From Skiathos:Skopelos & Alonissos Boat Trip with Highlights

Planning a trip to the Northern Sporades? If you’re looking for a day packed with scenic beauty, cultural sights, and a touch of adventure, the Skopelos & Alonissos boat trip might be just what you need. This tour offers a well-rounded experience, with enough time to explore charming towns, enjoy pristine beaches, and marvel at natural wonders — all from a comfortable boat.

As someone who’s seen many island excursions, I appreciate how this trip balances sightseeing with relaxation. Two things we really like about it are the chance to visit hidden gems like the Blue Caves and the opportunity to spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which can be quite a thrill. It’s also a great way to see parts of the islands you might not otherwise access.

However, one consideration is the full-day duration of around 9 hours, which might be a long day for those who prefer shorter outings or are traveling with younger children. Still, if you’re up for a full immersion into the islands’ natural and cultural highlights, this trip tends to suit travelers who enjoy a mix of exploration and leisure.

This tour works best for those who love scenic cruises, want to see stunning landscapes, and appreciate a laid-back, full-day experience. It’s particularly good if you want a taste of both Skopelos’s charming town and Alonissos’s marine beauty in one go.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with cultural stops and natural sights.
• Includes visits to Blue Caves and Milia Beach—top highlights.
• Opportunity to see dolphins swim alongside the boat.
• Flexible free time in Skopelos and Alonissos for exploring or relaxing.
• Boat facilities and crew praised for friendliness and knowledge.
• Price point of $67 offers good value for a full-day experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

When you’re considering this boat trip from Skiathos, you’re signing up for a journey that promises a mix of scenic cruising and cultural exploration. The boat departs from Skiathos Old Port, aboard the vessel Agios Nikolaos, which is described as “superb” by past travelers. The boat’s comfort and the crew’s friendliness seem to be a highlight, making the entire journey enjoyable from start to finish.

The Itinerary: An Overview

The trip begins with a departure from Skiathos Port, where you’ll board the boat early in the day, setting course for Skopelos. This initial leg is about soaking in the views of the Aegean Sea — expect plenty of photo opportunities, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming alongside. Many reviews mention dolphin sightings as a magical highlight, making this cruise more memorable than just a sightseeing tour.

Once on Skopelos, the main town is a charming, winding maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, quaint cafes, and historic churches. You’ll have free time to explore here, allowing you to soak in the relaxed island vibe or snap some photos of traditional architecture. Past travelers rave about how “the crew wanted us all to have a good time,” adding a friendly, family-like atmosphere during the stop.

Next, the journey continues to Alonissos, crossing part of the Marine Park, a protected area teeming with marine life. As you sail, you’ll admire the Blue Caves, which are a major draw. These caves are famous for their vivid blue waters and dramatic rock formations. The boat stops here, giving you a chance to marvel at nature’s artistry or even take a quick swim if you’re feeling adventurous (bring your snorkel gear!).

On Alonissos, you’ll walk through the old town, a peaceful spot to wander and enjoy local sights. Many guests appreciate the leisurely lunch at a local taverna, which is a great chance to taste authentic Greek fare and enjoy the island’s slower pace.

The trip wraps up with a visit to Milia Beach on Skopelos. Described as “beautiful” with crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax, swim, or just soak up the sunshine before heading back to Skiathos. Keep your camera ready — the scenery is stunning, and you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins again on the return journey.

What the Tour Includes & Excludes

For $67 per person, you get a ferry ticket, all fees and taxes, and a knowledgeable team leader. The tour includes visits to the Blue Caves and Milia Beach, along with ample free time for exploring Skopelos and Alonissos.

What’s not included are food and drinks, so plan to bring your own snacks or purchase something during your stops. The tour is flexible — you can reserve your spot now and pay later, which makes it easier to fit into your travel plans.

The Real Experience—What Travelers Say

Based on reviews, guests consistently praise the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, often mentioning how much fun the staff makes the trip. One reviewer said, “The captain was brilliant, with a personality that made everyone laugh,” highlighting how a good crew can elevate the experience.

Others loved the dolphin sightings, calling them “magical,” and appreciated the informative commentary on the places passed along the way. The music and Greek dancing at the end add a lively, authentic touch that many find memorable.

Some notes of caution: since the trip takes about 9 hours, it’s quite a long day, especially if you’re sensitive to boat motion or traveling with young kids. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a change of clothes are strongly recommended, as the tour advises.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides with a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, this trip is a solid choice. It’s particularly suitable if you want to see more of the Northern Sporades without over-committing to multiple days.

Travelers who appreciate natural beauty, charming towns, and dolphins swimming alongside the boat will find this experience especially rewarding. It’s great for those who don’t mind spending most of their day on the water and want to explore both the cultural and natural highlights of these islands.

However, if you’re after a quick, half-day excursion or prefer shorter outings, this might feel a bit lengthy. Also, be prepared for a day that involves some walking, sun exposure, and a lot of sitting on the boat.

Practical Details and Tips

• Departure point: Skiathos Old Port. The boat is called Agios Nikolaos.
• Duration: Approximately 9 hours, so plan for a full-day adventure.
• Pricing: $67 per person, which covers the ferry, taxes, and activity fees.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, beachwear, and a change of clothes.
• Accessibility: The tour includes free time for exploring towns and beaches, making it flexible for different interests.
• Cancellation policy: Fully refundable if canceled up to 24 hours beforehand.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour doesn’t explicitly specify age restrictions, the full-day nature and boat environment might be more comfortable for older children or teenagers. Always consider your child’s comfort with long boat rides and sun exposure.

Can I bring food and drinks? The tour price doesn’t include food or drinks, so bringing snacks and water is advisable. You can also purchase local food during the stops at Skopelos or Alonissos.

What about dolphin sightings? Several reviews mention seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which is a highlight for many travelers. It’s a natural activity, so it’s not guaranteed, but the chances are good.

Will I have free time in both islands? Yes, the tour includes free time in Skopelos and Alonissos, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Are the Blue Caves worth visiting? Absolutely. The caves are stunning and a major highlight of the trip, offering fantastic photo ops and a chance to see nature’s artistic side.

Is this a good value for the price? Considering the full-day experience, stops at key sights, and the friendly crew, $67 is quite reasonable for what’s included.

Final Thoughts

This boat trip from Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonissos offers a balanced mix of scenic cruising, cultural exploration, and natural wonders. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to pack a lot into a single day, with the chance to see dolphins, explore charming towns, and marvel at the Blue Caves.

The experience seems to resonate well with those who enjoy relaxed, social atmospheres and nature-focused adventures. The reviews highlight excellent crew service, beautiful scenery, and memorable moments that make the journey stand out among the many island tours in Greece.

While it’s a longer day, most travelers seem to feel it’s well worth the effort. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, enjoyable way to see some of the Best of the Northern Sporades in one go, this trip could be a fantastic choice.

Happy sailing, and enjoy your island adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: