Athens Islands Cruise: Agistri, Moni Swim & Aegina Lunch

Summary

Island hopping from Athens with swimming, local lunch and pistachios

You’ll step aboard in Athens and sail across blue waters with coffee in hand, stopping at Agistri for a stroll or swim before anchoring off Moni for snorkeling and a homemade Greek lunch with wine. Finish your day wandering Aegina’s pistachio-scented streets before heading back as sunset colors hit the sea — it’s relaxed island life without leaving Athens behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell of coffee mixing with sea air as we stepped onto the yacht at Marina Zeas — not fancy, just comforting. The crew handed out little cakes and croissants while some folks tried to find their sea legs (I wobbled a bit). Our guide, Yannis, grinned and told us to relax — “it’s a slow day,” he said. The city faded behind us so quickly it almost felt like cheating, swapping traffic for blue water in minutes.

Agistri came up out of nowhere — green hills and white houses. We had about an hour there; I tried renting a bike but chickened out after seeing the steep bit by the port. Ended up walking instead, which meant more time to watch old men playing backgammon under bougainvillea. There was this gentle hum of cicadas and the salty sting on my skin when I dipped my feet in the water. It’s hard not to feel far away from Athens here, even though it’s really just a day trip from the city.

Moni Island was next — nobody lives there except some wild peacocks (which is apparently true; Yannis pointed one out strutting near the pines). The water was cold but so clear you could see every ripple of sand below. Lunch happened right after swimming: big bowls of Greek salad, something with eggplant that I still think about, lots of wine poured by Sofia who kept laughing at our attempts to say “efharisto.” It wasn’t fancy but tasted like someone’s home kitchen.

Aegina was our last stop. Pistachios everywhere — in ice cream, pastries, even in little bags handed out by smiling women at market stalls. I wandered through narrow streets until I lost track of time (almost missed the boat back; Yannis found me buying yet another bag of nuts). On the way back to Athens the sun dropped low over the Saronic Gulf and people got quiet for a while — maybe just tired or maybe not wanting it to end yet. Anyway, I’d do this cruise again just for that feeling right before we docked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and island exploration

• Board yacht at Marina Zeas
• Enjoy welcome coffee and breakfast
• Sail to Agistri island
• Explore Agistri beaches and nature
• Anchor near Moni island
• Swim and snorkel at Moni
• Have Greek buffet lunch with drinks
• Sail to Aegina island
• Explore Aegina town and sights
• Return to Marina Zeas

Top questions

How long is the Athens islands cruise?

The cruise lasts about 9 hours, departing around 9:00am and returning by 18:45pm.

Are meals and drinks included on this tour?

Yes, breakfast snacks plus a full Greek buffet lunch with local wine and beer are included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is available if you select that option during booking.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The tour visits Agistri, Moni or Metopi (for swimming), and Aegina.

Can vegetarians eat on this cruise?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at lunch; inform them ahead if you have dietary needs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for guests during the swim stop at Moni or Metopi.

How much free time do we get on each island?

You have about an hour on Agistri and free time to explore Aegina town as well.

What should I bring for this Athens day trip?

Bring your hat, towel, swimwear, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking or swimming.

What’s included

Your day includes morning coffee or tea with sweet bites onboard after departure from Marina Zeas in Piraeus. You’ll enjoy all fees covered plus unlimited local wine and beer during a buffet-style Greek lunch served after swimming at Moni or Metopi. Snorkeling gear is provided for your use. If selected during booking, hotel pickup and drop-off are included too—so you can just show up ready for island time.