Athens: Saronic Islands Day Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Greek island rhythms, turquoise water swims, pistachios and laughter

You’ll leave Athens behind for a relaxed day cruise to Agistri, Moni and Aegina islands — swimming in clear water, jumping off the boat (if you dare), tasting homemade Greek dishes and fresh pistachios at market stalls. With pickup included and a local crew looking after you, this is one of those days that feels both easy and memorable.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a tiny cup of coffee as we climbed aboard in Athens — I think it was Maria from the crew, though I never did ask her name. The boat smelled faintly of varnish and oranges (they had cakes out too), and honestly, I felt like a kid sneaking off on an adventure. We drifted away from the city just after 9am. The coastline faded behind us while the Saronic Gulf opened up — blue on blue, with that salty air you only get at sea. Breakfast was simple but good, and by the time we reached Agistri I’d already lost track of time.

Agistri is small enough that you can walk almost everywhere. Some people rented bikes; I wandered past souvenir shops where an old man tried to sell me a seashell ashtray (I didn’t buy it but he winked anyway). The water really is clear here — not exaggerating — and cold enough to wake you up fast when you jump in. Our guide, Yiannis, pointed out which beach had the softest sand. He also told us about the pine forests inland but I got distracted watching some local kids chase each other along the shore.

Back on board, we stopped near Moni Island. Nobody gets off here; instead everyone lines up at the railings and starts daring each other to jump in first. I hesitated (it looked higher than it felt), but eventually took the plunge — salt stung my nose and someone cheered from above. Lunch was laid out buffet-style: grilled veggies, feta swimming in olive oil, bread that tasted better than any supermarket loaf back home. I still think about those tomatoes sometimes.

Aegina was our last stop — pistachio everything: ice cream, brittle, even some kind of pistachio liqueur that burned going down. There’s an old temple here too; Yiannis told us about its history while stray cats wove around our ankles hoping for scraps. By late afternoon we were all sun-tired and quiet as the boat turned back toward Athens. The sky was pink by then and someone started humming a song I didn’t know.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day cruise to Saronic Islands

• Board traditional wooden ship at 8:45 am
• Enjoy breakfast and drinks on board
• Arrive at Agistri Island
• Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters
• Explore Agistri beaches and local shops
• Return to ship and sail to Moni Island
• Swim and snorkel near Moni Island
• Enjoy Mediterranean buffet on board
• Sail to Aegina Island
• Visit local market and try pistachio treats
• Explore Archaeological Museum and Apollon Temple
• Stroll town and swim at the beach
• Board ship and sail back to Athens

Top questions

How long is the Athens Saronic Islands day cruise?

The cruise lasts all day, starting around 8:45 am from Athens and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on the cruise?

Yes, a Mediterranean Greek lunch buffet is included onboard with options for dietary preferences if requested.

Can you swim or snorkel during this day trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling; equipment like life jackets and pool noodles are provided.

Are drinks included on this cruise?

Unlimited soft drinks, beers, wine plus coffee and juice are included throughout the day.

Does this cruise include hotel pickup in Athens?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if selected during booking for accommodations in Athens.

Which islands do you visit on this tour?

The main stops are Agistri Island, Moni (or Metopi if weather changes), and Aegina Island.

What can you do on Aegina during the cruise?

You can visit local markets for pistachio treats, see ancient sites like Apollon Temple or relax at the beach.

What happens if weather is bad on cruise day?

If adverse weather cancels your trip, you can reschedule or get a full refund; sometimes routes may change for safety.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if selected when booking, welcome snacks with coffee or juice as you board in Athens, unlimited drinks (soft drinks plus beer and wine), use of snorkeling gear and floaties for swimming stops at Agistri or Moni/Metopi islands, a Mediterranean lunch buffet prepared by the crew with fresh fruit afterwards, time to explore local markets at Aegina before sailing back to Athens in the evening.