Paros: Private Boat Tour to Antiparos & Blue Lagoon Swimming

If you’re considering a day on the water while visiting Paros, this private boat tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most beautiful spots. From turquoise swimming areas to secluded beaches and impressive sea caves, it’s an experience designed for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a personalized adventure.

What we really like about this tour is how flexible it is—because it’s private, the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences, whether you want more time at certain spots or a quicker route. Plus, the boat itself, a luxurious De Antonio 42, makes for a comfortable, stylish ride with included drinks and gourmet snacks, which elevates the whole experience. However, keep in mind that this is a boat tour that relies on good weather; if the wind picks up, the trip might be altered or rescheduled.

This experience is ideal if you’re craving a peaceful day on the water, love exploring caves and secluded beaches, or just want a luxurious way to see Paros and Antiparos. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, tailored outing. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy boating, this could be a highlight of your trip — but if you’re prone to seasickness or pregnant, it’s worth considering the potential discomfort.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The tour can be adjusted to suit your preferences, making for a more personalized experience.
• Luxurious boat: The De Antonio 42 offers comfort and style, with drinks and snacks included.
• Great swimming spots: Expect turquoise waters, isolated beaches, and striking cliffs perfect for swimming or relaxing.
• Sea caves and rock formations: Approach and even swim inside sea caves, which are a real highlight.
• Flexible itinerary: You can choose to visit Despotiko or extend your time at favorite spots like Agios Georgios.
• Weather dependent: Bad weather might mean rescheduling or a shorter trip, so keep that in mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What It’s Really Like

This tour is a chance to see Paros from a different perspective—by boat, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the water. The boat itself is described as luxurious, a De Antonio 42 that comfortably fits up to 11 people. This size means you’ll never feel crowded, and the privacy makes it ideal for couples, friends, or small families wanting a more intimate experience.

The tour begins from Alyki, a charming spot known for its friendly vibe and access to beautiful waters. Once onboard, you’ll start with a quick cruise to Panteronisia, also known as the Blue Lagoon. This is often the highlight for many guests—its vibrant turquoise waters and soft sand make it an ideal place for swimming, relaxing, or just floating around with a drink in hand. One reviewer mentioned, “Thank you Joanna for an amazing birthday boat trip,” highlighting how special moments can be created on this trip.

After the Blue Lagoon, you’ll head toward Antiparos, famous for its dramatic rock formations and sea caves. The guides are knowledgeable and engaging, pointing out interesting features along the way. Many guests appreciate their insight, with one reviewer noting, “Alessandro was amazing! He took our group to the best spots and was very engaging throughout the trip.” You can approach the caves, pass through them, or even swim inside, making for great photo opportunities or just a unique experience.

A true gem of this tour is the chance to explore sea caves, which are accessible only by boat. These caves can be viewed from the water, and some visitors might even choose to swim inside if conditions allow. The caves add an adventurous touch to the trip and are often described as awe-inspiring.

Lunch and Relaxation

After exploring the caves and rock formations, you’ll have the option of stopping at Agios Georgios for lunch—an authentic Greek experience with local cuisine and seaside views—or continuing to Despotiko Island. If you prefer, the tour can skip lunch and head straight to other swimming spots like Livadi Beach, which offers more secluded relaxation.

One traveler mentioned that the flexibility to pause at different locations is a real plus, allowing you to tailor your day based on how you feel or weather conditions.

Additional Spots and Flexibility

If time permits, the tour can include visits to South Paros spots like Agiou Myronas or the Pirate’s Cave. This flexibility is great for those who want to see more or skip certain areas. The itinerary is primarily guided, but because it’s private, your guide can adapt to your interests, which many reviews praise as a major advantage.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Your day begins at The Sailor’s Ride at Alyki, where you’ll board the boat.
• The journey includes multiple short cruises, each around 30 minutes, punctuated by stops for swimming and snorkeling.
• Key stops include Panteronisia (Blue Lagoon), Faneromeni Beach, and Despotiko.
• Along the way, you’ll pass fascinating rock formations and sea caves, which can be approached from the water.
• A lunch break at a local restaurant or on the boat itself offers a taste of local cuisine, with the option to extend your trip afterward.
• The tour concludes back at the starting point after about 7 hours on the water.

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What to Expect at Each Stop

Blue Lagoon: Expect crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. This spot is praised for its beauty and tranquility. The shallow, warm waters make it suitable for all levels of swimmers, and the isolated setting means you can enjoy some peace away from the crowds.

Antiparos: Known for its stunning cliffs and sea caves, this area offers both sightseeing from the boat and opportunities for swimming, with some caves accessible from the water. The guides often point out interesting geological features, making it a fascinating stop.

Sea Caves: Some caves are large enough to swim into, providing an exciting adventure for those comfortable in the water. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the caves add to the visual appeal.

Agios Georgios: The lunch stop here is a chance to sample local flavors while enjoying seaside views. It’s a relaxed break, with some guests mentioning they appreciated the opportunity to stretch and enjoy fresh Greek food.

Despotiko: This quiet island offers more swimming opportunities and a chance to escape further into nature. Its peaceful vibe makes it a favorite for relaxing after the more active parts of the day.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

Looking at reviews, one consistent theme is the quality of the guides—”Alessandro was amazing,” and “Dimo really went above and beyond,” are common praises. Knowledgeable guides make all the difference, especially when navigating the tricky-to-access spots like caves or choosing the best swimming areas.

The boat’s luxurious nature also adds a layer of comfort that many travelers appreciate. Nice snacks and drinks are included, so you won’t feel the need to pack a lot of extras, and the onboard atmosphere is often described as relaxed and fun.

Guests also love the flexibility and personalized approach of this private tour. If you’re someone who prefers to set your own pace and explore at your leisure, this kind of experience really suits you.

However, it’s worth noting that weather can impact the trip—if winds pick up, access to some spots might be limited or the trip rescheduled. This is quite typical in the Cyclades, and the organizers seem to handle it well with options to reschedule or get a refund.

In terms of value, considering the private nature, the luxury boat, and the ability to customize your day, many might find this a worthwhile spend for a memorable, personalized adventure. It’s not the cheapest way to see Paros, but the exclusivity and quality often justify the price for those seeking a special outing.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour offers a well-rounded experience for travelers who want a more intimate and flexible way to see Paros and Antiparos. The combination of stunning swimming spots, dramatic caves, and relaxed lunch options makes it suitable for anyone wanting to enjoy the sea at their own pace. It’s especially appealing if you value comfort, personalized service, and the chance to explore inaccessible areas.

If you’re a lover of waterside adventures, enjoy beautiful scenery, and want a break from crowded tours, this experience is worth considering. The guides’ knowledge and the boat’s luxury setup make it stand out, ensuring you’ll have a memorable day on the water.

Just keep in mind the weather and seasickness considerations, and be prepared to be flexible if conditions aren’t perfect. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a special, personalized day in Paros.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for small children? Many reviews highlight the flexibility of the trip, but since it involves boating and swimming, it might be best suited for older children comfortable around water. Check with the provider if you have very young kids.

What do I need to bring? Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, and perhaps a towel or sun protection. High-heeled shoes are not allowed on the boat.

Can I customize the itinerary? Yes, as a private tour, it’s flexible. Guides are generally willing to adjust stops or duration according to your preferences.

What happens in bad weather? The tour can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if weather conditions aren’t safe.

How long is the tour? The experience lasts about 7 hours, including stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.

What is included in the price? Drinks, gourmet snacks, and a private guide are included. You might want to bring extra for additional food or souvenirs.

Is there a maximum group size? Yes, the boat fits up to 11 people, making it intimate but spacious enough for a small group.

Does the tour visit Despotiko island? Yes, if time permits, the itinerary can include Despotiko, known for its tranquility and scenic beauty.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is generally suitable for adults; pregnant women or those prone to seasickness should consider their comfort before booking.

How do I find the boat at Alyki? Look for the “The Sailor’s Ride” sign on the dock at the Alyki port, with the coordinates 36.995174407958984, 25.13636589050293 for guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here: