Blue Lagoon Cruise, Lunch Included

Blue Lagoon Cruise, Lunch Included, 10 hours, rated 4.4 across 390 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a full-day, 10-hour sea escape from Thessaloniki to the Blue Lagoon of Halkidiki, run by MTM Experiences. A bus collects you from a central point in the city, roughly two hours before the boat sails, and drives you to the port where the cruise begins. Pickup and drop-off are included, along with the cruise ticket and a light lunch served on board.

Once out on the water, the day is built around swimming and sunbathing. The boat anchors near the Blue Lagoon, where you can snorkel or swim in the clear Aegean water, and there are beach stops along Sithonia, at spots reviewers describe as secluded and quiet. The route also sails around the Diaporos islands. One reviewer noted that reaching the first beach means swimming from the boat or taking a small boat across, with belongings brought over for swimmers.

Travellers consistently mention the turquoise water, the golden sand, and a friendly crew. One review describes the day as working equally well for people wanting a peaceful day and for groups after a livelier vibe. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen and comfortable clothes. Drinks and snorkeling gear are not included, though there is a bar on board.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in ThessalonikiPickup starts from central points in Thessaloniki, beginning almost two hours before the cruise departs. Be at your point at least five minutes early.
2. Bus transfer to the portAn air-conditioned vehicle takes you from the city to the port where the boat is waiting.
3. Cruise to the Blue LagoonSail out on the Aegean toward the lagoon, named for its colorful, clear water.
4. Swim and beach stopThe boat stays close to the beach. Swim, snorkel, or go ashore to relax on the sand. One reviewer said you swim to the first stop or cross by a small boat.
5. Cruise around Diaporos islandsThe route passes the Diaporos islands and the beaches of Sithonia, areas the listing says few other boats reach.
6. Light lunch on boardA light lunch is served on the boat. One reviewer described meatballs, rice, salad vegetables and bread.
7. Return and drop-offCruise back to port, then the bus returns you to your pickup point in Thessaloniki.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from the long transfer to how you get ashore at the swim stops.

• Getting ashore. At the first beach stop you either swim from the boat or cross by a small boat, according to one reviewer, who added that the crew brings belongings over by boat for swimmers. Being comfortable in the water helps you enjoy the day.
• Pack for sun and sea. The listing asks you to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and comfortable clothes. Several reviewers mention swimming and relaxing on the beaches during the stops.
• Long transfer. Pickup begins almost two hours before the boat sails, and one reviewer measured the bus ride to the port at about an hour and a half. Plan for a full 10-hour day door to door.
• Food and drink. A light lunch is included. One reviewer described the meal as meatballs, rice, cucumber, tomato and bread, and said it was all good, while another called the food average. Drinks are not included and can be bought at the onboard bar, and snorkeling gear is not provided.
• Group feel. Reviews describe a mixed crowd, with some travellers after a quiet day of sun and snorkeling and others after more of a party feel, and the crew accommodating both. A reviewer who went in early September found it not overly crowded.
• Booking your pickup. Provide your hotel name and location when booking, and the operator emails pickup details. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Common issues. The food draws mixed comments, with one reviewer calling it average, and drinks plus snorkeling gear cost extra. The transfer driver gave little commentary beyond basics, according to one review.

Common Questions