Boat Trip and BBQ from Samos – Mike's Travel Guide

Exploring Samos by Boat: A Relaxed Day on the Aegean

If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Samos and trade city noise for the gentle lapping of the Aegean Sea, a boat trip with BBQ from Pythagoreio might be just the ticket. This tour offers a full day of sun, swimming, and scenic views — plus the chance to visit Samiopoula Island and Kakorema Beach. While it’s not a luxury cruise, it’s a straightforward experience that appeals to those craving a relaxed, authentic day out on the water.

What I find appealing about this experience are two things: First, the opportunity for genuine relaxation away from crowds, and second, the delicious BBQ lunch prepared right on the boat by the captain himself. The laid-back vibe, combined with a chance to swim at tranquil spots, makes for a rewarding day. On the flip side, one consideration is that the tour doesn’t include drinks or hotel transfers, so you’ll want to plan your day accordingly. Keep in mind that the group size is small — capped at four travelers, which means more personalized attention but also a need to book in advance.

Key Points / Takeaways

Small group experience ensures more personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Includes a BBQ lunch featuring steak or fish, Greek salad, and fresh fruit — a true highlight for food lovers.
Visit Samiopoula Island and Kakorema Beach, perfect for swimming and soaking up tranquility away from busy tourist spots.
Timing is early, with a 8:00 am start, which helps maximize the day’s warm hours but requires an early wake-up call.
Not included are drinks or hotel transfers, so plan to bring your own water or beverages.
Cretan Holidays, the provider, offers a free cancellation policy if your plans change within 24 hours.

A Closer Look: What to Expect from the Boat Trip and BBQ

The Itinerary and Stops

Your day begins at roughly 8:00 am at Pythagoreio, a charming town on the island. Once aboard the small caique — a traditional Greek boat — you’ll set out across the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The boat itself is modest but functional, designed more for intimacy than luxury. The journey offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning coastlines, with the sea breeze and sunshine making it a pleasure to be on deck.

The first major stop is Samiopoula Island, a tiny, peaceful island that feels worlds away from the busier parts of Samos. This is where you’ll get the chance to sunbathe or swim at Kakorema Beach, known for its calm, clear waters. The Greek captain is also the chef for the day, preparing your lunch on the boat — a simple but tasty buffet featuring steak or fish, Greek salad, and fresh fruit. Many reviews rave about the homemade BBQ, with Erik_A calling it a “super tur med Andreas (Haddock)” and noting the fun, friendly crew.

Swim and Sunbathe at Kakorema Beach

While on Samiopoula, you’ll likely want to take advantage of the chance to swim in the beautiful waters. This stop is favored for its tranquility — perfect if you’re seeking a peaceful, authentic experience rather than a crowded beach scene. The shallow, inviting waters make it suitable for all ages, and the small size of the island keeps the atmosphere intimate.

The BBQ Lunch — A Highlight

The highlight for many is the lunch prepared onboard. The captain and crew cook on the boat, offering a buffet that includes grilled steak or fish, complemented by Greek salad and fresh fruit. It’s a hearty, no-fuss meal that balances the day’s outdoor activity with good, straightforward food. Several reviews mention the liveliness and friendliness of the crew, which adds to the relaxed, cheerful vibe.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up back at the starting point around 4:30 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore further in Pythagoreio. The small group size means you can chat easily with the crew and get tips for your stay, making this a more intimate experience than large cruise ships.

Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Samos

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy simple, authentic outings with a focus on relaxation rather than luxury. If you’re comfortable with a small group, early mornings, and bringing your own drinks, you’ll find it a good value. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting to see Samiopoula Island’s peaceful beaches and enjoy a homemade BBQ on the water. Families with children (accompanied by an adult) will appreciate the safe, shallow swimming spots.

It’s also ideal if you prefer a more personalized experience, as the group size is limited to four travelers, making it more of a private outing. However, those seeking a lavish, all-inclusive cruise or hotel transfers might find this tour too basic or logistical.

Price and Value Analysis

The tour costs around $81.03 per person, which might seem modest compared to more luxurious options. Given that it includes boat transportation, a small-group setting, and a hearty BBQ lunch, it offers decent value for a full-day escape. Keep in mind that drinks are not included, so budget extra for water or beverages.

While the experience isn’t fancy, the genuine atmosphere, the chance to swim in quiet waters, and the delicious food make it worthwhile for those wanting a relaxed, authentic day on the water. It’s an experience that emphasizes simplicity, natural beauty, and good company — often what travelers remember most.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying This Tour

Book early — this tour averages 41 days in advance, likely due to its small group size.
Bring your own drinks — since beverages are not included, pack water or a soft drink.
Dress comfortably for swimming and sunbathing, and bring a towel.
Arrive promptly at 8:00 am at the meeting point to maximize your day.
Prepare for an early start if you want to make the most of the warm hours of the day.
Check the weather forecast — the tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

The Sum Up

This boat trip and BBQ from Samos offers a straightforward, authentic way to enjoy the island’s waters, with the highlight being a quiet stop at Samiopoula Island and a hearty BBQ lunch prepared by friendly crew members. It’s perfect for travelers who love small-group adventures, want to avoid large crowds, and enjoy swimming in peaceful, scenic spots. While not a luxury cruise, it delivers genuine relaxation, great views, and tasty food — a worthy addition to your Samos itinerary if you’re after a day of laid-back fun on the Aegean.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate simplicity, small-group intimacy, and outdoor adventures. It’s a good value for the price, especially if you want to combine scenic beauty with authentic Greek hospitality. Just remember to book early, bring your own drinks, and prepare for a laid-back day of sun, sea, and a homemade BBQ.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Samos

FAQ

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included? No, this tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Pythagoreio.

What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 8:00 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day.

How many people are on the tour? The maximum group size is four travelers, making it a more intimate experience.

Is food and drinks included? Lunch is included — a buffet with steak or fish, Greek salad, and fruit. Drinks are not included, so bring your own water or beverages.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own drinks. Arrive early and dress comfortably for swimming and sunbathing.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the calm waters make it suitable for families.

What is the quality of the boat? The boat is a small caique, traditional and functional, designed more for the experience than luxury.

What happens in case of bad weather? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Would I enjoy this tour? If you love relaxed days on the water, scenic swimming spots, and simple hearty food, you’ll likely find this experience quite enjoyable.

In the end, this boat trip offers a friendly, low-key way to see some of Samos’ quieter treasures while enjoying a homemade meal. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a break from busy sightseeing and craving a genuine, authentic experience on the sea.