Athens: Full-Day Island Hopping Cruise With Lunch and Swimming

Escape the bustling city of Athens and embark on a captivating full-day island hopping cruise along the picturesque Saronic Gulf. This immersive journey promises an authentic Greek experience, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to exploring charming island villages. Aboard a intimate vessel with a maximum of 40 travelers, you’ll savor a delicious onboard lunch, sip refreshing drinks, and learn about the region’s rich history and culture from friendly English-speaking staff. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this cruise offers a delightful balance that’ll leave you craving to uncover more of Greece’s stunning natural beauty.

Key Points

• A full-day island hopping cruise from Athens visiting Agistri and Aegina islands, with activities including swimming, sunbathing, village exploration, and temple visits.
• The cruise includes round-trip transportation, onboard lunch and drinks, and assistance from friendly English-speaking staff.
• Travelers can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and a nature walk on Moni island during the cruise.
• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with certain medical conditions or physical limitations.
• The cruise is priced at $186.25 per person, with the option to reserve and pay later, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Overview and Experience

The full-day island hopping cruise in Athens, operated by Open Top Bus hellas M.E.P.E., offers a delightful opportunity to explore the serene Saronic Islands.

With a rating of 4.3 based on 23 reviews, this traditional wooden boat cruise takes passengers on a journey to the islands of Agistri and Aegina.

The activities include swimming, sunbathing, and exploring small villages, as well as visiting the temples of Apollo and Athena Aphaia on Aegina.

The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s a great option for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Greek islands.

Cruise Itinerary and Activities

Departing from Athens at 07:30 am, the full-day island hopping cruise takes passengers on a journey to explore the serene Saronic Islands.

The first stop is Agistri, where travelers can swim and sunbathe on the island’s beautiful beaches.

Next, the cruise sails to Aegina, where they’ll visit the ancient temples of Apollo and Athena Aphaia.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy a delightful lunch and refreshing drinks.

The cruise also includes a stop at the charming Megalochori village and the Moni island nature park, offering opportunities to wander and soak in the local culture.

Throughout the day, the English-speaking staff ensures a seamless and memorable experience for all participants.

Included Amenities and Services

Complementing the immersive cruise experience, the full-day island hopping tour includes a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Travelers are provided with round-trip transportation from their hotel to the pier via air-conditioned mini vans or buses, making for a stress-free start and end to the day.

On board, a delicious lunch, as well as drinks and coffee, are served to fuel the exploration. The friendly English-speaking staff are on hand to assist, and towels and snorkeling equipment are available for use.

This comprehensive package allows guests to fully enjoy the island-hopping adventure.

• Round-trip hotel transportation
• Onboard lunch, drinks, and coffee
• English-speaking staff
• Towels and snorkeling equipment
• Seamless start and end to the day

Island Exploration and Swimming

Typically, the island exploration and swimming activities form the highlight of the full-day cruise. Guests have the opportunity to disembark at the picturesque islands of Agistri and Aegina, where they can enjoy the local culture and natural beauty.

Activity	Description	Duration
Island Exploration	Wander through the charming villages, visit historical sites like the temples of Apollo and Athena Aphaia, and soak in the serene island atmosphere.	1-2 hours
Swimming	Refresh in the crystal-clear waters of the Saronic Gulf, with ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the boat’s deck.	1-2 hours
Nature Walk	Explore the lush, verdant landscapes of Moni island’s nature park, where guests can appreciate the island’s vibrant flora and fauna.	1 hour

Accessibility and Restrictions

The full-day island hopping cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Infants must sit on laps during the cruise.

The experience isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. The maximum capacity for the cruise is 40 travelers.

Key restrictions include:

• Not suitable for those with mobility challenges or medical issues
• Infants must be held by an adult
• Strict capacity limits to ensure safety and comfort
• Service animals allowed, but no other pets
• Travelers should consider their physical abilities before booking

Pricing and Booking Details

The full-day island hopping cruise is priced from $186.25 per person.

Travelers can conveniently reserve their spot now and pay later for this memorable experience. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility.

With a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, the cruise offers an intimate setting to explore the Saronic Islands.

According to reviews, the friendly staff, delicious meals, and overall quality of the cruise make it a worthwhile investment.

Whether looking to swim, sunbathe, or discover charming villages, this full-day excursion provides a well-rounded island hopping adventure in Athens.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

According to overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, the full-day island hopping cruise is a memorable and well-executed experience.

Reviewers praise the cruise’s friendly staff, delicious on-board meals, and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring picturesque villages.

Many highlight the tour’s ability to provide a genuine taste of Greek island life.

Key customer sentiments include:

• "A true highlight of our Athens trip – we felt immersed in the local culture."
• "The small boat made for an intimate, relaxing experience."
• "Lunch was fantastic, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort."
• "Breathtaking scenery and plenty of time to unwind on the islands."
• "An excellent value – we left feeling like we’d an authentic Greek island adventure."

Getting to the Cruise Departure

Getting to the Cruise Departure

The island hopping cruise departs from a pier in Athens. Travelers will be picked up from their hotels or a central meeting point in an air-conditioned mini van or bus.

The round-trip transportation is included in the tour price, making it convenient for guests to get to and from the departure location. The drive from central Athens to the pier takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once at the pier, travelers will board the traditional wooden boat that will take them on their day-long adventure around the Saronic Islands. The friendly cruise staff will be there to welcome guests and ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

Since You Asked

What Time Does the Cruise End?

The full-day island hopping cruise typically ends around 6:30 pm, after exploring the Saronic Islands, swimming, and visiting historic sites. Travelers are transported back to their hotels in Athens via air-conditioned mini vans or buses at the end of the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the full-day island hopping cruise. The cruise provides lunch, drinks, and coffee onboard. Bringing outside food and beverages is not allowed.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no formal dress code for the cruise. Casual, comfortable clothing and beach attire are recommended, as passengers will have opportunities to swim and explore the islands. Guests should dress for a relaxing day on the water.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The full-day island hopping cruise offers discounts for seniors and children. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while children under 12 can get a 15% reduction in the ticket price. There are no additional age restrictions for these discounts.

Can I Book the Cruise for a Private Group?

The cruise operator offers private group bookings. Travelers can reserve the entire boat for their party, allowing them to customize the itinerary and enjoy a more exclusive island hopping experience.

The Sum Up

This full-day island hopping cruise from Athens offers a delightful way to experience the Saronic Gulf’s natural beauty. With stops at Agistri and Aegina islands, travelers can swim in crystal-clear waters, explore charming villages, and savor a tasty onboard lunch. Friendly staff and a small group size ensure an intimate and authentic Greek adventure. It’s an excellent opportunity to take in the country’s stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage.