Northeast Corfu Coastal: Swim, Snorkel with lunch & drinks

Thinking about a day on the water around Corfu’s stunning northeastern shoreline? This Northeast Corfu Coastal tour offers a blend of swimming, snorkeling, scenic stops, and a traditional Greek meal, all packed into about six hours. It’s a lively, guided trip designed for travelers who want a taste of everything – beautiful views, fun water activities, and a relaxed day with onboard drinks and music.

What really caught our eye is the chance to see wild dolphins and sea turtles—those moments of wildlife sightings often make trips memorable. Plus, the visit to the Blue Cave is a highlight, promising some fantastic photo ops. On the flip side, some might find the cave a bit underwhelming compared to the hype, but overall, it’s a well-rounded experience.

If you enjoy being on the water, love exploring coastal sites, and want a day that mixes adventure with comfort, this tour could suit you perfectly. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with friends or a couple looking for a laid-back but engaging day on the sea.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal route including famous bays and the James Bond filming location.
• Swim and snorkel at multiple stops, including the Blue Cave, with an emphasis on wildlife sightings like dolphins.
• Authentic Greek lunch with drinks, music, and a friendly guide onboard.
• Informative guides sharing stories about the sights and local history.
• Optional wildlife encounters that often include dolphins, seals, or sea turtles—best with a bit of luck.
• Comfortable boat with onboard refreshments, snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This boat trip is a delightful way to explore parts of Corfu that are often hard to access from land. The route takes you along the eastern coast, passing notable spots like Dassia, Barbati, and Nissaki, offering plenty of opportunities for breathtaking shoreline views as you cruise along.

One of the key attractions is the Blue Cave of Saint Arsenios. While some travelers, like the reviewer who found it “a bit disappointing,” might expect a larger or more colorful cavern, the experience of swimming into an exotic water-filled cavity makes it memorable. The crew’s guidance into the cave adds an element of adventure, especially since the entrance isn’t visible from the boat.

A highlight for many is the chance to spot dolphins—some reports describe sightings of three dolphins swimming and jumping near the boat, which can truly elevate the day. The presence of wildlife, including possible seals or turtles, adds a layer of excitement that keeps the trip lively.

The Route and Stops in Detail

Departure and Initial Sightseeing

The tour kicks off from Corfu Port with a ride northward along the coast. As you leave the port, you’ll pass the Old City of Corfu and the charming island of Vidos. The boat then continues along the eastern shoreline, where you can enjoy the views of popular areas like Dassia, Barbati, and Nissaki.

The Blue Cave of Saint Arsenios

This is often the first major stop. The Blue Cave is a small, picturesque cavity where you can swim and capture photos of the vibrant waters. The crew helps swimmers enter the cave, making this stop suitable for those comfortable with guided water entry. Duration here is around 30 to 45 minutes, giving enough time for pictures and a quick dip.

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Coastal Passages and Film Fame

Afterward, the boat passes by Agnie Bay, Kalami, and Kouloura Bay, each with their own charm. Kouloura, in particular, is a fan favorite thanks to its appearance in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” Seeing these spots from the water adds a cinematic touch to the trip.

You’ll also cruise past the Rothschild villa and the Durrells villa—these sights connect the tour to famous literature and history, giving it an extra layer of interest.

Saint Stefanos and Limnopoula Beach

Further north, the boat reaches the bay of Saint Stefanos, the closest point between Corfu and Albania. Here, the scenery becomes even more stunning, with clear waters and peaceful coves.

The main stop is at Limnopoula Beach, a beautiful spot for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. This segment lasts around an hour and a half, providing a relaxed break amid scenic surroundings. The small island of Kapareli nearby hosts Greece’s first official lighthouse of the north-west border—a fun tidbit for lighthouse fans.

Lunch and Return

Back on the boat, a relaxed Greek lunch is served, with traditional dishes, drinks, and a soundtrack of music. The onboard bar offers cocktails, beers, and fresh fruit, rounding out the experience. Throughout the trip, guides share stories in English, Italian, or Greek, making the journey educational and engaging.

The return leg includes onboard Greek dancing, snacks, and the hope of wildlife sightings—dolphins are sometimes seen, adding a touch of magic to the day.

The Experience and Practicalities

This tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with a total duration of about 6 hours. It starts at different times based on availability, so checking the schedule ahead of time helps plan your day. The meeting point is straightforward—located across from the Cabal club, near the Atlantis vessel.

Most reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable crew, which can make a big difference when you’re on a boat for several hours. The onboard guide enriches the experience with interesting stories and background information.

The cost includes coffee, tea, juice, cake, biscuits, lunch, guide, and taxes, offering good value considering the scenery and activities. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you want to explore underwater more extensively, you might want to bring your own.

One thing to keep in mind is that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point. Also, the cave’s entrance isn’t visible from the boat, which might be a slight letdown if you’re expecting a large, colorful cavern.

What We Love and What to Consider

What’s great?
– The chance to see dolphins and wildlife during the trip. That unpredictability makes every tour unique.
– The scenic route along Corfu’s northeast coast, with highlights like the James Bond filming spot and famous bays.
– The authentic Greek lunch with drinks and music, adding a relaxing local flavor.

Possible drawbacks?
– The Blue Cave might not be as grand visually as some hope, but the swimming experience remains enjoyable.
– No snorkeling equipment is provided, so if underwater exploration is your main goal, bring your own or rent locally.
– The meeting point isn’t a hotel pickup, so arrangements need to be made to arrive there.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who want an active, scenic day out that balances water adventures with sightseeing. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided tours with a lively atmosphere, good food, and the chance to spot wildlife. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging experience.

While not specifically designed for families with young children, active and confident swimmers will enjoy the stops and swimming options. If you’re keen on landscapes, local stories, and a bit of fun in the sun, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. You’ll need to meet at the designated departure point across from the Cabal club.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers coffee, tea, juice, cake, biscuits, a Greek lunch, a guide, and all applicable taxes.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so if you want to snorkel, consider bringing your own or renting locally.

How long is the stop at Limnopoula Beach?
The main stop here lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time for swimming, photos, and lunch.

Is the Blue Cave worth visiting?
Most find it a nice photo opportunity and a fun swimming spot, although some, like one reviewer, felt it was smaller and less dramatic than expected.

What wildlife might I see?
Guests often report seeing dolphins, seals, or sea turtles, though sightings depend on luck and time of day.

Final Thoughts

This Northeast Corfu Coastal tour offers a mix of gorgeous scenery, water fun, and cultural sights, all wrapped in a lively, guided experience. It’s a good pick for those who want to combine sightseeing with some active swimming, topped off with a tasty Greek lunch and onboard entertainment.

While it’s not a luxury cruise, the friendly crew, wildlife sightings, and scenic stops make it a solid value and a memorable way to spend a day. Whether you’re chasing dolphins or just soaking up the views, you’ll get a good sense of Corfu’s rugged coast and charming bays.

If you’re after a relaxed day with a bit of adventure and local flavor, this tour is worth considering. Just plan ahead for the meeting point and maybe bring your own snorkel gear for extra underwater fun. Overall, it’s a genuine, enjoyable way to experience part of Greece’s beautiful Ionian Sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: