Most cruises follow a similar shape: depart mid-morning from the Old Port, Tourlos or Platis Gialos, sail along the southern beaches, anchor at Rhenia or a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkelling, serve lunch on board, and return in the late afternoon. Where they differ is the boat — catamaran, traditional wooden caique, sailing yacht or RIB — and how many people share it.
Catamarans are the most stable and the most common; wooden boats are slower and more atmospheric; RIBs and speedboats cover more ground in less time. Semi-private and private options cost more but let you set the pace and the stops.
The wind is the variable. In a strong Meltemi, skippers keep to the sheltered south coast and Rhenia; in calm weather they range further. A cruise that looks 'cancelled' is usually just moved to the next day — free cancellation matters here.