We were looking for a small boat trip and felt an all-day one would be a bit much in the heat.
We visited 'Pats Tours' in Kalamaki and she showed us the 'Half-Day' Cruise on a speedboat which went to Smugglers Cove, Blue Caves and stopped off somewhere else where the name I forget for a swim.
Cost for the 4 of us was just a little over 100 euros. To me it wasn't cheap - especially for a half day but it suited our needs.

We were picked up by Coach at the end of the road where Dias is around 8.30 and drove through to Argassi (I think) to pick a few more people up.
When the coach parked up at the harbour, it was difficult to understand what the coach driver was saying but he was sort of pointing us in one direction.

Just like sheep, we all followed the first people off.  We found the boat and noticed that it wasn't particularly very big - the open roof top only held about 10 or so passengers so we ended up inside. (In the end, this was actually a bit of a blessing!)
It seemed quite a while with everyone sitting on the boat just waiting - when eventually the engines started and we started to be on our way.
However, we had just got out of the main harbour when we noticed the crew huddled around the controls. A few minutes later the boat started to turn around and head back to the harbour.
Boy that was a quick trip!!

The problem here was that no one knew what was happening and the crew seemed to want to keep it that way. Lots of locals started to get on the boat, go down to the tiny engine room and then back out again. Make-shift items seemed to be bought on board to fix whatever the problem was.
After about 30 minutes one of the crew jumped on a moped and headed off. Again no one was informed what was going on and how long it would take to fix. Obviously we have to thank the local Halfords (or whatever) that they were open as after another 30 minutes, the guy returned with what looked like a fuel filter. 20 minutes or so of banging under the engine compartment, the engines roared back up.

This is why we were actually better sat inside rather than on top of the deck as it was so
hot and the people upstairs were getting scorched.

Once we were on our way, it was actually a very nice trip. The sea was very calm and we had chance to take in all the views. As the boat headed north around the island, the waters started to become a bit choppier - this actually made it a little bit more fun.
Rather than stay inside we managed to sit/stand at the back of the boat. this was bliss as the wind kept you cool and you had the occasional mist of sea water in your face.

After about an hour we started to moor into Smugglers Cove. We were told we had an hour here. The place is an absolute gem and one of the biggest memories of our holiday.
Be warned though, it can be a little tough for some people getting off the boat as you have to climb down a small ladder into the sea. (Getting back on is even harder).

It was lovely to have the opportunity to swim in such blue water - although you do have to be careful off all the boats coming in and out to drop off/pick people up. Unfortunately this also made the sea full of diesel.
The beach is made up of a small shingle which seemed to stick to you. My partner was still finding stones in her bikini hours later!

 

It was nice to see the actual shipwreck - especially as it appears on so many picture postcards. It's a shame though that the Greek authorities could not almost fence it off since it was totally covered in Grafitti - most of it Greek may I add.
The place was packed - but you could still find a spot to sit. My only problem here is that I would have quite happily stayed another hour.




Once we got back on the boat, we started to make our way to the Blue caves. This was ok'ish but seemed to be a bit rushed. My guess is that the crew wanted to make up some lost time.
The Blue caves were nice for a few pictures but the boat couldnt really get in to them.

 
We then went on further and stopped off somewhere elese for another swim opportunity. Some people jumped into the sea from the top of the boat. I naturally did not want to give away that I was an Olympic diver so I opted for the more casual effect of simply jumping in off the back of the boat - about 2 foot high!!

Again the sea here was lovely. You could lie back and float. We had about 30 minutes or so here before we had to come back on board and make our way back.