From Athens: Day Cruise to Hydra, Poros & Aegina with Lunch

Set sail from Athens on a luxurious 50-meter vessel for a full-day cruise through the Saronic Gulf to three captivating Greek islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Priced at $159 per person, this tour offers a blend of scenic views, cultural sights, and onboard entertainment, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to see multiple islands in one day. The cruise lasts approximately 10 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability, and is best suited for travelers interested in a comfortable, all-in-one experience with sightseeing, local culture, and good food.

This tour is especially popular for its onboard live Greek music and dance, as well as its well-organized stops. While it doesn’t include hotel transfers, the meeting point is clearly designated at the Marina Kalitheas, with boarding beginning an hour before departure. The overall rating of 4 out of 5 from over 400 reviews highlights its popularity, though some reviews mention minor issues with crowding or directions. Still, the combination of delicious lunch, friendly crew, and the opportunity to explore three beautiful islands makes this trip stand out.

Key Points

• Visit three Greek islands in a single day: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
• Luxury cruise vessel equipped with lounges, dining areas, Wi-Fi, and bars.
• Includes a gourmet lunch with live Greek music and dance performances onboard.
• Stops range from 50 minutes to 2 hours, giving ample time to explore each island.
• Different stops offer unique sights: Hydra’s cobblestone streets, Poros’s architecture and museum, Aegina’s Temple of Aphaea and scenic views.
• Departure from Marina Kalitheas, with boarding starting 1 hour before.

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The Elegant 50-Meter Vessel and Onboard Comfort

The cruise begins at Marina Kalitheas aboard a 50-meter vessel known for its elegance and modern amenities. Passengers enjoy air conditioning, strong Wi-Fi, and fully-stocked bars during the 10-hour trip. The vessel features comfortable lounges and dining areas, making the long journey pleasant. The ship’s size and facilities allow for plenty of space to relax, take in the scenery, or enjoy the onboard entertainment.

The crew is described as helpful and professional, ensuring smooth boarding and enjoyable service throughout the day. The onboard live Greek music and dance add a lively atmosphere, making the cruise more than just transportation—it’s part of the experience.

Hydra: Charm and Crystal Waters in 90 Minutes

The first stop is Hydra, which lasts about 90 minutes. Known for its stunning beauty and historical significance, Hydra’s narrow cobblestone streets and donkeys as the main transport make it a walking delight. Visitors can stroll through the charming town, soaking in the vivid architecture, or take a quick swim in crystal-clear waters. The island’s relaxed vibe and scenic views make it a highlight of the trip.

While Hydra offers plenty to explore, the short stop means visitors should be selective—there’s enough time to enjoy the town’s atmosphere and sights, but not to see everything in detail. According to reviews, many find the time sufficient to enjoy the island’s charm without feeling rushed.

Poros: Neoclassical Architecture and Relaxed Strolls

The cruise then moves to Poros for about 50 minutes. This quiet island is famed for its neoclassical buildings and romantic ambiance. Visitors often walk through the town, visit the Archaeological Museum, or relax at local cafés and taverns offering traditional Greek fare.

Many appreciate Poros for its tranquility and beautiful architecture, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk. The time allocated allows for a taste of the island’s local culture and scenic environment before heading to the final stop.

Aegina: Ancient Temples and Pistachio Delights

The longest stop is at Aegina, lasting around 2 hours. Known as the home of Achilles, Aegina boasts the Temple of Aphaea, which offers breathtaking views from its hilltop location. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, visit the Church of Saint Nectarios, or enjoy pistachio ice cream—Aegina is famous for its pistachios.

The 2-hour duration provides enough time to visit the key sites and soak in the island’s historic and scenic charm. Many reviews highlight the beautiful views from the temple and the friendly atmosphere, though some note that without a guided tour, exploring the archaeological sites is limited.

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Highlights of the Onboard Entertainment and Lunch

One of the tour’s most praised features is the lunch served onboard, which is described as delicious and accompanied by live Greek music and dance performances. This lively entertainment turns the cruise into a festive experience, blending cultural entertainment with tasty regional cuisine.

While the lunch is included in the ticket price, additional beverages or snacks are personal expenses. The quality of the food and the entertainment consistently earn positive comments, making the onboard experience as memorable as the island stops.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Timing, and Tips

The meeting point is at the Marina Kalitheas, where travelers should look for the boat ‘COSMOS’. Boarding begins one hour before departure, so arriving early helps in settling in comfortably. The tour operates with flexible starting times, which depend on availability, and cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Hotel pickup is available only if arranged beforehand, and extra transfer fees may apply for hotels in Rafina or Lavrio. Travelers should bring sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and towels for the stops, as well as sunglasses and beachwear. Pets are not allowed onboard, and the tour is conducted in English and Spanish.

How the Tour Compares to Similar Island-Hopping Cruises

This cruise covers the classic trio of Saronic Islands, making it a popular choice for those wanting to maximize island visits in a single day. Compared to other tours, this one emphasizes comfort and onboard entertainment, with a large vessel that has plenty of space.

While some reviews mention crowding or directional confusion at the meeting point, overall, the organization and timing are praised. The longer stops at Aegina give a more in-depth experience, making this tour suitable for those who prefer a balanced pace between sightseeing and relaxing onboard.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This tour is best for first-time visitors to Athens wanting to see multiple islands quickly, families, and couples seeking a relaxed yet lively day. The onboard entertainment caters well to those who enjoy music and dancing, while the historical stops appeal to those interested in local culture and ancient sites.

Active travelers might find the short island stops limiting if they wish to explore in detail, but many reviews suggest it’s a great way to get a taste of Greek island life in one day.

Final Verdict: A Well-Organized, Fun-Filled Day Trip

This cruise offers excellent value for the price, with delicious food, entertaining onboard performances, and visits to three distinct islands. The large vessel ensures plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenery. While it’s not ideal for those seeking in-depth exploration, it is perfect for short on time travelers who want an authentic taste of the Greek islands.

Many past participants praise the friendly, professional crew and the beautiful vistas. The longer stay on Aegina and the onboard lunch with live music are particular highlights. For a full-day adventure blending sightseeing, culture, and entertainment, this cruise delivers on all counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is available upon request, but it is not included automatically. Additional transfer fees might apply for certain hotels.

What should I bring on the tour?
Travelers are advised to bring sunscreen, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunglasses, and beachwear for the stops.

How long is each stop on the islands?
Hydra is about 90 minutes, Poros 50 minutes, and Aegina around 2 hours.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, the cruise features live Greek music and dance performances during lunch, creating a festive atmosphere.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Are drinks available onboard?
Beverages are available at fully-stocked bars, but additional drinks or snacks are personal expenses.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby