Athens: 3 Island Cruise Agistri, Moni & Aegina with Lunch

Summary

Swim eat and island hop from Athens to Agistri Moni Aegina

You’ll sail from Athens across bright blue waters to Agistri for swimming or cycling, then relax at Moni with time to snorkel and enjoy a Greek buffet lunch onboard. Explore Aegina’s pistachio markets and ancient ruins before cruising back as the sun dips lower—expect laughter, new friends, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s your coffee — careful, it’s strong!” said Maria as she handed me a tiny cup right after we stepped onto the wooden boat at Marina Zea. I’d barely finished my pastry when our guide waved us over for a quick safety chat (I half-listened, distracted by the sunlight bouncing off the water and the sound of someone tuning a guitar nearby). There was this low hum of excitement as we pulled away from Piraeus — people chatting in different languages, someone already ordering their first beer even though it wasn’t even 10am yet. The Saronic Gulf looked impossibly blue. I kept thinking: am I really just an hour from Athens?

The first stop was Agistri. We had about 90 minutes there — enough time for a swim that left salt on my skin and sand in my shoes. Some folks went off on bikes (I chickened out; those hills looked serious), but I wandered into Skala village instead. The pine trees smelled sharp in the heat, and an old man nodded at me from his café table like he’d seen it all before. Back on board, the crew passed around chilled white wine and plates piled with olives and feta — honestly, I probably ate too much before lunch. The sail to Moni felt slow in the best way; music playing softly, sun warming my arms, everyone kind of lulled into this lazy happiness.

Moni itself? No houses — just wild green slopes and those crazy-clear waters. I jumped in (colder than expected) and floated for ages watching tiny silver fish dart around my toes. Lunch was served right there: big bowls of Greek salad, something herby with chickpeas, bread still warm somehow. There was a moment where everyone went quiet except for forks clinking and waves slapping against the hull — I still think about that silence sometimes.

Aegina was our last island stop. Pistachio stalls everywhere, plus ruins poking up behind palm trees near the port. Our guide told stories about ancient temples while pointing them out with her sunglasses (“That’s Kolona—no, not corona!”). Some people grabbed ice cream; I bought pistachios for my dad but ended up eating half the bag before we got back to Athens. The ride home felt slower but in a good way — people stretched out on deck or swapped photos and sunburn tips. It wasn’t perfect (my hair was a salty mess), but I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day cruise to three islands

• Pickup from Athens city center
• Drive to Marina Zea in Piraeus
• Board traditional wooden boat
• Welcome drinks and safety briefing
• Sail to Agistri island
• Explore Agistri or join bike tour
• Sail to Moni islet
• Swim and enjoy onboard buffet lunch
• Sail to Aegina island
• Explore Aegina town and landmarks
• Return cruise to Athens
• Arrive back at Marina Zea

Top questions

How long is the day trip cruise from Athens?

The cruise lasts all day with pickup in central Athens early morning and return by evening.

Are meals and drinks included on this Saronic Gulf cruise?

Yes, you get welcome pastries and coffee plus an onboard Greek buffet lunch with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Can you swim during this Athens three island cruise?

Yes—there are swimming stops at Agistri and Moni (or Metopi), with snorkeling gear provided.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included if you select that option during booking; otherwise meet at Marina Zea in Piraeus.

How much free time do you get on each island?

You have about 1.5 hours each on Agistri and Aegina to explore or relax as you like.

What can you do on Aegina during the cruise?

You can visit pistachio markets, see ancient ruins like Kolona or arrange a taxi to Temple of Aphaia or Agios Nektarios monastery.

Is this cruise suitable for families or solo travelers?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels including families; solo travelers often join too.

Are vegetarian or vegan meal options available?

The buffet includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes—just let them know your needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel pickup from central Athens or meeting at Marina Zea port in Piraeus; welcome drinks with pastries; all-day sailing aboard a traditional wooden boat with Wi-Fi; swimming stops at Agistri and Moni (or Metopi) where snorkeling gear is provided; unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks; freshly prepared Greek buffet lunch catering to dietary needs; plus free time to explore both Agistri village life and Aegina’s markets or archaeological sites before returning in the evening.