Athenian Blue
Sail & Swim

By
Ioannis Drymonakos

Embark on an unforgettable sun-kissed adventure

Embark on an unforgettable sun-kissed adventure led by Olympic swimming champion Ioannis Drymonakos, a week-long journey exploring the spectacular Saronic islands, where you’ll discover secret coves, crystal waters, ancient cultures, exciting activities, and mouthwatering cuisine.

This isn’t your typical swimming excursion – you’ll be led by a national Olympic swimming champion who will be your coach and mentor throughout the trip. His expertise and infinite passion for swimming will help you improve your technique and reach new heights in your swimming ability.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your journey, Athenian Blue is the perfect way to challenge yourself, improve your skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A 7-Day
Sail & Swim Adventure on the Saronic Islands

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Led by Olympic swimming champion Ioannis Drymonakos

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Overview

Every day, you’ll have the chance to dive into the Aegean Sea and explore its stunning waters, reaching a myriad of places you wouldn’t otherwise dream of seeing. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, you’ll receive a professional assessment right at the start of the cruise and be safely guided, at your own pace, to discover your talent throughout. You’ll have the opportunity to try varied swims and visibly advance your technique from day to day.

This adventure may centre around swimming, but it’s about many other wonderful things too – you’ll also have the chance to experience mesmerising ancient and contemporary culture, indulge in delectable local foods and enjoy our warm hospitality with like-minded people. And after a day’s good 4k swim, you’ll be free enjoy an array of exciting optional activities.

Discover the Saronic Gulf

Itinerary

Day 1

Our aquatic adventure begins! Weather permitting, we'll cruise to Cape Sounio in the morning, where the captivating Temple of Poseidon stands. Swim in crystalline waters and explore this awe-inspiring temple. In case of unfavorable weather, we have an alternative: a swim in the emerald waters near Moni Island. Discover the serene haven, home to protected species. Enjoy lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery. Following the introduction, we invite you to participate in a tranquil sunset yoga session, allowing us to set our intentions for the week ahead.

Day 2

Today our swimming session will be in the splendid waters of the Gulf of Poros, along the stretch of the Russian Bay. During this session, you'll have the opportunity to explore the intriguing remnants of the Russian Dockyard. Just across from this historic site lies Daskalio Island, also known as Eros Island, named in honour of the God of Love.

Day 3

Today, we'll set sail for the enchanting island of Hydra. In the morning, embrace the opportunity for a stroll through this car-free town, meandering through its charming alleyways and visiting its fascinating museums and shops. For our swimming session, we'll plunge into Hydra’s very deep waters for a rejuvenating swim in the luminous, cobalt sea that stretches along the island's coastline.

Day 4

Today, we'll embark on a cruise to a piece of paradise hidden on the Greek islands. A small, beautiful fishing harbor on the west coast of the Methana peninsula. It is a very peaceful hamlet set in spectacular surroundings at the bottom of a volcano.

Day 5

Prepare to sail to the ancient past with a visit to the fascinating ancient world of Epidaurus. In the morning, you can take a 20-minute taxi ride (cost, around 20 euros per person), to visit the awe-inspiring 4th-century BC Theatre of Epidaurus (ticket cost, 12 euros) renowned for its exceptional acoustics and flawless beauty. This magnificent theatre is still in use today. Following a day of enriching cultural exploration, we'll embark on a truly unique swimming experience – swimming over the Submerged Ancient City of Epidaurus and marvelling at the astonishing millennia-old underwater ruins!

Day 6

Our next sailing and swimming excursion will take us towards the lovely islands of Angistri and Kyra. A delightful bonus to look forward to: In these Aegean waters, there's a high chance of encountering dolphins, either during our cruise or while we swim! In the afternoon, you're invited to join us for a serene sunset yoga session on the beach, perfectly rounding off an unforgettable day.

Day 7

For our final swimming session we'll swim in the splendid waters of Metopi Island. A small island with turquoise shallow waters and white sand.

About

Ioannis Drymonakos

The venture was the brainchild of Ioannis Drymonakos, your captain and main coach, a highly accomplished swimmer whose love for swimming began at age 14 and led him to reach of 7 European medals, 7 times world finalist and compete in 3 Olympic Games.

With a lifetime dedicated to swimming, sailing and water sports, Ioannis is the ideal person to guide and instruct our swimmers. He and the other expert coach offer you sophisticated, tailored guidance based on their initial and ongoing assessment of your swimming abilities and offer you all the encouragement and support you need.

About Athenian Blue

Details & Rates

Rates (Per Cabin)

1 person Euro 2800€ (in double cabin / own facilities)
2 non-swimmers Euro 3100€ (in double cabin / own facilities)
1 non-swimmer & 1 swimmer Euro 3100€ (in double cabin / own facilities)
2 swimmers Euro 3400€ (in double cabin / own facilities)

Availability

For information on available dates and booking, please contact us directly. Our team will provide you with the latest availability for this extraordinary experience. Available for Athenian Blue are meticulously maintained 4-cabin Sailing Yachts built between 2008 and 2020. Please note that the Yachts allocated may vary based on availability for each date, ensuring our guests a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Useful Information

How to get here

By local bus: The bus line is E96 and the bus stop for Alimos
marina is ‘’EDEM’’.

By Taxi: You can easily get a taxi at Athens airport’s taxi designated area.

Transfers: Athenian Yachts could arrange a transfer for you by mini bus or by taxi. (upon request)

Bank Transactions: In Alimos and Palaio Faliro you can find several bank branches.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 13:30 Monday – Friday and they all provide ATMs.

Parking area: Alimos marina has a free parking area

Itinerary: Subject to change due to weather conditions.

Is this Holiday for me?

The Swimming Cruise is for you if you:

Like or love swimming, especially in the sea!
Want to see and feel yourself get fitter, faster and stronger in swimming every day.
Enjoy spending time relaxing on a boat, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
You’re not prone to experiencing anxiety attacks or similar episodes from swimming in the sea and don’t suffer from anxiety or phobia-related issues connected to swimming.
Enjoy spending time in the water (we advise at least half an hour per session, but every day’s swim is optional) regardless of whether you’re a fast or experienced swimmer or not.

How long are the swimming Distances?

Daily, we swim an average of 3-4 kilometres (with breaks).
If you prefer to swim longer distances, we encourage you to do so!
Equally, if on any particular day, you feel like taking a break during the swimming session or don’t want to swim at all, you’re welcome to hang back on our boat.
It’s your holiday and there is no pressure at all for you to participate in the swims.

Do I need to be a good swimmer?

From a ratio of level 1 (= you can barely keep afloat) to level 10 (= Olympic gold medallist), the ideal is for you to be at level 3 and above.

However, we offer one-on-one training during each day’s swimming session for swimmers who are just getting started. Personal training, which comes at an extra cost, is obligatory for safety reasons.

Are the swims competitive?

The swims are not competitive. The ultimate goal of this experience is to enjoy swimming as part of your travel adventure, celebrating your body as an amazing vehicle that can take you along the water to new and incredible places!
We are here to help by professionally assessing and significantly improving your techniques. How far you go is entirely up to you, depending on your personal interests and goals.

Does Athenian Blue include food?

On board, we serve you complimentary refreshments (non-alcoholic beverages including isotonic drinks) and light meals or snacks such as protein bars and sandwiches throughout the hours of the Swimming Cruise.
For lunch, we will stop at a different high-quality taverna in the vicinity of each day’s destination for a light, healthy and scrumptious meal. The price of the lunch is not included in your swimming holiday, so each participant covers her/his own costs.
You are permitted to bring your own foods, drinks or snacks on board the boat, including alcoholic beverages. Please note that if you consume alcohol you will not be permitted to swim.

what do I need to bring with me?

We supply you with a FREE:

Swimming cap (for you to take home with you)
Flippers
Swimming Goggles

Please bring your own:

Extra pair of swimming goggles. Make sure they are water and fog-proof and fit your face very comfortably
Your mask and snorkel, if you’d like to go snorkelling

do I need travel insurance?

In the case of injury or other health emergencies, we offer our full and immediate support in providing you with the closest professional medical care available, regardless of our location at the time.
Our captain and staff are trained lifeguards and we have a first aid kit on board at all times for treating any minor injuries.
If you feel more assured by having Health Insurance, it is recommended that you organize it in advance of your trip with your country’s medical authorities.

what age do I have to be to participate?

Participants in the Athenian Blue must be at least 14 years old, (and until age 16, are welcome to attend with the written permission of their parents) and up to any age.
Participants who need extra attention due to inexperience, physical issues or other, are obliged to receive private swimming support from our staff. This comes at an extra cost as it requires that a staff member accompanies the participant during all times of their swim (on a SUP or dinghy), offering personal advice and assistance.