Hydra, Poros and Egina Day Cruise from Athens with Optional VIP Upgrade

If you’re dreaming of a day spent sailing along the Aegean, this Hydra, Poros, and Egina cruise from Athens might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of who it suits—and who might want to think twice.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to visit three different islands in one day—a real time-saver and a great way to get a taste of Greek island life without multiple trips. Second, the delicious onboard Greek lunch and the lively folklore show add a fun, cultural touch that makes the day more than just sightseeing.

One potential drawback? The short stops—each island gets just enough time for a quick explore, but not enough for a deep dive. If you’re someone who loves wandering around for hours or digging into history, this might feel a bit rushed.

This cruise is likely best suited for travelers who want a quick, relaxing escape from Athens, enjoy scenic boat rides, and love the idea of visiting several islands without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s a solid choice for those looking to tick off a few islands in one go, especially if you appreciate comfort and a touch of luxury.

Key Points

• Multiple islands in one day give a great snapshot of the Saronic Gulf’s charms
• VIP upgrade offers extra comfort, exclusive lounge access, and priority check-in
• Limited time on each island means you’ll get just a taste, not an in-depth exploration
• Onboard meals and entertainment are included, adding value to your day
• Tour reviews highlight friendly staff and good organization but mention overcrowding at times
• Short disembarkation and boarding times can make the experience seem rushed or chaotic
• Suitable for travelers seeking an easy, guided day trip with scenic views and minimal planning

What to Expect from the Tour

This day cruise is designed for those who want to see some of Greece’s most iconic islands without the stress of independent travel. The journey begins early—around 7:30am—when you’ll be picked up from your Athens hotel or meet at a central point, depending on your booking. The journey to Piraeus port is straightforward, with air-conditioned buses that keep you comfortable, especially on hot days.

Once aboard the boat, you’ll cruise across the shimmering waters of the Saronic Gulf, heading first to Poros. This island is famous for its waterfront tavernas, citrus groves, and charming streets. You’ll have about an hour here, which many reviews say is enough to explore briefly or grab a drink and a souvenir. If you prefer, you could visit the nearby Trinzia dockyard or the Lemon Forest—a lovely spot filled with the scent of citrus and picturesque views.

Next up is Hydra, with a stop of about an hour. Here, you’ll get a chance to stroll through the colorful capital, admire the traditional architecture, and soak in the relaxed vibe. Some reviews mention that the disembarkation can be chaotic, especially on crowded days, but the small alleyways and cafes make for a memorable visit.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Egina, which offers the most time—around two hours—to explore. The highlight here is the optional guided trip to the Temple of Aphaia, known for its well-preserved structure and impressive views. This optional excursion is at your own expense but is highly recommended if you want to add a touch of ancient history to your trip. Otherwise, you can enjoy the harborfront, wander the shops, or relax at a cafe.

Lunchtime is included on the boat, with a buffet-style Greek meal served during the cruise—many reviewers appreciated both the quality and the variety. During the return journey, you’ll enjoy a Greek folklore show with music and dancing, which adds a lively and authentic touch to the day.

The VIP Experience: Is It Worth It?

For those who want to add extra comfort and exclusivity, the VIP upgrade is a solid choice. It includes shared hotel pickup and a private check-in, which means less waiting and more time enjoying the cruise. Once on board, you’ll have access to the VIP lounge—where you can enjoy unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and a welcome drink.

The VIP area offers Wi-Fi, a luxury goods store, and a spacious sun deck or open space—perfect for relaxing in comfort or catching some sun. You’ll also enjoy a buffet lunch with finger foods, making for a more leisurely and upscale experience.

Based on reviews, the VIP upgrade seems to be appreciated for the extra space and amenities, especially on hot days when crowds and limited seating could otherwise be a challenge. However, some reviewers pointed out that the A/C in the VIP lounge was reported broken during one trip, which made it uncomfortable and less appealing.

The Sailing and Group Dynamics

The boat itself is described as being large—over 600 capacity—so it can get crowded, especially during peak season. While some travelers found it chaotic, others praised the helpful and friendly staff, who try to make the experience enjoyable despite the crowd. Disembarkation and boarding can sometimes be slow, with reviews noting that the process is not always smooth, especially at the ports with a single exit point.

The trip lasts about 11 hours, so be prepared for a long day. If you’re not a fan of boat travel, or you prefer to explore islands at your own pace, this might not be your best option. But for those who want a guided, scenic, and relaxing cruise with minimal hassle, this tour fits the bill.

The Food, Entertainment, and Extras

The onboard lunch is often praised as tasty, with many reviewers describing it as a good quality buffet of Greek fare. The folklore show, with traditional music and dance, adds a fun and lively element to the journey—some even say it’s a highlight.

For the VIP upgrade, you get unlimited beverages (non-alcoholic), finger foods, and access to the lounge, which is especially welcome on hot days. The exclusive lounge allows you to relax away from the crowds, and the panoramic sun deck is perfect if the weather cooperates.

The Cost and Value

At around $161.64 per person, this tour offers a lot of value for those who want a comprehensive day of island hopping with guided commentary, meals, and entertainment included. The VIP option costs extra but enhances comfort and convenience, especially if you dislike crowded spaces or want a more luxurious experience.

Reviews mention that the tour is well-organized and worth it for the hassle-free experience—especially if you’re short on time but want to see multiple islands. However, some travelers felt the stops, especially at Poros and Hydra, are too brief, which is a common challenge of day tours like this.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a scenic, guided day trip with a taste of Greek island life. It suits those who don’t mind short visits and are looking for a comfortable, all-in-one experience. If you love good food, live entertainment, and the chance to relax on a boat, you’ll enjoy this trip.

However, if your priority is to deeply explore each island or spend lots of time at every stop, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s also worth noting that during off-peak seasons, some shops or spots might be closed, which could impact your experience.

FAQ

• Is hotel pickup included? Yes, if you select the VIP upgrade, which includes shared transfer from your hotel or central meeting point. The standard cruise includes pickup, but check your booking details.
• How long is the cruise? The total duration is about 11 hours, including travel, stops, meals, and entertainment.
• Can I explore each island independently? Yes, each stop offers free time for you to walk around, shop, or relax. But keep in mind that the time on each island is limited, often under two hours.
• Is there an option to upgrade to VIP? Yes, the VIP upgrade offers access to an exclusive lounge, priority check-in, a welcome drink, unlimited drinks, and a more spacious environment.
• What is included in the onboard lunch? A Greek buffet with a variety of dishes, praised for its quality and flavor.
• Are there guided tours on the islands? Only on Egina’s Temple of Aphaia (at your own expense). The rest of the time is free for personal exploration.
• What about the folklore show? It’s included and offers a lively display of traditional Greek music and dance during the return journey.

Final Thoughts

This Hydra, Poros, and Egina day cruise offers a practical way to tick off three iconic Greek islands in one day, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided comfort. The combination of scenic boat rides, tasty food, and lively entertainment makes for a memorable experience, even if the stops are brief.

The VIP upgrade is worth considering if you favor comfort, more space, and less crowding, particularly during hot days or peak seasons. While some reviews mention the chaos during boarding and disembarkation, most agree that the overall organization is good, and the staff is friendly.

If you’re happy with a quick taste of island life—enough to inspire future visits—this cruise could be a great choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed boat trips, good food, and a lively atmosphere. But if you seek a more relaxed, in-depth exploration or are traveling with kids, you might want to explore other options or extend your stay on each island.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Greece traveler, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized day that leaves you with plenty of beautiful memories—and a good reason to come back.