Full-Day Cruise in Antiparos and Despotiko with Barbecue

The Full-Day Cruise in Antiparos and Despotiko with Barbecue offers an engaging way to explore some of the Cyclades’ most captivating waters and islands. Priced at $104.66 per person and lasting approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, this tour includes hotel pickup, a cruise on a traditional Greek kaiki, and a delicious barbecue lunch served on board. It is ideal for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and sampling authentic Greek cuisine in a relaxed setting.

This cruise stands out for its flexible route, guided by a knowledgeable crew that chooses the best spots based on weather conditions. While the boat can sometimes feel crowded, the experience rewards visitors with unspoiled landscapes, secluded swimming locations, and a hearty, freshly grilled meal. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and authentic Greek hospitality.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek kaiki boat: Traditional wooden fishing boat used for the cruise.
• Flexible route: Cruise route is weather-dependent and tailored for optimal experience.
• Multiple swim stops: Includes Panteronisi, Antiparos, and Despotiko, with crystal-clear waters.
• All-inclusive lunch: BBQ grilled on a beach in Despotiko with salads, tzatziki, pita, and local wine.
• Hotel pickup included: Transfers from accommodations in Paros to Pounta port.
• Great for relaxation and scenery: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back day at sea with scenic views.

Starting from Pounta Port at 10:00am

The tour begins at Pounta port, where guests are picked up from their accommodations in Paros or a nearby stop. The pickup service makes starting the day convenient and stress-free. The boat departs promptly at 10:00am, setting sail on a traditional kaiki, a charming wooden motor yacht with capacity for up to 55 people, though the cruise is generally booked for up to 45 travelers.

The crew, speaking English and knowledgeable about the area, leads the cruise, choosing stops based on weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience. The emphasis is on enjoying the crystal waters and unspoiled scenery rather than strict schedules.

Panteronisi: Nature’s Natural Pool

The first stop at Panteronisi showcases turquoise waters that resemble a large, natural swimming pool. This location offers a peaceful start to the day, with approximate one-hour spent swimming and relaxing in the clear waters that feel almost made for lounging. The calm environment and pristine waters make Panteronisi a favorite for swimming and unwinding.

Since the stop depends on the weather, it may vary slightly in timing or duration, but the focus remains on enjoying the natural beauty of this unspoiled spot. No admission fee is needed for this stop, making it a relaxing introduction to the day.

Exploring the Wild Southeast Coast of Antiparos

The southeast coast of Antiparos features dramatic cliffs and several sea caves, including the famous Mastihari Cave. This area offers up to an hour of stops for swimming in crystal blue waters, giving visitors ample opportunity to snorkel or simply relax in the refreshing sea.

The geology of the coastline provides dramatic scenery, with cliffs plunging into the sea. The crew may lead brief explorations or swimming activities here, but the main focus is on enjoying the wild, unspoiled landscape. The stops are flexible, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Despotiko Island and the Beach BBQ

The highlight of the cruise is the lunch on Despotiko, where a BBQ is grilled on a beach accessible only by boat. The food features freshly grilled meats, salads, tzatziki, pita bread, and local wine, soft drinks, or mineral water. Fresh fruits serve as a sweet finish for the meal.

The beach setting allows diners to eat at tables under the shade, which is a significant plus compared to typical boat lunches. The duration here is about an hour, giving enough time for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying the scenic surroundings.

The deserted beach and the hearty meal make this stop an ideal spot for unwinding amid natural beauty, with the added benefit of a traditional Greek barbecue.

Returning to Pounta at 4:30pm

The cruise concludes with a return to Pounta port around 4:30pm, after a final swim or relaxation session. From there, guests are transferred back to their hotels or accommodations in Paros, completing a full and relaxing day at sea.

While some reviews mention occasional crowding, the overall pacing is designed to balance swimming, sightseeing, and eating comfortably. The group size is manageable, with a maximum of 45 travelers, ensuring space for everyone to enjoy the experience.

Practical Details and Tips

The included transfer service from accommodations in Paros makes this tour accessible and effortless to join. While towels are not provided, bringing your own is recommended if you plan to swim frequently. The timing allows for plenty of swimming and sightseeing, but flexibility depends on weather conditions, which the crew carefully considers.

Since the route is weather-dependent, some stops or locations may vary from day to day. The crew communicates with guests in English, explaining the spots and ensuring everyone knows where they are. The boat itself is a traditional vessel, which might feel crowded during busy days but offers a genuine experience of Greek maritime culture.

The Crew and Food Quality

The crew has earned praise for their friendliness and attentiveness, with many reviews emphasizing their warm attitude and professionalism. The barbecue lunch, grilled fresh on the beach, receives consistent compliments for its quality and authenticity.

A few reviews mention that the boat can feel crowded, especially on peak days, so early booking is advisable. The crew’s flexibility in selecting swimming spots based on weather ensures a more enjoyable experience, even if some may prefer more structured schedules.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This full-day cruise suits travelers who appreciate relaxed sailing, stunning natural scenery, and authentic Greek cuisine. The swimming stops, especially at Panteronisi and the beaches of Despotiko, appeal to anyone looking for refreshing dips in clear waters.

It’s most suitable for those comfortable with a moderate crowd and who want a casual, scenic day at sea. The food and drinks, along with the relaxed pace, make it ideal for families, friends, or solo travelers seeking a laid-back experience.

Final Thoughts on the Antiparos and Despotiko Cruise

This full-day cruise offers a practical and enjoyable way to explore parts of the Cyclades inaccessible by land. The combination of secluded swimming spots, authentic Greek barbecue, and friendly crew makes for a memorable day on the water.

While some reviews highlight the potential for crowding and occasional variability in stops, the overall experience remains positive, especially considering the value for money. The hotel pickup, all-inclusive lunch, and flexible route make this tour a convenient choice for those seeking a scenic, relaxing, and authentic Greek boat trip.

Travelers who enjoy being on the water, sampling local cuisine, and discovering hidden waters and beaches will find this cruise particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as it involves swimming, relaxing on a boat, and enjoying meals in a scenic setting, it generally suits families with children comfortable around water.

Do I need to bring my own towel?
Towels are not included, so bringing your own is advisable if you plan to swim frequently during stops.

Can I bring special dietary requirements?
The tour provides a barbecue lunch with traditional Greek dishes; however, dietary restrictions like vegetarian or allergies should be communicated in advance. The company states that bringing your own food is permissible if needed.

What is the group size?
The cruise typically hosts up to 45 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group.

Are the stops weather-dependent?
Yes, the route and stops are chosen based on weather conditions to ensure safety and comfort.

What time does the cruise start and end?
The cruise departs from Pounta port at 10:00am and returns around 4:30pm.

Is the transfer service included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from accommodations in Paros to Pounta port are included in the price.

How is the food served?
The barbecue is grilled on a beach in Despotiko, with seating at tables under shade, making it more comfortable than typical boat lunches.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Secluded swimming spots, the BBQ lunch on Despotiko, scenic views of Antiparos’ cliffs, and the experience of sailing on a traditional Greek kaiki.

Can I expect commentary during the cruise?
The crew does not provide guided commentary; the experience is primarily about enjoying the scenery, swimming, and the meal.