Top Athens Day Cruises

There are plenty of high-quality Athens day cruises. Ratings and reviews previously given by customers rank these as the best tours available right now:

• All Day Cruise - 3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with Lunch and Drinks Included
• Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ
• Athens Day Cruise: 3 Islands Tour in the Saronic Gulf with Lunch
• Sailing & Gastronomy in Athens - 10 Dishes From All Over Greece
• Hydra, Poros and Egina Day Cruise from Athens with Optional VIP Upgrade

Yes, Athens day cruises are worth it—particularly if you don’t have island adventures on the rest of your Greek itinerary. A day cruise from Athens lets you take a break from the city and enjoy a complete change of pace on nearby Saronic Gulf islands, like Aegina, Poros, and Hydra—or simply glide along the Athenian Riviera. You can also enjoy beaches, snorkeling, and traditional Greek cuisine.

Athens day cruises with lunch start from around US$112. The price per person will be higher if your cruise is in a small group and includes more upmarket dining prepared by an onboard chef. Private cruises or VIP upgrades, including arrival drinks or exclusive lounge access, will be more expensive. Lastly, any stop-off excursions or direct pickup and drop-off at your hotel will add to the cost.

Athens day cruises vary from around 90 minutes up to 10 hours, so make sure you select one that fits your schedule. Many cruises last a couple of hours, including lunch and some sightseeing, while island-hopping trips can last for a full day (up to 10 hours).

It depends on the operator, the destination, and the type of cruise, so take time to compare options. A short cruise (around two hours) might include lunch and/or onboard entertainment, with a stop for snorkeling and swimming; a full-day cruise might visit several islands with stops at each. For foodies, options span the gamut from hearty Greek buffets with an open bar and live entertainment to gourmet gastronomic experiences with wine pairings. Some cruises include round-trip transfers, others offer them as an upgrade, while others expect you to make your own way to the port. Some cruises offer snorkeling gear; some feature guided tours; but most exclude entrance fees to sights.

On a day cruise, you can visit several nearby Greek islands, including Hydra, Poros, Aegina, Agistri, Moni, Metopi, Andros, and Spetses. Some are just a 1-hour journey away from Athens. Further afield—but still within reach for a day trip—is the beautiful island of Mykonos.

As the name suggests, the “three islands in one day” cruise checks off three islands in a single trip. The term usually refers to the three biggest islands in the Saronic Gulf—Hydra, Poros, and Aegina—but some operators combine Aegina with Agistri and either Moni or Metopi islet instead. Cruises generally last up to 10 hours, include lunch—and, often, drinks too—and provide free time to swim, shop, or sightsee.

Athens day cruise prices vary widely, with budget options using bigger boats and premium choices providing a more intimate feel and higher-end eats. At around US$112, the full-day Athens: Swimming Day Cruise with DJ, Lunch & Drinks Incl. makes a great budget choice: It covers three islands, with a buffet lunch, free-flow house wine, water, and soft drinks, and a live DJ. For a more premium experience, try the half-day Luxury Athens Catamaran Cruise With Greek Meal & Drinks: It offers a small-group cruise of the Athenian Riviera on a stylish catamaran for around US$165, including a meal and an open bar.

Athens day cruise boats run from ships the size of a ferry with capacity for hundreds to sleek catamarans with space for just 10 people, via yachts and traditional caïque fishing boats. Whether it’s a private full-day tour to Greek islands or an Athens Riviera cruise with a multi-course Greek lunch, the boat will shape your experience, so check pictures and group size as you plan. Food and drink offerings vary widely, so check both inclusions and exclusions. Note that a few operators exclude small children, so verify age limits if you’re traveling with kids.

The best way to enjoy an Athens day cruise is to arrive early and secure a good spot on the boat—prime seating and deck space can fill up quickly on larger ships. Ask your tour guide about ideal deck spots for the best views and photo opportunities. Dress for the weather and your itinerary. If your cruise offers an open bar, sip water as well as alcoholic drinks to keep yourself hydrated in the heat.

The best time to book an Athens day cruise is from late spring to early fall (May–October) when the weather is warm and the seas are calm. July and August are the busiest months, so book in advance if traveling then. Consider May, June, or September for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.

It depends on your budget. Shared group cruises with fixed itineraries are the most affordable option unless you’re a large group, and choices run from enormous multi-deck ships to sleek catamarans with an intimate feel: They’re also a great way for couples and solos to meet like-minded travelers. Private charters generally cost more but you can often dictate your itinerary or adjust your schedule. Plus, having a boat and crew all to yourself can make memories that last a lifetime—perfect for special occasions.

Bring a swimsuit if your cruise includes swim stops—plus a towel if the boat does not offer towels. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection come in handy all year round, while a light layer or jacket against the sea breeze can be helpful at cooler times of year. If your itinerary includes island stops, pack a water bottle and have a scan of your passport on your phone to use as ID.

It depends. Most full-day Athens cruises include a traditional Greek meal or buffet lunch, but policies on drinks vary from boat to boat. Some operate a pay bar; others include a limited selection of drinks and have a pay bar; some have free-flow drinks. Vegetarian options are usually available, although you should advise the operator in advance, but vegans and people with food allergies may struggle.

Some Athens day cruises ask you to provide passport details on booking so that they can share a list with port authorities, but nobody expects you to bring your passport on board if you’re staying within Greek waters. However, it’s a good idea to have a scan of your passport stored on your phone when traveling in Greece, so you can present ID to the police if asked—that’s a legal requirement.