From Corfu Island: Antipaxos & Paxos Blue Caves Boat Cruise

Embarking on a boat trip from Corfu to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos is a popular way to see some of Greece’s most captivating scenery without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This tour offers a blend of stunning natural sights, charming villages, and plenty of opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters — all while enjoying the lively atmosphere onboard.

What’s especially appealing about this cruise? We love the spectacular Blue Caves, the informative guides, and the chance to unwind on pristine beaches. You’ll also enjoy good value for money considering the length and variety of stops. However, keep in mind that the trip lasts up to 12 hours, which might be a long day for some travelers.

This experience suits those who love adventure, scenic cruising, and authentic island vibes. It’s perfect if you want to see Greece’s iconic coastline, enjoy some leisure time in small villages, and swim in turquoise waters. It’s less ideal for those with mobility issues or anyone looking for a casual, short excursion.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: From Venetian castles to the Blue Caves, the scenery is breathtaking.
• Water Activities: Plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities in turquoise waters.
• Charming Villages: Lakka offers traditional Greek island charm and free time to explore.
• Expert Guides: Multilingual guides provide insightful commentary during the tour.
• Value: At $47, it’s an affordable way to experience multiple highlights in one day.
• Duration: Long, full-day experience with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup options available from various locations around Corfu or a designated meeting point. The departure time is typically around 8:25 am, with embarkation starting as early as 7:40 am. If you’ve booked a transfer, you’ll receive detailed instructions 48 hours beforehand, making the start of your adventure smooth and stress-free.

The Route and Scenic Sailing

Once onboard, the boat gently departs, offering spectacular views of Corfu’s Old Town as you sail south along the Kanoni Peninsula. You’ll pass by the Venetian castles, the Mon Repos Palace, and several towns including Perama, Benitses, and Kavos. The swift ride takes less than an hour to reach Paxos, giving you plenty of time to settle in and absorb the views.

Lakka: A Traditional Village Stop

Your first major stop is the picturesque village of Lakka. Here, you’ll be anchored just five minutes from a lovely beach, with around two hours of free time. Visitors consistently praise this part of the trip for its authentic Greek island atmosphere. You can stroll along narrow cobbled streets, browse local shops, or sit down for a leisurely meal overlooking the port. One reviewer described it as “a tiny village with not much to do, but very traditional Greek island vibes.”

If you’re looking to swim, there’s a short walk to nearby beaches, or you can just soak up the relaxed vibe. Many travelers mention bringing a bottle of local olive oil as a souvenir, citing Paxos’ reputation for delicious produce.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Paxos and the Blue Caves

After leaving Lakka, the boat sails along Paxos’ west coast, revealing stunning views of olive groves and cypress trees—legend has it Poseidon severed the tip of Corfu to create this lush landscape. The highlight here is the Blue Caves, accessible via boat, with the vessel stopping for inside photos and to take in the striking blue waters.

Many reviews mention how spectacular the caves are, with the boat gliding inside for an up-close look. Passengers often comment on the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or taking photos of the dramatic white cliffs of Erimitis.

Swimming at Antipaxos

Next, the tour heads to Antipaxos, a tiny island famed for its turquoise waters and secluded beaches. You’ll have about 50-70 minutes here to swim, snorkel, or relax on Mesovrika Beach or Voutoumi Beach—both renowned for their calm, inviting waters. One reviewer raved, “The swimming in Antipaxos was awesome, with clear blue water and great spots to relax.”

Travelers enjoy the freedom to splash around, and many mention the warmth of the water and the beautiful surroundings. It’s worth bringing your own snorkel gear if you want to explore underwater life. Keep in mind, though, that since multiple boats often stop here simultaneously, the beaches can get busy, so arrive early if you want some space.

Return Journey and Additional Highlights

On the way back, the boat sails along the east coast of Paxos, offering views of tiny surrounding islands like Skaltsonisi and Mongonisi. The return trip is lively, often featuring onboard music, dancing, and Greek dancing performances. Several reviews praise the crew’s friendly and engaging attitude, with one mentioning that “the journey home is lively with music and dancing,” providing a fun end to a full day.

Some guests note that guides are multilingual and very knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about the scenery and landmarks. The tour’s live narration and audio guides in multiple languages make the experience accessible and educational.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour price of $47 per person is quite reasonable considering the full day of activities, scenic sailing, and stops. Included are pickup and drop-off (if booked), a boat cruise, multilingual guides, and an onboard bar. Food and drinks are available for additional purchase but are not included, so bringing some snacks or a light lunch is advisable if you get hungry during the day.

Travelers are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a light jacket. The latter is handy for the ride back or cooler mornings. It’s important to note that unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the tour is not suited for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Duration and Flexibility

With a duration ranging from 7 to 12 hours, this trip is a long but rewarding day out. Most reviews mention that the timing is well-organized, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery, shop, or swim. The boat anchors for swimming and sightseeing, ensuring a relaxed pace rather than a rushed schedule.

The Experience on the Water

Guests consistently rave about the smooth sailing and good crew, highlighting how safe and well-coordinated the trip feels. The boat’s capacity varies but reviews suggest it’s not overly crowded, especially if you arrive early to secure a preferred seat.

For those concerned about the water, life vests are provided, and swimmers of all levels can participate in the swimming stops. Some reviewers even mention dolphin sightings, which add a special touch to the day.

Authenticity and Value

While the price appears modest, the experience packs in a great deal of scenic beauty, culture, and leisure. Travelers consistently state that the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the multiple stops, expert guides, and the chance to swim in stunning locations.

The tour’s flexibility — including optional pickup from various locations and the ability to explore villages — makes it accessible and convenient. Many reviewers say that the guides go above and beyond in providing insights, often switching between languages effortlessly, which enhances the experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This cruise is ideal for adventurers eager to see Greece’s iconic islands without the hassle of organizing transport and activities. It’s perfect if you want picture-perfect scenery, relaxing beach time, and some cultural exposure in small villages.

It suits those who are comfortable with long days on the water and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere onboard. If you prefer shorter trips or have mobility concerns, you might find this tour a bit too demanding.

The Sum Up

This boat tour from Corfu to Paxos and Antipaxos offers a comprehensive glimpse of some of Greece’s most beautiful sights. The combination of stunning caves, free time in charming villages, and crystal-clear swimming spots provides excellent value at a reasonable price.

The professional guides, lively onboard atmosphere, and scenic cruising make it a memorable experience, especially for those who love being on the water and exploring small islands. It’s a well-rounded option for travelers seeking a fun, scenic, and authentic Greek island adventure.

This tour is best suited to active travelers who want a full day of discovery, families comfortable with long outings, and anyone looking for a taste of Greece’s natural beauty beyond the mainland.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The trip lasts between 7 and 12 hours, depending on the day’s schedule and optional transfers.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, if you select the pickup option, transfers are included, and you’ll get detailed instructions 48 hours before departure.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Snacks and drinks are not included but available for purchase onboard.

Is there a chance to see dolphins?
Some travelers have reported seeing dolphins jumping around the boat, but it’s not guaranteed.

Can I swim at the beaches?
Absolutely. There are swim stops at Mesovrika Beach or Voutoumi Beach for about 50-70 minutes, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Is this suitable for kids or mobility-impaired travelers?
The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors or wheelchair users, and those with mobility issues might find the long boat ride challenging.

What’s the best side of the boat to sit on?
Many recommend sitting on the right side upstairs for the best views and to avoid the heat in the midday sun.

This cruise balances adventure and relaxation, making it an excellent choice to see Greece’s stunning coastline and islands in one memorable day.

You can check if your dates are available here: