SEMIPRIVATE GALATEA tour Antiparos-Blulagoon-Despotiko-FREE DRINK

Discover the Unique Semiprivate Galatea Tour from Paros for an Authentic Greek Sailing Experience

This full-day boat tour on the Turkish schooner Galatea offers an authentic sailing adventure around the southern coastline of Paros, Greece. Priced at $139.54 per person, it provides a roughly 8-hour journey departing from Piso Livadi at 10am. The tour is designed for up to 25 travelers, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service, making it ideal for those seeking a comfortable yet intimate day on the water.

What sets this tour apart is the classic Turkish schooner itself—Galatea is the only vessel of its kind on Paros, measuring 19 meters long with spacious internal and external areas. Along with free drinks, including national beers, local wine, ouzo, or tsipouro, the experience combines stunning scenery, cultural stops, and Greek cuisine, all within a well-paced 8-hour itinerary.

While most reviews highlight the beautiful locations and friendly crew, some mention minor weather-related adjustments or the absence of certain amenities like towels or snorkel tubes. Still, the tour’s convenience, scenic stops, and inclusive food and drinks make it a popular choice for those wanting to explore the islands comfortably.

Key Points

• Full-day sailing tour on the Galatea schooner with 8 hours of exploration
• Stops include Antiparos, Despotiko, and the Blue Lagoon with swimming and snorkeling
• Price of $139.54 per person, including fuel, food, and free drinks
• Maximum of 25 travelers for an intimate experience
• Includes Greek specialties and free beverages like beer, wine, ouzo, and tsipouro
• Departure from Piso Livadi at 10am, returning around 6pm

The Classic Turkish Schooner Galatea as a Spacious Floating Lounge

The Galatea schooner is a key highlight of this tour, standing out as the only vessel of its kind on Paros. Its 19-meter length and large internal and external spaces provide a comfortable setting for enjoying Greece’s scenic coastlines. The boat’s design features enclosed areas and mattress-lined decks, allowing travelers to relax in the sun or shade, making it suitable for lounging, socializing, or simply soaking in the views.

Passengers appreciate the soft mats at the bow, offering a perfect spot to lie down and unwind during the cruise. The boat’s friendly crew is praised for their helpfulness and professionalism, creating a warm atmosphere despite the wind or weather conditions.

Departure from Piso Livadi and the Onboard Facilities

The tour begins at the Athenian Yachts – Paros Charter Base in Piso Livadi, where guests board the classic schooner at 10am. The group size is limited to 25, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. The mobile ticket makes check-in straightforward, and the boat departs on time for a day filled with swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Onboard amenities include snorkeling equipment (masks only, no snorkel tubes), bottled water, coffee, tea, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. The food menu features Greek specialties, served during the Despotiko stop, with free drinks available throughout the day to keep everyone refreshed.

Exploring the Stops: Antiparos and Sostis Beach

The first stop features Antiparos, a charming island facing Paros. Travelers can choose between Sostis beach or Faneromeni beach in the southern part of Antiparos. These spots are renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The approximately 50-minute stop allows for swimming and relaxing, with the chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take photos of this picturesque island.

The beaches are noted for their transparency and beauty, making each swim memorable. The water’s calmness and clarity are consistently praised, ideal for a quick dip before moving on to the next location.

Visiting Despotiko and the Cycladic Ruins

The tour’s second stop is Despotiko, a wild and unspoiled island located west of Antiparos. The stop varies according to weather conditions but generally includes a visit to Livadi beach with its green waters, or the channel between Antiparos and Despotiko, where views of the Temple of Apollo and Cycladic ruins are visible.

Here, a buffet lunch featuring Greek specialties is served, accompanied by free drinks. This stop lasts about an hour, providing ample time to explore the surroundings, enjoy the natural beauty, and learn about the rich history of the Cycladic civilization.

The Blue Lagoon and Its Rocky Islets

The Blue Lagoon is the final highlight, situated near Panteronisi, a small archipelago of rocky islets. This natural swimming pool, formed by the rocky islets, features turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The one-hour stop here offers an idyllic setting to float in the calm waters, sunbathe on the boat, or snorkel with the provided equipment.

Fresh fruit and local spirits are served during this scenic break, making it a favorite among guests for its spectacular views and refreshing drinks.

Sea Caves of Antiparos: An Underwater Gem

The Sea Caves of Antiparos are the final activity of the day, where travelers can dive and explore these stunning caves. The 40-minute stop allows for excursions into the caves, which are renowned for their beautiful formations and crystalline waters. The caves are accessible by boat, offering a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to experience Greece’s underwater landscape.

Food, Drinks, and Snorkeling Equipment

The tour includes Greek snacks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages such as local wine, ouzo, or tsipouro. The buffet lunch served at Despotiko features Greek specialties, and free drinks keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.

Snorkeling equipment comprises masks only; snorkel tubes and fins are not provided due to hygiene concerns post-COVID, as explained by the crew. The tour does not include towels, so guests are encouraged to bring their own to dry off after swimming.

Practicalities: Group Size, Departure, and Cancellation

This small-group tour maintains a maximum of 25 travelers, balancing intimacy with enough company for socializing. The meeting point is the Athenian Yachts – Paros Charter Base in Piso Livadi, with departure scheduled at 10am. The tour concludes around 6pm, returning to the same meeting point.

Guests benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, making planning flexible. The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, travelers are offered alternative dates or full refunds.

What Travelers Say About the Galatea Cruise

The reviews reflect a generally high level of satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 114 reviews. Many appreciate the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. The comfortable boat setup and relaxed pace appeal to those looking for a laid-back day on the water.

A few guests mention weather-related changes or missing amenities like towels or snorkel tubes, but these are typically minor concerns. One very negative review raised issues about crew attitude and lack of explanations, which contrasts sharply with the many positive comments about hospitality and professionalism.

Final Verdict: An Authentic and Relaxed Greek Sailing Adventure

The Galatea semi-private tour offers a relaxed, scenic voyage around some of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Its spacious vessel, well-chosen stops, and inclusive food and drinks create a comfortable environment for enjoying the Greek sun and sea. The small group size fosters a more personalized experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity.

While it may not satisfy those looking for high-energy activities or detailed island explanations, the tour remains excellent for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the scenery. The beautiful locations, delicious Greek cuisine, and friendly crew combine to make this a popular choice for a memorable day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $139.54 fee covers fuel, food, free drinks (including beer, wine, ouzo, and tsipouro), and snorkeling equipment (masks only).

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 10am and returning by 6pm.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Guests meet at the Athenian Yachts – Paros Charter Base in Piso Livadi.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, masks are provided, but snorkel tubes and fins are not, due to hygiene regulations.

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included, so guests should bring their own for drying after swimming.

What stops are included?
The itinerary features Antiparos, Despotiko, the Blue Lagoon, and the Sea Caves of Antiparos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that family members and pets like dogs are sometimes onboard, and the tour emphasizes relaxation over high-energy activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, towels, swimwear, and any personal snorkeling gear if preferred.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for those seeking a laid-back day on a beautiful vessel with excellent scenery and Greek hospitality—perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the ocean.