From Athens: All Inclusive Day Cruise to 3 Islands

From Athens: All Inclusive Day Cruise to 3 Islands — A Detailed Review

If you’re visiting Athens and craving a break from the bustling city streets, a day cruise through the Saronic Gulf might just be your perfect escape. This all-inclusive experience offers a leisurely 9-hour journey exploring three charming islands—Aegina, Moni, and Agistri—each with its own unique appeal. From ancient temples to crystal-clear waters and local flavors, there’s plenty to love.

One of the standout features is the luxurious yacht setting, with plenty of water toys, snorkeling gear, and a friendly crew dedicated to making your day memorable. The thoughtfully planned itinerary includes cultural stops, opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, and a traditional Greek meal onboard that packs a lot of flavor and value.

However, keep in mind that this tour involves a fair amount of boat cruising and may not suit those prone to motion sickness or looking for more active land-based adventures. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic day with a mix of culture, nature, and good food all in one package.

If you love discovering islands with authentic charm while enjoying comfort and convenience, this cruise is likely a great fit. Now, let’s break down what you can expect and why it might be worth booking.

Key Points

• Cultural and natural highlights: Visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia, snorkel in crystal waters, and enjoy local markets.
• Luxurious comfort: Cruising on a well-equipped yacht with water toys and a friendly crew.
• Gourmet onboard dining: Full traditional meal paired with Greek wines, prepared fresh by a chef.
• Flexible itinerary: Multiple stops for swimming, exploring, and relaxing, with scenic cruises between islands.
• All-inclusive value: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and water toys included, with optional land activities at your own expense.
• Ideal for relaxed travelers: Perfect for those who prefer a laid-back day soaking up Greece’s natural beauty and history.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on This Day Cruise

This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, leisure, and scenic cruising. It begins with a safety briefing and a short cruise in the Saronic Gulf, giving you your first taste of the sea views and fresh air. The boat itself is comfortable and well-equipped, with plenty of space for sunbathing or enjoying a drink from the onboard bar.

The highlight of the first stop is Aegina, famous for its ancient temple—the Temple of Aphaia—which is considered one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here to explore, whether you opt for a quick sightseeing visit or a relaxing stroll through the vibrant market and harbor area.

Next, the boat cruises to Moni, a lesser-known gem renowned for its beautiful, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Reviewers note that the waters here are “crystal-clear,” ideal for dipping in after a little wildlife spotting—friendly deer and peacocks are often mentioned as part of the lush landscape that surrounds the beach. Many guests mention how peaceful this stop is, perfect for a laid-back swim or relaxing on the sand.

After enjoying brunch and some free time, the boat glides back to the Gulf for roughly 20-minute scenic cruises between each island, giving you plenty of chances to soak in the views. The third stop is Agistri, where you’ll find a quieter, more natural vibe. It’s ideal for paddleboarding, sunbathing, or just unwinding in this serene setting. The island’s relaxed atmosphere is often highlighted as a major plus.

The day ends with an 80-minute cruise back to your starting point, giving you one last chance to unwind and take in the last views of the Saronic Gulf.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start point: Behind the tennis court (remarkably easy to find), with check-in procedures running smoothly based on reviews.
• Safety briefing: Quick but thorough, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before setting sail.
• First cruise segment (1.5 hours): Enjoy coffee, tea, juices, and scenic views as you journey through the Gulf, setting the mood for a relaxing day.
• Agistri Island (1.5 hours): With free time to swim, snorkel, or explore the local food market, this stop is often praised for its tranquility and natural beauty.
• Next cruise segment (20 minutes): Short scenic cruise to the next island, giving you time to enjoy the views.
• Moni Eginas Beach (1.5 hours): Brunch, wildlife viewing, and plenty of opportunities to swim or snorkel. Guests mention the wildlife as a delightful surprise—“seeing the deer and peacocks in their natural habitat was unexpected and charming.”
• Final cruise to Aegina (20 minutes): The last scenic cruise, with panoramic views of the Gulf.
• Aegina (1.5 hours): Explore the island at your own pace, with options to swim, snorkel, or visit the local market, which is often praised for its lively yet authentic vibe.
• Return cruise (80 minutes): Relaxing journey back, perfect for reflecting on the day or enjoying a drink.

Why the Food and Drinks Matter

The onboard gourmet meal is a notable highlight. Prepared by a chef with fresh ingredients, it includes appetizers, salads, and a main course—each paired with local Greek wines or beers. Guests consistently mention how much they appreciated the quality and variety, especially considering the all-inclusive nature. It’s not just a snack; it’s a full meal that adds significant value to the experience.

Drinks are plentiful, with soda, pop, bottled water, and alcohol included. The convenience of having everything taken care of—especially on a day when you’re focused on relaxing and exploring—is a big plus.

The Comfort and Practical Aspects

The yacht is described as luxurious yet welcoming, with water toys like paddleboards and snorkeling gear included in the price. Guests note that the crew is friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe. The tour size is manageable, allowing for a more personalized experience, and with multilingual hosts in English, Greek, Spanish, Italian, and French, language barriers are minimal.

Timing-wise, the tour starts at a flexible time, so it fits easily into most itineraries. Keep in mind, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of boat access and island terrain.

Analyzing the Value

For the price, you’re getting a comprehensive day of island hopping, cultural sights, relaxation, and gourmet dining. The inclusion of all fees, taxes, snorkeling gear, and water toys makes it straightforward and stress-free. Compared to booking separate boat rides, taxis, and meals, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the high-quality meal, scenic cruises, and ease of logistics.

Some reviews mention that the experience is especially good for those looking for a relaxed, scenic day rather than a physically demanding or overly busy adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want to soak up Greece’s islands without the hassle of planning individual logistics or worrying about transportation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of culture, nature, and comfort. It suits those who prefer a relaxed pace, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want to see some of Greece’s best-loved islands without the fuss of independent travel. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a well-organized, all-inclusive experience that hits highlights without rushing.

It’s also a good choice for couples, small groups, or families (excluding very young children or those with mobility issues) eager to explore Greece’s islands from the water in style.

Final Thoughts

This all-inclusive day cruise offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Saronic Gulf’s beauty, combining scenic boat rides, cultural sites, and relaxing beach stops. The inclusion of a delicious, chef-prepared meal, water toys, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters makes it a compelling package for anyone wanting a taste of Greece’s maritime charm without overextending themselves.

While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or who prefer active land-based adventures, it fits perfectly for travelers looking for a leisurely, scenic, and indulgent day. The high ratings, consistent positive reviews, and overall value make it a very attractive option to consider during your Athens stay.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience is about 9 hours long, with a flexible start time depending on availability.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The tour includes stops at Aegina, Moni (or Metopi depending on weather), and Agistri, each offering different scenic and cultural experiences.

Is food included?
Yes, a full, chef-prepared meal with appetizers, salads, and a main course is included, paired with Greek wines and beers.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes soda, juice, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages like local wine and beer.

Can I snorkel or swim?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment and water toys are provided, and the waters at Moni and Agistri are especially praised for their clarity.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While it generally suits most travelers, it’s not recommended for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues due to boat and island terrain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and snacks are recommended for a comfortable day out.

This comprehensive, balanced review should help you decide if this cruise fits your Greek island adventure plans. Whether you’re after cultural sights, relaxing beaches, or good food and company, this tour covers a lot of what makes the Greek islands special.