Our catamarans are based in Athens, offering guests a variety of sailing options and convenient international access via the Athens airport. While the Cyclades route is possible, it demands optimal conditions due to long sailing times, strong winds, and potentially rough seas. Hence, we often recommend the Saronic route, known for its beautiful islands, shorter sailing times, and generally smoother seas. It’s important to note that visiting Santorini is impractical due to the distance, and the chance to visit Mykonos isn’t guaranteed due to likely high winds.

However, understanding that some clients wish to explore these renowned islands or other authentic and budget-friendly Cycladic or Dodocenese ones (such as Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Ios, etc) we suggest planning a separate visit before or after your charter. Convenient transportation options, such as fast ferries (Piraeus ferry port is 15 minutes from our port) or short, inexpensive flights from Athens, make it feasible. If interested, we’re happy to provide advice on planning this part of your trip.

Yes, we can arrange charters shorter than our standard weekly schedule (the minimum being 4 days)!

There are a couple of important considerations:
1) Our boats are chartered on a weekly schedule, as a result, the catamaran price is fixed for the week. However, the total trip price would be lower because certain costs would be pro-rated such as crew costs as well as marina, fuel, and applicable provision fees.
2) The charter dates would need to be between our standard Sunday departure and Friday return schedule.
If you’re interested in options shorter than a week, just let us know the yacht and time frame and we’ll get back to you with pricing options.

Note: We can be especially flexible in the low to mid-season: April, May, and October.

Yes, it is certainly possible for us to arrange a charter longer than our standard one-week schedule. We even offer discounts on two-week charters, which are a great option that allow you to see a wide variety of islands at your own pace!
There are a couple of important considerations if you’re interested in a longer trip that isn’t exactly two weeks (a 10-day trip for instance):

1) Our boats are chartered on a weekly schedule, as a result, the catamaran price is fixed for the week. However, certain costs would be pro-rated such as crew costs as well as marina, fuel, and applicable provision fees.
2) The charter dates would need to be between our standard Sunday departure and Friday return schedule.
If you’re interested in charter options longer than a week, just let us know the dates and time frame and we’ll get back to you with pricing and details.

Note: We can be especially flexible in the low to mid-season: April, May, and October.

Santorini is an incredibly beautiful and unique island, however, it is best experienced by staying in one of its amazing villas on the cliffside overlooking the Aegean. We’ve also found that past guests believe one or two nights is plenty of time to see everything the island has to offer. In addition to its incredible views, the island does have nice restaurants, shopping, and wineries. A couple of things to keep in mind is that is it very expensive compared to the islands you’ll visit on charter (3 or more times higher). There are also not any swimmable beaches and the island can get very crowded in the afternoons when the cruise ships dock.

How to visit Santorini: As far as sailing goes, the island is also too far from Athens to visit on a one-week charter (and also not an ideal island to visit via sailboat, because of its marina location). However, there are some great options for our guests who would like to visit Santorini while in Greece. It is very easy to arrange to spend a few extra days in Santorini before or after your charter. You have the option of either taking a 4-5hr ferry (the ferry port of Piraeus is only 15 min from our port) or a short flight (45 min) from Athens to Santorini. 

*If you’re interested in this option, Just let us know and we’re happy to give you some advice on planning this aspect of your trip as well as recommend the best areas and places to stay and visit while you’re there.

Due to the limited sailing season (May to October), our weekly bookings are often fully booked for peak season. While a one-way charter is possible, it can be challenging due to unpredictable weather, making it difficult to guarantee a specific drop-off island. Moreover, you would likely need to disembark on Thursday morning since we would need sufficient time to sail the yacht back to Athens by Friday evening for the next charter.

If a one-way charter aligns with your interests, there’s an additional €300 fee for extra fuel and crew work required to return the yacht to Athens. Note: it is much more likely that we can be flexible with scheduling in the low to mid-season (April, May, and October). 

TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT/HOTEL TO MARINA

We have partnered with a car service/tour company, Hellenic Explorer, which is owned by Kostas Dimitrelis. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and nice and works with Greek Seas often so he knows exactly where to go and when. He can provide transportation from the Athens airport or an Athens hotel for groups of any size to the marina. If available he can also arrange a day (or half-day) tour of Athens with a guide to give you a chance to experience many of Athens’s sites in a short time in a car/van. 

We also have another fantastic driver, Juan Carlos, who is a great option if Kostas is unavailable. I’ve included contact information for both below, just be sure to mention you’re sailing with Greek Seas!

Transportation Contact Details

Kostas Dimitrelis

Mobile / WhatsApp: +30 697 287 2288

Email: info@hellenicexplorer.com or kostas.dimitrelis@gmail.com

Website for booking request: https://hellenicexplorer.com/booking-request

Juan Carlos

Mobile / WhatsApp: +03 698 205 8642

Email: xouan_carlos@icloud.com

You’re always welcome to contact us directly if you have any questions or concerns.

The weather and winds play a crucial role in the islands you’ll visit during your charter. This is the main reason we mention that it’s not possible to plan your route prior to arriving in Athens. When you board your boat in Athens, we recommend speaking with your captain and letting him know which type of islands you’re looking to visit (ie: are you interested in visiting less touristy/relaxed islands, or is nightlife important? There are also specific islands that feature certain activities, such as hiking, diving, horseback riding, shopping, visiting historical sites, etc). We understand that each of our guests is unique and the captain will do his best to take you to the islands that are ideal for your specific preferences.

Our most popular and most traveled route is the Saronic Gulf islands and ports. The Saronic route features incredibly beautiful islands which include a range of different ports. Some islands feature a mix of colorful architecture, typical blue/white buildings, as well as marbled castle towns) islands, with shorter sail times and generally calmer seas. The other route option is the Cyclades islands which also includes stunning and unique ports, however, this option does require longer sailing times and possibly rougher seas. There is also the possibility that the Cyclades route won’t be possible because of the potential impact of strong Meltemi winds, particularly between June and August. These winds can be so forceful during this period, with speeds over 40mph and waves reaching 15-20ft, that safely navigating the Cyclades may not be feasible. That doesn’t mean you aren’t able to sail the Cyclades route, we just like to be upfront with our guests about the possibility that it may not be an option if the captain determines it isn’t safe to sail.

If you are interested in ensuring that you visit a Cycladic island we recommend our guests consider taking a ferry at the beginning or end of their charter. The ferry port is only 15 minutes from the marina. From there you can hop on a high-speed ferry and in a few hours (sometimes a bit longer) you can visit beautiful islands such as Sifnos, Paros, Serifos, Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos, etc. Flights are also an inexpensive option if you’d like to visit islands that are farther away like Rhodes, Crete, etc. We’re happy to give you advice on planning this aspect of your trip!

While our Lagoon 380 catamaran provides ample space for 6 passengers and crew, cabin limitations allow for a maximum of 4 passengers when accompanied by a hostess (6 passengers without a hostess). The skipper-only option excludes a hostess and half-board provisions, though essential items such as bottled water are stocked onboard. Additionally, you have the choice to pre-purchase groceries, which can be delivered to your boat before your arrival, or you can opt to shop at a nearby grocery store before boarding. You only need to bring snacks, beverages, and lunch provisions for the initial days. It’s convenient and cost-effective to obtain additional provisions at local markets on the islands during your journey.

Our standard departure schedule is for you to set sail from Athens on Sunday morning and return to the marina in Athens on the following Friday afternoon/late afternoon. We also offer the option to board and disembark on Saturday so that our guests have a place to stay prior to and after the charter. Standard boarding is anytime after 5pm onn Saturday and disembarkation/check out is 9am the following Saturday. So you can sleep on the boat in the Athens port for those two nights if you would like.

Our weekly charter schedule is driven by Greece’s brief 28-week sailing season, resulting in consistent bookings and convenience for our guests. Saturdays serve as an intensive cleaning and changeover day for our catamarans, a standard practice among Greek charter companies. While departure and return schedules can’t be highly flexible due to quality and safety concerns, we offer our clients the option to sleep aboard the catamaran in port on Saturday night before departure on Sunday and Friday night before checkout on Saturday, providing 7 nights on the boat.

Our team, along with maintenance, laundry, and cleaning crews, dedicates Saturdays to thorough cleaning, provisioning, and boat preparation, including underwater checks by divers. This is why the yacht must return to Athens by late Friday afternoon, with a check-out time of 9 am on Saturday.

A quick note on the reason we depart on Sunday morning. We have found that leaving on Sunday enhances the client and crew experience without sacrificing island and sailing time. Attempting to depart on Saturday evening added pressure on the crew, hindering proper yacht setup. Moreover, nighttime departures resulted in anchoring in coves without time for the hostess to prepare a proper meal.

The location of our yachs in Athens, Zea Marina, provides a clean and safe environment with nearby shops and restaurants, including one of our favcorites, Belle Amie. The additional time in port allows you the chance to explore the nearby area and Athens.

BASIC PACKING AND TRIP RECOMMENDATIONS

● Luggage: If possible, we recommend using small or easily collapsible luggage. Carry-on bags or duffel bags are ideal. It will save a lot of space if your bag can be tucked away in your cabin. Large (hard) luggage may take up extra space in your cabin, especially if there are multiple bags. Here is an example of an ideal travel bag (28 or 35 inches are fine) that you can check on your flight. It has lots of room, rollers, and can fit in storage. *Note: this is just a suggestion to save you space. There is some extra storage in the front of the boat, so there shouldn’t be a problem fitting luggage, it just frees up more space if you’re able to pack bags that collapse or are a bit smaller (ideally anything but extra large hard luggage).

● Clothing: In addition to what you’d typically pack for a vacation, we recommend our guests bring a long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater. Even during warm months, the winds can make it feel cooler while you’re at sea. We also ask that clients take off their shoes when boarding the yacht to prevent marks and damage. There are boat/water shoes that are acceptable with white soles. Additionally, if you plan to explore some of the uninhabited islands while anchored in a cove, water shoes are nice to have because there are occasionally sea urchins on the rocks.

● Towels: Bath and beach towels are provided on every trip. You can also easily purchase additional towels on the islands if you require extra.

● Personal Hygiene Products: We aren’t able to include personal hygiene products such as soap and shampoo, so we recommend bringing your own or purchasing at a market near the marina or in Athens. *It’s also important to note that bar soap is not allowed on board because of issues it causes with the pump system, so we recommend bringing liquid body soap. Thank you for understanding!

● Power/Charging: The yachts will have USB charging available (at all times) as well as a southern European outlet which can be used when the engine or generator is running or the boat is connected to shore power. We generally have a few extra US adaptors on the boat, however, it’s not a bad idea to bring an adaptor, especially if you’re planning to stay in a hotel before or after your charter. Here is an example of a simple Type C adaptor.

● Scooter/ATV rental: Recent changes to Greek law require an international license when renting scooters and ATVs. To get an international license, you’ll want to visit a AAA office and pay a $20 fee. You can read more here.

● Gratuity for Crew: There isn’t a specific gratuity amount that your crew expects, they understand it depends on many different conditions. However, we found it helpful to provide some basic guidelines/recommendations for tipping at the end of your charter. You can find more information on our faq page.

● Passport: This might be obvious, but it can’t hurt to double and triple-check that you packed your passport and that it hasn’t expired. Please note that for travel to Greece, your Passport expiry date must be later than 3 months from the date of your arrival in Greece.

Your tailored island-hopping itinerary ensures the exploration of a new Saronic Gulf or Cyclades island daily in the Aegean Sea. Departing in the mid-to-late morning, you’ll sail for approximately 2-5 hours, depending on the route and winds, with opportunities to anchor in serene coves for a swim, relaxation, and lunch. By the afternoon, you’ll reach the next island, conveniently docking or anchoring close to its main town where you can explore its shops, restaurants, activities, etc.

Most importantly, planning itineraries in advance of your Greek island sailing charter isn’t possible due to unpredictable wind speed, wind direction, and weather conditions. Flexibility, adventure, and trust in the captain are key. Upon arrival, you’ll discuss island types, activities, and options with the captain, who will tailor the route based on evolving weather forecasts and your preferences. We often recommend clients opt for the Saronic route as it is often recommended for its stunning, authentic islands with shorter sail times and calmer seas. While the Cyclades route is available, it demands mild weather conditions due to long sail times and potential high winds and rough seas. A great option for guests desiring a Cyclades visit, taking a ferry (accessible within a 15-minute drive from Zea Marina in Piraeus) before or after the charter is suggested. Feel free to inform us if interested, and we’ll happily assist in planning this aspect.

Here is a partial list of possible islands you may visit on each route during a weekly sailing charter:

Saronic: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Agistri, Spetses, Porto Heli, Ermioni, Epidaurus, Nafplio

Cyclades: Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Serifos, Paros, Sifnos, and Antiparos. *Naxos and Kimolos are possible but require perfect conditions

*You can read more about visiting the beautiful but more touristy islands of Santorini or Mykonos in our FAQ section.

• We were awarded the prestigious 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award🏆 (and maintain a 5-star rating)
• Our friendly, hand-picked Greek skippers and hostesses have in-depth, local knowledge of the islands and are passionate about providing an unforgettable experience.
• We only own and charter a select number of the most modern, comfortable, and well-maintained sailing catamarans
• We only offer direct-to-customer bookings (no middleman) which allows us to offer our guests the lowest price possible
• There are no surprise out-of-pocket expenses – we include fuel, marina fees, taxes, end-cleaning, and even payment processing fees in our prices
• With offices in New York and Athens, we are able to provide you with fantastic, personalized customer service as well as financial peace of mind

Departure/Return: Our standard charters depart from Zea Marina near Athens on a Sunday morning (around 10am or later) and return to port in Athens on the following Friday afternoon/late afternoon. 

Boarding/Check-Out: Our charters include 7 nights of accommodation aboard the catamaran and 6 full days of sailing between islands! Saturday is a changeover day where maintenance, possible repairs, deep cleaning, and provisioning are done to prepare the boats for their next charter. As a result, the catamaran will be ready for boarding at 5pm on Saturday. Our guests are welcome to board at that time and sleep in port that evening before departure on Sunday (note: some clients prefer to stay in a hotel and board Sunday morning). When the yacht returns to Athens marina on Friday our guests can either disembark and stay in Athens or we offer the option to sleep on the yacht in port before checkout on Saturday morning at 9am.

All of our charters are round trip from Athens because it gives guests a lot of fantastic island options, the sailing is usually calm, and it is much easier to fly into and out of internationally.  

While we do offer the Cyclades Route, it requires perfect weather conditions because of the long sailing times and often high winds and rough seas (occasionally there are sustained wind gusts over 50mph for weeks). This is the reason we usually recommend sailing the Saronic route, which has incredibly beautiful, authentic islands and ports as well as shorter sailing times and generally calmer seas. On the Saronic route, you’ll visit a wide array of unique islands with distinct flora/fauna, architecture (including Hydratic, Cycladic, Venetian, etc), as well as food and wine.

If you have your heart set on visiting some of the more internationally famous islands or possibly other more authentic and inexpensive Cycladic islands, the best option is to spend some extra days before or after your charter and take a ferry (the ferry port of Piraeus is only 15 min from our port) to a beautiful island like Naxos, Paros, Serifos, or Sifnos. You can also take a longer ferry or short flight to Mykonos or Santorini. Just let us know if you’re interested in one of these options, and we’d be happy to give you some advice on planning this aspect of your trip.

Cyclades (too far to visit on charter, but an easy high speed ferry trip)

Kimolos

Naxos

Milos

Sifnos (this island is close enough to visit in good conditions but is one of my favorite islands.)

Requires a short flight or long ferry

Kos (Dodecanesee island)

Rhodes (Dodecanesee island)

Kefalonia (Ionian island)

Crete (Large island with tons to offer)

Saronic

Nafplio (Usually too far to sail to)

We fully understand that you may not want or be able to carry enough cash to tip at the end of your charter. In that case, you can certainly send us a tip electronically via either Venmo, Zelle, or bank transfer.  Please reach out to us at billing@greekseas.com and we can send you the relevant information.

Our captains (who all live in/near Athens) have put together this list of their favorite restaurants, coffee places and street food in Athens.  The list includes a range of price points, tastes and flavors.  The comments below are personal descriptions from our captains.

• • Good seafood restaurants are difficult to find in the center of Athens

• • Souvlaki places are generally very good everywhere.

• • You may need to make reservation at some restaurants, especially if it is Friday or Saturday.

• • Most restaurants accept credit cards.

If you’re looking for a nice restaurant to grab lunch or dinner near Zea Marina we recommend Belle Amie. There is a great selection of cafes and restaurants in the area. 

While Greek Seas isn’t able to provide travel insurance, our past guests have had positive experiences with third-party insurance providers that offer various options. Here are a couple of options that have worked well for past customers:

• Allianz Travel Insurance: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
• Nationwide Travel Insurance: https://travel.nationwide.com/plans/single (they offer a plan with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage)

It’s important to note that Greek Seas doesn’t offer refunds. However, in the event of a pandemic preventing travel to Greece (usually not covered by standard travel insurance), we are committed to working with you to reschedule for the future. Most other events should be covered by standard travel insurance

Concerning tipping, our crew is dedicated to making your trip unforgettable, and tipping is a wonderful way to express appreciation for their efforts. In the yachting culture of Greece, tipping holds significant value as genuine feedback on the crew’s performance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that tipping amounts may vary based on factors like group size and boat type. There is no magic percentage or amount but for those seeking guidance on average tip amounts, here is a suggested breakdown:

– Charters with a captain and hostess: 15-20% of the total charter price (total amount split between captain and hostess)

– Charters with a captain only: 10-15% of the total charter price

*Groups of 2 passengers would be on the lower end of the scale, while larger groups are usually on the higher end.

On captain-only charters without a hostess, it’s customary to offer the captain snacks and/or lunch during the trip. Although they may not always accept, captains are often sailing throughout the day and have limited time to prepare lunch on their own.

Tipping methods: Cash is the preferred method, however, if you find yourself short on cash (or unable to get to an ATM) at the end of the charter, you can reach out to us via email, and we can arrange to collect the tip through Venmo or Zelle.

If you are interested in traveling to Santorini there are several airlines, including Olympic, Ryan Air, Sky Express, and Volotea, that operate flights. We suggest using Google Flights to search for options between Athens (ATH) and Santorini (JTR). Your charter captain can return the yacht to Athens early on Friday if needed, but it’s advisable to book a flight departing Saturday morning or after 3 pm on Friday, allowing ample time to reach the airport. It’s also important to inform your captain at the start of the charter about your departure time requirements.

As far as accommodation in Santorini I highly recommend staying in the Oia section of the island. It offers some of the finest hotels, restaurants, and sunset views. I’ve listed three recommended hotels below, but generally, any 4 or 5-star hotels in that area should provide a great experience. You can also find valuable information on this TripAdvisor page (make sure it is sorted by travelers’ rank).

Here are some specific hotels we recommend:

Ikies http://www.ikies.com/ (expensinve but very nice)

Aris Caves https://ariscaves.gr/

Enalion Suites http://www.enalion-suites.com/

*There should also be some more budget-friendly options listed on TripAdvisor

Athens Information and Hotel Recommendations

Your catamaran and charter will depart and disembark from Alimos Marina near Athens. We’ll provide fully detailed arrival information in your final pre-trip email.

Central Athens is about a 15-20 min taxi ride away from Alimos Marina (the Athens airport is about a 45 min ride). If you have time to explore, I’d recommend staying near central Athens which is a great location for exploring the main sites in Athens (including the Acropolis). As far as hotels in that area I recommend the Fresh Hotel (a Marriott hotel), Grand Britannia Hotel as well as the Electra Hotel (both Athens locations are good options). If those are booked or out of your budget you can’t go wrong with any highly reviewed hotels in that area. 

If you’re looking for convenience and accommodations near Alimos Marina we’d recommend Hotel Poseidon. If that hotel is booked up you can check TripAdvisor for other highly rated hotels in the Alimos area of Greece.

*Near the airport the best option is the Sofitel Athens Airport (it’s really the only option)

Athens Food & Drink Recommendations

If you’re looking for some extra advice and recommendations while in Athens, our captains and crew have compiled a fantastic list of some of the best restaurants and tavernas in Athens (some known only to locals)!

Athens Information and Hotel Recommendations

Your catamaran and charter will depart and disembark from Zea marina near Athens and the large port of Piraeus. We’ll provide fully detailed arrival information in your final pre-trip email.

Central Athens is about a 20-minute taxi ride away from Zea marina (the Athens airport is about a 45 min ride). If you have time to explore, I’d recommend staying near central Athens which is a great location for exploring the main sites in Athens (including the Acropolis). As far as hotels in that area I recommend the Fresh Hotel (a Marriott hotel), Grand Britannia Hotel as well as the Electra Hotel (both Athens locations are good options). If those are booked or out of your budget you can’t go wrong with any highly reviewed hotels in that area. 

If you’re looking for convenience and accommodations near Zea Marina we’d recommend The Alex. If that hotel is booked up you can check TripAdvisor for other highly rated hotels in the Piraeus area of Greece.

*Near the airport the best option is the Sofitel Athens Airport (it’s really the only option)

Athens Food & Drink Recommendations

If you’re looking for some extra advice and recommendations while in Athens, our captains and crew have compiled a fantastic list of some of the best restaurants and tavernas in Athens (some known only to locals)!

There are a wide array of sightseeing tours offered in Athens. We are happy to offer you a few recommendations:

1. Our transportation partner, Hellenic Explorer, which is owned by Kostas Dimitrelis, offers guided tours of the city for differing time frames. Your driver Kostas will drive to the best historical landmarks and you’ll be joined in the van by a professional guide who will go into more detail and even take you up to the Acropolis if it’s available and you have time. *You’ll get the best possible price if you mention you’re sailing with Greek Seas
2. This is a great walking tour that is run by a friend of one of our skippers Yiannis Asteridis (don’t forget to mention his name and our company when booking): Big Olive Tours.
3. If you’re interested in a bike tour, Athens by Bike is a great option.

We find the most enjoyable times for charter sailing in Greece are in May/June as well as September/early October. The weather is generally dry as well as nice and warm between June and October (there is a small increase in rainy days in May, Sept, and October). The Aegean tends to warm up during the season with cooler water temperatures in May (around 68 degrees F) and the warmest water temperatures in September (around 82 degrees F). The main downside to July and August are the overwhelming crowds as well as the risk of a possible heat wave.

In the end, it comes down to personal preference and the weather itself can change from week to week, so there are never any guarantees.

Lagoon 380, Lagoon 450 and Saona 47:
These yachts all have an inverter which allows for a 220V plug that can accommodate items up to 350 Watts. There are plugs in each cabin, but you’ll need to bring a standard Southern European outlet adapter like this one. We may have some on board, but it’s good to have while in Greece.There is a USB plug available in the main saloon (via a 12V cigarette lighter outlet) for charging small electronics like phones. The Saona 47 also has a USB outlet in each cabin.

Items that use a lot of wattage such as a standard hair dryer can only be used when the yacht is plugged into shore power. Always check with your captain before using just to be safe.

Yes, the yachts have a built in car radio-type interface with external speakers. You can connect your phone/tablet to the boat’s speaker system via bluetooth.

The Saona 47 and Lagoon 380 do not have an ice maker. However the Saona 47 has a large refrigerator that can fit large bags of ice. The Lagoon 380 has a very nice cooler that can also hold a lot of ice for an extended period of time.

• If the yacht is not connected to a power supply the yacht’s generator will be needed to run the A/C. (Some islands don’t offer a power supply in the marina, and on some islands you’ll need to anchor in a bay vs. dock in a marina)
• The generator can be used for up to around 3 hours at a time, and not past midnight due to the noise it causes while running.
• It is possible to use the generator for up to 6 hours (the maximum based on manufacturer recommendations), however excessive use results in a large amount of fuel needed. If it is getting to this point the captain will let you know before any extra charges are incurred (which is rare, but possible).

This beautiful 47 foot catamaran has ample space for up to 8 passengers plus crew (skipper and hostess). It has 4 double cabins for guests and 4 ensuite bathrooms plus an extra room for the crew. So it’s ideal for anywhere from 2-8 passengers.

Please note that it does require a hostess in addition to the captain because of it’s large size (the captain requires expert assistance when arriving or departing from island ports).

Our boats are all fully insured through Lloyds of London against damage and personal injury. However personal belongings are not insured. These can be insured in through travel insurance in your home country.

Unfortunately, due to insurance policies, we do not have safes on the yachts. The yachts are very secure when locked, and we’ve never had a problem with theft.

If you would like to bring a small travel-sized safe, we recommend something similar to this model:
https://www.amazon.com/SentrySafe-P005C-Portable-Cubic-Black/dp/B004LAMJVI/

The cabins on sailing yachts are meant to be a nice, cozy place for napping and sleeping.  So there isn’t much space for standing or walking around.  On most yachts, the standard bed size is equal to a Queen sized bed.  Each cabin has windows (deck hatches), which work as skylights as well as a way to and let in sun and a nice cross breeze.

There is space for storing clothing and other personal items, however storage space in the cabins and yacht in general is limited, so remember to follow our packing guidelines and try to bring soft luggage.

Greek Seas currently specializes in catamaran charters. We’ have sold our Oceanis 40 monohull for the 2022 season (however we are able to find a monohull from a partner company if requested).

We believe catamarans provide the best charter experience when sailing the Greek islands. They offer much more deck space for laying out, dining, and relaxing. They’re more stable in general which reduces the already low chances of seasickness.

Due to local regulations, it is not possible to fish directly off one of our catamarans. However, some of the islands you’ll visit do have fishing excursions. It’s a good idea to let the captain know at the beginning of your charter so that he can schedule in advance if needed. 

Due to local regulations, it is not possible to scuba dive directly off one of our catamarans. However, some of the islands you’ll visit do have dive shops and the captain would be happy to help you schedule an excursion. It’s a good idea to let him know at the beginning of your charter so that he can schedule in advance if needed. 

Your skilled and experienced captain will navigate and sail the yacht, however they will occasionally need some assistance from a passenger with raising a sail and while anchoring in the ports.  If you have hired a hostess or deckhand no assistance will be required.

Nope. Your highly-trained, knowledgeable captain has all skills and know-how to handle all of the sailing.  However, they will occasionally need some assistance from a passenger with raising/lowering a sail and while anchoring in the ports.  If you have hired a hostess or deckhand no assistance will be required.

Important Reminder about Generator Usage

During the evenings in Greece, the temperature generally drops and there are comfortable breezes coming off the water. As a result most nights you can open the port windows and turn on the fans in the cabins without any need for air conditioning. However, there are situations where air conditioning can make your experience more comfortable (during heat waves, stagnant air, etc). The Saona 47 is equipped with an air conditioning system, however, unlike land-based accommodations there are some limits to its use. Below are a few important notes about A/C usage to keep the system running well:

• If the yacht is connected to a power supply, the use of A/C is usually not a problem, although we try to limit usage to only when needed (excess wear and tear can damage the system).
• If the yacht is not connected to a power supply (some islands don’t have a power supply or you may anchor inside a port), the generator will be needed to run the A/C. Because of the manufacturer’s recommendations and high fuel costs in Greece we can usually only run the generator between 3-5 hours maximum per day.

That being said, we do try to be as accommodating as possible so please speak with your captain if you have any questions at all.

Of course!  We always like to like to mention that the captain must be on hand to supervise and all final decisions are made by the captain.

Cell service is very good throughout the Greek Islands, so you’ll likely have service throughout most of your journey.   We recommend that you check with your provider to make sure your phone will work while overseas and you have the best possible pricing plan.

We want to reassure our guests that seasickness is relatively uncommon on smaller vessels like catamarans, especially when the seas are calm (as experienced on the Saronic route). Throughout our 16 years of experience, even individuals highly susceptible to seasickness typically encounter only occasional, mild nausea, mainly on the first day of sailing or during rough seas, particularly if they follow the captain’s advice on possible itineraries.

Beyond using medication, informing your captain about seasickness concerns at the start of the charter allows him to plan a gentler route with more breaks for swimming and relaxation. Notably, catamaran sailing has significantly fewer instances of seasickness compared to cruise ships or larger motor yachts.

We recommend you budget €250-500 per person, per week. That includes all food and drink related expenses.

For hostess and half-board charters you’ll only need to pay for dinners on the islands. Most of our guests find the dinners to be very affordable (€15-30 per person for a large meal including wine).

For charters without a hostess, you’ll likely need €150-200 per person for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks for the week.

Yes, our yachts do have a basic filter coffee maker on board. Additionally, the Saona 47 also includes a Nespresso machine.

At restaurants tipping is not required and most often people just round up (so if the bill is €18 you can pay €20). Generally 10-15% is plenty. At some of the smaller family owned restaurants on the islands it can be nice to give a larger tip if they provide complimentary food and drinks (you’ll find this is often the case if you dine out with your captains).

For hostess/half-board the hostess will prepare a delicious multi course greek lunch while anchored in a bay.
For skippered-only charters you will typically be sailing during the afternoon, so you’ll be able to enjoy lunch aboard the yacht while anchored in a beautiful cove.  The skipper will anchor for an hour or so and give you time to go to go for a swim, explore and prepare lunch.
We recommend picking up some initial provisions in Athens to cover the first few days at sea. You’ll be able to pick additional food and drinks on the island markets which are much less expensive than Athens.
Since dinners are such a big part of Greek island culture we generally recommend a lighter lunch and you can pick up a afternoon snack on the island when you arrive. Dinner on the islands is usually around 9 or 10pm.

Most guests prefer a quick and easy lunch such as soups, pasta or sandwiches.  However, all of our yachts have an oven and stove so you can prepare almost anything you would like.  We recommend stocking up provisions from the island markets.

Note: On charters without a hostess, it’s common (and appreciated) to offer the captain some snacks and a light lunch during the week.  They are often sailing all day won’t have time to prepare lunch on their own.

Your hostess will be your culinary guide to the Greek islands for the week. She will serve breakfast each morning which will generally be an assortment of pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese, bread, etc. 

The featured meal will be a delicious multi-course lunch consisting of authentic Greek/Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the islands.  

She will also keep the yacht stocked with an assortment of snacks and beverages. This includes bottled water, fruit, an assortment of snacks as well as a selection of beverages tailored to your preference which may include juices, soda, coffee, and tea. 

We have a provision request form that we send out prior to your trip where you can inform us about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences in your group. Our hostesses have no problem preparing meals that fit any restrictions or allergies as long as they know beforehand.

Your hostess will take care of grocery shopping in Athens so there will be provisions onboard when you arrive on your yacht. While on charter, if you have any specific requests just let the hostess know and as long as the item is available she will pick them up at the markets on the islands. Note: dinners are not included because we recommend dining out at one of the incredible local restaurants on the islands (the captain/hostess will be happy to recommend places).

Alcoholic beverages

We will also happily provide a reasonable amount of complimentary Greek lager beer and quality Greek house wine (white, Rose, and/or Red) to enjoy with lunch as well as happy hour (you won’t need drinks for dinner since it will be on the islands). Please let us know your preferences if possible.
While we don’t include liquor and high-end wine (Greek house wine is very good) in half-board, you are welcome to bring on board anything you’d like.  Additionally, our provision request form includes a menu of alcohol and high-end wines you can purchase and have stocked prior to your arrival. Note: Mixers such as soda water, tonic, juices, etc. are included free of charge, just let us know on your request sheet.

On hostess/half-board charters your hostess will take care of the initial provisioning. We’ll reach out prior to charter to get your input on preferences or allergies.
On skipper only charters, we’ll have the yacht stocked with some basic items listed below, however we recommend picking up a few things at a nearby grocery store prior to departure. You’ll generally enjoy breakfast and dinner at bakeries/tavernas on the islands each day. However, you will need some provisions to prepare lunch. Most clients prefer a light lunch such as sandwiches or salads, but there is a full kitchen if you’d like to prepare something bigger. We also recommend offering the skipper snacks and a little food for lunch since he’ll be sailing and not have time to prepare his own meal. You’ll just need to pick up enough provisions for the first few days since you can stock up on additional things on the islands where the food is less expensive and usually fresher than in Athens.

The items included on the yacht are:
-Dishes, cups, silverware
-6 liters of water (per person)
-Toilet paper (6 pack)
-Dish soap & sponge
-Paper towels
-Garbage bags

*Note: you also have the option to pre-purchase some initial provisions from an online frocery who will deliver the items directly to your yacht. Your Greek Seas representative will reach out to you with more information in our pre-trip emails.

On a hostess/half-board charter a continental breakfast will be provided on the boat.

On skipper-only charters, most clients prefer to walk to a local bakery and grab some breakfast each morning. You’ll also have time while in port to have some cereal or cook some breakfast on the boat. It’s a good idea to ask the captain what time you will be departing the next morning. Generally it will be between 10am-12pm depending on the length of that days sail.

We highly recommend consulting with your skipper on where to eat dinner, especially on the smaller islands. In Greece, dinners are a very important event for family and friends to get together. Dinners generally last many hours and include many courses of fresh Mediterranean dishes, usually accompanied by carafes of wine. Every island has unique local specialty dishes, which your captain will be happy to explain to you.

If you’d like to get to know your skipper/hostess a bit better, feel free to invite them to dinner on one of your first few evenings. They’ll likely know the best off the beaten path restaurants and local menu items on each island. That being said, the skipper doesn’t expect this at all and understands that every client has their own unique preference and personality.

You’re welcome to dine at any time, but it is custom in Greece to eat later in the evening between 8-10pm.

Of course! Charter sailing is a perfect family vacation. It provides the perfect mix of adventure, activities, and relaxation. We do recommend children are old enough to swim for safety reasons.

As of now (July 2021), many countries require a negative COVID test before boarding your flight back home from Greece.  For US guests, the CDC states: “Passengers must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).”   You can obtain a rapid antigen test at this testing center near Zea Marina when you return on Friday. You will receive results in less than an hour. You should be able to make an appointment ahead of time as well, and the captain will be able to assist you if needed.  

Greek Seas does not offer bareboat charters.  When charter sailing in Greece we highly recommend sailing with a Greek skipper because of their experience on the Aegean Sea (which can be very unpredictable) as well as their invaluable knowledge of the islands.  

Here is a website for checking ferry schedules and booking tickets: https://ferries.greeka.com/

If you are looking to take a ferry we recommend that you book your ferry tickets ahead of time.

Currently, Greece has no known risk of Zika from mosquitos according to the CDC

We recommend checking this site for the most accurate and up-to-date information on travel policies: https://travel.gov.gr/

Recent law changes have made it more difficult for a US citizen to rent vehicles in Greece.  Many places are now requiring you have an IDP (International Drivers Permit).  While some smaller rental places may not require this license, we highly recommend getting one prior to your journey if you’re planning to rent a vehicle, ATV or scooter in Greece.  Luckily it is easy and inexpensive to attain an International Drivers Permit.  The best method we’ve found is through AAA. Here is what they state you’ll need:

• • Download and fill out an application, and bring it to your nearest AAA branch office*.

• • Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices*).

• • A valid U.S. driver’s license.

• • Pay $20 USD permit fee and you’re ready to go!

*You can also get the permit through the mail if you can’t visit an AAA office.  You can find information here.

The sailing season in Greece runs from late March through October, with prices as well as the tourist crowds peaking in August.

The chart below will give you a good idea of average air and water temperatures each month of the season in the area around Athens.

The winds in the Cyclades pick up in June through September.  This can be great for sailing, but also make for the occasional rough day at sea.  The captain will do his best to take you the best route possible, but if you are worried about rough seas you can chose to go the calmer route through the Saronic.

Peak season and highest prices are from June-September. August is generally the highest season, which can cause more crowds on some of the islands. Off-peak (May and October) has the benefit of generally great weather and less crowds. Note: There is always a chance of high winds or rain during any week during the season. Your captain will do what he can to ensure you have the best charter possible while keep you safe.

Regardless of the route you chose or the month you visit, you will enjoy many sunny days during your sailing trip in one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in the world.

It is possible to add a hostess to any of our charters as long as there is an extra cabin available for the hostess to sleep in. Here are there details for each yacht:

Lagoon 380: 2 cabins for passengers, 2 cabins for crew. Max 4 passengers with hostess

Saona 47: 4 cabins for passengers, 2 cabins for crew. Max 8 passengers with hostess

Lagoon 450: 2 cabins for passengers, 2 cabins for crew. Max 6 passengers with hostess

Both the skipper and hostess will certainly speak English. They will be happy to answer all your questions in regards to Greek food, culture, history, etc. They will also assist your party in choosing restaurants and ordering local specialties if you would like them to accompany you to dinner in the evenings.

Your skilled hostess/chef will assist the captain with sailing and anchoring in port as well as prepare breakfast and lunches throughout your journey. As far as meals and provisions the following is included:
Daily breakfast and lunch: Breakfast will generally be an assortment of pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese, bread, etc. The featured meal will be a delicious multi-course lunch consisting of authentic greek/ mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the islands.
An assortment of snacks and beverages: This includes water, fruit, coffee, and snacks as well as a selection of items tailored to your preference which may include juices, soda, house wine and beer.

**We’ll reach out to you prior to charter about any specific food/drink preferences or allergies. While on charter, if you have any specific food/drink requests just let the hostess know and as long as the item is available she will pick them up at the markets on the islands (there may be an extra cost for expensive items such as premium wines and hard liquor). Dinners are not included because we recommend dining out at one of the incredible local restaurants on the islands (the captain/hostess will be happy to recommend places).

Note: The hostess is not permitted to enter or clean guest cabins.

Our crew members are dedicated to making your sailing experience in Greece memorable and enjoyable. Tipping them at the end of the charter is a great way to give recognition and appreciation for their efforts. Tipping is a common practice in the charter vacation culture of Greece, where it reflects your satisfaction with the quality of work. The crew knows each guest is unique so the exact amount is not as important as the gesture itself. 

The suggested top amount can depend on the size of your group, crew size, trip length, etc.  However, we know it helps to know the standards for charter sailing in Greece.  *It’s important to note that the total trip amount referred to below is based on the total boat and crew cost. You are not expected to tip on the extras Greek Seas includes in your charter price, such as provisions, fuel, cleaning, and marina fees. 

*These fees generally make up about 10% of the total charter price if provisions are included and 5% if they aren’t included.  You can subtract this amount from the trip total.

**Keep in mind that the below amounts are simply the standard suggested amount in Greece

• Charters with both a captain and a hostess: ~20% of the charter price. This is the total amount that will be divided evenly between the captain and the hostess. 
• Charters with only a captain: ~15% of the charter price. *If you booked a captain-only charter without a hostess, you may also want to offer some snacks and/or lunch to the captain during the trip. They often sail all day and have little time to prepare their own food.

When/How to Tip: The best way to tip the crew is to hand the captain cash at the end of the charter.  However, we know that you may not want or be able to carry that much cash. So we do accept tipping electronically.  You’re welcome to send us a tip via Zelle (austin@greekseas.com) or Venmo (@austinmartin [-1705 confirm]). You can also email us for more options. 

The captain’s first priority is safety, so it’s important to understand that weather-based route decisions will follow this principle. Their second priority is to help you have the best possible vacation. We find that clients who interact with their skipper while on charters have the best overall experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you would like to learn more about sailing, history, or activities on the islands you visit. If you’d like to get to know them a bit better, feel free to invite them to dinner on one of your first few evenings. They’ll likely know the best off the beaten path restaurants and local menu items on each island. That being said, the captain doesn’t expect this at all and understands that every client has their own unique preference and personality.

Generally the skipper will sleep in one of the available cabins. On smaller catamarans this would be one of the standard rooms, while some larger yachts have specific skipper cabins. If you have any questions about this, just let us know.

We only work with a small number of Greek skippers and hostesses who meet our strict standards on sailing ability, local knowledge and friendliness.  We understand that having a fantastic skipper/hostess who know the islands, food and culture is a crucial part of your overall charter sailing experience.

We schedule the skipper/hostess a few months prior to your trip when we know the full booking slate for that week.  If you have a preferred skipper/hostess we’ll do our best to accommodate your request but there are certain weeks they may be unavailable or pre-booked on another trip.

While we aren’t able to store or provide hair dryers on the boats because of lack of storage, you are welcome to bring your own. However, it’s very important to ask your captain before using it because the boat power system must be adjusted to a specific setting for the hair dryer to work and not damage the on-board electrical system. 

*Note: you’ll also likely require a southern European adaptor. We usually have some on board but it can’t hurt to bring one or two adaptors.

We include an assortment of water toys and flotation devices aboard our catamarans. We do our best to keep these working, however, they do tend to get ripped or lost throughout the season. We do our best to replenish when possible but we can’t guarantee they’ll be on board and in great shape. If that is the case there are shops on the islands or near the marina that sell inexpensive floatation devices as well.

It is possible to use a CPAP machine while on charter. Our boats do have inverters so you would be able to operate a CPAP machine at night when plugged into shore power or the generator is running (only the Lagoon 450 and Saona 47 have a generator). Even on our boats that have generators (they aren’t always able to run all night) it’s a very good idea to bring a backup battery such as this.  It can be easily charged during the day so that it will have enough power at night.

We offer complimentary onboard wifi, utilizing a modem connected to the 4G cell network, which performs well in the Greek islands. To optimize the experience, we suggest guests avoid data-intensive apps while connected onboard, as the wifi speed may decrease after reaching a certain data threshold, typically between 2-5GB. However, guests can utilize free wifi at various tavernas and coffee shops for activities like uploading photos or video calling.

A quick note: It’s advisable to check with your mobile provider, as many offer the option to use your standard unlimited calling/data plan for just $10 a day.

We believe in transparency and simplicity in our pricing. We want you to have the confidence and comfort of knowing that you will have no out-of-pocket expenses during your journey except for dinners on the islands and gratuity for the crew. We even include all payment and processing fees, so the price quoted is exactly what you pay! 

Greek Seas specifically includes the following on all charters: 

• Captain: Your experienced, friendly, English-speaking, Greek captainwill guide you through your journey.
• Amenities: Luxury linens, snorkel sets, a motorized dinghy, water toys, free wifi, and air conditioning on most boats.
• All Charter Expenses: This includes all fuel, marina fees, taxes, and end-cleaning. All sailing/charter-related expenses are included.

Hostess and Half-board charters also include:

• A Hostess/Chef: Your skilled hostess/chef will assist the captain with sailing and anchoring in port as well as prepare breakfast and lunches throughout your journey.  
• Daily breakfast and lunch:  Breakfast will generally be continental style which includes an assortment of pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese, bread, etc.  The featured meal will be a delicious multi-course lunch consisting of authentic Greek/Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the islands.
• An assortment of snacks and beverages: This includes water, fruit, coffee, and snacks as well as a selection of items tailored to your preference which may include juices, soda, house wine, and beer.
  • We’ll discuss specific food/drink preferences or allergies before your charter. While on charter, if you have any requests, the hostess will pick them up at the markets on the islands (extra cost for expensive items like premium wines and hard liquor).
  • Dinners are not included because we recommend dining out at one of the incredible local restaurants on the islands (the captain/hostess will be happy to recommend places).

The above half-board items are included in the hostess option but not included in the skipper-only quoted price. On charters that exclude a hostess and half-board provisions, we provide essential items such as (bottled water, paper towels, dish soap, etc) and will assist you with provisioning. You’ll have the choice to pre-purchase groceries, which can be delivered to your boat before your arrival, or you can opt to shop at a nearby grocery store before boarding. You only need to bring snacks, beverages, and lunch provisions for the initial days. It’s convenient and cost-effective to obtain additional provisions at local markets on the islands during your journey.

The skipper-only price includes all fuel, fees, cleaning, and expenses.  While these charters do not include a hostess and half-board provisions, we do provide essential items such as (bottled water, paper towels, dish soap, etc) and will assist you with provisioning. You’ll have the choice to pre-purchase groceries, which can be delivered to your boat before your arrival, or you can opt to shop at a nearby grocery store before boarding. You only need to bring snacks, beverages, and lunch provisions for the initial days. It’s convenient and cost-effective to obtain additional provisions at local markets on the islands during your journey. You’re only out-of-pocket expenses will be food/drink as well as gratuity for the crew

Our half-board charters include a reasonable amount of house wine and beers. The wine in Greece is very good (even the house wine, which is lower in alcohol content). You’re welcome to bring any liquor or fine wines you purchase duty-free or at markets onboard. We also have the option of pre-paying and ordering ahead and having fine wines and/or liquor stocked on the yacht when you arrive. You’ll find this option and form on your pre-trip email 3: Food and Drink Provisions.

For safety and insurance reasons, we are unable to store your luggage at the marina on Saturday. Before 5pm, the yacht is thoroughly cleaned and we need access to every room and storage space to make sure it’s ready on time. Keeping the luggage on the marina next to the boat isn’t possible because it’s very busy with maintenance workers, cleaners and crew and we aren’t able to guarantee the luggage will be watched at all times.

Our captains (who all live in/near Athens) have put together this list of their favorite restaurants, coffee places and street food in Athens.  The list includes a range of price points, tastes and flavors.  The comments below are personal descriptions from our captains.

• • Good seafood restaurants are difficult to find in the center of Athens

• • Souvlaki places are generally very good everywhere.

• • You may need to make reservation at some restaurants, especially if it is Friday or Saturday.

• • Most restaurants accept credit cards.

• If you’re interested in tours we have partnered with a fantastic company, Hellenic Explorer, which offers a variety of tours of historic and notable sites in Athens and the surrounding area. They also provide a discount for Greek Seas customers. If you’re interested in inquiring about transportation or a tour you can visit: https://www.hellenicexplorer.com/booking-request. Remember to mention you’re sailing with Greek Seas.Also, if you had some extra time in Athens, our captains we have compiled this extensive list of restaurants and tavernas that may be worth a visit:  https://greekseas.com/faq/do-you-have-any-restaurant-cafe-recommendations-for-athens/

All of our charters return to Zea Marina on Friday afternoon.  The exact time is fairly flexible and depends on what time you leave the final island that Friday morning.  If you have a flight on Friday, just let your captain know at the beginning of your charter.

Check out is 9am on Saturday.  We offer the opportunity for guests to spend their final Friday night on the yacht, but do want to point out that it will be different from previous nights at sea. Since Zea is a busy marina located in Athens it can be loud in the evenings (there are night clubs and heavy traffic nearby) and the air can be seem a bit stagnant when compared to being at sea.  We also like to note that your skipper will depart the yacht on Friday evening so they have a night in their own bed before their next trip on Saturday morning.

Most of our yachts are located at Zea Marina near the Piraeus region of Athens. The marina is a 20 minute drive from the center of Athens and 45 minutes from the Athens airport. ​

We also occasionally sail from Alimos Marina which is also only a 20 min drive from Athens.

Your Greek Seas representative will make sure you know the specific marina in our initial pre-trip emails. If you need transportation to the marina, we recommend using our partner​ company, Hellenic Explorer ​​to book transportation before you arrive in Greece. There is a discount for Greek Seas customers.​ ​If you are interested, they also offer a variety of tours in Athens and the surrounding area.

You are welcome to board the yacht after 5pm on Saturday (the crew spends all day Saturday cleaning and preparing the yacht). You can also sleep on the yacht in the marina that evening.

Standard Departure is on Sunday morning anytime after 10am.

The departure time is not a specific time, since it is a private charter we can depart on your schedule. We’ll send more details about your arrival closer to your charter date. Note: you’re also welcome to stay in a hotel Saturday night and board on Sunday morning.

If you decide that you’re interested in reserving the yacht we will put a hold on the yacht for 4 days and send over a detailed invoice with trip and deposit details.

We breakdown your total trip cost into two payments:

1. The initial deposit to reserve the boat: the payment amount is 40% of the total trip price.  Once we receive this the yacht is reserved and you’ll receive a confirmation.
2. The remaining balance: the payment amount is 60% of the total charter price. This will be due one month prior to your charter date.

*We include all payment and processing fees in the price you were quoted. The invoice will be denominated in Euros, however, you’re able to make the payment in your home currency.  Our payments processor Flywire automatically uses the best possible exchange rate. You’ll have the option of paying via manual bank transfer, online bank transfer (recommended), or credit card.

Here is our cancellation policy.

We use Wise (www.wise.com) to get the best possible EUR/USD rate. It’s important to note that the published rate you see online or in newspapers is often the interbank rate (the bank to bank exchange rate).  This is the best possible rate that banks charge each other, however the consumer rate is different.  The consumer rate (the foreign exchange rate you get from the bank for ATM withdrawals and credit card transactions) is generally 3-4% higher.

We pass on the same rate we get from Wise to you, which is generally better than the standard consumer rate.

We believe in transparency and simplicity in our pricing. We want you to have the confidence and comfort of knowing that you will have no out of pocket expenses during your journey except for dinners on the islands and optional gratuity for the crew.
This specifically includes:
Captain: Your friendly, experienced, English-speaking, Greek captain will guide you through your journey.
Amenities such as luxury linens, snorkel sets, motorized dinghy and wifi.
All Charter Expenses including as fuel, marina fees, taxes and end-cleaning
Hostess: Your skilled hostess/chef will assist the captain with sailing and anchoring in port as well as prepare breakfast and lunches throughout your journey.
Daily breakfast and lunch: Breakfast will generally be an assortment of pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese, bread, etc. The featured meal will be a delicious multi-course lunch consisting of authentic greek/ mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the islands.
An assortment of snacks and beverages: This includes water, fruit, coffee, and snacks as well as a selection of items tailored to your preference which may include juices, soda, house wine and beer. **We’ll reach out to you prior to charter about any specific food/drink preferences or allergies. While on charter, if you have any specific food/drink requests just let the hostess know and as long as the item is available she will pick them up at the markets on the islands (there may be an extra cost for expensive items such as premium wines and hard liquor). Note: Dinners are not included because we recommend dining out at one of the incredible local restaurants on the islands (the captain/hostess will be happy to recommend places).

**Important Note: Skipper only charters do not includes hostess and provisions**

All payments to Greek Seas are non-refundable in cases of guest-initiated cancellations. We strongly recommend that our guests purchase travel insurance in case of illness or other common causes of travel interruption. However, we understand that most insurance companies do not cover events like the COVID pandemic. As a result, we offer a flexible rebooking policy if government travel restrictions prevent your journey to Greece during your travel dates. If this situation occurs, we will apply all payments made as a credit towards rebooking a future trip within one season of travel resuming.

Below are a few 3rd party travel insurance companies that past guests have had a good experience using (we are not affiliated with these companies):

Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com

Nationwide: https://travel.nationwide.com/plans/single

Travelex: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/

We welcome guests from all over the world.

Our trips are priced in the local currency of Greece (EUR). However, we do accept payment via bank/wire transfer in USD, EUR, and GBP. We can also accept credit card payment in USD, however there is an additional 2.9% processing fee added.

Yes, we provide luxury linens and bath towels. While we provide a decent amount of towels, some clients prefer to bring or purchase their own beach towel.

Most islands have ATM’s and many restaurants accept credit card.  However,  on some of the small islands, it can be difficult to use credit card or find an ATM. We do recommend taking cash out while in Athens (the airport is the easiest location).

For safety and insurance reasons, we are unable to store your luggage at the marina on Saturday. Before 5pm, the yacht is thoroughly cleaned and we need access to every room and storage space to make sure it’s ready on time. Keeping the luggage on the marina next to the boat isn’t possible because it’s very busy with maintenance workers, cleaners and crew and we aren’t able to guarantee the luggage will be watched at all times.

Luggage: If possible, we recommend using small or easily collapsible luggage. Carry-on bags or duffel bags are ideal. It will save a lot of space if your bag can be tucked away in your cabin. Large bags are certainly still allowed, however they may take up extra space in your cabin. The yachts do have extra storage areas, but there may not be enough space to accomodate a high number of large, hard luggage.

Clothing: In addition to what you’d typically pack for a vacation, we recommend our guests bring a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt or sweater. Even during warm months, the winds can make it feel cooler while you’re at sea. 

Passport: This might be obvious, but it can’t hurt to double and triple check that you packed your passport and that it hasn’t expired. Please note that for travel to Greece your Passport expiry date must be later than 3 months from the date of your arrival in Greece.

Sunscreen: You will need sunscreen in Greece. If you don’t want to bring it, you’ll certainly be able to find some in the supermarkets in Athens or on the islands.

Towels: Bath and beach towels are included on every trip, but some guests prefer to bring their own beach towels for lounging on the yacht.
Medicine: You may not need it, but it’s always a good idea to pack some Dramamine in case the seas are rough. Many standard items (e.g., OTC pain medicine) can be purchased in Athens or on the islands. 

Scooter/ATV rental: Recent changes to Greek law require an international license when renting scooters and ATVs. To get an international license, you’ll need to visit a AAA office and pay a $20 fee. You can read more here.

Transportation and Athens Tours: Greek Seas has partnered with a fantastic company, Hellenic Explorer, that offers transportation between the airport and the marina. They also offer a variety of tours of historic and notable sites in Athens and the surrounding area. They also provide a discount for Greek Seas customers. If you’re interested in inquiring about transportation or a tour you can visit: https://www.hellenicexplorer.com/booking-request. Just mention you’re sailing with Greek Seas and they’ll know the marina to take you to as well as include the discount.

Additional Notes on current COVID policies:
Entry Requirements: Currently, all travelers to Greece must fill out a PLF form the day before entering the country. Only one form needs to be filled out per family. You can find the form and more information here: https://travel.gov.gr/. If you have any questions about the form please check the FAQ as we don’t have any additional information except what is publicly available.

COVID Test: As of now, many countries require a negative COVID test before boarding your flight back home from Greece. The CDC site says: “Passengers must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).” Thankfully you can obtain a rapid antigen test at this testing center near Zea marina when you return on Friday. You will receive results in less than an hour. You should be able to make an appointment ahead of time as well, but the captain should also be able to assist you if needed.

It’s important to remember that you’re spending a week on a yacht so there is limited storage space in the cabins. If possible, pack a bag that is either small or easily collapsible. Carry-on bags or duffel type bags are ideal. It will free up a lot of room if your bag can be tucked away. However, this is not required, it just helps to free up room on the boat. Ask you Greek Seas contact if you have any questions or worries

Drawing from our experience and guest feedback, we’ve found that it isn’t ideal for small groups or couples who are not acquainted to share a sailing catamaran for a week. Despite ample space, spending an extended period in close quarters with less familiar individuals can be challenging, especially considering differing preferences in schedules and activities.

If you decide that you’re interested in reserving the yacht we can put a hold on the yacht for 7 days and send over a detailed invoice with trip and deposit details. We know plans can change when booking in advance so we do our best to accommodate our guests by splitting the total trip price into three payments (see below). The initial 25% deposit will be refundable (minus any payment processing fees) if canceled 18 months before your charter date. You also can rebook to a different date in 2025 at no extra fee. 

Here is a breakdown of payments:

1. We request a 25% refundable trip deposit to secure the yacht. If you cancel your reservation more than 18 months before your trip date, we’ll offer a refund of your deposit (minus a €250 admin fee). There is also no change fee charged if you need to change trip dates.
2. 18 months before your charter date a 2nd deposit of 15% of the total trip price will be due. After this date, all payments that have been made or will be made are non-refundable in case of guest-initiated cancellations. You can review our cancellation policy, which incorporates flexible rebooking in the event of a pandemic or other government travel restrictions.
3. One month before your charter date the final remaining balance of 60% of the total trip price will be due. 

*We include all payment and processing fees in the price you were quoted. The invoice will be denominated in Euros, but you have the flexibility to make the payment in your home currency (our payments processor Flywire automatically uses the best possible exchange rate). Payment options include manual bank transfer, online bank transfer (recommended), or credit card. 

If you decide that you’re interested in reserving the boat we can put a hold on the boat for 4 days and provide a detailed invoice with trip details and deposit information. The total trip price is divided into two payments: 

1) An initial deposit, constituting 40% of the trip price, is required to reserve the boat. 

2) The remaining balance (60% of the charter price) is due one month before your charter date.

*We include all payment and processing fees in the price you were quoted. The invoice will be denominated in Euros, but you have the flexibility to make the payment in your home currency (our payments processor Flywire automatically uses the best possible exchange rate). Payment options include manual bank transfer, online bank transfer (recommended), or credit card. For your reference, you can review our cancellation policy, which incorporates flexible rebooking in the event of a pandemic or other government travel restrictions.

For low and mid-season charters (April, May, and June) we can discount the total price by 10-15%.

All payments to Greek Seas are non-refundable in case of guest-initiated cancellations. We strongly recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance in case of illness or other common causes of travel interruption. However, we understand that most insurance companies do not cover events like COVID pandemic. As a result, we offer a flexible rebooking policy if government travel restrictions prevent your journey to Greece during your charter dates. If this situation occurs, we will apply all payments made as a credit towards rebooking a future charter within one charter season of travel resuming.

Below are a few 3rd party travel insurance companies that past guests have had a good experience using (we are not affiliated with these companies):

Allianz: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com

Nationwide: https://travel.nationwide.com/plans/single

Travelex: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/