Athens: VIP Swimming Cruise to three islands

Athens: VIP Swimming Cruise to Three Islands — A Relaxed Day on the Water

If you’re considering a day out on the water while visiting Athens, this VIP swimming cruise promises a laid-back yet indulgent way to explore the region’s stunning coastline and islands. We haven’t personally done it, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and good food.

What really catches our eye are the luxury touches—like the VIP treatment, unlimited drinks, and a scenic sunset to wind down the day. Plus, the stops at three picturesque islands—Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina—offer a lovely variety of beaches and local charm. On the flip side, one common note from some reviews is that the boat’s condition can be hit or miss, which is something to keep in mind if comfort and modern amenities are your priorities.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, social experience on the water, enjoy good food and drinks, and love seeing multiple islands in one day. It’s clearly a popular choice for couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking to enjoy the Athenian Riviera without the hassle of planning individual excursions.

Key Points

• Comfortable luxury: The boat features VIP areas with sun loungers and beanbags, ideal for relaxing.
• All-inclusive drinks and food: Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and a Greek buffet lunch make the day effortless.
• Multiple island stops: Stops at Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina give a taste of local beaches, shops, and scenic views.
• Unforgettable sunsets: The cruise culminates with a sunset over the sea, accompanied by live music from the ship’s DJ.
• Flexible swimming options: Plenty of stops for swimming, exploring, or just relaxing on the beaches.
• Good value for the experience: Many reviews find it a worthwhile expense, especially considering the food, drinks, and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Your Day—Pickups and Departure

The tour kicks off early with pickups from a wide selection of central Athens hotels and locations—over 20 options including the Athens Gate Hotel, Hotel Grande Bretagne, and the Royal Olympic Hotel. This level of convenience is a real plus, eliminating the need for you to navigate Athens traffic or find your way to the dock. Most departures are scheduled around 9:45 am, giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the trip.

The Cruise Itself—Sailing and Sightseeing

The cruise lasts around 9 hours, during which you’ll sail along the stunning Athens Riviera, with frequent stops at three islands. The sightseeing cruise segments are interspersed with opportunities to relax on deck, swim in the clear waters, or explore the islands.

The first stop is Agistri, a charming island with lovely beaches perfect for swimming. Travelers report having about 2 hours here, which provides ample time to snap photos, wander around, or just soak up the sun. One guest mentioned that the water was “crystal clear,” making the swimming stops especially inviting.

Next, you move to Nisis Metopi for a shorter 40-minute visit. This stop is ideal for a quick photo, a bit of exploration, or a swim if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a smaller, less touristy stop, giving you a taste of local scenery away from the crowds.

The third island, Aegina, stands out as a highlight with about 1 hour and 45 minutes for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing on the beach. One review praised the time on Aegina for its “beautiful scenery” and “plenty of time to swim or explore.” It’s a busy island with a charming port and local shops, so it’s a good chance for some light shopping or a casual walk.

Food and Drinks—A Greek Feast on Deck

Included in the ticket is a Greek buffet lunch — a hearty spread that many guests found tasty and satisfying. The menu includes traditional flavors, and you can enjoy unlimited wine, soft drinks, and filtered coffee throughout the day. Multiple reviews mention that the drinks flowed freely, which contributed to a lively, relaxed atmosphere. One guest called it “good value for money,” especially considering the quality and quantity of food and drinks.

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Relaxation and Entertainment

The boat provides plenty of comfortable spots to sunbathe, with loungers and beanbags available for guests to stretch out and enjoy the views. As the day winds down, you’ll watch the sunset over the sea, with a DJ spinning tunes onboard. This is a definite high point for many travelers, who appreciate the combination of scenic beauty and live music.

The Return—A Smooth End to the Day

The cruise schedule is punctual, with most guests returning by around 6:30 pm. The smooth operation and well-timed stops keep the experience feeling relaxed rather than rushed. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention that the boat’s condition can vary. One guest described the vessel as “very old and in poor condition,” with old furniture and less-than-ideal air conditioning, which might affect your comfort if you’re expecting modern amenities.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Scenery and Island Stops

The views along the Athens Riviera are stunning, with the coastline dotted with luxurious villas and lush greenery. The stops at Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina each have their own unique charm, offering a mix of tranquil beaches, local shops, and scenic landscapes. The timing allows enough exploration without feeling hurried, making it perfect for those who want a taste of island life without dedicating multiple days.

The Food and Drinks

Many travelers rave about the Greek buffet lunch and unlimited drinks, which elevate this cruise from just a sightseeing trip to a true celebration floating on the water. The inclusion of wine, beer, and soft drinks means you can relax and socialize without constantly reaching for your wallet.

Sunset and Live Music

Ending the day with a sunset over the Athenian coast, accompanied by music, creates a memorable moment for couples and friends alike. It’s a peaceful, beautiful way to wind down after a day of swimming and exploring.

The Downsides to Consider

While most reviews are positive, a few mention issues worth noting. The condition of the boat varies, with some describing it as outdated or poorly maintained. If comfort and modern facilities are high on your list, this might be a point of hesitation.

Plus, the schedule is quite packed, with several stops and activities packed into 9 hours. If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely pace or detailed exploration of each island, this cruise might feel a bit rushed.

Finally, the experience isn’t suited for wheelchairs, as indicated by the provider, so accessibility could be a concern if you or someone in your group needs assistance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, social day out with the bonus of stunning scenery and tasty food. It’s especially well-suited for couples, friends, or anyone who enjoys good drinks, swimming, and scenic views. If you’re looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with plenty of opportunities to explore island beaches and enjoy sunset vibes, this trip checks those boxes.

On the other hand, if you crave modern comfort, a quiet pace, or detailed cultural tours, you might find this experience a bit too lively or rough around the edges.

FAQs

Is transportation to and from the dock included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from over 20 central Athens hotel and location options, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long do stops last at each island? Expect roughly 2 hours at Agistri, 40 minutes at Nisis Metopi, and about 105 minutes at Aegina, giving you enough time for swimming, shopping, or just relaxing.

What’s the food like? The onboard buffet is Greek-style with traditional flavors, and the drinks are unlimited—think wine, soft drinks, and coffee—making the day more enjoyable.

Is the boat comfortable? This varies. Some reviews mention the boat’s older condition with less modern amenities, so if comfort is a priority, be prepared for a possibly basic setting.

Can I swim at every stop? Yes, swimming is encouraged at each island, with plenty of time to cool off in the clear waters.

Is this experience suitable for children or families? The tour doesn’t specify suitability for children or families, and the boat’s condition might not be ideal for young kids needing extra comfort or accessibility.

How punctual is the schedule? Most guests find the schedule well-managed, with the return around 6:30 pm, making it easy to plan your evening in Athens.

To sum it up, this VIP swimming cruise offers a relaxing way to explore some of the most scenic parts of the Athens Riviera in style. The combination of stunning scenery, refreshing swimming stops, delicious Greek food, and sunset vibes makes it a popular choice for those wanting a fun, leisurely day on the water. While it might not be ideal if you’re after ultra-modern comfort or a slow-paced cultural experience, it hits the sweet spot for many travelers seeking a lively, scenic, and tasty escape. If you enjoy social outings, good drinks, and beautiful views, this trip could very well be the highlight of your Athens stay.

You can check availability for your dates here: