maRea Cruises
Traditional wooden-boat trips from Stavros across the Strymonikos Gulf
Boat days should feel simple from the start. From Stavros, maRea Cruises takes you out on Maroula for morning swims, sunset hours, private time at sea and fishing enquiries, with routes shaped by local conditions and real knowledge of this coast.
111111111111Ready for a unique experience on the sea? You leave from Stavros in eastern Thessaloniki regional unit, right on the Strymonikos Gulf, and you sail with Captain Argy and Maro, the people behind the operation, not some faceless booking desk. It matters more than poeple think.
Hero image note: use a bright real photograph of Maroula underway at sea, fully visible and recognisable, departing from or cruising off Stavros. Alt text: “Maroula traditional wooden boat at sea from Stavros in the Strymonikos Gulf”.
Check trips | Plan a private cruise
Choose the right trip from Stavros
Morning Escape
Best for swimmers, couples, small groups and anyone who wants the sea while the day is still fresh. Confirmed duration is four hours.
- Two swimming stops
- Kafkanas waters and the coast below Ancient Stageira
- Easy half-day format from Stavros port
Sunset Delight
Best for couples, friends and relaxed evening travellers who want softer light and a shorter outing. Confirmed duration is about 2.5 hours.
- Swimming near Iatrou Tsairi when conditions allow
- Evening views towards the Asprovalta and Nea Vrasna coast
- Golden-hour atmosphere on the water
Private Cruise
Best for families, birthdays, small celebrations and travellers who want flexibility. Private charters usually run from three to six hours by agreement.
- Your own pace and route discussion with the captain
- Swimming, coastal sightseeing or a quieter day afloat
- Good option if you are staying around Stavros, Olympiada or Vrasna
Fishing Trip
Best for guests who want a more hands-on sea day and are happy to confirm details first. Schedule, duration and inclusions still need operator confirmation, so ask before planning around it.
- Local boat and local waters
- Experience shaped by season and sea conditions
- More suitable for curious adults and older children than for a pure swim trip
Quick comparison
- Morning Escape: best for swimming and a fuller half day, four hours, shared trip, departs from Stavros
- Sunset Delight: best for evening light and a shorter cruise, about 2.5 hours, shared trip, departs from Stavros
- Private Cruise: best for flexibility and your own group, three to six hours, private, departs from Stavros
- Fishing Trip: best for guests interested in local fishing style, duration to be confirmed, enquiry basis, departs from Stavros
Why maRea feels different
- Maroula is a traditional wooden boat, built in Thessaloniki in 1981, with real character on the water
- Captain Argy holds an unlimited gross tonnage Merchant Marine qualification and has spent decades on the world’s oceans
- He also knows this gulf from childhood, which helps with route choices, wind reading and the little details visitors miss
- This is a small personal operation, so the communication stays direct and grounded
See Strymonikos from the water
The coastline here opens differently once you leave the quay. Kafkanas, the coast below Ancient Stageira, the area of Iatrou Tsairi and the long evening line towards Asprovalta and Vrasna all make more sense from the sea, not from a roadside stop.
Routes are not sold as fixed postcards. Wind, swell and comfort come first, as they should, and wildlife is always a matter of chance, never a promise. On calm mornings the water can be very clear, while in afternoon breezes it can look compleltely different.
Route image note: use a real landscape or onboard image showing the Strymonikos coastline, not generic yacht stock. Alt text: “Coastline of the Strymonikos Gulf seen from Maroula near Stavros”.
For wider local context, have a look at Visit Greece, the Meteo.gr marine weather outlook before your day, and our own local sea activity pages if you are comparing sea experiences in the area.
Meet Maroula and Captain Argy
Maroula is not a themed prop or a polished plastic day boat. She is a proper wooden kaiki with history, built in Thessaloniki and still right for these waters when handled with care and experiance.
Captain Argy brings the mix you want at sea. Childhood summers in this area, years of practical seamanship and the calm judgement that comes from serious maritime work. Maro, co-founder and multimedia artist, adds the warm human side that guests notice straight away.
Responsible sea tourism
- Routes and stops depend on weather and sea safety
- Wildlife sightings are possible by chance only
- Small-scale operation with direct communication
- Check current conditions and practical notes before departure
Read more on Responsible Sea Tourism and explore the wider coast on Explore Strymonikos.
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send us an email at booking@cruisesmarea.com
call us: +306972123272
send a message via WhatsApp
call or text us on Viber
Don't forget to mention:
- Number of persons, possible dates
- The hotel you'll be staying at
Practical answers
Where do trips leave from?
From Stavros Port. After booking or enquiry, check the exact meeting point and arrival advice.
What happens if the weather changes?
Sea trips depend on wind and safety. If conditions are not right, the operator will advise on the next step. Always check official forecasts close to your date and the latest local update.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sun protection, water, a light layer for evening trips and anything personal you may need. Footwear that is easy on a boat helps too, especialy on busy boarding moments.
How do I choose between the trips?
If you want more swim time, go for Morning Escape. If you want softer light and a shorter outing, choose Sunset Delight. If timing or privacy matters most, pick a private cruise. For more detail, see the full FAQ.
111111111111Plan your day on the water
Let’s go and let’s flow. If you already know your date, the fastest route is to check the available trips first. If you want something more personal, send a private cruise enquiry and shape the day around your group.
send us an email at booking@cruisesmarea.com
call us: +306972123272
send a message via WhatsApp
call or text us on Viber
Don't forget to mention:
- Number of persons, possible dates
- The hotel you'll be staying at
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