Hydra by Private Water Taxi

Boarding is on the main harbour quay in Hydra Town, along the waterfront near the port authority. In July and August the harbour gets very busy with yachts moored stern-to, so your skipper confirms the exact spot shortly before departure. Pickups at Kamini, Mandraki or Vlychos can also be arranged.

The hydrofoils from Piraeus take roughly an hour and a half to two hours, on fixed schedules that fill up in summer. A private boat leaves from the Athens Riviera — closer to the airport and the southern suburbs — at the time you choose, and reaches Hydra in about 1 h 20 with no queuing at either end.

Each transfer is quoted individually: the final price depends on the date, the exact departure point, the boat assigned and any swim stops or waiting time you add. The 'from' figure is a realistic starting point for a one-way private transfer for the whole boat, up to about ten passengers — not a per-person fare.

The Saronic Gulf is one of the calmer corners of the Aegean, and the closed cabin keeps the ride comfortable in most conditions. Afternoon breezes can pick up in the channel between Hydra and the Peloponnese, and summer meltemi days mainly affect the longer open-sea crossings to Milos, Sifnos or Folegandros — where the quoted times assume settled weather and can stretch when the wind is up. If the forecast is unsuitable, we reschedule or reroute with you — safety decisions rest with the skipper.

Your skipper lands you as close as possible to your hotel — at the main quay, Kamini, Mandraki or Vlychos. From the quay, hotels arrange mule or hand-cart porterage, the island's normal practice. Tell us your hotel when booking and we will suggest the best landing point.