From Athens: Day Cruise of the Saronic Islands

A Practical Look at the Athens Saronic Islands Day Cruise

If you’re passing through Athens and looking to escape the city’s buzz for a day, this Day Cruise of the Saronic Islands might be just what you need. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it offers a quick, scenic glimpse of three beautiful islands—Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—and a chance to relax by the water. Whether you’re keen on seeing historic sites or just want some beach time, this tour hits a lot of the right notes.

What we appreciate most about this experience is how it combines convenience with picturesque scenery. The hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to start your day without extra planning, and the boat rides promise lovely views across the Saronic Gulf. Plus, the inclusion of lunch onboard ensures you’re fed without having to hunt for food on busy islands. However, a possible drawback is the short time on each island—you’ll only get a taste of what makes each one special, which can feel rushed if you’re a slow explorer.

This cruise will suit travelers who value an efficient overview of the islands and enjoy a laid-back boat ride with some sightseeing. If you’re short on time or prefer a structured, guided experience rather than wandering solo, it’s a solid choice. But if your aim is to deeply explore one island or spend hours soaking up local culture, you might find this tour a little light.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy.
• Short stops on each island—about an hour or so—good for a quick visit.
• Lunch is included, but drinks cost extra—plan accordingly.
• Visit three islands—Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—for diverse scenery.
• Optional tours available on some islands, especially Aegina, for extra exploring.
• Boat and timing are well-organized, but the vessel can feel a bit dated.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early, with a coach transfer from your Athens hotel to the port. At roughly 8:15 am, you’ll set sail, leaving the city’s hustle behind. The first stop is Hydra, known for its timeless charm. You’ll get about an hour here, which is enough for a quick walk through the cobblestone streets, checking out the harbor, or grabbing a coffee. As one traveler noted, “This was a long, but nice day,” highlighting how the day feels packed but enjoyable.

Next, the cruise heads to Poros, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait. Here, you’ll be given about 20-30 minutes on the island, which might seem brief but is enough to enjoy the lush greenery, pine forests, and lemon groves. Many reviews mention the stunning views during the cruise, with Rihards stating, “Was really great cruise for the price you pay,” emphasizing the value of the scenic ride.

The final stop is Aegina, famous for its pistachio groves, beaches, and historic sites. You’ll have around 1.5 hours here, during which you can choose to take an optional bus trip to the Temple of Aphaea or indulge in swimming from the beaches. Some reviews, like John’s, mention that the organized tours on the islands — especially Aegina’s— are useful if you want to see the ruins or visit local churches, as they’re a bit far to reach on foot. Others suggest skipping some tours if you’re happy just relaxing at the port.

Once your time on Aegina winds down, you’ll reboard the boat and start the return journey, aiming to get back to Athens late afternoon, around 8:30 pm. From there, a coach will transfer you back to your hotel, wrapping up a full day of sightseeing and relaxing.

Scenery and Experience

The views during the cruise are definitely a highlight. The boat ride offers great photo opportunities of the coastline and the islands’ harbors. Many travelers appreciate how the trip is a good balance of sailing and stopovers, giving you just enough time to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

The islands themselves are beautiful—Hydra’s untouched vibe, Poros’s lush greenery, and Aegina’s beaches and ancient ruins—each offers something different. As Hristiana observed, “I liked everything—the cruise, the islands, the views,” indicating how the scenery really leaves an impression.

The onboard lunch gets decent reviews. It’s a buffet, with simple but tasty options, though drinks will cost extra. Some reviews mention the ship can feel a little dated and warm, especially during the summer, so packing water or a fan might make your ride more comfortable.

Practical Considerations

The cost of $175 per person is fair considering the inclusions—hotel pickup, boat rides, and lunch. But remember that extra food and beverages aren’t included, so if you want water or alcohol, be prepared for additional costs.

Timing is tight: about an hour on Hydra and Poros and 1.5 hours on Aegina. If you’re someone who likes to explore thoroughly, this could feel rushed. Some travelers have mentioned they’d prefer longer on each island or skipping organized tours, especially if they’re comfortable walking around.

The boat itself is described as somewhat dated, which might impact comfort on a hot day. However, the views and overall organization seem to compensate for this, making it a practical choice for most travelers.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is well-suited for those with limited time in Athens who want a quick taste of island life without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s perfect if you’re interested in picturesque scenery, some historic sites, and a relaxed boat ride. The included hotel transfers and structured schedule make it a hassle-free option, especially for first-timers.

If you’re traveling with a group or prefer guided experiences, the optional tours at Aegina might be appealing. But if you’re a slow explorer or want to spend hours on one island, you might find the stops too brief.

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The Sum Up

All in all, this Day Cruise of the Saronic Islands delivers a solid, straightforward way to experience a handful of Greek islands in a single day. The convenience of hotel pickup, combined with the scenic boat ride and quick island stops, makes it a good choice for travelers who want a snapshot of Greek island charm without too much fuss.

While the stops are brief, the views and the chance to see Hydra, Poros, and Aegina make this trip worthwhile, especially for first-timers or those with a tight schedule. The included lunch and organized transfers add value, though be ready for extra costs if you want drinks or additional tours.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and hassle-free day, this cruise could be just what you need. However, if you’re hoping to thoroughly explore each island, you might want to consider more time on each or a different tour. Either way, it’s a handy way to tick off some iconic Greek islands from your Athens itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the whole tour from start to finish?
The tour begins with hotel pickup early in the morning, and you’ll return to Athens around 8:30 pm, making it a full, long day. Expect the boat rides alone to be several hours, with about 3 hours of island stops altogether.

Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the tour price. However, drinks like water or alcohol are extra—you’ll want to budget for that if you plan to indulge.

How much time do I get on each island?
You’ll spend roughly an hour on Hydra, around 30 minutes on Poros, and about 1.5 hours on Aegina. Some reviews suggest this feels a little rushed if you’re keen on exploring in depth.

Can I do optional tours on the islands?
Yes, especially on Aegina, where you can sign up for tours to visit the Temple of Aphaea, ruins, or churches. These are paid extras, so plan accordingly.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat is described as somewhat dated, which might mean less comfort during hot days. Bringing water or a fan could make your experience more pleasant.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is more suited for adults or older travelers interested in sightseeing and quick island visits. It’s not specifically designed for families with young kids expecting long exploration.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and maybe a hat or sunglasses are advisable. Since drinks aren’t included, bringing a water bottle is a good idea.

This cruise offers a practical, scenic, and well-organized way to see some of Greece’s lovely islands without overcommitting your day. If you’re looking for a straightforward adventure with beautiful views and a taste of island life, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: