REVIEW · GREECE FISHING TRIPS
Semi Private and Private Daily Fishing Trip Athens
The best part of this Athens outing is that you leave the city behind quickly and fish from a professional boat in the Saronic Gulf. Your captain takes you toward the day’s best fishing area, where you try artificial bait and squid fishing while the Attica coast and Argosaronic islands frame the trip.
I like the small private setting, since your group gets the captain’s undivided attention. I also like the practical package: lunch, beer, soft drinks, fishing equipment, and snorkeling gear are already included. The main drawback is the price, especially since one booking note reports a much lower direct rate from the fisherman than the platform price.
Key points at a glance
- Five hours from Varkiza: The boat leaves from Varkiza Resort Parking at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point.
- Private group format: Only your group takes part, with a captain who also acts as your fishing instructor.
- Artificial bait and squid fishing: You get two different styles of fishing rather than simply sitting with one rod all morning.
- Food and drinks on board: Lunch, beer, and soft drinks are included, so you do not need to pack a full meal.
- Snorkeling equipment provided: You can use the gear during the time spent around the Saronic Gulf.
- Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the trip is not recommended for anyone prone to sea sickness.
Leaving Athens from Varkiza at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Varkiza Resort Parking on Leoforos Athinon Souniou in Vari, south of Athens. The trip starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends back at the same place, which keeps the morning simple. You are not dropped at a different harbor or left to arrange your own return.
Varkiza is a useful departure point for a sea trip from Athens. The experience begins at the port, then moves into the open waters of the Saronic Gulf. You get coastline views along Attica and, depending on the route and conditions, views toward the picturesque Argosaronic islands.
Transportation is not included. It can be arranged if requested, but you should settle that before the day of the trip. Parking fees are also separate. Public transportation is nearby, though the supplied details do not specify the exact route or walking distance from the nearest stop.
I would allow extra time to find the parking area and meet the captain without rushing. A fishing trip has less room for late arrivals than a standard sightseeing cruise. The boat leaves with the tide, weather, and fishing plan in mind.
A few more fishing trips around Greece worth a look
- Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board
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A professional fishing boat, not a casual harbor outing

This is described as a professional fishing boat fitted with modern, specialized fishing equipment. That matters if you care about the activity itself rather than simply wanting a short boat ride. The captain is also your fishing instructor, so you have someone on board to guide your technique and help you use the equipment.
The exact boat size, seating arrangement, toilet facilities, and shade are not provided. Those are sensible questions to ask before booking, especially if you are comparing this with a larger fishing cruise. The supplied information also does not name the captain, so you should not expect a particular guide by name.
The private format is the clearest advantage. Only your group participates, and the captain’s attention is not split among unrelated parties. If someone in your group has never fished before, this gives you a better chance to ask basic questions without feeling rushed.
The experience is offered in English. That should make instruction easier for English-speaking groups, though the information does not specify other languages.
Fishing with artificial bait and squid

The fishing method is active but straightforward. You fish with artificial bait, then also try for squid. That gives the five-hour outing some variety. You are not locked into one repetitive activity from departure to return.
The captain leads the boat to what is described as the best fishing area for the day. The actual location can change with weather and sea conditions, and no fixed offshore spot is promised. That is a good sign for a fishing trip, since the sea is not a museum exhibit with one guaranteed position.
The description says the catch is usually big. Treat that as an appealing possibility, not a guarantee. Fishing depends on the season, conditions, local activity, and luck. The captain can take you to a productive area and explain the equipment, but nobody can promise a full cooler.
If catching fish is the main reason you are booking, ask what species are common during your travel dates and how the catch is handled. Those details are not included here. The available information confirms artificial bait and squid fishing, but it does not give a species list, fishing season, or catch-and-release policy.
The fishing component suits someone who wants instruction and time on the water. It may be less satisfying for someone expecting a polished sightseeing cruise with constant commentary. The main focus is the fishing, with scenery and food adding to the day.
Lunch, beer, soft drinks, and time around the water
Food is one of the strongest practical features. Lunch, beer, and soft drinks are provided on board, along with all fees and taxes. You can spend the morning focused on fishing rather than carrying a large picnic or trying to find food at the port.
The menu is not specified, and the information does not say how dietary requests are handled. If you have allergies or follow a special diet, ask before departure. Do not assume that the included lunch can be adjusted.
The boat also carries snorkeling equipment. That gives you another way to use the time around the Saronic Gulf, though no dedicated snorkeling site, water break, or swimming schedule is promised. The equipment is included, but the day’s exact rhythm depends on the fishing plan and sea conditions.
I like this combination because it prevents the trip from becoming too narrow. One person can enjoy the fishing, another can appreciate the coastline, and the group can eat and have a drink together. Still, this is not presented as a full snorkeling excursion. Book it first for fishing, with snorkeling as an added option.
Same water, a different day out:
- Skevos Fishing Trip Rhodes
★ 5.0 · 313 reviews - Semi – Private Fishing Tour (transportation included)
★ 5.0 · 179 reviews - Santorini: Traditional Fishing Trip and Fresh Fish Lunch
★ 4.9 · 163 reviews - Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue on the boat
★ 5.0 · 157 reviews
What the scenery adds to the fishing

The setting is a major part of the experience. From the boat, you see the Attica coastline from the water instead of from a road or city overlook. The Argosaronic islands add a more open, coastal feel to the day.
The trip begins in the blue waters around Varkiza and heads toward a fishing area selected by the captain. You get sea breeze, open views, and a change of pace from central Athens. This is especially useful if your schedule includes several days of museums and ancient sites and you want one morning that feels completely different.
The scenery is not packaged as a formal island-hopping itinerary. There is no promise of landing on an island or stopping at several attractions. The listed stop is Paralia Varkiza, and the activity returns to the original meeting point.
That distinction matters. You are buying time on a fishing boat, not a sightseeing ferry with a long list of stops. The coast and islands are part of the backdrop, while the captain’s fishing plan determines the route.
The price and the question of value

The listed price is $303.81 per person. For a private five-hour boat experience, that is a serious expense. Its value depends heavily on the size of your group and how much you care about personalized fishing instruction.
The price includes the boat rental, captain and fishing instructor, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, lunch, beer, soft drinks, and all fees and taxes. That is a fuller package than a bare boat charter, where you might still need to pay for food, equipment, and a guide.
The private setup can make the cost easier to justify for a small group that wants the captain focused only on them. It is harder to justify if you are a solo participant or a couple mainly looking for a scenic boat ride.
There is also an important price warning. A French-language booking note says two people were charged about 580 euros through the platform, while the fisherman allegedly charged 300 euros for two people directly. The provider’s response agreed that booking direct is often better for the customer. Prices can change, but you should compare the direct rate with the online rate before paying.
Do that comparison carefully. Confirm what is included in each price, whether the private boat is the same, and how cancellation works. A lower direct quote is only useful if it covers the same five-hour trip, captain, equipment, food, and drinks.
Sea sickness, age limits, and weather

This trip is not recommended for people with sea sickness. Five hours on a fishing boat gives the motion of the water plenty of time to become uncomfortable. If you are unsure how you handle the sea, consider that carefully before booking.
The experience is also not recommended for children younger than 12. For older children and teenagers, suitability will depend on their interest in fishing and comfort on a boat. The provided information says most participants can take part, but it does not give accessibility details about boarding, steps, or seating.
Weather can change the plan. The trip requires good conditions, and if poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is reassuring, but it also means you should avoid placing this experience on the one day of your Athens visit when you have no flexibility.
The cancellation terms are simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.
Who will enjoy this fishing trip

This outing is a good match for you if fishing is the main attraction and you want a private boat rather than a large shared cruise. It also suits a group with mixed interests, since lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and coastal views give non-fishers something else to enjoy.
It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed catch, a named captain, a detailed island itinerary, or a low-cost introduction to the sea. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to sea sickness or need a fully specified menu and boat layout before booking.
The five-hour length is about right for a half-day plan. You still have the afternoon for Athens, provided transportation back to the city is arranged. Since the trip ends at Varkiza Resort Parking, do not assume you will finish in central Athens.
Should you book the Varkiza fishing trip?

Book it if you want a private fishing morning with an English-speaking captain, specialized equipment, food, drinks, and a coastal setting near Athens. The captain’s full attention is valuable, particularly for first-time fishers or a group that wants a relaxed pace.
I would pause before booking at the listed online price. First compare the direct price with the platform rate, confirm exactly what is included, and ask about the boat’s facilities, menu, fishing season, and likely species. If the numbers work for your group and the sea is comfortable for you, this offers a genuine change from Athens sightseeing. If you mainly want views, a cheaper boat cruise may be a better fit.
FAQ
Where does the fishing trip start and finish?
The trip starts and ends at Varkiza Resort Parking, Leoforos Athinon Souniou, Vari 166 72, Greece.
What time does the experience start?
The listed start time is 10:00 a.m. The trip lasts approximately five hours.
Is transportation from Athens included?
No. Transportation is not included, though it can be provided if requested. Parking fees are also not included.
What food and drinks are provided?
Lunch, beer, and soft drinks are provided on board.
Is this a private activity?
Yes. Only your group participates, and the captain gives your group his or her undivided attention.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.
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Greece Fishing Trips, compared.

Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board
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Santorini Fishing Private Cruise boat tour – BBQ, Snorkeling
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Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide
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Semi – Private Fishing Tour (transportation included)
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Santorini: Traditional Fishing Trip and Fresh Fish Lunch
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Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue on the boat
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Santorini Sunset Fishing Trip with Dinner and Drinks
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