Private Cruise: PAROS KOUFONISIA SCHINOUSA – HERAKLIA

A private cruise from Paros to the Small Cyclades—including Koufonisia, Schinousa, and Heraklia—offers an intimate way to explore some of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Priced at $3,123.41 per group for up to 9 people, this 8-hour journey is ideal for those seeking a personalized sailing experience. With pickup included and a mobile ticket option, it ensures smooth logistics, making it a convenient and luxurious day out.

This tour shines in its ability to combine relaxation, scenic beauty, and adventure. It features several stops at pristine beaches, a natural swimming pool, a charming Cycladic village, and snorkeling at an untouched wreck site. While the itinerary is packed with highlights, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so guests should be ready to meet at the Naousa Marina in Naousa, Greece. Overall, it’s perfect for travelers craving a flexible, exclusive island-hopping experience with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy local cuisine.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 8-hour cruise exploring the Small Cyclades from Paros
• Up to 9 guests per group, providing intimacy and flexibility
• Six key stops including beaches, caves, villages, and snorkeling sites
• All-inclusive drinks, snacks, towels, and snorkeling equipment provided
• Excellent reviews highlight spacious boats, knowledgeable captains, and fun adventures
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day with options for swimming and sightseeing

Departure from Naousa Marina with a Focus on Comfort and Convenience

This private cruise departs at 10:00 am from Naousa Marina, with pickup available. The tour is designed for groups of up to 9 people, making it a perfect choice for families, friends, or small groups looking for a personalized experience. The spacious boat is described as clean, comfortable, and safe, ensuring a pleasant journey on the water.

While hotel pickup is not included, the meeting point at the marina is straightforward, and the mobile ticket allows easy access. The tour’s flexibility and private setting mean you won’t be mixed with strangers, giving you full control of your day’s pace and activities.

Exploring Koufonisia’s Coveted Beaches and Rock Caves

Your first stop at Koufonisia focuses on the coastline near Ano Koufonisia, where many small coves and rock caves await discovery. These waters are perfect for diving and swimming, especially around beaches like Gala and Pori, which are popular among surf lovers. The turquoise waters and golden sands evoke a Caribbean-like ambiance, making it a memorable backdrop for photos and relaxation.

The two-hour stop gives ample time to enjoy the natural surroundings, whether by sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the caves from the boat. The scenery here provides a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots, ideal for those who appreciate secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Visiting the Devil’s Eye: Nature’s Natural Swimming Pool

Next, the boat approaches the Pool or “Devil’s eye”, famous for a natural hole in the rock that forms a swimming pool. This unique feature invites visitors to dive into the vivid blue waters, with only a short 30-minute stop. The free admission makes this a highlight, offering an exciting and scenic swim in a natural setting.

The Devil’s eye stands out as a photographer’s dream and a fun challenge for snorkelers who want to see beneath the surface. Its natural formation creates an iconic moment on the cruise, perfect for those wanting to experience Greece’s geological beauty firsthand.

Glaronisi’s Enchanting Uninhabited Beach

The tour continues with a 30-minute stop at Glaronisi, an uninhabited island with an lacy shoreline and small bays filled with blue-green waters. The scenery here resembles an artist’s painting, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters offering a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing on the boat with a snack and drink provided onboard.

Since Glaronisi is uninhabited, visitors enjoy a peaceful environment, away from crowds. The setting is ideal for a quiet moment in nature, with opportunities for leisurely walks along the coast or quick dips in the inviting waters.

Exploring Chora’s Cycladic Charm

The boat then stops at Chora, the main port of Koufonisia. Here, visitors can walk through the calcareous Cycladic houses, showcasing traditional architecture that is distinctive to the region. This 30-minute visit provides a glimpse into the local island life and architectural style, characterized by whitewashed walls and blue accents.

While the stop is brief, it offers a chance for photography and to admire the authentic island charm. There’s also time to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront or browse local shops if desired before returning to the boat.

Lunch on Schinousa: A Taste of Small Island Life

The lunch stop at Schinousa lasts 2 hours, giving ample opportunity to sample local cuisine at one of the 2-3 traditional Cycladic taverns. Known as the small island of ship-owners and captains, Schinousa features a cozy harbor with quaint surroundings, perfect for relaxing and enjoying authentic Greek dishes.

This break offers a chance to recharge and appreciate the slower pace of island life, with local specialties likely including fresh seafood and traditional mezes. The small size of the island keeps the experience intimate, ideal for those who want a genuine taste of Greek island culture.

Snorkelling at Heraklia’s Wreck Site

The final stop at Heraklia is a snorkelling adventure focused on a German seaplane wreck submerged at 11 meters. This virgin beach location boasts crystal clear waters and virgin beaches, making it a favorite for snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts.

The wreck provides a visual highlight for snorkelers, with the remains visible from the surface and accessible with mask and snorkel. The one-hour visit allows for exploration and relaxation in a pristine setting, capping off a day filled with scenic views and adventure.

All-Inclusive Comfort and Practical Details

Throughout the cruise, guests enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, along with fresh fruits, towels, and snacks. The use of snorkeling equipment is included, making it easy to explore underwater sights without extra expense.

The fuel surcharge is covered in the price, ensuring no hidden costs. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so guests should plan to meet at the Naousa Marina. The service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.

The Experience: A Balance of Relaxation and Adventure

Review highlights praise the spacious and clean boat, as well as the knowledgeable, courteous captain. Guests appreciate the fun and adrenaline of the boat ride, especially the speedy excursions. The tour balances leisure—with beach stops and siestas—with exciting activities like snorkeling and exploring caves.

The flexibility of the private vessel allows for a custom pace, making it suitable for those wanting to maximize relaxation or adventure. The 8-hour duration ensures enough time to experience the diverse highlights of the Small Cyclades without feeling rushed.

Perfect for a Private, Scenic Day on the Water

This cruise offers a luxurious escape for small groups looking to experience Greece’s island scenery in a personalized setting. It’s especially appealing for families, couples, or friends seeking privacy and flexibility combined with stunning views and authentic stops.

While the lack of hotel pickup might be a minor inconvenience, the multiple scenic stops, snorkeling opportunities, and all-inclusive amenities make this tour a worthwhile investment. The positive reviews underscore its quality, with many noting it as the best experience on their trip to Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not recommended for children aged 3 and under.

What’s included in the price?
Guests receive fresh fruits, towels, snacks, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and the use of snorkeling equipment. The fuel surcharge is also included.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the marina?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so guests should plan to meet at the Naousa Marina.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops range from 30 minutes at caves and beaches to 2 hours at Schinousa for lunch, providing a balanced mix of exploration and relaxation.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be tailored within the available stops, offering flexibility based on your preferences.

What do reviews say about this cruise?
Guests praise the spacious, clean boat, knowledgeable captain, and fun adventure, with comments about the excellent service and beautiful scenery.

How long is the overall experience?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it an ideal day-trip from Paros.

What is the price for the whole group?
The total cost is $3,123.41 for up to 9 guests, offering a cost-efficient way to enjoy a personalized boat day.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

This private cruise from Paros offers an engaging blend of scenic stops, swimming, and local culture, all in the comfort of your own vessel. With positive reviews highlighting excellent service and stunning views, it remains a top choice for those wanting a bespoke island-hopping experience in the Small Cyclades.