From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ

The most unusual part of this Naxos boat trip comes early: you stop above a World War II Arado AR196 airplane wreck near Alimia, Iraklia. You can take photos from the boat and enter the water with snorkel gear for a close look at the wreck site before moving on to small beaches that are hard to reach from land.

I like the mix of quiet swimming coves and village time. Karvounolakos and Fidou give you clear water and a slower beach day, while Agios Georgios lets you walk ashore, sit under trees, and visit a local cafe. The BBQ, drinks, fruit, sunbeds, noodles, and snorkel equipment also make the $79 price easier to justify.

The main consideration is the sea. The boat can feel slow, and wind may bring large waves. The route can also change, as it did for one booking when the planned islands were replaced with Rina Cave and Koufonisi without advance notice. Confirm the route before departure if a particular island matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• The airplane wreck comes first: Stop above a WWII Arado AR196 aircraft at Alimia, with time for photos and swimming.
• Three very different beach stops: See the green-blue bay at Karvounolakos, sandy Fidou, and popular Agios Georgios.
• Lunch is part of the day: Eat pork or chicken souvlaki, salads, side dishes, fresh fruit, and drinks, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.
• You get village time, not just beach time: Agios Georgios offers benches, tree shade, cafes, and a chance to stroll through Iraklia’s main settlement.
• The day runs long: Departure is about 10:00 from Agia Anna, with a return around 19:30.
• Good value for swimmers: Snorkel equipment, life jackets, sea-pool noodles, sunbeds, water, and soft drinks are included.

Setting out from Agia Anna on the Mikros Kosmos II

The day begins at the Agia Anna taxi stand and dock area. Look for the boat named Mikros Kosmos II. The scheduled departure is 10:00, and the full outing lasts about nine hours, returning to Agia Anna at approximately 19:30.

You first sail along Naxos’s west coast. This opening stretch gives you time to settle in, find a place in the sun or shade, and get used to the movement of the boat. It also means this is not a quick transfer between islands. You are committing most of the day to the sea, swimming stops, lunch, and shore time.

The host speaks English. You should provide your full name, birth date, and accommodation details when booking so the operator can direct you to the nearest pickup point. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. High heels are not allowed, which is sensible on a boat deck.

The vessel is described as a sailing boat, but one booking found it slow, especially in windy conditions. That is useful to know if you dislike long stretches on the water. On a calm day, the leisurely pace is part of the pleasure. On a rougher day, it can make the ride feel longer.

Alimia and the Arado AR196 wreck

After roughly two hours, the boat stops near Alimia, off Iraklia, at the site of a World War II Arado AR196 aircraft. The plane rests underwater, and the stop gives you time to photograph the area and swim above the wreck with the provided snorkel equipment.

This is the trip’s most distinctive stop. Many Greek boat trips offer a string of swimming breaks that begin to blur together. A submerged aircraft gives this one a clear point of interest, especially if you enjoy military history, snorkeling, or unusual underwater sights.

You should keep your expectations practical. The information provided does not state the wreck’s exact depth, visibility, or how close you can get. Conditions depend on wind, water clarity, and the captain’s judgment. You will be looking from the water and boat, not taking part in a technical wreck expedition.

Life jackets and sea-pool noodles are available, but the trip is not suitable for non-swimmers. If you are not comfortable in open water, this stop may be more interesting from the boat than from the sea. The same applies to anyone with a medical condition that makes swimming or boat travel difficult.

Karvounolakos, a small bay with clear water

The next stop is Karvounolakos, a small Iraklia bay with green-blue water. It has a more secluded feel than Agios Georgios, and the appeal is simple: swim, float, and enjoy a quiet patch of coast away from a large resort setting.

You might even find goats near the beach, adding a touch of island character. There is little indication of built-up facilities here, so do not expect cafes, changing rooms, or organized beach services. The boat carries what you need for the stop, including water equipment.

Watch for sea urchins when entering the water. Water shoes are not listed among the included items, so careful footing matters. The bay is best suited to people who want a natural swimming stop rather than a polished beach club.

This is also where the value of a boat trip becomes clear. Beaches such as Karvounolakos can be awkward to reach as part of a normal Naxos day trip, while the boat links several coastal stops in one outing. You trade road access and independence for a direct route across the water.

Fidou beach and the two-hour BBQ break

Fidou is described as a sandy beach with turquoise water and an inviting seabed. It has no trees for shade, so the lack of cover is the main drawback. Bring your hat and sunscreen, and make good use of any shade available on the boat.

The scheduled stop lasts about two hours and includes the main meal of the day. The BBQ centers on pork or chicken souvlaki, with salads, side dishes, fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, local wine, and vegetarian and vegan choices. That is a useful spread for a beach excursion, especially because you do not need to find a restaurant between swimming stops.

Food served on a boat is rarely about fine dining. Here, its value is convenience and a taste of familiar Greek staples in a pleasant setting. You can eat, swim, and return to the boat without spending extra time arranging lunch on shore.

The information lists additional drinks as available for purchase, so not every beverage is included. If you want something beyond the supplied water, soft drinks, or local wine, carry some money. The provided details do not specify the price of extra drinks.

Fidou may be the best stop for people who want a long swim and a proper lunch in one place. It is less suitable if you need shade or want a beach with shops and facilities. The sandy shore and clear water still make it a strong part of the route.

Agios Georgios, Iraklia’s easygoing village beach

The final major stop is Agios Georgios, the most accessible and popular beach on Iraklia. You have about two hours here, enough for a swim and a little time on land.

The beach has yellow sand, turquoise water, tree shade, and rows of benches. Compared with Karvounolakos and Fidou, it is the easiest place to relax without relying entirely on the boat. Shade and seating matter after a full day in the sun, especially if you want a break from swimming.

Agios Georgios also gives you a chance to walk into the village, described as Iraklia’s picturesque capital settlement. You can stroll, sit at a local cafe, and take in a little island life instead of spending every minute in the water.

Do not expect a long cultural tour. The stop is a short visit, not a guided exploration of Iraklia. Its strength is the freedom to choose your pace. Swim for half an hour, wander through the village, or simply sit beneath a tree.

This final stop also helps balance the day. The earlier beaches focus on natural coves and swimming. Agios Georgios adds practical comfort and a glimpse of daily island life before the boat heads back to Naxos.

What the $79 price really covers

At $79 per person, this is priced as a full-day boat outing rather than a simple beach transfer. You get about nine hours on the water, several stops, a BBQ meal, water, soft drinks, local wine, fresh fruit, and basic beach equipment.

The included gear matters. Sunbeds, snorkels, life jackets, and sea-pool noodles would otherwise add small costs or require you to pack more. The lunch also removes the need to buy a meal on one of the islands.

A useful comparison comes from one booking that used another Koufonisi boat trip priced at about half as much. That does not make this excursion poor value, but it shows why you should compare routes rather than prices alone. This outing is designed around Iraklia, Schinoussa, the wreck, food, and multiple stops. A cheaper trip may offer a different destination or less included food and equipment.

The strongest value comes if you plan to use the swimming gear, eat the BBQ, and enjoy a full day at sea. If you mainly want transport to one island, a shorter and cheaper boat may suit you better.

Wind, route changes, and the practical side

Sea conditions deserve attention. One booking took place on a very windy day with large waves at points, and the boat was described as slow. That does not mean every departure will be rough, but you should be prepared for movement.

If you are prone to seasickness, the supplied information does not mention medication or seating arrangements, so plan accordingly. Keep your sunscreen, towel, and water within easy reach, and avoid treating the schedule as rigid. Boat trips depend on the sea.

The route can also change. One departure that was sold as a Schinoussa and Iraklia trip was changed to Rina Cave and Koufonisi on the day, with no advance communication. The passengers still went out, but the change mattered because one person had already planned a separate Koufonisi visit.

If Schinoussa and Iraklia are the reason you are booking, confirm the planned route before you board. A last-minute replacement may be fine for someone who wants any day on the water, but disappointing if you have carefully arranged your Naxos schedule.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want a long, active sea day with several swims, a generous lunch, and a few hours on shore. It suits confident swimmers who enjoy open water and do not mind spending most of the day outside.

It is also a good fit if you have already seen much of Naxos and want to explore smaller Cycladic islands without arranging separate ferries. The combination of a WWII aircraft wreck, quiet beaches, and Agios Georgios gives the day more variety than a single beach transfer.

Families with children should consider swimming ability and sea conditions carefully. Life jackets and noodles are included, but the trip is not suitable for non-swimmers. The boat has no stated wheelchair accessibility, and the activity is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users.

You may want a different outing if your priority is a fast boat, a guaranteed island route, extensive sightseeing, or a shaded beach all day. Fidou has no trees for shade, and the sailing time can feel long in rough weather.

Booking advice and final verdict

This is a strong choice for a relaxed but full day around Iraklia and Schinoussa, especially if the wreck stop interests you. The included meal, drinks, equipment, and three distinct shore experiences give the $79 fare real substance.

I would book it if you can handle open water, accept that weather may affect the route, and want a mix of swimming and simple island exploration. Before paying, confirm that the day’s route still includes Schinoussa and Iraklia if those destinations are essential to you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps when the forecast is uncertain. The best decision is simple: book for the wreck, beaches, BBQ, and long day at sea, but choose another option if you need a precise itinerary or a quick, low-cost boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from the Agia Anna taxi stand and dock area on Naxos. Look for the boat named Mikros Kosmos II.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled departure is at 10:00 from Agia Anna.

What time does the boat return?

The boat is expected to leave the final stop at about 18:00 and return to Agia Anna around 19:30.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts about nine hours.

Which islands and places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Iraklia and Schinoussa, with stops near Alimia, Karvounolakos, Fidou, and Agios Georgios. The route may change because of conditions or operational decisions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork or chicken souvlaki, salads, side dishes, fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, and local wine. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, life jackets, sea-pool noodles, and sunbeds are included.

Are additional drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and local wine are included. Additional drinks can be purchased separately.

Is the cruise suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should you bring?

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

Can you cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.