While our yachts don’t have hair dryers because of lack of storage, you are welcome to bring your own and use them as long the captain says it is ok. This is because there are two situations where there is enough power for them to work:

1. When the boat is plugged into shore power or

2. The generator is running.

*You’ll also likely require a southern European adaptor.

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).

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/

We do provide complimentary unlimited wifi on the yacht! We use a modem that connects to the 4G cell network.

In very rare instances, something can go wrong with the signal or modem, so we can’t guarantee 100% wifi coverage for the entire charter because reliability can be an issue while sailing the Aegean.

*We highly recommend turning off all auto updates on phones and computers, this tends to use up data very quickly. Sending photos, FaceTime and streaming also uses a lot of data. However, many tavernas and coffee shops have free wifi for more data intensive needs.

**You will have full mobile coverage while sailing, so it’s worth checking with your mobile provider to see what international plans they offer. For example, many carriers will extend your normal plan internationally for $10/day.

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.

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.

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.

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"The Greek sailing season generally begins in March and ends in late October. The weather tends to be very nice and warm starting in May through October. The Aegean sea heats up throuighout the summer so it is pretty cool earlier in the season and warmer into the August/September months. \n\nPeak season and highest prices are from June-September. August is generally the highest season, which can cause more crowds on some of the islands. \n\nOff-peak (May and October) has the benefit of generally great weather and less crowds. \n\nNote: 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.\n\n“}” data-sheets-userformat=”{“2″:899,”3”:{“1″:0},”4”:{“1″:2,”2″:65280},”10″:0,”11″:4,”12”:0}”>The Greek sailing season generally begins in March and ends in late October. The weather tends to be very nice and warm starting in May through October. The Aegean sea heats up throughout the summer so it is pretty cool earlier in the season and warmer into the August/September months.

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.

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.

We have welcomed many guests who require CPAP machines without any issues. However, if you require overnight power for an appliance such as a CPAP machine we highly recommend purchasing a battery pack such as this which can be charged during the day while the motor is running via the 12V cigarette lighter or 220V plug. We aren’t able to guarantee sufficient power overnight when there isn’t shore power available.

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.

While this is a common question, in our 16 years of charter sailing, recurring seasickness is extremely rare. One of the main reasons for this is the size and stability of our catamarans, which are not as affected by rough seas compared to smaller monohulls.

We’ve found that even passengers who are prone to motion sickness typically only experience slight nausea on the first day of sailing.In addition to medication, let your captain know that you’re worried about seasickness and they’ll do their best to plan a calmer route with more frequent stops for swimming and relaxing.

While the captains obviously don’t control the weather, they do have decades of sailing experience, and guests prone to seasickness are encouraged to take their advice on routes and islands to visit.

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.

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.

Based on our experience and guest feedback we’ve concluded that it isn’t ideal for small groups or couples who don’t know each other to share a normal size catamaran (under 60ft) for a week.  Despite the large space, it’s still a long time to spend in close quarters with people you don’t know well and may be looking for a different type of charter (ie: some guests prefer staying out late and sleeping in and others prefer getting up earlier and exploring, etc).

However, ​if you are two passengers. A private charter aboard ​our Lagoon 380 catamaran is surprisingly affordable and a fantastic experience!

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 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/

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

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.

• 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.

Sailing from Athens to Santorini or Mykonos is not possible on our charters.

Our catamarans are based in Athens because it gives guests the most options for sailing routes and is much easier to fly in and out of internationally.

We do offer the Cyclades route as an option, but it requires perfect conditions because of the long sailing times and possible rough seas. This is one reason we usually recommend sailing the Saronic route, which has beautiful islands and ports as well as shorter sailing times and generally calmer seas.

Even in perfect wind and weather, catamarans have a top speed of around 13 knots (nautical mph). As a result, sailing routes are not only limited by the weather but also the distance between islands.

Santorini is simply too far from Athens to reach during a one-week charter. Additionally, it’s not an ideal island to visit via sailboat because the port is 45 minutes from the main town.

Mykonos is also a very difficult to reach via sailboat from Athens because of the high winds surrounding it, the distance from other islands, and the long journey from the marina from the main town.

That being said, we understand some guests want to visit these internationally famous islands. The best way to visit them is before or after your charter by taking a ferry (the ferry port is only 15 minutes from our port) or short flight from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini. Just let us know if you’re interested in this option, and we’re happy to give you some advice on planning this aspect of your trip.

Your personalized island-hopping itinerary will include stops on various islands in the infamous Saronic Gulf or Cyclades in the Aegean. You’ll depart each island in the late morning/early afternoon (sailing time will be between 2-5 hours), stopping for a swim, relaxation, and lunch in a secluded cove, before continuing on to the next island. You’ll dock in port in the late afternoon, just feet away from the best activities, restaurants, and bars on the island.

You don’t need to make any decisions as far as the route prior to your arrival. It is part of the nature of charter sailing in Greece that there is a possibility of areas with strong winds/rough seas in the Aegean which may prevent you from sailing comfortably to certain islands on certain days. As a result, your exact route is not planned in advance and will be dependent on the weather/winds. When you arrive at the marina you can discuss your options with your captain who will customize the itinerary based on your interests and the weather.  If you’re looking for a more relaxed trip with calmer seas and shorter sailing times I’d recommend the Saronic. If you don’t mind possibly rougher conditions and longer sail times the Cyclades are a wonderful option as well. All the islands are really incredible and unique on both routes.

Here is a partial list of possible islands in each route:
Saronic: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Agistri, Spetses, Porto Heli, Ermioni, Epidaurus, Nafplio and Tyros
Cyclades: Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Serifos, Paros, Sifnos, Antiparos