All Day Cruise – Paxos and Antipaxos Islands with Blue Caves

If you’re dreaming of exploring Greece’s Ionian Islands without breaking the bank, this all-day cruise from Corfu might be just what you’re after. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of Greece’s stunning coastline, crystal waters, and charming villages—all in one day. We’ve looked into what this tour offers, and while it has some standout features, there are a few points worth considering before booking.

What we love about it? First, the value for money — at around $65 per person, it offers a full day’s adventure. Second, the variety of stops — from exploring caves to relaxing on beaches and wandering through quaint villages, you get a good mix of sights and experiences. On the downside, some reviews point out issues like crowding and shorter-than-expected stops, which could impact your enjoyment if you’re after a more leisurely or exclusive trip.

This tour suits those happy with a lively, social day out on the water, especially if you’re excited to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. But if you’re after a more relaxed or private experience, it’s worth weighing these factors.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and village exploration
• Includes stops at Blue Caves and Voutoumi Beach, offering stunning scenery and opportunities to swim
• Group size can be quite large, which may lead to crowded conditions onboard
• Tour offers optional hotel pickup, making the day more convenient
• Designed for a broad audience, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a lively, sometimes crowded environment
• Timing of stops is generally short, so if you love spending more time on each spot, this might feel rushed

What’s Included and What’s Not

This cruise is priced at around $64.76 per person, which is quite reasonable for a full-day adventure. The price includes local taxes, a tour escort, and if you choose the add-on, hotel pickup and drop-off—which is a nice touch for convenience. However, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to buy in Gaios village.

Reviewers have highlighted the value, noting that the trip is well-organized and the boat is comfortable, although some mention that the boats can feel crowded and the seating is basic—mostly plastic patio chairs on deck. If you’re someone who prefers a more luxurious experience, or hates feeling squeezed among strangers, this is something to keep in mind.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Paxi and the Blue Caves

The first stop is Paxos (Paxi), where you’ll admire the famous Blue Caves. These caves are historically significant, having served as hiding spots for submarines during WWII, and they’re visually spectacular. You’ll get about two hours here, enough time to walk along the streets of Gaia, the small capital of Paxos, and take in the scenery.

Many reviews praise the beautiful caves and the informative guides, with one traveler noting, “The water in Antipaxos is beautiful,” though some mention that tours can feel rushed—you only get about 75 minutes for swimming and sightseeing.

Stop 2: Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos

Next, the boat heads to Antipaxos, famous for Voutoumi Beach. It’s a spot that earns high marks for its crystal-clear waters and inviting atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy swimming or just relax on the boat. Some reviews describe the water as “blue emerald”, and multiple travelers have enjoyed jumping into the sea from the boat.

However, one common critique is that the stop is short, often around 30 minutes, which can feel like too little time to fully unwind or explore. The reviews also indicate that some days the sea can be choppy and waves rough, so if you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly.

Return Journey and Optional Transfers

After the stops, you’ll cruise back to Corfu, which takes around 2 hours. If you select the hotel pickup option, your day becomes much easier, removing the hassle of finding the meeting point. Without it, you’ll need to arrive at the port on your own, which is still straightforward given its proximity to most accommodations in Corfu town.

What the Experience Feels Like

Many review comments highlight the lively, social atmosphere onboard. With a DJ and Greek dancers, the boat is often described as impeccably maintained and comfortable. The crew is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall sense of a well-organized trip.

Siska, a bartender, is frequently mentioned as a standout, making delicious drinks all day. The fact that food and drinks are not included is worth noting—you might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase refreshments onboard or in Gaios.

Some travelers, however, found the crowd size problematic—with reports of overcrowded decks and little space to move around. One review pointed out that the seats are basic, and on busy days, people may be sitting on the deck or in hallways.

The Crowding Issue

A few guests expressed frustration about the number of passengers—up to 300, though the operator states they operate at about 80% capacity per health protocols. Still, the feeling of being packed on deck can detract from the experience, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed day.

Timing and Duration

While the full-day cruise lasts approximately 10 hours, a significant chunk is spent aboard the boat (about 6.5 hours). Some reviews mention the long travel times and the short durations at each stop, which can make the day feel very busy and sometimes rushed. If you’re someone who prefers more time to linger at each location or swim longer, this could be a downside.

Swim and Snorkeling Opportunities

The swimming spots are highly praised. Many reviewers enjoyed the crystal-clear waters and the chance to jump off the boat for a swim. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and snorkel gear if you want to make the most of the water. Note, though, that the time allocated for swimming can be brief—often around 50 minutes—so plan accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Great value for a full-day experience with diverse stops
– Beautiful scenery of caves, villages, and beaches
– Lively onboard atmosphere with music, dancing, and drinks
– Convenient optional hotel pickup

Cons:
– Crowded conditions may not be comfortable for everyone
– Short stop durations may leave you wanting more time
– Basic seating arrangements—mostly plastic chairs on deck
– Potential sea sickness if waves are rough
– No included food or drinks, so budget accordingly

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect if you’re looking for a fun, social day on the water, and you’re okay with a lively, sometimes bustling environment. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy meeting new people, don’t mind basic seating, and are comfortable with a full itinerary that might feel a bit rushed at times. If you value relaxation over activity or prefer a private, quiet experience, you might want to explore alternative options.

It’s also a good pick for adventurous travelers eager to see iconic sights like the Blue Caves and swim in clear waters, but who are aware that the stops are relatively brief. Families with older children could enjoy the mix of sightseeing and swimming, but very young kids might find the long hours and crowding challenging.

Final Thoughts

This all-day cruise from Corfu offers a solid introduction to some of Greece’s most captivating spots—especially at this price point. It delivers on its promise of sightseeing, swimming, and lively entertainment, making it a good choice for those who want a full, active day on the water. The views of caves and villages are genuinely memorable, and the cruise crew is often praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more spaciousness, longer stops, or a more relaxed pace, you might find the crowds and short durations frustrating. The basic seating and potential for choppier seas are factors to consider, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or looking for a more luxurious experience.

In the end, whether this cruise will be your highlight or just a fun day trip hinges on your expectations. If you’re ready for a vibrant, social adventure with opportunities to swim and see stunning caves, this tour ticks all the boxes. For those seeking serenity or a more exclusive vibe, you might want to browse other options.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, you can opt for round-trip hotel transfers for added convenience, but it’s an optional upgrade.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers rave about the Blue Caves and the swimming opportunities at Voutoumi Beach.

How long do stops last?
Typically, about two hours at Paxi, 30 minutes for swimming at Voutoumi, with the total trip lasting around 10 hours.

Is the boat crowded?
Some reviews mention crowded conditions, with mostly plastic patio chairs on deck, so if space and comfort are important, keep that in mind.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks is a good idea.

Is this suitable for families?
While most travelers can participate, the lively environment and crowding might be better suited for older children or adults.

What should I bring on the tour?
Swimsuit, towel, camera, hat, and sunscreen are recommended. If you want to snorkel, bring your gear.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, this cruise is a lively, budget-friendly way to see Paxos and Antipaxos, especially if you’re after scenic beauty, swimming fun, and a social vibe. It’s best suited for travelers who are flexible, enjoy engaging with others, and don’t mind shorter stops and basic onboard amenities. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, you’re likely to come away with some beautiful memories—and plenty of stories to tell.