Small group kaiki cruise to Antiparos & Despotiko with lunch

Small group kaiki cruise to Antiparos & Despotiko with lunch

This small-group cruise on a traditional wooden kaiki offers an authentic taste of the South Aegean. Priced at $219 per person, the tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours, departing from Alyki Marina and limited to 12-14 guests for an intimate experience. The trip combines cruise, swimming, and sightseeing with a freshly prepared Greek lunch included, making it a relaxing and flavorful day out.

The tour’s highlights include exploring secluded beaches and caves, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying local dishes in a traditional setting. Known for its professional yet friendly crew, this cruise receives high praise for its authenticity, food quality, and personalized atmosphere. A key consideration is that the itinerary depends on weather conditions, with possible modifications to ensure safety.

This cruise suits travelers looking for a relaxed, culturally rich day on the water, especially those eager to swim in untouched spots and enjoy home-cooked Greek cuisine. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small groups and a personal touch over large, crowded tours.

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Key Points

• Authentic experience on a traditional wooden kaiki with limited group size
• Includes a freshly cooked Greek lunch featuring local products and beverages
• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters accessible only by boat
• Stops at beaches and caves not reachable by land or larger ships
• Departure from Alyki Marina at 10:00am, with a return around 4:30pm
• Weather-dependent itinerary, with safety as a priority

Cruising on an Authentic Fisherman’s Kaiki in the South Aegean

The cruise starts at Alyki Marina, where you board the AGIA KALI, a beautiful traditional kaiki that embodies the classic fishing boat style of Greece. The 12-14 guests on board enjoy a relaxed, semi-private atmosphere, far from the crowds of larger vessels. The English-speaking crew guides you through the day, sharing insights into the boat’s history and the surrounding scenery.

This 6.5-hour journey begins at 10:00am, with a coffee and traditional sweet offered upon embarkation. The small group setting means everyone can appreciate personalized service and attention from the crew, including snorkeling gear and noodles provided for water fun.

Scenic Stops in Panteronissi and Beyond

The highlight of the cruise is the discovery of Panteronissi, renowned for its turquoise waters that seem to create a natural swimming pool. The wild coastline features cliffs and sea caves, which the captain will choose based on weather for the best experience. The stops are designed for swimming and snorkeling, with ladder access from the boat into the open sea.

The itinerary is flexible and adapted daily, but the focus remains on unique, untouched locations that are unreachable by land or large ships. These stops let guests experience the natural beauty of the South Aegean in a peaceful, secluded setting.

Delicious Greek Cuisine on Board

The lunch menu is a major highlight of the tour. It features a freshly cooked mezze that includes dako salad with carob croutons, Parian cheese, and tomato, along with mussels prepared with feta and wine and a Greek salad topped with croutons. The risotto with ouzo and saffron adds a hearty touch, all cooked directly on the boat.

To finish, fresh fruits are served as dessert. Beverages such as white wine, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water are included throughout the day, making the experience both delicious and refreshing.

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Swimming and Snorkeling in the Crystal Blue Waters

Guests have the opportunity to swim in isolated, pristine waters using the ladder from the boat. The mask provided for snorkeling allows for better exploration of underwater scenery. Noodles are available for added comfort during water activities, and the calm, clear waters make for excellent photo opportunities.

The stops are carefully chosen for their beauty and tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from crowded beaches. The feeling of swimming in natural pools surrounded by cliffs and caves is often highlighted as a memorable part of this cruise.

Logistical Details: Meeting, Timing, and Group Size

The meeting point is Alyki Marina, where guests should arrive by 09:45am to ensure a smooth start. The tour departs promptly at 10:00am and returns around 4:30pm. Confirmed departures require a minimum of 10 participants, but reviews suggest that the small group size of 12-14 adds to the personalized experience.

The boat, AGIA KALI, is equipped for comfort and safety, with English-speaking crew ready to assist. The weather conditions may lead to itinerary adjustments or cancellations, so flexibility is advised.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes the cruise on the kaiki, lunch with snacks and fresh fruits, and beverages such as wine, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water. Snorkeling masks and noodles are provided to enhance water activities.

Guests should bring essentials like sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, and beachwear. Items like alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard, ensuring a safe environment for all.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The focus on swimming in open sea and the small boat environment makes it best suited for able-bodied guests comfortable in water activities.

The Experience of the Crew and Food Quality

The crew is praised for being professional, friendly, and attentive, ensuring every guest feels well cared for during the trip. The food receives particular acclaim—fresh starters, a main course cooked on board, and fresh fruit—delivering an authentic Greek dining experience.

The small group atmosphere fosters a sense of relaxed camaraderie, with many reviewers citing the quality of the food and hospitality as standout features.

Why This Cruise Stands Out

What truly sets this small-group kaiki cruise apart is the combination of tradition, personalized service, and stunning scenery. The authentic vessel, careful itinerary, and delicious local cuisine create a day that feels both special and genuine.

The flexibility in the stops, based on weather, ensures guests get the best possible experience each day, whether they’re swimming in turquoise pools or exploring sea caves. The limited size makes it a more intimate alternative to larger boat trips.

Best suited for

This cruise is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to swim in untouched waters, appreciate Greek cuisine, and enjoy personalized service. It’s especially appealing for those who value small groups and are comfortable with water-based activities.

It’s less suited for young children under 5, or those with mobility challenges, due to the nature of the stops and boat environment.

Final Thoughts on the Antiparos & Despotiko Kaiki Cruise

The small-group nature of this 6.5-hour cruise offers a relaxed, authentic way to experience the South Aegean. The beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly crew create a memorable day on the water. While the itinerary depends on weather, the flexibility ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

This tour provides an excellent chance to see hidden beaches and caves, snorkel in crystal waters, and enjoy a home-cooked Greek meal in a small, convivial group. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking an authentic, laid-back day on the sea, far from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes the cruise on a traditional kaiki, lunch with snacks and fresh fruits, beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water), and snorkeling gear with noodles.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Alyki Marina, with guests advised to arrive by 09:45am.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, starting at 10:00am and returning around 4:30pm.

Is the itinerary fixed?
No, the captain may modify stops based on weather conditions, but the focus remains on swimming in secluded, beautiful locations.

Who should avoid this tour?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to the water activities and boat environment.

How many people are in each group?
The cruise is limited to about 12-14 guests, providing an intimate experience with personalized attention.

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