One more point: the ship’s setup is clearly geared toward beach comfort. People have also mentioned the atmosphere onboard, including Greek music, and friendly crew service, which makes the long day feel more like a day out than a chore.

Seas, comfort, and who should (and shouldn’t) book

This cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for non-swimmers. It’s also not meant for people with pre-existing medical conditions, so take that seriously.

If you are a confident swimmer and you enjoy snorkeling or at least being in the water, this fits your interests well. The wreck stop and the Schinousa beach stop are built around time in the sea, so your comfort level matters.

If you’re someone who gets seasick easily, you should go in with your eyes open. A windy day on the Aegean can make the boat feel more active, even if the captain handles it well. Since you can’t control the sea, you can control your preparation. Pack what you use at home for motion sickness, and stay near the center of the boat if there’s a noticeable wave action.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

• Bring sunscreen and a hat, because you’re outdoors most of the day, not just on a short stop.
• If you want photos at the wreck area, be ready early, since the captain’s timing is built around fixed stop lengths.
• Wear swim-ready clothing under a cover-up if you hate changing in a windy spot.
• Don’t plan on formal footwear. High heels are not allowed, and you’ll want something that works on deck.
• If you’re sensitive to choppy water, think about hydration. The day includes plenty of water onboard, but it still helps to drink consistently.

Also, a quick sanity check: your meeting point is the Agia Anna dock area at Πιάτσα ταξί Αγίας Άννας, and you should look for NAVIGATOR. Arrival timing and correct location are the kinds of details that prevent headaches on a busy travel day.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if you want a one-day route that hits both Iraklia and Schinousa, with meaningful water time and a meal that actually feels like lunch, not snacks. If the idea of seeing a WWII ARADO AR196 wreck from the water sounds exciting, and you also want a village stroll at Ag Georgios, this itinerary matches your wish list.

Consider skipping or choosing another option if you cannot swim, if you have medical conditions that make sea travel risky, or if you know you react badly to boats in changing wind. And on the logistics side, do your homework on the exact meeting details so you’re not relying on assumptions.

If you like structured days where everything is planned for you, this is a solid value pick for the South Aegean, with the kind of memorable stop that you don’t forget after the BBQ plates are cleared.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave and return?

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

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet on the dock at Πιάτσα ταξί Αγίας Άννας and look for NAVIGATOR.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 9 hours.

Which islands and stops are included?

You sail along the Naxos west coast, stop near Alimia in Iraklia for the WWII ARADO AR196 wreck, visit Tsigouri/Livadi beach in Schinousa for swimming and BBQ lunch, spend about 2 hours in Ag Georgios in Iraklia, and have a weather-permitted final stop at Gerolimionas in Schinousa.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch onboard includes Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, pork or chicken souvlaki skewers, and fresh fruit. During lunch you also get wine, water, and soft drinks (Coca Cola, Sprite, orange juice).

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, there are options for vegetarians and vegans during the BBQ lunch.

Does the trip include snorkeling gear or life safety items?

Yes. Masks and life jackets are provided, along with sunbeds and loungers.

Is this activity suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What do I need to bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. High-heeled shoes, pets, and nudity are not allowed.