Private boat trip around Hydra's southern coves
A full day on a traditional caique or speedboat visiting Bisti, Agios Nikolaos and Limnioniza, the inaccessible coves of the south coast. Departure from the main port, snorkelling, lunch on board.
Hydra has a side that very few visitors see: the south coast, almost impossible to reach on foot and virtually without settlements, with crystalline coves, vertical walls dropping into the sea and stretches of posidonia meadow where marine life is abundant. The only realistic way to reach these places in a day is by sea, which is why boat trips are one of the most recommended activities for anyone spending several days on the island. The standard plan lasts half a day or a full day, leaves from the main port and combines three or four swimming stops with lunch on board and commentary on what you are passing.
The most popular itinerary heads west from the quay, rounds the cape and stops at the most spectacular coves along the south: Bisti, Agios Nikolaos and Limnioniza are the usual names. Bisti has pines running down to the water and the best snorkelling on the island; Agios Nikolaos is an unspoilt cove with a basic beach bar; Limnioniza sits in a closed bay with rock walls that shelter it from the wind. There are variants that also take in the uninhabited island of Dokos (just west of Hydra), where the remains of shipwrecks dating from 2700 BC have been found, among the oldest known wrecks in the Mediterranean.
The boat options vary by budget. The cheapest (around 90 to 120 € per person) are the group trips on a shared caique or sailing boat, running daily in July and August. The mid range option is a semi private speedboat for 6 to 10 people, faster and with more flexible stops, at around 150 to 200 € per person. And the premium option is a private charter, sailing boat or motorboat with a skipper, costing between 600 and 1500 € per boat depending on the vessel and the length of the day (4 to 8 hours). For couples and small groups this works out better value than it sounds if you split it: two couples can hire a private boat for around 200 to 300 € per couple and have a full day practically to themselves.
On the downsides: large group trips can feel crowded, especially on boats carrying 30 to 40 people; if you want calm, pay the extra for a smaller group. The sea between Hydra and the Peloponnese is generally calm, but the meltemi can whip up waves from mid June onwards and right through July and August: if you get seasick easily, sit out on deck, look at the horizon and take a travel sickness tablet before you leave. The food on board is usually simple (Greek salad, feta, bread, fruit, water, local wine included); if you have dietary restrictions, say so when you book. Always bring: your swimsuit on from the start, a towel, mask and snorkel if you want to make the most of the snorkelling (some boats lend them, others do not), waterproof sun cream, a hat, extra water and cash for the skipper’s tip (between 10 and 20 € per person is considered appropriate).
The best season is June to early October. In May the water is still cold (18-20°C) and many trips do not run. In August the departures fill up and it is worth booking at least a week in advance. If you combine this trip with the walk up to Profitis Ilias and a couple of afternoons strolling around the port, you have the three essential faces of Hydra (sea, mountain, town) covered in a three day visit.