Halkidiki is one of Greece’s most diverse and scenic regions, offering a mix of sparkling beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating cultural sites. What makes it stand out for tours is its variety—anything from relaxing cruises and snorkeling trips to historic monastery visits and luxurious sailing. We love the Blue Lagoon & Ammouliani Island Cruise for its family-friendly vibe, fun swimming stops, and included BBQ, perfect for a laid-back day on the water. The Mount Athos Monasteries cruise offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most revered religious sites, combining scenic boat rides with culture.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 standout tours that highlight Halkidiki’s top experiences: tranquil cruises, underwater adventures, scenic sailing, spiritual visits, and active sea kayaking. Whether you want to explore secluded beaches, learn about Byzantine monks, or snorkel among colorful fish, there’s something here for every traveler. Keep reading to find the ideal tour for your interests and travel style.
1. Chalkidiki: Blue Lagoon & Ammouliani Island Cruise & Lunch
Enjoy a full day of fun for the whole family on a cruise that visits Diaporos, Vourvourou, Sithonia, and Ammouliani islands. This 6-hour trip combines relaxing swims in clear waters with the thrill of a glass-bottom boat, which reveals yellow corals beneath the keel—fascinating for all ages. The tour includes a light BBQ meal, with options for vegetarians, served on the boat, adding to the laid-back vibe. The highlight for many is the 1.5 hours spent swimming in Diaporos Island’s calm waters and the underwater exploration at Alikes Lagoon on Ammouliani. The VIP deck offers the chance to sip cocktails and dance, making it a lively, family-friendly adventure. With a rating of 4.6/5 from 379 reviews, many travelers praise the varied stops and relaxed pace. This trip is best suited for families and those wanting a balanced mix of swimming, scenery, and good food at a great price of $47 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families and water lovers seeking a fun, all-in-one day cruise with stunning scenery and excellent value.
2. From Ouranoupolis: Cruise to Mount Athos Monasteries
This 3.5-hour cruise offers a unique opportunity to see Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. The boat passes by six of the nine monasteries, with multilingual commentary providing context about their 1,000-year history. It’s a peaceful way to appreciate the natural beauty and spiritual majesty of the area without the restrictions of visiting the monasteries themselves. The boat features an audio guide in multiple languages, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. Reviews highlight the comfort of the boat and the informative commentary. It’s ideal for travelers interested in religious history, architecture, or scenic boat rides. The price is moderate, making it an accessible introduction to this spiritual landscape.
Bottom Line: A relaxed scenic cruise perfect for cultural and nature enthusiasts wanting a quick but meaningful glimpse of Mount Athos.
3. Snorkeling trip
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 62 reviews, this snorkeling adventure from Kassandra offers a quick but memorable underwater experience. The trip lasts about an hour, with all gear, including wetsuits, provided. The small group format ensures personalized attention as you explore reefs, caves, and tunnels, where you might spot octopuses, starfish, and colorful fish. The included transportation from your hotel simplifies logistics, so all you have to do is enjoy the water. Reviewers mention how safe and comfortable the experience is, even for beginners or kids. For only $51.86, this trip delivers excellent value, especially if you want a brief but immersive taste of Halkidiki’s marine life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beginners and families wanting a safe, small-group snorkel adventure in beautiful waters.
4. Chalkidiki: Scuba Diving for Beginners in Kassandra
At number 4 on our list, the Scuba Diving for Beginners is a superb intro to underwater exploration. For around $84, this 3-hour experience includes a safety briefing, equipment, and a guided shallow dive in the Mediterranean. The instructor ensures a personalized training approach, making it ideal for first-timers. Many reviews mention how safe and fun the experience is, with some guests saying it turned into a desire to pursue full certification. The trip suits those curious about marine life and looking for a manageable yet exciting first dive. The location offers shallow waters filled with fish and interesting formations, and all gear is provided.
Bottom Line: A top choice for beginners wanting a safe, well-led introduction to scuba diving with memorable underwater sights.
5. Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit
Rated 4.2/5 from 382 reviews, this 5-hour cruise combines scenic views of Mount Athos’ monasteries with a visit to the inhabited village of Ammouliani. The glass-bottom boat offers a peek into marine life while passing Drenia islet, and the commentary explains the significance of Mount Athos, making it a blend of natural beauty and cultural insight. The trip includes about 1.5 hours on Ammouliani’s beaches for swimming and relaxing. Many travelers appreciate the value at just $28.23 per person, though some mention the commentary could be a bit more engaging. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative cruise with the chance to wander a charming island afterward.
Bottom Line: An affordable, scenic cruise that pairs religious history with leisure on a Greek island.
6. Padi Discover Scuba Diving
Rated 5.0/5 from 28 reviews, this 3.5-hour beginner scuba session offers a personalized, hands-on introduction to diving. All equipment is included, and transfers from your accommodation make it convenient. The instructor guides small groups through basic skills, leading to a guided underwater exploration where you can see fish, octopuses, and coral formations. Reviewers love how safe and approachable the session feels, with many saying it’s a highlight of their trip. Designed for absolute beginners, this experience is perfect if you’re curious but not ready to commit to full certification.
Bottom Line: A fantastic, stress-free way to try scuba diving and see underwater life without any prior experience.
7. Day Sailing Trip in Halkidiki (7 hours)
Rated 5.0/5 from 25 reviews, this luxury sailing day trip promises a relaxed 7 hours exploring secluded coves and beaches. Sailing along the Toroneos Gulf, you’ll enjoy swimming and snorkeling with provided gear, as well as Greek mezze and drinks on board. It’s suited for those who want a more exclusive, personalized day at sea, with options for half-day or full-day trips, plus a special evening boat party. Many reviews praise the friendly crew and the chance to see areas inaccessible by land, making it a premium experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a high-quality, relaxing sailing adventure with plenty of swimming and good food.
8. Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Sightseeing Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Rated 4.4/5 from 128 reviews, this 3-hour cruise is ideal for those who want a short, scenic overview of Mount Athos. The glass-bottom boat offers views of marine life and monasteries, with multilingual commentary enriching the experience. Many reviewers highlight the friendly staff and the comfortable boat. It’s a good choice for travelers looking for a quick, informative trip that combines sightseeing with marine observation for about $25.41.
Bottom Line: A quick, scenic cruise perfect for a family or a couple wanting a taste of Mount Athos without a full-day commitment.
9. 5 hours from Kassandra: W Sithonia Coves & Islands Yacht Sailing
Rated 5.0/5 from 23 reviews, this small-group yacht trip explores secluded coves and caves of Sithonia. The focus on personalized attention and local knowledge makes it stand out. Guests rave about swimming in pristine waters and the knowledgeable skipper, Yiorgos, who shares insights about the region. For $69.96, you get a 5-hour sailing adventure that’s both relaxing and full of discovery. It’s perfect for those wanting an up-close experience of Halkidiki’s coastlines.
Bottom Line: A highly recommended day of sailing for those seeking intimacy, local tips, and pristine swimming spots.
10. Mount Athos & visit Ammouliani’s island (mixed cruise)
Rated 4.5/5 from 91 reviews, this 5-hour cruise combines cultural exploration of Mount Athos with leisure time on Ammouliani Island. The onboard commentary explains the religious sites, and the island stop allows for swimming or relaxing. Many travelers enjoy the balance of education and leisure, with some noting the limited swimming time if ships are late. The price of $29.03 makes it an affordable way to see both highlights.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those wanting a cultural and scenic experience in one trip.
11. Blue Lagoon-Vourvourou Lunch Cruise from Ouranoupolis
Rated 4.5/5 from 75 reviews, this 6-hour cruise offers a great mix of swimming, sightseeing, and food. The boat visits the Blue Lagoon and Alikes Lagoon, with stops for snorkeling and relaxing. The included lunch of souvlaki (vegetarian options available) is a highlight, along with water slides that add fun for kids. The trip suits travelers who want a relaxed, family-friendly day on the water, with the chance to explore Halkidiki’s best swimming spots at a reasonable price of $46.44.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, family-oriented cruise combining swimming, scenery, and Greek cuisine.
12. Vourvourou Sunset Sea Kayak Trip
Rated 5.0/5 from only 13 reviews, this 3-hour trip is the perfect way to end a day in Halkidiki. Paddling through calm waters at sunset, you’ll experience the peacefulness of Vourvourou bay. The guide’s friendly approach makes it accessible even for beginners, and you’ll get to enjoy the stunning colors of dusk. Many reviewers mention how relaxing and beautiful this experience is, making it ideal for travelers looking for a quiet, scenic activity.
Bottom Line: A tranquil, memorable way to enjoy Halkidiki’s scenery at the day’s end.
13. PADI Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners at Ouranoupoli
Rated 5.0/5 from 12 reviews, this two-hour beginner session includes a full introduction to scuba diving with all gear provided. The instructor tailors the session for each person, ensuring safety and fun. Many reviews mention how confident they felt after the lesson, with some describing it as a highlight of their trip. It’s perfect if you want to explore underwater life like fish and corals in a controlled, friendly environment.
Bottom Line: An excellent, short introduction to scuba diving for those curious about the underwater world.
14. Mount Athos Sightseeing Luxury Cruise with Glassbottom
Rated 4.5/5 from 45 reviews, this 3-hour luxury cruise provides a comfortable way to see Mount Athos and the marine life beneath. The glass-bottom boat offers views of aquatic creatures, and onboard commentary explains the monastery significance. It suits travelers wanting a more upscale experience with informative commentary, often praised for its good value.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, scenic journey for those seeking an elegant way to explore Mount Athos and marine life.
15. Private Sailing Cruise in Halkidiki, Greece
Rated 5.0/5 from 10 reviews, this private 7-hour sailing offers a personalized experience aboard a 40ft sailboat. You’ll explore Diaporos Island’s beaches and cruise past Vourvourou Bay, with plenty of swimming, relaxing, and eating on board. The high standard of cleanliness, private atmosphere, and curated snacks make this ideal for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity and comfort.
Bottom Line: The ultimate in personalized, luxurious sailing—great for special occasions or those who want privacy and comfort.
How to Choose Your Perfect Halkidiki Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and travel style. For a family-friendly day of swimming and relaxation, the Blue Lagoon & Ammouliani Island Cruise offers excellent value. If you’re curious about religious sites and history, the Mount Athos Monasteries cruise provides a spiritual and scenic escape. For underwater enthusiasts, the snorkeling trip and scuba diving are unbeatable.
Active travelers might enjoy the sea kayak sunset trip, while those seeking luxury can opt for the private sailing cruise. Keep logistics in mind—shorter trips are better if you’re pressed for time, while full-day excursions suit those looking to immerse themselves. Book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and enjoy Halkidiki’s best.
Halkidiki offers an impressive variety of tours that showcase its natural beauty, history, and lively sea life. Whether you prefer a relaxing cruise, an active snorkeling adventure, or a cultural exploration of Mount Athos, the options listed above ensure you’ll find something memorable. For families, couples, or solo travelers alike, Halkidiki’s tours deliver authentic experiences that bring the region to life. Pick your favorite, plan ahead, and enjoy every moment in this remarkable part of Greece.
