One Day Zodiac Tour

About the Tour

A thrilling one day cruise on board high-speed inflatable Zodiac boats. We visit the nearby islands of Diaporia, Agistri and Aegina. These islands are set in the Saronic Gulf and are considered as priceless gems by the Athenians who visit them on a day excursions.

The day will be spent discovering the islands, snorkeling, sunbathing on isolated beaches, and sitting back and relaxing at traditional fish tavern. The day will finish with a cultural and shopping visit in the local market on the island of Aegina.

The little islands of Diaporia that we visit are ideal for snorkelling and swimming as they offer remote and pretty little swimming bays. We will also visit the larger more tourist but still characteristic islands of Aegina and Agistri.

Aegina, is a pine-covered island with a hill on which the fine ancient temple of Aphaia stands dominant. It is the second largest island in the Argosaronic Gulf and has an area of 85 square kilometres and a shoreline of 57 km. The chief occupation of its permanent 11,000 residents is the growing of pistachios. The ‘Aegina pistachio’ is famous and is the islands most important product. Apart from its natural beauty the picturesque port is the ideal place to finish of this one day trip. The breakwater with its chapel, the old houses, many of which are surprisingly well preserved, the little boats, the busy waterside and the little souvenir shop all make up a very Greek Island feel.

Agistri, this much smaller island lies 3 nautical miles to the west of Aegina it is where we will stop for our lunch in the fish tavern. There are dense groves of pine and picturesque coves. In comparison to Aegina there are only 400 permanent residents on this island and the sea is sparkling clean.

Equipment
Please try to travel as light as possible; remember that you will be spending most of the day in the sea so we recommend a waterproof day bag.

• Waterproof jacket.
• You may want to change into something dry for your return journey
• Sweatshirts or T-shirts with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn)
• Sunglasses, towel, sun hat or cap, sun block
• Water bottle
• Photographers bring plenty of film, please ensure that this is in a waterproof bag
• Swimming costume (you may want to bring a second swimming costume to change into)
• Spare Shoes as the first pair might get wet

Transport
We will meet you at Syntagma Square by the metro station. You will then be transferred to the small fishing port of Pachi. Form of transport will either be by car or mini bus dependant on the group size.

Detailed itinerary
Meet your guide at 09.00 at Syntagma Metro Station. Drive to the fishing port of Pachi, 45km from Athens centre on the Athens-Corinth highway (approx 1 hour).and embark the inflatable boats (min 2 persons per boat, max 11 persons per boat, max 22 people per departure.

The sea trip (12 nautical miles – 30 minutes ) to Diaporia Isle, a complex of 6 small-uninhabited isles, with crystal clear waters and interesting sea life. 1 hour stop for swimming.

Continue to Agistri (7 nautical miles – 20 minutes), a pine covered island in the middle of the Saronic golf. 1.5 hour stop at a remote and beautiful beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Continue by boat to Agistri village (15 minutes) for lunch (1 hour) in a local fish tavern then sit back and relax in the little bay where local fishermen bring to the taverna the fresh fish of the day.

At 16.00 departures by boat to Aegina Island – its port town was the first capital of modern Greece (6 nautical miles – 15min) and visit (2 hrs available) of the old town with narrow allays and shops. This characteristic town is an ideal place to sit back and enjoy a cold coffee / ice cream or simply or simply browse through the cute little village shops.

At 18.00 return to Pachi fishing port (15 nautical miles – 45min). Transfer back to Athens (1hr).

Boat Specifications
7 metre RIB (rigid inflatable boat), with one main inboard diesel engine (230 Hp) and one emergency outboard engine (20Hp), max speed 30 knots, cruising speed 24 knots, range 200 km, fresh water capacity 100 lt, GPS + marine VHF, easy (ladder) access to sea, all necessary safety equipment as per Greek specifications, capacity 12 persons, third party insurance. Fully licensed, experienced, English speaking skipper.

Mode of transportation
Zodiacs and Car/Minibus

Times of operation
9.00 to 18.00

Notices
Our operations team always checks the daily weather conditions one or two days before the trip. If the weather conditions are not appropriate for the one-day trip, our company will offer you an alternative date.

This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.

During the Olympic Games (August and September) changes may need to be made to programmes (operation and prices) in order to work around the influx of increased tourist traffic. Therefore, we will need to look at each request individually during the Olympic Games. We appreciate your co- operation on this matter.

Zodiacs are lots of fun but the ride may be a little bumpy as they are like riding in speed-boats.

Pricing and Departure Details

Date	Rate per person
All Year	€95.00