Group cruise vs private boat: what’s the actual difference?
On a group cruise, the schedule is fixed. You board with everyone else, the boat follows the same route it always does, and stops are brief. It’s a good way to see the monasteries from the water, but you don’t anchor for a swim, you don’t choose your lunch spot, and you share the deck with strangers.
On a private boat, you book the entire vessel. The skipper is yours for the day. Departure time is flexible — 10:00 AM is standard but you can customise it. You choose which beaches to swim at, how long to stay, and whether to stop for lunch. The boat holds between 6 and 9 guests depending on which vessel you choose, so it suits families, couples, and small groups of friends equally well.
Fuel, skipper, water and refreshments, beach towels, life jackets, and all port fees are included. Snorkelling gear is available on request. If you want to add a wine tasting package (Greek wines from local producers, local cheese, seasonal fruit), that’s €25 per person as an optional extra.
All cruises depart from the beach in front of Eagles Resort, Ouranoupoli. You don’t need to be a hotel guest: independent visitors are welcome to park and join us directly at the beach.
The private cruise routes from Ouranoupoli
1. Ammouliani & Drenia Islands Classic — 3 hours
The ideal introduction to the waters around Ouranoupoli. The Drenia Islands are a small uninhabited archipelago, sometimes called the “Donkey Islands”, just a short run from the beach. The water is shallow and turquoise, the sand is white, and because access is only by boat, the beaches stay quiet even in high season. From there, the route continues to Ammouliani Island for a stroll through the village before heading back.
Starting from €490 for up to 6 guests.
2. Ammouliani & Drenia Islands Premium — 5 hours
The extended version of the classic route, with more time to explore. After Drenia, the cruise continues to Karagatsia and Banana Beach, two secluded coves on the Ammouliani coastline with excellent snorkelling. There’s a proper stop in Ammouliani town where you can have lunch at a local taverna (lunch is not included in the price, but the skipper knows where to go), and unhurried time in the water before heading back.
Starting from €700 for up to 6 guests.
3. Sunset Cruise to Drenia Islands — 2 hours
A short evening cruise to Drenia and back along the Ammouliani coastline, timed for the last light over the Aegean. It’s the simplest thing on the list and one of the best. Departure is typically around 6:00 PM, though the time can be adjusted to match the season. Works well as an add-on to a beach day, or as a standalone evening out.
Starting from €500 on the Axopar 28 T-Top (up to 7 guests).
4. Diaporos Islands & Vourvourou — 5 hours
Vourvourou and the Diaporos archipelago are in Sithonia, the middle peninsula of Halkidiki. The bay is enclosed and calm, a natural lagoon with a handful of small islands separating it from the open sea. The water has an unusual clarity that makes it one of the most photographed spots in northern Greece.
This route involves more open-water running from Ouranoupoli compared to the others, which is reflected in the price. If you’re staying in Vourvourou or at Ekies Resort, the same cruise departs from there at a lower starting price. See the Sithonia page for details. For guests based in Ouranoupoli who want to see the Blue Lagoon of Halkidiki, it’s a full day well spent.
Starting from €800 for up to 6 guests.
5. Mount Athos Monasteries — 5 to 6 hours
The Athos Peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access to the peninsula itself is restricted — entry requires a special permit and is limited to men — but the coastline can be seen from the sea by anyone. The cruise runs south along the western coast of Athos, close enough to see the monasteries clearly: Simonos Petras clinging to its cliff face, the white walls of Dionisiou above the water, Agiou Pavlou set back among the pines. The skipper knows the coastline well and will tell you what you’re looking at as you pass.
On the return leg, there’s time to stop at Ouranoupoli town and walk up to the Byzantine Prosforio Tower. This is the longest route, and the most different in character from the others. Less about swimming, more about seeing something genuinely rare from a perspective most people never get.
Starting from €950 for up to 6 guests.
Which boat?
All routes are available on four vessels. The Brig 22 Navigator and Axopar 24 T-Top each carry up to 6 guests. The Axopar 28 T-Top (300HP Mercury Verado) carries up to 7. The Cranchi 26 eRider (350HP Honda V8) is the largest and most comfortable, with capacity for up to 9 guests and the best choice if you want more deck space and shade on a hot afternoon.
Prices increase slightly with the larger vessels, but the routes and inclusions are the same across all four.
How to book
Book online through the Explore Boat Trips website for instant confirmation. If you’re staying at Eagles Resort, the concierge can arrange it on your behalf. You’re booking the whole boat, not individual seats, so no licence is required. The skipper handles everything.
All departures are from the beach in front of Eagles Resort, Ouranoupoli. Hotel guests and independent visitors are equally welcome. Parking is available nearby.
For the full pricelist by route and vessel, visit exploreboattrips.com/pricelists.
Check availability and book your private cruise from Ouranoupoli
