Porto Caras or Miraggio motor yacht cruise

2026 Private Toroneos Cruises

Toroneos Gulf is the bit of Halkidiki I never get tired of. In one day you can swim in water that looks like glass, tuck into coves you would never reach by car, and still be back in time for dinner in Neos Marmaras.

Our company offers private cruises, giving travellers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki by boat or enjoy activities like fishing and snorkelling all to themselves! We have yachts available for private cruises with a capacity of up to 8 passengers. Thanks to our boat’s layout, you can easily move around the deck and take in different views depending on the situation. You’ll have plenty of room to get comfortable and truly enjoy your cruise. We would be delighted to offer you a private cruise and show you our stunning beaches at some of the lowest prices you will find in Halkidiki! Our boat is equipped with lifejackets for everyone and all the necessary safety equipment required for cruise boats, along with a professional and highly experienced skipper.

Where you will be cruising (and why Toroneos is special)

Toroneos Gulf sits between the Kassandra peninsula on the west and Sithonia on the east, with Kelyfos Island right in the middle like a natural landmark for skippers. The coastline here is a mix of long sandy beaches, pine-covered slopes, and small rocky bays where the water turns that bright turquoise you came to Greece for.

If you want to get your bearings before you arrive, have a look at the official region page from Visit Greece and the local info from Halkidiki Regional Unit. For weather and wind patterns, I always tell guests to check meteo.gr the day before and again in the morning, because it can change faster than you think.

How to reach Porto Carras dock

We start from the Porto Carras marina area, just outside Neos Marmaras on Sithonia. Most guests come by car from Thessaloniki and the airport, then follow the main road down the peninsula. In summer, allow extra time for traffic around Nikiti and the Neos Marmaras turnoff, especially on Saturdays when everyone seems to arrive at once.

If you are staying in Kassandra, you can still reach us easily by driving around via the main road network, or by arranging a transfer. Just tell us where you are based and we will suggest the simplest option, no drama. Parking is usually easiest earlier in the morning, and it gets busy when day-trippers roll in.

Timetables, opening hours and routes can change without notice. Always double-check locally before you travel.

Choosing your cruise: beaches, islands, or fishing

You can choose from a few of our suggested itineraries, such as daily cruises along the beaches of Kassandra or Sithonia and Kelyfos Island, or you can arrange a fishing trip to secret spots that only professional fishermen know about. The departure time is usually 11:00 am for full-day cruises.

That 11:00 am start works well for most people. The sea is often calmer late morning, the sun is already warm, and you still have plenty of time for long swim stops. If you are travelling with small kids, or you want more time at anchor, ask us about an earlier departure. We keep it flexible when we can, depending on the day and the weather.

What to bring on board (simple, practical)

Keep it light. On a private yacht you do not need much, but the right few things make the day smoother. A soft bag is better than a hard suitcase, and please skip high heels on deck, they are trouble.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Swimwear and a light cover-up. Even on hot days, a breeze at speed can feel cool.
• Towel and a change of clothes for the ride back to the marina.
• Waterproof phone pouch if you like taking photos in the water.
• Any personal meds. If you get motion sickness, take something before we leave, not after you feel it.

Safety and comfort on a private yacht

Comfort is a big part of why people choose a private cruise. You are not rushing to keep up with a group, and you can spend longer in the spots you love. On the safety side, we keep things straightforward. Listen to the skipper’s briefing, keep an eye on kids, and let us know if you are not a confident swimmer. We can always choose anchorages with easy entry and calm water, and we will.

Sea and outdoor activities depend on the weather and your own fitness level. Always follow local safety advice and skipper instructions.

Daily Kassandra cruise

Our boat departs from the Porto Carras marina and heads south whilst you take in the gorgeous views of Porto Carras and the nearby beaches from the water. Our first stop is Golden Beach, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on the quiet, sandy shore, or snorkel near the rocky areas of the bay. Next, we head to Xenia Beach, one of the most attractive and popular beach destinations in Kassandra. Our third stop is Kavo Paradiso, one of the quietest beaches in the area. It is very difficult to access by land, tucked away in a beautiful corner where the mountains meet the sea. Our final destination is the new 5-star Miraggio Hotel, where you can see for yourself why it has become so popular and desirable!

What this route feels like on the water

Kassandra’s south coast has a nice mix of open stretches and protected bays. In the morning the water is often clear enough to see the seabed in a few meters, especially when there is no wind from the south. By mid-afternoon, depending on the day, you might feel a bit of breeze and light chop on the way between stops. Nothing wild, just that proper Aegean feel.

Golden Beach is a great first swim because everyone is fresh and keen to jump in. If you like snorkelling, the rocky edges of the bay are where the fish hang out. For guests who want a proper underwater session, I always recommend checking out the local dive community at portoscuba.com before your trip. Even if you are not diving that day, their tips on conditions and marine life are spot on.

Who this cruise suits best

This one is perfect for couples and groups who want a bit of everything, with a couple of lively beach areas and a couple of quieter corners. It also works well for families with teenagers because there is plenty of swimming and photo stops. If you are travelling with very small kids and you want the calmest possible water all day, we might steer you more toward Sithonia’s sheltered bays depending on the wind.

Daily Sithonia cruise

Our boat departs from the Porto Carras marina and heads towards Sithonia whilst you enjoy the freedom of the open sea. Our first stop is Villa Carras Beach, a small paradise with clear green waters that is completely surrounded by nature and accessible only by sea. The second stop we make is Neos Marmaras, a traditional Sithonia village that has been a major tourist attraction for many years. Our last destination is Kelyfos Island, which is located exactly between Kassandra and Sithonia. Here, you can swim and snorkel in a pristine area untouched by crowds, and experience what it feels like to be on a secluded, uninhabited island.

Why guests love the Sithonia side

Sithonia is greener, with more pine right down to the water in many places. Villa Carras Beach is the kind of stop that makes people go quiet for a minute. The color is unreal on a sunny day, and because you arrive by boat it feels like you found your own secret, even if I have been there a thousand times.

Neos Marmaras is a nice change of pace mid-cruise. If you want a quick stroll, a coffee, or just to see a real village working around tourism, it’s ideal. It is not a museum village, it is a proper place where people live, and that is what makes it fun. Some days, we keep the stop short and spend more time at anchor. Other days, guests want to stretch their legs. We adapt, simple as that.

Kelyfos Island: the “turtle” of Halkidiki

Kelyfos is uninhabited and rocky, and from a distance it looks a bit like a turtle floating on the sea. The snorkelling here can be excellent when visibility is good, especially along the edges where the seabed drops away. It is also one of the best places in the gulf to feel like you are far away from everything, even though you are still close to the coast.

If you want a bit of background on the area and the wider peninsula, Wikipedia’s Halkidiki page is a handy overview for first-timers.

Seasonal feel: crowds, water clarity, and wind

Halkidiki changes a lot through the season, and that is part of the charm. Late May and June usually bring clearer water and fewer boats. July and August are peak months, with more traffic near popular beaches and more activity around the main villages. September is a skipper’s favorite, warm sea, softer light, and a calmer vibe, with plenty of tavernas still open.

Wind-wise, the gulf is often friendlier than the open Aegean, but it is still the sea. Some afternoons you can get a fresh breeze, and that can change which side of a bay we anchor on. It is normal. We pick the best spot for comfort and safety, and we do not force a plan if the conditions say no. Sometimes guests are surprised how quickly it all shifts, but that is Toroneos.

Fishing trips and snorkelling days

If your idea of a perfect day is less beach-hopping and more doing something hands-on, tell us. We can plan a fishing-focused trip to areas that are known locally, with the right depth and seabed for the day. It is not about big promises, it is about spending time on the water the way locals do. When the bite is on, it’s a proper thrill, even for people who “never fish”.

For snorkelling, Toroneos is great because you can choose between sandy shallows and rocky edges. Sandy bays are easy and relaxing. Rocky areas have more marine life and better photos. If you are bringing your own mask, make sure it fits well. A leaky mask can ruin your mood fast, trust me.

Holidays and busy dates to plan around

If you are visiting around big Greek holidays, it is smart to book early. Orthodox Easter can shift each year, and it brings a lot of local travel and full restaurants along the coast. The dates are here:

Sun, Apr 12 2026

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Another weekend that can get busy is Agiou Pneymatos, with plenty of Greek families heading to their summer houses. If your trip lines up with it, check the dates and plan ahead:

Monday, June 1 2026

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Customize your private cruise

Private means you are not stuck with a rigid schedule. Want longer swim stops and fewer places. Easy. Want to spend more time around Kelyfos and do a slow afternoon at anchor. Also easy. If you have older travellers in the group, we can keep boarding and swimming simple and choose the calmest spots. If you are a group that wants music and a lively vibe, we can do that too, within reason and always respectful of other boats nearby.

A lot of guests ask about food. We can suggest what works best depending on your cruise length and your plans in Neos Marmaras after. Some people bring light snacks and fruit, others prefer to keep it simple on board and eat properly after the cruise. Just message us with what you like, and we will keep it practical.

Not sure where to start? Contact our local travel agency for friendly, personalised advice, seasonal offers and travel options.

Local crew, local knowledge

Our local team of skippers, travel agents and scuba instructors with over 20 years of experience in Halkidiki is here to help you.

I have run these routes in different conditions, with families, couples, and groups of friends, and the best days always come down to the same thing. A relaxed pace, good communication, and choosing the right anchorage for the moment. We keep an eye on the wind, the heat, and the comfort of everyone on board, so you can just enjoy the ride.

Map of the area

Booking and questions

If you want help choosing between Kassandra and Sithonia, tell us where you are staying, who is coming, and what kind of day you want. We will point you to the route that fits, and we will be honest if the weather suggests a different plan. If you are already in Halkidiki and unsure about wind, check meteo.gr again in the morning and we will do the same.

If you’d like to explore the coast, ask us about day trips at sea and sailing boat options.