All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included

The best part of this day is the change of pace: you leave Athens behind and spend hours on the Saronic Gulf, with island time, a swim stop and a proper Greek lunch all folded into one trip. I like that you get time ashore in both Agistri and Aegina, rather than just looking at islands from the deck.

I also like the generous onboard meal and drinks, which make the $180.19 price easier to weigh: lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, welcome refreshments and snorkeling gear are included. The trade-off is that this is a long sailing day, and much of it is spent aboard. If your priority is extensive island sightseeing, independent ferries may give you more control.

• Agistri gives you 90 minutes for a swim, a beach break or a walk around Skala.
• The Moni stop is for swimming, not a shore visit. The boat anchors near Moni or Metopi, depending on conditions.
• Aegina combines harbor-town time with history and pistachio shops, though the Temple of Aphaia requires arranging extra transport.
• Lunch is a substantial Greek buffet aboard, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available if requested.
• The sailing itself is a large part of the day: allow about 2.5 hours to reach Agistri and two hours for the return.
• Central Athens pickup is optional. If you book it, confirm your meeting point the day before and arrive early.

A full day at sea, not a fast island transfer

This cruise is best understood as a relaxed day on the water with island visits, not a ferry service that happens to include lunch. From Marina Zea in Piraeus, the wooden sailing ship heads across the Saronic Gulf, stopping at Agistri, an offshore swimming spot near Moni or Metopi, and Aegina before returning to the same marina.

The schedule gives you roughly 90 minutes on each inhabited island, plus about 90 minutes anchored for lunch and swimming. That is enough time for a short walk, a café stop or a quick look around, but not enough to see every attraction on either island. The sea crossings are part of the experience, and you should expect to spend a good portion of the 10-hour day aboard.

The boat carries a maximum of 49 people and has a professional five-person crew. Some trips have included crew members Sam, Mo and Elizabeth, but the team can vary. Past trips have also felt crowded to some people, so arrive on time and get settled early if you want to choose your preferred place on deck.

Boarding at Marina Zea in Piraeus

The cruise begins at Marina Zea, a harbor in Piraeus. If you are traveling independently, go straight to the meeting point shown on your confirmation. The marina can be confusing when you are hurrying, so check the directions carefully before leaving your accommodation and allow extra time to find the boat.

Pickup from central Athens is available if you select it when booking. The transfer service collects from central locations, often within a short walk of your accommodation, and drives to the marina. Pickup details are confirmed by 7 p.m. the day before. Be ready five minutes early, since the vehicle cannot wait for late arrivals.

At boarding, the crew welcomes you with coffee, tea, juice, water and pastries, then explains the day and gives a safety briefing. It is a calm start to a long outing, and a chance to settle in before the open-water crossing. Free Wi-Fi is listed as available throughout the cruise, though the connection is likely most useful near shore.

The long, scenic crossing to Agistri

The first sail takes about two and a half hours. The route crosses the Saronic Gulf, with views toward the Athens Riviera, Piraeus Port, Salamina and the Lagouses islets. This is the longest leg before the island visits begin, so think of it as a slow morning on the water rather than lost time between destinations.

You can sit on deck, listen to background music, talk with other people aboard or simply watch the coastline recede. Some people find this the most restful part of the day; others may feel that the amount of sailing leaves too little time ashore. That difference in expectations matters. If you enjoy a boat day, the crossing is a feature. If you want to maximize time on land, it may feel like a compromise.

Weather and sea conditions can affect the route and timing. The captain may change the itinerary for safety and comfort, so treat the stated schedule as a plan rather than a promise of exact arrival times.

Agistri: beach time and a look at Skala

Agistri is the first island stop, with about 90 minutes to spend as you choose. You can swim, sunbathe or walk around Skala, the island’s small village. The island is known for its pine-covered scenery, but this is a brief visit, not a guided tour of its interior.

An optional bike ride is available at extra cost from a local rental shop. It can be a good fit if you want to cover more ground, but the short stop means you will need to manage your time carefully. Ask the crew about arrangements before leaving the boat, and check the rental cost directly.

Agistri’s appeal is its easy, unhurried island atmosphere. Still, services can be limited outside the main season, and some shops or activities may be closed in late autumn. If you travel in October or November, expect a quieter island and fewer open businesses. The beach and a walk may be the main attractions rather than a packed list of sights.

Moni or Metopi: swim from the boat

After Agistri, the ship sails for around 20 to 30 minutes to an uninhabited islet, usually Moni or Metopi, depending on sea conditions. The boat anchors offshore, and you can swim or snorkel in the clear water. This is not a stop where you go ashore to explore an island.

Masks, water noodles and life jackets are provided, but the equipment may be basic. If snorkeling is a priority, bring your own mask and snorkel; fins are not listed as included. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view while the crew serves lunch and drinks.

Swimming is weather-dependent, and the water may not suit everyone, especially late in the season. Bring a towel and your own swimwear, since towels and personal swim items are not supplied. If you prefer not to get in, the anchored stop still gives you time to relax on deck.

Greek buffet lunch, with drinks included

Lunch is served aboard during the swimming stop. The meal is a freshly prepared Greek buffet, and the included choices cover vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Tell the operator about dietary requirements when booking so the crew can plan accordingly.

This meal is one of the strongest practical parts of the package. You do not have to find a restaurant between stops, and the boat provides wine, beer and soft drinks as well as the welcome refreshments. The food has been praised for its variety and quality, but preferences differ, and one generous onboard meal may leave you with little appetite to sample Aegina’s cafés or local treats later.

The meal may not arrive as early as you expect. One account placed lunch at about 1:30 p.m., so if you need regular food for medical or personal reasons, pack something of your own. Bring a refillable water bottle too, especially if you prefer to have water close at hand rather than rely on service.

Aegina: pistachios, harbor streets and ancient sites

Aegina is the final island stop, with about 90 minutes ashore. The harbor town is the easiest place to explore in the time available. You can browse pistachio products, stop at a seaside café or walk to the Temple of Apollo at Kolona, an archaeological site near the town.

The Temple of Aphaia and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios are farther out. A taxi visit may be possible with help from the crew, but the short stop means you should arrange transport promptly and confirm how much time the excursion will take. Do not assume you can reach both sites and return comfortably without a clear plan.

Aegina’s pistachios are a local specialty, and shops sell sweets and other products made with them. The harbor is also a pleasant place to stroll, though its shops are geared toward visitors. This stop gives you a useful taste of the island, but not the time for a thorough historical tour or a long meal ashore.

The return crossing and the value of the day

The return sail takes about two hours, ending at Marina Zea. It can be a peaceful way to wind down, with time to rest, enjoy a drink or listen to music. The mood depends on the day and the crew’s music choices, so if you are sensitive to loud sound or smoke, choose your seat with care. One practical tip from the boat is to sit toward the front if smoke bothers you.

At $180.19 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. Its value comes from bundling transport by boat, three stops, a swim opportunity, onboard lunch, drinks, basic snorkeling equipment and a crew into one organized day. You are paying for the full cruise experience, not just passage between ports.

The price makes more sense if you want a hosted day and enjoy being at sea. It is less compelling if your goal is to spend several hours exploring each island independently. The boat can hold up to 49 people, so it offers a social group setting rather than a private or intimate sailing trip.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this trip if you want a low-effort way to sample the Saronic Gulf and value a relaxed boat day as much as time ashore. It suits couples, solo travelers who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants lunch and drinks handled while moving between islands. The crew’s suggestions can also help you use limited time in Aegina well.

Think twice if you get restless on long crossings, want to see major archaeological sites at length or dislike a group atmosphere. You may be happier taking a ferry and planning your own island visits. The cruise is also weather-dependent: poor conditions can mean a changed itinerary or cancellation, and the captain may alter the route for safety.

Book with realistic expectations: three island-area stops, two short island visits, one offshore swim and several hours of sailing. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and any snacks or water you personally need. If you want a sociable, food-inclusive day at sea, this is a strong option. If the islands themselves are your main event, choose more time on land.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts about 10 hours, starting and ending at Marina Zea in Piraeus. The schedule includes sailing time, two island visits and a swimming stop.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Agistri and Aegina, plus a swimming stop near Moni or Metopi. The boat anchors offshore at the islet rather than taking you ashore.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared Greek buffet is included, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Share any dietary requirements when you book.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Welcome coffee, tea, juice and water are provided, along with wine, beer and soft drinks during the cruise.

Is transportation from central Athens included?

Pickup is available if you select the transfer option when booking. The service covers central Athens locations, and the pickup time is confirmed by 7 p.m. the day before.

What should I bring for swimming?

Bring your swimsuit and a towel, since towels and personal swim items are not provided. Snorkeling masks, water noodles and life jackets are available, but you may want to bring your own snorkel equipment.