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

Exploring Greece’s Saronic Islands—Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—by boat from Athens offers a refreshing mix of scenic sailing, charming villages, and cultural sights. This full-day cruise, typically lasting about 12 hours, includes free time on each island so you can wander, shop, or relax at your own pace. Starting at Marina Kalithea port, the trip costs around $151 per person and is suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, authentic local flavor, and a touch of leisure.

Two features we particularly love are the spacious open decks for enjoying the sea breeze and delicious buffet lunch onboard, which offers a satisfying selection of chicken, fish, pasta, and salad. The option to upgrade to include hotel transfers makes the day even more hassle-free, especially if you’re staying outside central Athens. The only consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of travel and free time is limited, so it’s best for active, curious explorers who want to see multiple islands in one day.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a balanced experience—not too crowded, with knowledgeable guides and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Greece’s famous islands without the hassle of planning. However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed, longer stay on each island or have mobility concerns, you might prefer a more tailored or private experience.

This experience made our article of Athens’s 12 Best Boat Tours & Cruises.

Key Points

• Visit three distinctive islands—Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—in one day, making the most of your time in Greece.
• Flexible free time allows for exploring towns, shopping, or just soaking in the views.
• Comfortable cruise experience with open decks and onboard amenities, including a buffet lunch.
• Optional upgrades include hotel transfers and VIP areas for more comfort.
• Authentic encounters—walk the narrow streets of Hydra, see the pirate shelter cove, and taste local pistachios in Aegina.
• Efficient itinerary with well-organized stops, though some time in each location is limited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Balanced Look at the Experience

A day cruise from Athens to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina offers a great way to tick off multiple Greek islands without the hassle of separate ferries or multiple bookings. For around $151, you get a full 12-hour adventure that combines scenic sailing, island exploration, and a tasty onboard meal. From the moment you set out, the focus is on enjoying the boat ride and making the most of your time on each island.

The cruise ship itself is praised for being clean and spacious, with many reviewers highlighting how easy it is to find a spot on the open deck to enjoy the sun and sea views. The multilingual escorts and audio guides in multiple languages help you understand what you’re seeing, making it more than just a boat ride.

The itinerary is thoughtfully structured—Poros is the smallest and offers about an hour for wandering, shopping, and snapping photos. Hydra, famous for its pirate history and charming stone streets, gets a slightly longer stop, usually around 105 minutes, giving you time to explore on foot, or even by donkey for a fun, traditional ride. Aegina is the largest of the three, with about two hours to explore, and for those interested, an optional tour to the Temple of Aphaia is available for an extra fee.

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that the limited time on each island can leave you wishing for more, especially if you’re a slow walker or want to immerse yourself fully. Also, the lunch, a buffet that includes various Italian and Greek-inspired dishes, receives mixed reviews—many find it satisfying, but not exceptional. Drinks are extra, so budget accordingly.

Overall, you’ll love the stunning views, the friendly guides, and the easy organization. The VIP upgrade, which many reviewers recommend, provides more comfort and quiet spaces—a worthwhile splurge if you prefer a calmer experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Transfers

Most tours begin at Marina Kalithea port, with optional pickup at select hotels. This setup keeps things simple and ensures a smooth start. The bus transfer is appreciated by many, especially those staying outside the city center, as it takes the stress out of navigating Athens.

The Sailing Experience

Once aboard, you’ll immediately notice the spacious decks, which are perfect for catching the breeze and snapping photos of the coastline. Many reviews mention how not crowded the boat is, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere where you can sit back, sip water or included drinks, and enjoy the panoramic views.

More Great Tours Nearby

Poros

Your first stop, Poros, is a tiny island that’s perfect for a quick stroll. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait, giving it a maritime feel. You’ll likely have about an hour here, enough to explore the narrow, stone-paved streets or buy local souvenirs. As one reviewer put it, “Poros didn’t seem to offer much, but it’s a beautiful sight.” It’s great for a short walk and some photos.

Hydra

Next, the boat pulls into Hydra’s port—famous for its pirate history and car-free streets. Many travelers say the 1 hour 45-minute stop here is just enough to walk the seaside promenade and browse small shops, or take a traditional donkey ride up the hill. The views from the port are stunning, and the narrow alleys are charming. A few mention that more time would be appreciated, but the schedule is tight.

Aegina

The largest of the three islands, Aegina gets about two hours, giving you a chance to explore independently or visit the Temple of Aphaia if you choose. Many reviews rave about the pistachios—the island’s famous snack—and some mention browsing the local markets. A photo stop allows for capturing the harbor and old town scenery.

Final Sail and Return

After Aegina, the boat heads back to Athens, with a 45-minute onboard lunch. Many reviewers enjoy the buffet—especially the chicken, fish, pasta, and salads—noting it’s decent for a day at sea. The entertainment onboard, including Greek dances, keeps spirits high during the return journey.

Disembarkation and Optional Transfers

Most tours conclude at the original port, with some offering hotel pickup, which simplifies the logistics. The return usually is smooth, with many travelers saying they felt they got a good value for their time and money.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

What makes this tour stand out are the authentic touches—like the chance to explore Hydra’s pirate shelter cove or sample pistachios in Aegina. Multiple reviews mention how friendly and knowledgeable the crew and guides are, making the day not just sightseeing, but a genuine cultural experience.

You’ll love the views of the Greek coast from the open deck, especially as the boat glides past cliffs, small coves, and traditional villages. The scenic sailing offers a different perspective than just visiting by land, emphasizing Greece’s natural beauty.

Practical Considerations

While the experience offers excellent value, keep in mind it’s a long day—about 12 hours from start to finish. The limited time in each stop can feel rushed, especially if you want to linger longer or explore more deeply. The buffet lunch, while satisfying, isn’t gourmet, but it’s plenty for the day. Drinks are extra, so budget for that if you want wine or soft drinks during the cruise.

The upgraded VIP area is highly praised, providing a more relaxed environment and quiet spaces away from the crowds. Many reviewers recommend this option, especially if you value comfort or are traveling with someone who appreciates a bit of luxury.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for independent travelers who want to see multiple islands efficiently and enjoy scenic sailing. It suits those who appreciate authentic village atmospheres and are comfortable with limited free time on each island. If you’re after a well-organized day trip with good food, friendly guides, and stunning views, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if your priority is more time on the islands, or if mobility issues are a concern, you might prefer a more tailored or private experience. Still, for most visitors wanting a taste of Greece’s islands combined with ease and comfort, this tour offers a solid balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the optional transfer, pickup and drop-off at designated hotels and port points are included, making the whole experience more seamless.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts around 12 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening—ideal for a full-day adventure.

How much free time do I have on each island?
You’ll typically get about 1 to 2 hours on each island, enough for a quick walk, shopping, or photos, but not for a deep exploration.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is served onboard, offering chicken, fish, pasta, and salads. Drinks are extra.

Can I buy tours or excursions on the islands?
Yes, especially on Aegina, where optional tours like visiting the Temple of Aphaia are available for an additional fee.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most reviews highlight the comfort and organized nature, making it suitable for families, though the long day might be tiring for very young children.

Are there any restrictions for mobility?
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as some walking or steps might be involved on the islands.

In essence, this cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to see some of Greece’s most iconic islands in one day. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of scenic sailing, authentic island villages, and a straightforward, organized trip—plus, the chance to taste local flavors and capture unforgettable views. While not a private or ultra-luxury experience, it provides solid value and plenty of memorable moments for most travelers eager to soak up Greece’s island charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: