From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

Key Points

• Full-day cruise from Athens lasting approximately 12 hours with visits to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina
• Prices start at $151 per person, including lunch and sightseeing
• Free time on each island allows for independent exploration or guided tours
• Open deck views offer great perspectives of the Greek coastline and islands
• Optional hotel transfers make travel convenient, but are not included in all packages
• The tour has an excellent overall rating of 4/5 based on 3,234 reviews

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Organized Full-Day Excursion to the Saronic Islands

This full-day cruise departs from Marina Kalithea port in Athens and lasts approximately 12 hours. The tour begins with a morning bus transfer (if the transfer option is selected) from central Athens or nearby hotels, making the start smooth and hassle-free. The cost is $151 per person, which includes sightseeing on the islands, a buffet lunch, and multilingual escorts.

The cruise takes you over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea aboard a comfortable ship with spacious open decks. From here, travelers enjoy scenic views of the Greek coast while sailing between islands. The onboard buffet lunch features chicken, fish, pasta, salad, and other satisfying options, providing a good complement to the sightseeing.

Exploring Hydra: The Island of Dramatic Landscapes and Narrow Streets

The first island stop is Hydra, the largest of the three islands on this tour. You’ll have about 105 minutes on Hydra, giving ample time to walk the narrow, stone-paved streets, or browse small shops along the seaside promenade. The port area is famous for its dramatic landscapes and a cove that once sheltered pirates.

Travelers can choose to explore on foot or ride a traditional donkey, which is a popular local mode of transport. The island’s old-world charm makes it ideal for self-guided strolls and photo opportunities. The views entering Hydra’s port are particularly stunning, and the laid-back vibe makes it a favorite stop.

Poros: The Smallest and Most Picturesque Stop

Following Hydra, the cruise heads to Poros, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait. Here, you are given about one hour for free exploration, shopping, or sightseeing. Poros’s seaside town is charming and perfect for a leisurely walk or a quick browse through local shops.

This island provides a peaceful and scenic setting with beautiful views of the surrounding water. The short stop means you can enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed, and it’s an excellent chance to capture photos or grab a snack.

Lunch and Scenic Cruising to Aegina

After Poros, the boat continues sailing towards Aegina, with an approximate 45-minute onboard buffet lunch. The lunch service features various hearty dishes, with some reviewers noting it’s satisfying for a day trip but not gourmet. Drinks are available for purchase onboard, but not included in the package.

The cruise then approaches Aegina, the largest of the three islands, famous for its harbor and scenic beauty. You’ll have about 2 hours to explore freely or join an optional tour to the Temple of Aphaia (extra cost). This photo stop offers a chance to admire historic ruins and stunning coastlines.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Aegina’s Unique Character

On Aegina, travelers find a harbor bustling with boats, small shops, and stunning seaside views. The optional Temple of Aphaia is an attraction that some may choose to visit, adding a cultural highlight to the day. Those who prefer independent exploration can walk along the coast, visit local cafes, or browse the island’s small shops.

The two-hour visit offers a balance between sightseeing and leisure, with enough time to enjoy the scenic surroundings or sample local pistachios, which are a regional specialty.

Returning to Athens with a Comfortable Cruise

The final cruise leg lasts about 80 minutes back to the port in Athens. The ship’s comfortable seating and open decks make for a relaxing ride, and the views of the coastline during the sail provide a fitting end to the day.

Disembarkation is followed by the option for drop-off at select hotels or port pickup points, streamlining the journey back to the city. The whole experience is designed to be well-paced, with enough time on each island and onboard to enjoy the scenery, food, and company.

Logistics and Optional Transfers

This tour offers optional hotel transfers from select accommodations to the port, which many find convenient. The start is at Marina Kalithea port, with multiple drop-off locations throughout Athens, including major hotels and landmarks.

The meeting point is well-organized, and the pickup service helps to reduce the stress of navigating to the port. However, even without transfers, the public transport or taxis can easily reach the departure point.

Quality and Comfort: Seating, Food, and Crew

Based on reviews, the cruise ship is clean and spacious, with plenty of room to sit or walk around. For those who upgrade to VIP packages, the additional comfort and amenities such as private booths, unlimited drinks, and better food are highly praised.

The onboard staff and guides are recognized for friendly, helpful, and professional service. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and entertaining crew, making the journey engaging and smooth.

The Optional VIP Upgrade and Its Benefits

Many travelers opt for the VIP upgrade, which offers more space, exclusive amenities, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. The VIP lounge is praised for being quiet and comfortable, especially during the crowded parts of the cruise.

The extra cost is justified by better seating, relaxed atmosphere, and additional services. Some reviews mention that the VIP package enhances the overall experience, making the long day more comfortable, especially if you prefer less crowded spaces.

Suitability for Different Travelers

This tour is ideal for those looking to explore multiple Greek islands in a single day without the hassle of separate trips. It suits independent explorers who enjoy free time to roam, as well as those who appreciate scenic cruising and onboard amenities.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of island exploration and vessel access. The timing is tight, so travelers who prefer more relaxed visits might find the short stops limiting.

Final Thoughts on the Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise

This 12-hour cruise from Athens offers a comprehensive taste of the Saronic Islands, with easy logistics, scenic views, and a hearty buffet lunch. The organized itinerary and friendly staff earn it a solid 4/5 rating, making it a dependable choice for travelers eager to see these Greek highlights.

The option to upgrade to VIP helps create a more comfortable experience, especially for those who prefer quiet spaces and extra amenities. While the short island stops mean you won’t explore deeply, the balance of cruising and sightseeing makes this tour a practical and enjoyable day trip.

This tour suits first-time visitors or those with limited time in Greece who want a well-organized, scenic, and fun way to discover Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are available if the optional transfer package is selected. The tour departs from Marina Kalithea port otherwise.

What is included in the lunch?
The onboard buffet lunch features chicken, fish, pasta, and salad. Drinks are available for purchase, not included.

How much time do I get on each island?
You receive about 105 minutes on Hydra, one hour on Poros, and two hours on Aegina, including free exploration and optional tours.

Can I visit the Temple of Aphaia?
Yes, this is an optional tour available at an additional cost during your time on Aegina.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour’s long duration and walking may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. It is best suited for active travelers who enjoy scenic cruising and island exploration.

How do I book the tour?
Booking can be done online through providers like GetYourGuide, with options for paying later and full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

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