From Naxos: Schinoussa and Iraklia Sailing Cruise with BBQ

WWII plane wrecks make snorkeling personal. This 9-hour sailing trip strings together Schinousa and Iraklia with beach time, a village walk, and a stop that feels like a movie scene. You leave from Agia Anna at 09.30 and return at 19.00, sailing along the Naxos west coast before you reach the Alimia area.

I especially love two parts. First is the chance to swim and look around the WWII Arado AR196 airplane wreck at Alimia, with time for photos and a proper underwater look. Second is the onboard BBQ lunch at Tsigouri/Livadi, with local wine and real options for vegetarians and vegans.

One thing to plan around: the day includes open-water sailing and the final Gerolimionas beach stop is weather permitted, so if you get seasick easily, bring what you need and expect a flexible rhythm.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• WWII airplane wreck stop at Alimia (Arado AR196), with time to swim and photograph
• Tsigouri/Livadi beach time on Schinousa, plus a long BBQ lunch break
• Ag Georgios in Iraklia, 2 hours for a relaxed village stroll and photos
• Gerolimionas beach as a weather-permitted final swim
• BBQ lunch with wine and soft drinks, including vegetarian and vegan options
• Onboard gear like masks and life jackets, so you can focus on the water

From Agia Anna to Alimia, the WWII Plane Wreck Stop

This tour is set up like a best-of day on the south Aegean. You meet at the dock area, and it helps to look for the boat named NAVIGATOR. The day runs long enough to feel like you left with stories, not just a snack and a photo.

Departure is at 09.30 from Agia Anna port, with the return at 19.00. After you leave, you sail along the west coast of Naxos. It’s about 2 hours before you reach the Alimia area. That stretch matters because it gives you time to settle in, get your sunscreen on, and decide what you want to do when the water time starts.

The big moment comes before the main Schinousa beach stop. The captain halts near a WWII wreck: a World War 2 Arado AR196 airplane at Alimia (Iraklia). The setup here is simple and effective. You get time to take photos and spend time in the water around the wreck site.

What I like about this stop is how it gives you a sense of place. This is not just another “pretty beach” moment. You’re seeing a specific object tied to the sea’s past, and that changes how you look at the water. Even if you’re just hovering with a mask, it feels different than standard snorkeling over sand.

Practical note: you’re going to be in and out of the water, so keep your day bag light and your essentials where you can grab them quickly.

How the Wreck Stop Works, and What to Expect in the Water

This is one of the highest-satisfaction parts of the day. People who love snorkeling typically go on and on about seeing the wreck and the fish around it, and it’s easy to see why. Wreck sites create structure, and structure attracts life.

You’ll have time to photograph and swim around the aircraft. Masks and life jackets are provided, and there are sunbeds and loungers so you can warm up between water moments. That onboard comfort helps because the ocean is doing its thing, not your plan.

Also, don’t assume the sea will always be calm. One recent experience described rougher waters and still praised the captain for getting everyone through it. If you know you’re sensitive to motion, treat this like a sailing day, not a leisurely lake cruise. Bring your preferred remedy for motion sickness, and plan to keep your focus on the horizon when waves get going.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, this trip is not for you. Non-swimmers and people with pre-existing medical conditions are listed as not suitable. That’s not a scare tactic, it’s a safety reality for a day that includes multiple water stops.

Tsigouri and Livadi Beach on Schinousa, Plus the BBQ Lunch

Next comes the long beach block at Schinousa. The boat stops at Tsigouri/Livadi beach, and you get about 2 hours here. This is your main swim stretch, and it’s a good time to slow down and actually use the water time instead of rushing for photos every minute.

Then the BBQ lands. Lunch is served onboard during this stop, and it’s not just a token bite. Expect a full spread including:

• Greek traditional salad
• Oven potatoes
• Pasta
• Spetzofai
• Rice with vegetables
• Fresh bread
• Pork or chicken skewers (souvlaki)
• Fresh fruit

And drink options include local wine, plus water, Coca Cola, Sprite, and orange juice.

Vegetarian and vegan options are specifically mentioned, which is a big deal on island day trips. You can eat without feeling like you’re being handed bread and hope. If you’re traveling with dietary needs, this is one of the more reassuring parts of the menu.

One more practical thing: you’ll want sunscreen, because the day is long and you’re outside most of the time. The trip notes the usual essentials, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and I’d follow that list closely.

The BBQ break also gives you a rhythm. Beach, food, drinks, another swim, then regroup. That flow is why this stop keeps getting praise.

Ag Georgios, the Iraklia Village Stroll That Makes the Day Feel Local

After Schinousa, you shift from coastline time to village time with a visit to Ag Georgios in Iraklia, described as the picturesque capital village.

You get 2 hours to stroll. This is not a rushed guided march. It’s the kind of stop where you can wander at your pace, look for a scenic spot to pause, and get a feel for daily island life away from the main beach scene.

Why this matters: a cruise day can become all water and no context. The village stop balances that. You’re not just collecting swims, you’re also absorbing the island’s character. And since the tour centers on Iraklia and Schinousa together, this is one of the few moments where you can connect what you’re seeing from the boat to what the islands feel like on land.

If you like photography, plan on using this stop for photos you can’t get from sea level. Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking around the village. High heels aren’t allowed, which makes sense for uneven footing.

Gerolimionas on Schinousa, Weather-Permitted Final Swim

The last swim stop is at Gerolimionas (Schinousa), but it’s weather permitted. That means this part of the day is the most change-prone. If conditions allow, you’ll get one more beach moment before heading back to Agia Anna by 19.00.

This is worth considering when you’re deciding whether you’ll be disappointed if the final stop changes. If Gerolimionas is on your mental itinerary, keep your expectations flexible.

On the upside, when the sea and wind cooperate, adding a second Schinousa beach stretch makes the day feel like a full island sampler. If the last stop doesn’t happen, you still have two major water blocks and the Iraklia village.

Either way, you’ll spend enough time outdoors that the day doesn’t feel short.

Food, Drinks, and Value at a Glance

At $94 per person for 9 hours, the value depends on what you care about most. You’re paying for a whole-day sailing experience that includes:

• Cruise time linking Naxos area with Schinousa and Iraklia
• Onboard BBQ lunch
• Drinks during lunch (local wine plus soda and juice)
• Classic meal components like Greek salad, bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, and fruit
• Beach and water support items like sunbeds plus masks and life jackets

If you were to pay separately for a guided boat day, meals, and snorkeling setup, the package starts to look reasonable. The real value is that the meal happens as part of the day’s flow, so you’re not losing time hunting for lunch.

I also like that the food isn’t described as one-note. It’s a mix of grilled skewers plus traditional sides like spetzofai, and that variety means most people find something satisfying even if their first choice is not the souvlaki.

One caution: wine is part of the lunch setup, so if you plan to walk around Iraklia afterward, keep your pace easy and stay hydrated. Also, if you’re sensitive to alcohol or you’re traveling with kids, stick to the non-alcohol options like water and soft drinks.

What to Bring, and What the Crew Provides

The tour gives you a lot, and you still need to show up ready for the sun and water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Provided onboard:

• Sunbeds
• Masks
• Life jackets
• Loungers
• A sea pool style inflatable item listed as lifebuoy sea-pool spaghetti

You’re not expected to bring snorkeling hardware, so you can travel light. That’s also a plus if you’re already carrying beach stuff from earlier days.

Not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Pets
• Nudity

If you’re planning to wear anything for sun protection, think practical. Lightweight layers and quick-dry fabrics beat heavy cotton. And if you’re bringing a phone, keep it in a secure dry bag or a zip case. Sea days can be unpredictable.

Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a good fit if you want a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and island exploring in one long day. It’s also ideal if you like the idea of seeing the WWII wreck and then spending time on beautiful beaches, without having to plan between multiple transfers.

It may not be a fit if you:

• Are a non-swimmer
• Use a wheelchair, since wheelchair users are not suitable
• Have pre-existing medical conditions that could be affected by a day on the water

Motion sensitivity is not listed as a disqualifier, but it should factor into your decision. Rougher seas can happen, and at least one recent sailing day involved stronger wind. If you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly.

It’s also a decent option for families, as at least one experience highlighted kids having fun and staff jumping in when needed. Still, it’s a sailing day first, so keep safety and supervision in mind.

Booking and Meeting Like a Pro at the NAVIGATOR Dock

The meeting point is straightforward: on the dock, look for NAVIGATOR. Arriving a bit early helps. You want time to settle, check that everyone in your group has what they need, and get your swim essentials ready before the day moves.

The tour asks you to provide full names and birthday dates. That means double-check the details you enter when reserving, because day trips like this depend on accurate passenger lists.

And keep your clothing simple. High heels are out, so plan for sandals or sneakers with grip.

One last tip: since the day includes multiple water stops, pack like it’s a beach plus a boat day. You’ll be happier if you can access sunscreen, towels, and swimwear without digging through a heavy bag.

Should You Book This Naxos Island Tours Cruise?

Book it if you want a one-day combo that hits the big three: a memorable water stop at the WWII plane wreck, serious beach time on Schinousa, and a real village break in Iraklia. The BBQ setup, with local wine and vegetarian and vegan options, is one of the strongest reasons the price feels fair for a full 9-hour outing.

Skip it if you need fully predictable timing for every beach stop, because the final Gerolimionas swim is weather permitted. And don’t book if swimming is not your strong suit, or if you fall into the listed non-suitable categories.

If you’re comfortable on the water and you like the idea of mixing history, beaches, and a relaxed village stroll, this is the kind of day trip you’ll talk about later.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The tour departs at 09.30 from Agia Anna port and returns at 19.00.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet on the dock area, looking for the boat named NAVIGATOR.

What stops are included during the 9 hours?

You’ll sail along the Naxos west coast, stop near the WWII Arado AR196 airplane wreck at Alimia, swim and have lunch at Tsigouri/Livadi beach on Schinousa, visit Ag Georgios in Iraklia for a 2-hour stroll, and, weather permitting, have a final stop at Gerolimionas in Schinousa.

Is lunch included, and what’s served?

Lunch is included and is a BBQ onboard at Tsigouri/Livadi. The meal includes Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, spetzofai, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, pork or chicken skewers, fresh fruit, and salad items, with wine plus water and soft drinks during lunch time.

Do you provide masks and life jackets?

Yes. The tour provides masks and life jackets, along with sunbeds and loungers onboard.

What should I bring for the day?

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

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

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