From Corfu: Paxos, Antipaxos & Blue Caves Day Trip by Boat

Explore the Ionian Sea with a 9-Hour Day Trip from Corfu

This Paxos, Antipaxos & Blue Caves boat tour offers an engaging way to see some of Greece’s most beautiful islands and natural sights. Starting from Corfu, the trip lasts around 9 hours, with departures available from Corfu’s port or Lefkimi for south hotels. The tour is led by Cretanholidays, offering multilingual guides in English, French, and German.

You get to enjoy crystal-clear waters, explore exotic beaches, and marvel at the striking Blue Caves. While the trip showcases stunning scenery and relaxing swimming stops, some reviews note the lengthy time spent on the boat, making it a substantial day for those who appreciate sea adventures and island scenery. This tour suits travelers eager for a full day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photos, though it might feel long for some.

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Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 9 hours, ideal for a full-day experience
• Departure points: From Corfu or Lefkimi for south hotel guests
• Main highlights: Swimming in clear waters, visiting Paxos and Antipaxos, and viewing the Blue Caves (weather permitting)
• Includes: A scenic boat cruise past Mon Repos Palace, Mouse Island, and the Bay of Garitsa
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Language options: Guides available in English, French, and German

Starting from Corfu: From the Port to the Ionian Islands

The tour departs from Corfu’s port, or Lefkimi for those staying in the south. The boat journey begins with views of iconic sites such as Mon Repos Palace, the Bay of Garsita, and Mouse Island. These landmarks set the scene for a day filled with natural beauty and historical charm.

Travelers get to see the narrow channel between Paxi and Saint Nikolaos, which is often praised as one of the most beautiful sights in the Ionian Sea. The vessel then heads toward Antipaxos, a small island famous for its exotic beaches and crystal waters.

Swimming and Beach Time at Antipaxos

Once near Antipaxos, the boat stops for a swimming session close to the shore. There is no formal island visit, but guests have over an hour to enjoy the white, golden sands and crystal-clear sea. The shallow waters make for relaxing swims, and the scenery offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Some reviews highlight that the swimming stop on Antipaxos is a key highlight, especially for those who love beach time and water activities. The calm, inviting waters are ideal for a refreshing dip.

Visiting the Blue Caves (Weather-Dependent)

After leaving Antipaxos, the tour continues toward the Blue Caves, weather permitting. These natural formations are renowned for their vivid water colors, ranging from light blue to turquoise and emerald green. The Blue Caves are a favorite photo spot, with the striking contrast of water and rock walls.

It’s worth noting that the Blue Caves are an arrival point that depends on weather conditions, so on some days, the visit might be brief or unavailable. Still, when accessible, the spectacular colors make it a memorable part of the trip.

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Exploring Paxos: Narrow Streets and Coastal Views

The trip includes a stop at Paxos, the main island, where there is plenty of time for a walk. Travelers can stroll through narrow streets, enjoy local cafés, or simply gaze at the coastline views. The Saint Nikolaos island nearby also provides scenic vistas, ideal for photos or a peaceful moment.

During the time on Paxos, visitors can appreciate the laid-back island atmosphere and take in views of the craggy coastlines or have a coffee overlooking the water.

Pacing and Time Allocation: Long Sea Travel and Short Stops

The duration of the boat ride is a common point of feedback. Some reviews mention that the trip is quite long, with about 3 hours of total sailing time, which can feel tiring for those wishing more time on land. The time on Paxos is generally around 1 hour and 30 minutes, which some find too brief for exploring.

If you prefer more time on the islands and less on the boat, this tour might feel somewhat lengthy, but the scenic cruising is often praised as a highlight.

Practical Details: What to Bring and How to Prepare

The tour recommends bringing swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for protection during swimming and sightseeing. Since the trip involves outdoor activities, packing light but carrying essentials ensures comfort.

To confirm your spot, you’ll need to provide full names, birth dates, genders, and nationalities for all participants. This information is essential for check-in, and missing details could mean missing the tour without possibility of refund.

The Overall Experience: Natural Beauty with a Long Travel Time

This Corfu boat trip to Paxos, Antipaxos, and the Blue Caves offers a full day of scenic views, swimming, and island exploring. The highlighted attractions — the Blue Caves, exotic beaches, and the narrow channel between the islands — deliver memorable sights.

While the long hours on the boat are a common critique, many find the stunning scenery and relaxing swimming stops worth the time. It’s best suited for those who enjoy sea days, natural landscapes, and water activities.

This tour is a good option for travelers looking for a comprehensive day trip with a mix of sightseeing and leisure, especially if they are comfortable with longer periods at sea. For those seeking more time on land or shorter excursions, alternative tours might be more suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The trip lasts approximately 9 hours, including boat travel, swimming stops, and island exploration.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Corfu’s port, with Lefkimi as an alternative for those staying in the south.

Is there a possibility to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in English, French, and German.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for comfort during swimming and outdoor activities.

Is there an island visit?
No, the trip does not include a formal visit to Paxos or Antipaxos but allows time to explore Paxos’s narrow streets and coastal views.

How long is the time spent on each stop?
On Antipaxos, there is over an hour for swimming, while on Paxos, the stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can the Blue Caves be visited every day?
The Blue Caves are visited weather permitting; on some days, the visit may be brief or unavailable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves long boat rides and swimming stops, so it’s best suited for families with older children comfortable with sea travel.

What are some limitations of this tour?
The lengthy time on the boat may feel tiring, and shorter island stops limit exploration time on Paxos. The availability of the Blue Caves depends on weather conditions.

This Corfu boat trip to Paxos, Antipaxos, and the Blue Caves combines scenic cruising, swimming, and island views for a memorable day on the Ionian Sea. It offers a good balance of relaxation and sightseeing, ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty and longer sea journeys.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby