Archipel Club
Archipel Club
4.5
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Crewed yacht charter company based in Greece since 1962. Societe de location de voiliers basee en Grece depuis 1962.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
28 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Steven H
Madison, WI110 contributions
Sep 2021
We did the cabin charter this past month and it was the highlight of our trip. Vanessa is excellent at getting you all of the information you need, plus hotel recommendations in Paros, etc. I was very impressed from the time of booking through to the very end.
We had this booked in 2020 and due to Covid they gave a full refund, so we knew we'd be booking with Archipel again.
Your ability to see places you'd otherwise never get to by plane or ferry is what really makes this so unique and worthwhile. The sailing was a bit more aggressive than other sailing locales, but with an excellent and seasoned skipper, it was fine. The boat is kept in excellent condition, and all around it was a highlight. Highly recommend.
We had this booked in 2020 and due to Covid they gave a full refund, so we knew we'd be booking with Archipel again.
Your ability to see places you'd otherwise never get to by plane or ferry is what really makes this so unique and worthwhile. The sailing was a bit more aggressive than other sailing locales, but with an excellent and seasoned skipper, it was fine. The boat is kept in excellent condition, and all around it was a highlight. Highly recommend.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
2 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Our family of five (including three boys aged 12, 10 and 8) have not stopped raving about the wonderful time we had sailing around the Cyclades with our marvellous captain Eva in late 2014. On arrival in Paros, Archipel's owner George and Eva made it clear that due to the prevailing winds, we would not be able to get to Santorini. Instead we would be visiting six lesser known islands which ended up providing an unforgettable experience. Our cruise took place at the end of the sailing season in early October which meant the weather was mild, rather than hot, and the sea temperature was lovely and warm. Eva proved to be the perfect captain, providing us with excellent tips on each of the islands we visited and helping to keep the kids entertained during the daily sailing legs (which varied in length from two to five hours). When the weather was calm they took turns at the helm and on the two days when the winds got up, she took command. We stayed at a wide variety of islands including historic Syros, uninhabited Renia, Donousa, Schinoussa and Antiparos. But probably the best of the lot was fascinating Amorgos, where we hired a car on Eva's advice and explored the island, including the justly famous Rock Monastery. Arriving at Delos by Zodiac in choppy conditions was also a thrilling experience, having spent the previous night on a mooring at neighbouring Renia. The 50-foot yacht was well appointed and modern, including a good kitchen, allowing you the option to cook and eat on board or visit local tavernas. We could not recommend this highly enough - a trip of a lifetime.
Written February 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mullydad
San Jose, CA162 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We booked a cabin charter on the Astarte. The experience of being on the Aegean, being able to jump off the boat to go swimming, and visiting some of the less touristed islands was amazing and I am so glad we booked this trip. Our tour was not without difficulties, however, and the more you know in advanced, you might avoid some of the challenges we experienced. First, most of the company is French speaking, so they tend to attract lots of French speakers and the employees are mostly French, including our skipper for the trip. The owner, George, is French but he also speaks excellent English and is very interesting. We got to talk with him before and after our trip and he seemed like a lot of fun.
What you need to know if you book a cabin is that you will be spending a lot of time in close quarters with the other people who have booked your dates. If you don't speak the same languages, it might be difficult, so you should try to be flexible or work with the company to make sure you get the best possible combination of boat mates. Breakfast and lunch are on board and the kitchen is tiny, so it will really help if you can be cooperative about this. Our group was not cooperative, probably mostly due to language issues, and that made the days a little challenging because you have to share supplies and kitchen space. We tried to go along with the flow as far as shopping and meals went (everyone but us spoke French and we did not) but later figured out that no one else had a plan or cooperated with each other either (those people from French speaking countries...) so it was actually kind of challenging. Dinners were on land and fine.
The other thing that was difficult for us was routing. We had the best time when we hit the smaller islands. After all, this kind of trip is about being on the sea and not about sightseeing. Before we left, we tried to make clear that we DID NOT CARE about hitting Santorini. That's the island apparently everyone insists on hitting. Well, I don't know (couldn't understand) any of the input anyone else had about routing, but it seemed to be entirely based upon hitting Santorini, so someone obviously really wanted to hit Santorini. It wasn't like the winds were taking us there naturally; we got to Santorini entirely on the power of our little engine. When we got there, because we were there, we actually went and hit the cities and sites because, well, we were there. Given the rest of the sailing trip was antithetical to the tourist overload that Thira and Oia are, we kind of hated it. And it turned out that no one else really explored the island at all, so I'm still not sure why we made so much effort to get there. After Santorini, the trip got better and we really enjoyed the Little Cyclades.
This is not a trip to use to hit your "must-see" islands. It is also NOT a cruise. The rooms are tight, but sufficient. If you are easy-going and a little adventuresome and want the experience of being on the Aegean, it's a great trip. If you have a big enough group to make it worthwhile to book the entire boat, that is really the way to do it. I would only hesitate to book again based upon who else would be on the boat--that is the wild card and can really make or break your trip.
What you need to know if you book a cabin is that you will be spending a lot of time in close quarters with the other people who have booked your dates. If you don't speak the same languages, it might be difficult, so you should try to be flexible or work with the company to make sure you get the best possible combination of boat mates. Breakfast and lunch are on board and the kitchen is tiny, so it will really help if you can be cooperative about this. Our group was not cooperative, probably mostly due to language issues, and that made the days a little challenging because you have to share supplies and kitchen space. We tried to go along with the flow as far as shopping and meals went (everyone but us spoke French and we did not) but later figured out that no one else had a plan or cooperated with each other either (those people from French speaking countries...) so it was actually kind of challenging. Dinners were on land and fine.
The other thing that was difficult for us was routing. We had the best time when we hit the smaller islands. After all, this kind of trip is about being on the sea and not about sightseeing. Before we left, we tried to make clear that we DID NOT CARE about hitting Santorini. That's the island apparently everyone insists on hitting. Well, I don't know (couldn't understand) any of the input anyone else had about routing, but it seemed to be entirely based upon hitting Santorini, so someone obviously really wanted to hit Santorini. It wasn't like the winds were taking us there naturally; we got to Santorini entirely on the power of our little engine. When we got there, because we were there, we actually went and hit the cities and sites because, well, we were there. Given the rest of the sailing trip was antithetical to the tourist overload that Thira and Oia are, we kind of hated it. And it turned out that no one else really explored the island at all, so I'm still not sure why we made so much effort to get there. After Santorini, the trip got better and we really enjoyed the Little Cyclades.
This is not a trip to use to hit your "must-see" islands. It is also NOT a cruise. The rooms are tight, but sufficient. If you are easy-going and a little adventuresome and want the experience of being on the Aegean, it's a great trip. If you have a big enough group to make it worthwhile to book the entire boat, that is really the way to do it. I would only hesitate to book again based upon who else would be on the boat--that is the wild card and can really make or break your trip.
Written October 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruno M
1 contribution
Aug 2016 • Friends
I never wrote a review this is a first for me, it as been 5 weeks since I took the trip with Archipel club, I was expecting be on a Catamaran and sail, to my surprised even though the weather and wind condition were perfect, we did not sail or more presciely we sail two afternoon one with the engine on, the rest of time we were going from one point to an other under the engine. This is not a the sailing trip I was sold to but an island tour with the only advantage we have the possibility to do mooring,and I have to insist twice to not go to port but to do mooring in isolated place.
I reserved the boat for less then full capacity voluntarily, we were 3 people for initial capacity of 6, to my surprised when we went on board we were informed the grirl-freind of the skipper was going to be with us for the entire trip, not justification were given and no elementary question ask such as do we have any concern or even agree with an extra person on board, I paid for the entire capacity of the boat so the minimum would be to ask me if was okay. the Skipper and her girlfriend were extremely friendly regardless the club never mention anything related to one extra person on board.
The boat was in okay condition but not well organized we have to showel our food in the available space in the closet, not a single empty closet for the food may be my minimum exception were not clearly express, or the initial professionalism of the club team did not match the setting not sure what happen, but I'm very disappointed and would not be able to recommend the club.
In conclusion very friendly Skipper and very friendly unexpected passenger, very little sailing.
I reserved the boat for less then full capacity voluntarily, we were 3 people for initial capacity of 6, to my surprised when we went on board we were informed the grirl-freind of the skipper was going to be with us for the entire trip, not justification were given and no elementary question ask such as do we have any concern or even agree with an extra person on board, I paid for the entire capacity of the boat so the minimum would be to ask me if was okay. the Skipper and her girlfriend were extremely friendly regardless the club never mention anything related to one extra person on board.
The boat was in okay condition but not well organized we have to showel our food in the available space in the closet, not a single empty closet for the food may be my minimum exception were not clearly express, or the initial professionalism of the club team did not match the setting not sure what happen, but I'm very disappointed and would not be able to recommend the club.
In conclusion very friendly Skipper and very friendly unexpected passenger, very little sailing.
Written September 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am the owner and skipper of the catamaran chartered by Archipel in replacement of their own damaged boat.
I am sorry to read that your trip has not fully satisfied you and take full responsibility: the presence of an assistant at my side ought have been announced in advance. Weather conditions and the desired route did determine the active sailing time.
Best regards.
Filippos
Written October 20, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John R
Salt Lake City, UT6 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
First time I used Archipelclub's services was in 2008, this is how I discovered the Greek islands. It was a great sailing cruise. I went back to Paros last spring and dropped by. It was nice to see these guys again and chat with them about my next sailing trip.
Written December 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate G
54 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
We arrived on Sunday morning at the port and were met by George and our skipper Eva. We were shown around the boat and talked a bit about our itinerary for the week. After that we paid for our groceries, got a few last minute additions and headed out. This was our skipper's last trip of the season and I think she was tired. Generally, she kept to herself and didn't seem all that interested in us as a group. She was still good with the kids and let my 11 year old son help when that was possible.
The first day we sailed to Reina and spent the night on anchor there.We then got up early on Eva's recommendation so that we could get to Delos before the tours. The lighting at Delos was fabulous and having the place to ourselves for over an hour was an experience I wouldn't miss.
After our time at Delos we headed to Naxos. There we spent the night in port and had dinner at a local taverna on Eva's recommendation. The food was okay but it was clear that we were at the end of the tourist season since many dishes were not available. The next morning Eva took us to an amazing bakery and this really awesome shop. Both places we were very unlikely to have found on our own and we really enjoyed.
We continued our trip with days where we saw amazingly beautiful and interesting places that we wouldn't have see if we hadn't had our own boat with skipper. The highlight was an overnight on anchor in Iraklia. Absolutely loved everything about the bay we were in and the meal we grilled. We met a group of archaeologists that were excavating a cave that we could see from the bay. They had gone back 4000 years into history. It was awesome. My daughter got all excited and decided to be an archaeologist when she grows up.
This was meant to be a once in a lifetime trip for us and it lived up to that expectation. Unfortunately, my husband is not cut out to be a sailor. Between low ceilings (as should be expected) and seasickness, he was definitely ready for the week to end. My husband's reaction and that there were times on the boat where we felt like we were a necessary evil for skipper are the only reasons for a 4 star instead of 5. It was an experience I would highly recommend.
The first day we sailed to Reina and spent the night on anchor there.We then got up early on Eva's recommendation so that we could get to Delos before the tours. The lighting at Delos was fabulous and having the place to ourselves for over an hour was an experience I wouldn't miss.
After our time at Delos we headed to Naxos. There we spent the night in port and had dinner at a local taverna on Eva's recommendation. The food was okay but it was clear that we were at the end of the tourist season since many dishes were not available. The next morning Eva took us to an amazing bakery and this really awesome shop. Both places we were very unlikely to have found on our own and we really enjoyed.
We continued our trip with days where we saw amazingly beautiful and interesting places that we wouldn't have see if we hadn't had our own boat with skipper. The highlight was an overnight on anchor in Iraklia. Absolutely loved everything about the bay we were in and the meal we grilled. We met a group of archaeologists that were excavating a cave that we could see from the bay. They had gone back 4000 years into history. It was awesome. My daughter got all excited and decided to be an archaeologist when she grows up.
This was meant to be a once in a lifetime trip for us and it lived up to that expectation. Unfortunately, my husband is not cut out to be a sailor. Between low ceilings (as should be expected) and seasickness, he was definitely ready for the week to end. My husband's reaction and that there were times on the boat where we felt like we were a necessary evil for skipper are the only reasons for a 4 star instead of 5. It was an experience I would highly recommend.
Written November 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen G
Brighton, Canada500 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Having looked really hard for cabin charters as we did not have a big enough group to charter a whole yacht, we found this company offering a reasonable price. The process of booking was easy and efficient. We met the captain the dock, and the owner, and got settled aboard. The galley is really too small for a group of 8 and the salon seating is also too small. This was emphasized on days when the weather was less than perfect. There is lots of outside space when the weather is fine and the sea is calm. Refrigerator space is limited and they could use an extra cooler/ice chest just for drinks to make access easier. The process of provisioning with others went very well. We were lucky to have a very amenable and capable group. Cabins are larger than expected, beds comfortable, just remember - it is a sailboat. Marine toilets worked very well and were 100% reliable (this is seriously important as you will know if you have sailed before). Captain was very competent as a sailor, but did not appear to be all that interested in the passengers. He disappeared on the dinghy for a few hours a couple of times, without notice. All in all, for what we paid and how much effort we needed to put in, it was worth it, and we would recommend it with careful advice as to what to expect so as to not be unhappy.
Written June 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kwhappy
Forest Hill, MD37 contributions
Oct 2019
This was a family trip. My niece and her husband had sailed with Harris on their honeymoon and talked about it for four years. We sailed out last week. Number one, HARRIS, our captain, he made this trip a memory of a lifetime. This trip might not be for everyone, BUT, you don't experience this on a big cruise ship. Grateful we were able to do it. The ship was beautiful. We purchased what we needed, food, beverages, etc prior to boarding in Paros. Made breakfast lunch snacks. Went out for dinner at night. Harrison was our guide at each island. Dinners were epic Greek food. The sites we saw at each stop rivaled National Geographic. By the end Harris was family too. BRAVO!
Written October 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tripadviza
45 contributions
Jun 2016
We recently sailed the Cyclades with Archipel Club on a catamaran and had an unforgettable experience. The experience is personal and we felt taken care of. The owners George and Vanessa really took care to Ensure we had an amazing experience. The boat was of a high standard and the skipper Raphael was experienced and a real joy to be around. He made sure to be inclusive with the kids and they were sad to say goodbye. We hope we can sail with them again. Thank you George & Vanessa. Raphael C'est magnifique!!
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We strive for excellence and your kind comments are a true motivation. We are really pleased you enjoyed our services we shall be more than happy to see you and your family again on one of our yachts. We are confident your lovely daughters would make the most from another trip to the cradle of the western civilization, its blue skies and gentle life style.
Written September 18, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
xrayd0ct0r
Dothan, AL139 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
We used Archipelclub to arrange a weeklong charter aboard the "Caique 60." Apparently Archipelclub owns two boats and also serves as a charter agent for other owner-operators. Our captain, Bertrand Benoit, had lovingly restored a 1960s era 60 foot wooden ferry boat and turned it into a lovely sailing vessel (see separate Tripadvisor entry under "Voilier Morgkan", Amorgos, Greece). We had the time of our lives and M. Benoit (who speaks French, Greek, and English) was a gracious host, fantastic cook and amazing seaman. Archipelclub seemed like a first class outfit and they were a pleasure to deal with. I would gladly charter any boat that was associated with them.
Written June 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kasey M
Portland, Oregon
Hello, Do you do 3/4 night cabin charters? We would love to do a shared charter with other guests, but not for a full week.
Thank you
Written February 5, 2020
do you do 3/4 nights from Paros
Written February 23, 2019
Hi UltraSurr,
We do offer short sailing charters (4 days/3 nights) out of Paros onboard our skippered Punch 41 catamaran in May, June, September and October.
Best regards,
Vanessa
Written February 24, 2019
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