Island Hopping Cruise from Athens: Agistri, Moni & Aegina

Three islands in one day is the easiest way to see the Saronic Gulf from Athens without planning ferries. Our island hopping cruise sails from Marina Zeas in Piraeus to Agistri, Moni (or Metopi) and Aegina on a spacious Greek sailing ship, with swimming, lunch on board and time ashore. It costs from €40 per person and lasts about 10 hours.

What is the island hopping cruise from Athens?

It is a shared full day cruise that leaves Piraeus in the morning and visits three islands of the Saronic Gulf before returning in the evening. The ship has wide decks for sunbathing, a crew of four and a tour leader who explains each stop. Breakfast drinks and pastries, lunch with wine and beer, and soft drinks through the day are all included, so you only need to bring money for anything you want to buy ashore.

Where does the cruise go?

• Agistri: the first stop, a small pine covered island with clear water. Swim, relax on the beach or join the optional bike tour from Megalochori to Chalikiada through the pine forest (€10 per person).
• Moni or Metopi: the ship anchors off one of these small islets for a swim. Jump off the boat, snorkel with the equipment provided or float on a water noodle, then lunch is served on board.
• Aegina: the last stop, the largest of the three islands, with a lively harbour town, villages and ancient temples. Walk the waterfront, try local food or visit a site before the cruise heads back.

Moni is known for its wild peacocks, which you may spot near the shore. The skipper decides between Moni and Metopi on the day according to the wind.

What happens on the day?

If you booked the transfer, we collect you early from your accommodation in central Athens. Otherwise, arrive at Marina Zeas by 08:45 for a 09:00 departure. On board you get welcome coffee, juices, tea, water and pastries as the ship sails out of Piraeus. The first landing is on Agistri, followed by the swim stop at Moni or Metopi with lunch on board, and the final shore stop on Aegina. The ship is back at Marina Zeas in the evening.

What is included?

The price includes the cruise with a crew of four and a tour leader, welcome coffee, juices, tea, water and pastries, a Mediterranean Greek lunch on board with wine, beer and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, water noodles, music, and the shore stops on Agistri and Aegina. Not included: the transfer from central Athens (€15 per person), the optional Agistri bike tour (€10 per person) and entrance fees for museums or archaeological sites.

Is it right for me?

It suits anyone who wants a relaxed day at sea with swimming, food and a taste of island life. You do not need sailing experience, and swimming is optional, though most guests jump in at the swim stop. It is a good choice for couples, friends and families, and for travellers with only a few days in Athens who still want to see the islands.

What should I bring?

Pack for a long, sunny day at sea. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you are ready for the first stop, and bring a towel, high factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Food and drinks on board are covered, but carry some cash for coffee, ice cream or souvenirs on Agistri and Aegina.

When is the best time to go?

The cruise runs in the warm months, when the sea is good for swimming. June and September offer warm water with fewer crowds, while July and August are hottest and busiest on the islands. Cruises depend on the weather, and the route can change if the wind makes a stop unsafe.

How to get there from central Athens

Marina Zeas is in Piraeus, the port city of Athens, about 30 minutes from the centre by taxi depending on traffic. The easiest option is our transfer from central Athens for €15 per person, which takes you to the marina and back. If you come on your own, allow extra time to find the pier and be there by 08:45.

Good to know

• Departure at 09:00, so arrive by 08:45.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and some cash for Agistri and Aegina.
• Lunch and drinks on board are included.
• Entrance fees ashore are not included.
• Tell us about food allergies or dietary needs when you book.
• Pack a light layer for the sail back in the evening, when the breeze picks up on deck.