Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise

If you’re considering a day trip around the Ionian Sea, the Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise offers an intriguing mix of scenery, history, and fun wildlife encounters. While it promises a full six hours of sightseeing and swimming, the experience can vary quite a bit depending on factors like weather, group size, and crew. We’ve gathered the details to help you decide if this trip matches your expectations.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this cruise are the stunning scenery along the route and the chance to swim with the famous piggies at Piggy Beach. The latter is a highlight for many, offering a quirky, memorable photo opportunity. Plus, the guided commentary about the Cave of Papanicolis adds a layer of historical interest that many find enriching.

However, there’s a notable caveat. One recent review describes a less-than-ideal atmosphere, where the boat was rushed from the start, and service quality fell short — with food “blowing off your plate” and drinks being half-filled. These kinds of issues can really impact your overall enjoyment and are worth considering if you prefer more relaxed, organized trips.

This cruise suits travelers who are looking for a mix of scenic views, a touch of adventure, and fun wildlife interactions. It’s especially good for those who enjoy boating, photography, and exploring smaller islands with traditional Greek charm. If you’re after a more polished or leisurely experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and unique island stops make this cruise memorable.
• Swimming with pigs and multiple swim stops are highlights for fun and great photos.
• Historical sites like the Cave of Papanicolis add an educational touch.
• Experience quality can vary, with some reports of rushed service and less organized events.
• The cruise is flexible, with options like lunch included, adding value.
• Ideal for those wanting a full day of island hopping and water activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

We start our adventure at Nidri Harbour, where the boat departs promptly at 09:30. The cruise lasts about six hours, making it a substantial half-day trip that fits well into most itineraries. Expect to return around 17:00, giving you plenty of time to relax and process the day.

The Cave of Papanicolis

Our first significant stop is the Cave of Papanicolis on Meganisi Island. This sea cave is the largest in Greece, with roughly 3,800 square meters of space. Historically, it played an important part during the second world war, protecting the local area, which adds a layer of intrigue if you’re into history.

The boat gets as close as possible for photos, and you typically get to go inside as far as safety allows. We loved how the guide explained the cave’s importance, making the view more meaningful. For photographers, this spot offers some excellent angles, especially if you’re into capturing natural rock formations and sea caves.

Swimming with the Piggies at Piggy Beach

Next up is the famous Piggy Beach. This is where things get really playful. The swimming pigs are a quirky highlight, and you’ll have time to swim with them, snap photos, and even name a few of the pigs if you wish. This personal touch adds fun and makes the experience more memorable.

The scenery here is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline as a backdrop. We appreciated that the boat crew allowed enough time for everyone to enjoy the water and take photos. Some travelers noted the pigs’ friendly nature, making it a relaxed and enjoyable encounter — but it does require some patience if the pigs are shy or busy.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Kastos and Kalamos Islands

After the piggy adventure, the cruise moves on to Kastos and Kalamos Islands. Kastos is the smallest inhabited island in the Ionian, with a tiny population of 30-80 people depending on the season. Its sleepy fishing village looks like a postcard, offering a taste of authentic Greek island life.

We especially enjoyed the slow pace here — wandering the quiet streets and soaking in the genuine atmosphere. The next swimming stop is at an incredible bay, where the water’s clarity is unmatched. It’s a perfect spot to float and relax, and the water temperature is usually ideal for swimming.

Then, the boat heads to Kalamos. The journey along this coastline is visually stunning: lush greenery meets the deep blue sea, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Once on Kalamos, you get another chance to swim in the transparent waters, making sure your camera and waterproof gear are ready.

Round of Scorpios Island

Before heading back, the cruise makes a final stop around Scorpios Island, famous for being owned by Onassis and Jackie Kennedy. While you’re just circling the island from afar, the views are impressive, and it’s a photo opportunity many will appreciate. This part of the trip adds a touch of glamour and history, even if you only see it from a distance.

The Return Journey

The boat heads back to Nidri Harbour after a full day of exploring. The entire experience is designed to give you a taste of several islands, natural wonders, and local culture, all in a manageable six-hour window.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Transportation & Timing: The pickup is straightforward from Nidri Harbour. The cruise starts at 09:30 and returns around 17:00, which fits nicely into most travel plans.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Since the experience is operated by IONIAN K AND S CRUISES NE, the number of participants can vary. Some reviews mention a stressed atmosphere and rushed service, which might be due to larger groups or less experienced staff.
• What to Bring: Pack your beachwear, plenty of sunscreen, and waterproof gear for swimming. Avoid bringing food, drinks, or animals, as rules strictly prohibit these onboard.
• Lunch Option: The tour offers an optional lunch, which can add great value if you’re hungry after all the swimming and sightseeing.

What Reviewers Are Saying

The reviews for this cruise are mixed. One traveler from the Netherlands expressed disappointment, mentioning that the boat was rushed and the service was subpar, with food and drinks being less than satisfying. They went as far as to say, “Not book this tour.” This highlights that organizational issues can impact your experience, especially if service quality is important to you.

On the flip side, Flora from Austria described her trip as “a really great excursion” with “good organization,” multiple swimming stops, and “great food.” Her positive experience suggests that when everything aligns, this cruise can be quite enjoyable and memorable.

This disparity points to the importance of managing expectations and possibly the time of year or group size, which can influence how smoothly the tour goes.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a full day of island-hopping, scenic views, and water fun. If you’re keen on swimming with animals and love snapping photos of beautiful landscapes, the Piggy Beach stop is a definite highlight. History buffs might appreciate the cave tour, provided the guide offers enough insight.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, well-paced experience where service and organization are top priorities, you might want to look for alternatives. The variability in reviews suggests that some trips run more smoothly than others.

The Sum Up

The Meganisi & Atokos Island Cruise offers a lively way to see some of Greece’s most captivating islands and coastlines in just six hours. With highlights like swimming with pigs, exploring a historic sea cave, and visiting tiny, authentic villages, it provides a well-rounded taste of the Ionian.

While some travelers encounter less organized days with rushed service, others enjoy flawless trips with friendly guides and beautiful scenery. The experience is very much what you make of it — suited best for those seeking adventure, great photo opportunities, and a lively, social atmosphere.

If you’re after a day filled with water, wildlife, and scenic stops, and are okay with some unpredictability, this cruise could be a great fit. Just be sure to arrive with flexible expectations and a good dose of patience.

FAQs

Is there an option to include lunch on this cruise?
Yes, the tour offers an optional lunch when booking, which can enhance your day by keeping you fueled for all the swimming and sightseeing.

How long are the swimming stops?
There are two main swimming stops, each lasting at least 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax, swim, and take photos.

Can I swim with the pigs?
Absolutely. The stop at Piggy Beach is dedicated to swimming with the pigs. You’ll have time to swim, take photos, and even name some of the pigs if you’d like.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring beachwear, sunscreen, and waterproof gear for swimming. It’s best to leave food, drinks, and animals onboard, as they are not permitted.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour can be enjoyed by many, it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly. Make sure children are comfortable in a boat environment and are supervised during water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
While not explicitly stated, like most outdoor tours, it’s wise to check the weather forecast before booking. In case of severe weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

How many people typically go on this cruise?
Group sizes can vary. Some reviews point out a less relaxed atmosphere possibly due to large groups, so it’s worth considering this if you prefer a more intimate experience.

If you’re looking to tick off a mix of scenic island stops, enjoy some playful wildlife encounters, and don’t mind a bit of variability, this cruise can be a rewarding part of your Greek adventure. Just keep your expectations realistic, and you’re likely to have a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: