Ferries Naxos to Piraeus

Why not the 40 minute flight?

The problem, in my view, with the Seajets is you really do not get a view of anything. No idea what the reviews you read had to say.

Most of the negatives was about how unreliable SeaJets are in terms of being on time and having trips canceled. I’d guess like flights lots of that has to do with weather, but I don’t see any complaints about Blue Star.

Customer service was also a big complaint about Seajets

As for the flights, the earliest flight I’m seeing on Sep 3rd Naxos to Athens isn’t until 1700! I really would like to get to Athens in time to check in to hotel and then go to the Olympiacos F.C. match that evening.

Skyexpress ( https://www.skyexpress.gr/en ) shows these flights for Sep 3// Appears there are 3 flights earlier than the 5PM flight you reference

GQ 409
08:55
(JNX)

09:35
(ATH)
GQ 401
11:10
(JNX)

11:50
(ATH)

GQ 403
13:35
(JNX)

14:15
(ATH)

I'm not a Seajets fanatic (far from it) but don't trust the reviews posted on the internet. I saw one posted recently saying everyone was sick and throwing up everywhere!
Personally after almost a hundred ferry trips in Greece I have never seen anyone throw up, even with 7 to 8 Beaufort winds. (in these conditions I admit that some people have a skin color ranging from white to green).

What makes me always prefer traditional Blue Star type ferries to Seajet catamarans is:

1/ In case of bad weather, the Seajet type ferries are canceled first. That said, the 9:50 Seajets you refer to is the Superunner which is not a catamaran, it is less affected by rough seas

2/ On traditional Blue Star type ferries you can sit on the decks, there are chairs, tables, places sheltered from the wind and the sun. You can have fun, eat, drink, play cards, walk on the decks, admire the scenery (I have sometimes seen dolphins following the ferry), and even take your children to visit the cockpit and say hello to the captain.

This is not the case with the Seajets (even the Superunner) which have a deck (not the small ones) but it is only a kind of large terrace or balcony where there is no possibility of sitting and where the wind will encourage you to quickly go back inside.
This interior is closer to an airplane cabin than a boat. The windows are so splashed with water that you'll have a hard time seeing the landscape

For me, who likes to enjoy the atmosphere of the Blue Star decks, reserving a place in business class has no interest. It's just having a reserved seat in an armchair that's a little more comfortable than economy seats, whereas like the majority of travelers I prefer the decks.
But if you prefer to sleep for 4 or 5 hours in a numbered seat (its location is assigned by the system, you don't choose it), that's up to you.

In addition, as I'm lazy I prefer Blue Star because the arrival gate of Blue Star in Piraeus is right next to the metro. This is not the case with Seajets

Finally, be aware that in case of very bad weather, even flights can be canceled. So the solution of the flight instead of the ferry may be a false good idea.

The Blue Star ferry is a larger ferry, slower, but steady, only moderate movement. The Seajet is a much smaller (they also run some larger, more traditional boats) boat, a catamaran. They can be great for getting point A to B quickly, but as someone alluded, you are for the most part stuck in your seat, and little, to no outside deck space. (more like airplane experience than boat). The problem with the Seajets (and any other small catamaran or hydrofoil) is that they are very temperamental to weather and sea state. A little bit of chop and wind means a very rough ride, I have been on a Seajet in rough water, and yes, the restrooms were full of people getting sick, and many not bothering to get up. That trip, they also cancelled a number of sailings, any time the wind picked up. I am in the camp that I make ferry reservations the day before needed, maybe a few days, if the weather has been perfect, I might consider a fast boat, otherwise, it is slow and steady for me.

Finally, be aware that in case of very bad weather, even flights can be canceled. So the solution of the flight instead of the ferry may be a false good idea.

This is true. When the Zephyr blows, everything can shut down...But, the small fast boats will easily be the first to cancel, even at times you wonder why, then the mid-size boats, finally the large car ferries. Airplanes generally operate in most weather, but high winds can cancel, and severe storms of course, but really like delays you would see anywhere. This is the main reason the sage advice is to save a day or more in Athens at the end of your trip, never try to get to Athens the day of your flight home.

Thanks Joe. When I checked google flights last night those didn’t appear, maybe I had some filter on that I didn’t realize.

At the recommendation of others on this group, I've been using skyscanner.com for intra-European flights. It does list SkyExpress flights.

We’ve had experience with both Blue Star and SeaJets. We took Blue Star (Business Class) in late September 2017 to Naxos. It was a very pleasant experience. We left early am and it was a relaxing sail. We took SeaJet from Naxos to Santorini and it was just as pleasant. We chose to fly back to Athens from Santorini. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly back to Athens from Naxos. Enjoy Naxos- our favorite island! If you are interested in restaurant recommendations let me know. ;)

" If you are interested in restaurant recommendations let me know. ;)"

Yes please, we are staying at the Galaxy right by Old Town. My wife doesn't particularly like meat but loves seafood. I love both

Restaurant suggestions:
Favorite- Nostimon Hellas. We had dinner in their garden setting. We ate their twice.

To Elliniko- also great

Taverna to Kastro- another great choice, lovely location.

Kozi- Great cuisine & view of Temple of Apollo. It was a recommendation from our hotel.

All of these restaurants are a short distance from your hotel. We stayed a week on the opposite end of Old Town at Alkyoni Beach Resort. They do windsurfing at this spot.

As a side note, we did not rent a car. We took the bus to see other areas. One of our favorites was going to the beautiful marble village of Apeiranthos. We spent a few hours walking the village & enjoyed a wonderful lunch.

Athens- Our favorite restaurant was Mani Mani.
Enjoy your stay! Hope you will report back.