Athens: VIP Swimming Cruise to three islands

The Saronic Gulf makes a fine escape. This nine-hour cruise links Agistri, Metopi, and Aegina with swimming stops, a Greek buffet, drinks, and a DJ-led return along the Athens Riviera. I especially like the easy hotel pickup and the chance to choose between swimming, island walks, shopping, or simply stretching out on deck. The private sun deck and lounge area also give the $229 price some weight, though the VIP label may raise expectations that the boat cannot always meet.

I like that the day is not only about sitting on a ship. You get time on three different islands and small coastal stops, plus lunch and an open drink service. Still, one detailed account described an older vessel, worn loungers, tired furniture, and disappointing food, so I would book this for the full-day sea outing rather than for polished luxury alone.

Key points to know before booking

• Three different stops: You visit Agistri, swim near Metopi, and spend the longest island visit on Aegina.
• Hotel pickup is included: There are 22 listed pickup points around central Athens, Glyfada, and nearby coastal areas.
• The day begins at 9:45: Allow about nine hours, with a return reported at roughly 18:30.
• Food and drinks are part of the price: Expect a Greek buffet, meze with ouzo, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and one cocktail.
• VIP space is available: A private sun deck, covered outdoor deck, lounge room, Wi-Fi, and service staff are included.
• The boat matters: Most feedback is very positive, but one account found the ship and VIP area poorly maintained.

What the $229 price really buys

At $229 per person, this is not a basic ferry ride or a simple beach transfer. You are paying for transportation from a hotel, fast-lane boarding, a full day at sea, food, drinks, island time, and access to reserved areas on the ship.

The value improves if you plan to use the included extras. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, filtered coffee, and other refreshments can add up quickly in Greece, especially during a long day in the sun. You also receive a Greek buffet, finger food with ouzo, fresh fruit, and one cocktail from a selection.

The private areas are another part of the calculation. The package includes luxury sun beds on a private sun deck, a covered outdoor deck, a private lounge with sofas and armchairs, separate Wi-Fi, and service staff. If you want a quiet place to sit between swims, these features matter. If you expect a spotless yacht with brand-new fittings, the price may feel less convincing.

I would compare this cruise with the cost of arranging separate transport, meals, drinks, and island visits yourself. The cruise gives you a fixed plan and removes much of the day’s decision-making. The tradeoff is that you follow the ship’s schedule and share the wider boat with other passengers.

A simple start from Athens hotels

Pickup is offered from 22 locations, including the Royal Olympic Hotel, Hotel Grande Bretagne, The Athens Gate Hotel, Grand Hyatt Athens, The Stanley, Fresh Hotel, Divani Palace Acropolis, and several hotels around Glyfada.

That wide pickup list is useful if you are staying in central Athens or along the southern coast. Check your confirmation carefully for the exact pickup time, since the cruise itself sails at 9:45 and the transfer schedule is not identical for every hotel.

Fast-lane boarding is included, which should reduce waiting at the port. The transfer service also removes the need to work out your own route to the departure point. That is one of the strongest practical benefits of this package, especially for a one-day outing.

The day is long, so I would arrive ready for sun, salt water, and several hours on deck. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up for lunch or the return sailing. The supplied information does not state that towels are provided, so I would not count on one.

Agistri: the first island stop

The first sailing lasts about 105 minutes before reaching Agistri. That gives you time to settle into the boat, find your preferred deck area, and watch the Athens coastline recede.

Agistri is scheduled for about two hours. You can walk, take photographs, enjoy the scenery, or swim. This is a useful first stop because it gives you more than a quick swim from the ship. You have enough time to step ashore and get a sense of the island before returning to the boat.

I would treat this as a flexible stop rather than a guided sightseeing tour. No detailed walking route or formal island excursion is included. If you want a quiet swim, head for the water. If you prefer dry land, use the time for a short walk and photographs.

The limitation is simple: two hours is enough for a taste, not a full exploration of Agistri. The cruise is designed to show you several places in one day, so you will not have time to settle into island life or make a long inland visit.

Metopi: a short swim in open water

After Agistri, the boat sails for about 20 minutes to Nisis Metopi. The stop lasts roughly 40 minutes and focuses on swimming, photographs, free time, and views from the boat.

Metopi is better understood as a water stop than a traditional island visit. You can take a refreshing swim in the Saronic Gulf, enjoy the clear water, and return to the deck without the need to organize a shore excursion.

The short timing keeps the day moving, but it also means you should be ready when the crew announces the swim period. Forty minutes passes quickly once you account for getting into the water, swimming, drying off, and returning to your seat.

I like this stop because it breaks up the longer island visits. You are not spending every hour walking through streets or sitting at lunch. The drawback is that anyone who prefers a calm, unhurried swim may find it brief.

Lunch on the Saronic Gulf

Lunch is served aboard the ship for about 30 minutes. The food is described as a Mediterranean and Greek buffet, with selected wine, soft drinks, and filtered coffee. The package also includes Greek meze finger food with ouzo and fresh fruit.

That setup is convenient. You do not need to search for a restaurant during the island stops, and you can eat while remaining close to the water. A buffet also makes it easier to choose a lighter meal before more swimming.

Expect simple cruise catering rather than a carefully prepared restaurant meal. One account praised the included food and drinks, while another found the food very poor. That sharp difference is worth keeping in mind. The lunch is a useful inclusion, but I would not book this cruise solely for its cuisine.

Dietary restrictions should be supplied when booking. The operator asks for this information in advance, which is important on a fixed-menu boat day.

Aegina: the longest shore visit

The cruise then reaches Aegina, with about 105 minutes for a break, photographs, shopping, sightseeing, walking, or swimming. This is the longest island stop and gives you the best chance to choose your own pace.

You can stay near the water, take a short walk, browse shops, or simply enjoy the island setting. The available information does not promise a guided visit or entry to a particular sight, so plan for independent free time rather than a structured cultural tour.

Aegina is the most practical stop for people who want variety. You can swim if the weather is right, but you are not forced to spend the whole visit in the water. You can also use the time to buy a small souvenir or enjoy the shore before returning to the ship.

The time limit still matters. Aegina has more to offer than can fit into 105 minutes, and you should not expect a full island tour. Stay aware of the meeting time. The boat will continue its route on schedule.

The return sail: drinks, music, and sunset

After Aegina, the schedule allows about 105 minutes for cruising through the Saronic Gulf. This is when the day shifts from island stops to social time on board.

Included drinks cover wine, beer, refreshments, and coffee, and you receive one cocktail from a selection. The ship also provides a DJ, with music continuing as the boat heads back along the Athens Riviera. The final stretch is intended as a relaxed, festive finish, especially as the sun goes down.

You can choose a sun lounger, a beanbag, the covered outdoor deck, or the private lounge area. The best place will depend on how much sun, shade, music, and open water you want.

I would not assume that the DJ creates a quiet sunset cruise. Music is part of the identity of the trip. That suits you if you want a social day with drinks and a lively finish. If you are seeking a silent sailing with only the sound of the sea, this is probably the wrong choice.

The schedule indicates another 105-minute sightseeing cruise before drop-off. One account praised the timing and said the group returned at 18:30 on the dot. That suggests a well-organized day, although exact return time can depend on conditions and transfer arrangements.

How VIP is the VIP section?

The cruise includes an exclusive private area, service staff, a private sun deck with luxury sun beds, a protected outdoor deck, and a private lounge room with sofas, armchairs, and separate Wi-Fi. You can also ask to meet the captain and take a private tour of the bridge.

These areas offer a place to retreat when the main deck feels busy. The private sun deck is especially useful for anyone who wants a reserved place to rest between swims. The covered deck is a sensible option if the sun becomes too strong.

There is also a discount at the ship’s shop, although the details of the discount are not specified. Optional excursions on the islands are not included, and anything else ordered from the bars or restaurant costs extra.

The main caution is condition. One account from August 2024 described the vessel as old, with broken loungers, worn furniture, a poorly maintained reserved area, weak air conditioning, and an unpleasant smell. Other accounts described private cabins, a separate outdoor area, attentive drink service, appetizers, lunch, dessert, and fruit.

The fairest reading is that the service may be stronger than the physical finish. I would choose the VIP option for space, service, and included drinks, while keeping my expectations moderate about the boat’s age.

Service and organization

The strongest praise centers on the crew and the smooth running of the day. Christopher from Germany described the crew as attentive, the island time as generous, and the hotel transport as excellent. He also noted that the schedule was followed closely, with enough time to swim, shop, or explore.

A September 2025 account singled out Jordan for being kind and patient with everyone. That small detail matters. A long boat day works better when the staff can handle different ages, swimming abilities, and activity preferences without making anyone feel hurried.

You also have the option to meet the captain and see the bridge if requested. That is a nice extra for families or anyone interested in how the boat operates, though it should be arranged with the crew rather than assumed as a guaranteed part of the day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day on the water without arranging several separate bookings. It works particularly well for couples, families, and small groups who enjoy swimming but also want an island walk, shopping time, food, and music.

It is also a good match if you value convenience. Hotel pickup, a set schedule, included meals, and drinks remove much of the practical work. You can spend the day choosing where to sit and when to swim.

You may not enjoy it if you want a small, quiet sailing with no entertainment. It may also disappoint you if the word VIP makes you expect a modern yacht with flawless furniture and restaurant-quality food.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. Nudity, jumping, intoxication, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, pets, fire-making, and explosive substances are not allowed.

Booking details worth noting

The price is $229 per person, and the activity lasts nine hours. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

Port regulations require the full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID number for every participant. The operator also asks for dietary information. This may feel like a lot of data for a day cruise, but it is required for port access and is to be deleted after the activity.

Pickup and drop-off are offered at the same broad group of Athens and Glyfada hotels. Read the confirmation message for your exact time and location rather than relying only on the general sailing time.

Should you book the Athens VIP swimming cruise?

I would book this if your ideal Athens day includes warm water, several scenic stops, a Greek buffet, unlimited basic drinks, and a sunset return with music. The hotel transfers and well-organized schedule add real value, and the private deck areas can make a long day more comfortable.

I would be cautious if you care most about new facilities, refined food, or a quiet and intimate boat. The mixed accounts about the ship’s condition mean the VIP label should be read as reserved space and extra service, not a guarantee of luxury in every detail.

For a practical day at sea with plenty of choice, this is a strong option. Go for the islands, swimming, views, and convenience. Treat the boat’s VIP finish as a bonus rather than the whole reason to pay.

FAQ

How long does the Athens swimming cruise last?

The cruise lasts nine hours. The sailing begins at 9:45, and one account reported returning to Athens at about 18:30.

Which islands and stops are included?

The route includes Agistri, Nisis Metopi, and Aegina, with sightseeing cruises through the Saronic Gulf and along the Athens Riviera.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from a list of 22 hotels and locations around Athens and Glyfada. Your confirmation email provides the exact time and details.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a Greek or Mediterranean buffet, Greek meze with ouzo, fresh fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, filtered coffee, and one cocktail from a selection.

Is there a private area on the boat?

Yes. Included facilities are a private sun deck with luxury sun beds, a covered outdoor deck, a private lounge room, separate Wi-Fi, and service staff.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. Swimming is available at Agistri, Nisis Metopi, and Aegina, subject to the cruise schedule and conditions.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.