SEMIPRIVATE GALATEA tour Antiparos-Blulagoon-Despotiko-FREE DRINK

If you’re considering a day afloat exploring the waters around Paros, the Semiprivate Galatea tour might just catch your eye. It promises a relaxed day on a beautiful Turkish schooner, with stops at some of the most picturesque spots in the area. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves but have gathered enough feedback, details, and insights to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the stunning scenery—crystal-clear waters, intriguing sea caves, and rugged islands. Second, the quality of the crew and the comfort of the vessel, which many reviews praise. On the other hand, one thing to consider is that the itinerary can be affected by weather, and some travelers noted that the stops might change or be limited if conditions aren’t ideal. This tour really suits those who are looking for a laid-back, scenic day, enjoying good food, drinks, and swimming rather than energetic activities or extensive island exploration.

Key Points

• Comfortable, unique vessel: The Galatea schooner offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas, with soft mats in the bow for lounging.
• Beautiful stops: Expect crystalline waters at Antiparos beaches, the ancient ruins at Despotiko, and the famous Blue Lagoon.
• All-inclusive value: The price covers fuel, food, and drinks, including local wine, beer, ouzo, and snacks—offering good value for a full day.
• Relaxed pace: With only around 25 guests, the tour combines comfort with a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
• Weather-dependent: The itinerary might change based on weather, especially for the Despotiko and cave visits.
• Mixed reviews: While most rave about the scenery and hospitality, a few found the crew’s explanations lacking and the experience somewhat average.

The Overall Experience: What You Should Expect

This tour offers a full day on the water that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The boat departs at 10 am from Piso Livadi’s port, an accessible point on Paros, and returns around 6 pm. On paper, it’s a manageable 8-hour trip that optimizes your time with a variety of stops.

The vessel itself is a real eye-catcher—the only Turkish schooner on the island, measuring 19 meters long and 5.5 meters wide. It feels quite spacious, especially with large internal and external living areas, and the ability to stretch out on soft mats at the bow makes it a favorite among guests. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the boat’s setup, with one guest saying, “Being able to lay down in the bow area on soft mats was a nice feature.”

The crew is generally described as friendly, experienced, and attentive, with many reviews mentioning their helpfulness and professionalism. You’ll find that the drinks flow freely—local beer, wine, ouzo, or tsipouro—and snacks are provided throughout the day, making it a good value. The lunch is Greek-themed, with a buffet that, while simple, is appreciated by guests, especially given the all-inclusive price.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Antiparos Beaches
The first stop is at Sostis or Faneromeni beach, both known for their clear, turquoise waters and good snorkeling opportunities. Expect a 50-minute break to swim, relax, and take photos. Many reviews mention how gorgeous these waters are, with Leigh_J sharing, “The water was beautiful and crystal clear—I was the first one to jump in!” This stop is perfect for anyone wanting to cut loose right away and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Stop 2: Despotiko
The wild island of Despotiko is a highlight, with the stop depending on weather conditions. Guests often visit Livadi beach or the channel between Despotiko and Antiparos, offering stunning views of the temple of Apollo and Cycladic ruins. Here, lunch is served—Greek specialties accompanied by drinks—making it a good spot to unwind and soak in the views. Steven_A notes, “The crew was very experienced, and the lunch was great.” This is an ideal stop for those interested in a mix of history, nature, and good food.

Stop 3: Blue Lagoon (Panteronisi)
This area is often called a natural swimming pool due to its rocky islets and turquoise waters. It’s the most Instagram-worthy spot, with many guests calling it “breathtaking.” You’ll spend about an hour here, swimming, lounging, and enjoying fresh fruit and local spirits. Kristie_D describes it as, “Beautiful water, nice boat, great food and drinks.” It’s a relaxing way to end the day’s swimming adventures.

Stop 4: The Sea Caves of Antiparos
The final stop is at the sea caves, where you can explore the natural formations and snap photos of the dramatic cliffs. The stop usually lasts about 40 minutes. Many guests comment on how cool and interesting the caves are, with Cherri_M saying, “The day was windy, but the trip was amazing.” It’s a good wrap-up before heading back to port.

What the Price Gets You

At roughly $139.54 per person, this tour is generally considered a fair deal when you factor in the expenses covered—fuel, lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear. The small group size (max 25 guests) ensures a relaxed experience, which many travelers value, especially after busy or crowded tours.

Guests frequently mention how much they enjoyed the all-inclusive aspect; having snacks, drinks, and a Greek buffet included means you can focus on relaxing rather than worrying about extra expenses. Several reviews, like Kristen_D’s, mention that the lunch and drinks made the day even more enjoyable, and the buffet was appreciated for its generous servings.

The Genuine Highlights

Most reviews praise the beautiful swimming spots and the friendly crew, with Leigh_J sharing her repeat experience, “I loved this excursion so much I booked it again!” The boat’s setup, with plenty of space to lie down and enjoy the scenery, is another big plus. People love the small group atmosphere—it feels more like a private cruise than a large tour—and the ability to swim, relax, and eat at leisure.

The Downsides

Of course, no experience is perfect. The main concern mentioned by some is that weather can impact the stops—certain locations might be skipped or altered during windy or rainy days. One reviewer, Kavita, was particularly disappointed, criticizing the crew’s attitude, the limited snorkeling equipment (only masks, no snorkels or fins), and the absence of towels. They also felt the crew was somewhat rude and uninformative, which is at odds with most other reviews praising their friendliness.

Another point to remember is that this tour isn’t geared toward high-energy fun or detailed educational commentary. It’s about relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and swimming. If you’re after a lively, loud experience, this might not fit your style.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Galatea cruise works best for travelers wanting a laid-back day on the water with stunning views and gentle stops. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfortable surroundings, good food, and a friendly crew, especially if you prefer a smaller group setting. It’s suitable for independent travelers or couples looking for a romantic or tranquil escape, and the inclusion of free drinks and Greek cuisine makes it a leisurely way to experience the islands without fuss.

While families with very young children may find it relaxing, keep in mind the emphasis on swimming and the quiet nature of the stops. The boat’s atmosphere is more suited for those wanting peace and scenic beauty rather than active exploration or energetic socializing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a beautiful day on the water with memorable swimming spots, good food, and friendly service, this tour offers solid value. The small group size and spacious vessel help create a relaxed vibe that many guests find appealing. The stops at Antiparos, Despotiko, and the Blue Lagoon, coupled with the free-flowing drinks and Greek buffet, form a package that’s hard to beat in this price range.

Of course, weather can be unpredictable, and the experience depends heavily on conditions and the crew’s attitude—most reviews are glowing, but a few mention frustration or disappointment. Overall, it’s a well-reviewed tour that balances scenic beauty with comfort and good company.

If your idea of a perfect day involves swimming, sunshine, and chatting over drinks with beautiful views, this is likely to deliver. If you prefer high-energy activities or detailed explanations about the islands, you might want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

How early should I book this tour?
Most travelers reserve about 3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot on this popular vessel.

What is included in the price?
Fuel, food, snacks, bottled water, and free drinks (local beer, wine, ouzo, tsipouro) are all covered. Snorkeling gear is provided, but only masks—no snorkels or fins. Towels are not included.

What is the departure time?
The tour starts at 10 am from Piso Livadi port and lasts approximately 8 hours, returning around 6 pm.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While it’s generally fine for most travelers, consider that it involves swimming and being on a boat for several hours. Families with young children should evaluate whether this relaxed pace suits their needs.

How crowded will the boat be?
The maximum group size is 25 guests, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience. Many reviews mention how the smaller group made the day more relaxed.

Will weather affect the stops?
Yes, stops such as Despotiko and the sea caves depend on weather conditions. If it’s windy or rainy, some stops might be shortened or skipped altogether.

Are there any tips I should know?
Bring your own towel. If you want to snorkel, consider bringing fins or additional gear, as only masks are provided. And, of course, dress comfortably and bring sunscreen.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure aren’t refundable.

All in all, this semi-private Galatea tour offers a wonderful way to experience the best of Paros’s waters and islands. It’s a great pick for travelers who prioritize comfort, scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere over high-energy activities or in-depth island exploration. Just remember to check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for a day filled with swimming, good food, and scenic beauty.