Antiparos and Despotiko Full-Day Swim Cruise from Paros
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Overview
This full-day cruise leaves Parikia, the main port of Paros, at 10:00 and spends seven hours exploring the coast of Antiparos and the uninhabited island of Despotiko. Between the islands you stop at turquoise bays reached only by boat, swim into sea caves, snorkel with the gear provided and, if you like, jump from low rocks into deep water. The Blue Lagoon of Panteronisia is part of the day, and a traditional Parian lunch is served on board with fresh fruit, snacks, water and soft drinks. It is a shared cruise with a host and crew, ideal for couples, friends and families with older children who want a long, relaxed day at sea without planning anything.
Highlights
- A full day at sea around Antiparos and Despotiko from Parikia port
- Swim stops at turquoise bays that can only be reached by boat
- Sea caves along the coast of Antiparos, with optional rock jumps
- The shallow Blue Lagoon of Panteronisia
- The crystal-clear channel between Antiparos and Despotiko
- Traditional Parian lunch on board, with fruit, snacks and soft drinks
- Snorkelling equipment provided by the crew
- Host and crew on board, so you only need to swim and relax
Full Description
Parikia, the harbour town of Paros
Parikia is the capital and main port of Paros, where most ferries from Piraeus and the other Cyclades arrive. Behind the waterfront lies a maze of whitewashed lanes and the remains of a 13th-century Venetian castle built from ancient marble blocks, while near the port stands Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece.
The cruise departs from the port at 10:00, so plan to arrive a little early. If you are staying elsewhere on the island, Parikia is the hub of the local bus network, which makes it easy to reach from Naoussa, Pounta or the south-coast resorts. From the harbour the boat heads south-west along the coast of Paros towards the narrow strait that separates it from Antiparos.
The coast of Antiparos and its sea caves
Antiparos is the small, relaxed neighbour of Paros, with a single main village, low hills and a coastline full of coves. Its southern and western shores are carved into cliffs and caves by the wind and waves, and from the boat you can see layers of rock in shades of red, yellow and grey dropping straight into deep blue water.
The crew anchors near some of these sea caves so you can swim inside, snorkel along the walls or, if you are confident, jump from low rocks into the water. This is the most adventurous part of the day, but every activity is optional and you can stay on deck. Many visitors ask whether an Antiparos boat trip from Paros is worth it: seeing these caves and bays is impossible from land, so the answer is yes.
The Blue Lagoon of Panteronisia
Between Paros and Antiparos lies the small group of islets called Panteronisia, and between them a shallow channel of white sand known as the Blue Lagoon. The water is calm, clear and astonishingly turquoise, often only waist-deep near the sand, which makes it a favourite stop for families and relaxed swimmers.
You have time to swim, float and take photos in one of the most photographed spots of the Cyclades. The lagoon is popular with boats around midday in July and August, so the crew times the visit to find the best moment of the day. Bring a waterproof case for your phone, as the colours here look unreal in pictures.
Despotiko and the channel of Antiparos
Despotiko is an uninhabited island just west of Antiparos, separated from it by a narrow and shallow channel where the water is a bright mix of turquoise and emerald over sandy bottoms. Archaeologists have uncovered an important archaic sanctuary of Apollo on the island, dating from the 6th century BC, which shows how busy these waters were in antiquity.
Today Despotiko is a peaceful place of low hills, wild shrubs and empty beaches, and the boat anchors in one of its sheltered bays for a long swim. This is also where the traditional Parian lunch is usually served on board, with fresh fruit and snacks to follow. The best time to visit Antiparos and Despotiko by boat is from June to September, when the sea is warm; on strong meltemi days the crew chooses the most sheltered side of the islands.
Itinerary
- Departure from Parikia portBoard the boat at 10:00 after a short welcome from the host and crew.
- Cruise to AntiparosSail south-west along the coast of Paros and across the strait, about 30–45 minutes.
- Blue Lagoon of PanteronisiaSwim stop in the shallow turquoise lagoon between the islets.
- Sea caves of AntiparosSwim and snorkel near the caves, with optional jumps from low rocks.
- DespotikoLong swim stop in a sheltered bay and traditional Parian lunch on board, followed by fruit and snacks.
- Last swim and returnA final swim on the way back, arriving at Parikia port around 17:00, about seven hours after departure.
What's included
- Full-day cruise with host and crew
- Traditional Parian lunch on board
- Fresh fruit and snacks
- Water and soft drinks
- Snorkelling equipment
- Swim stops at bays reached only by boat
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People prone to seasickness
Meeting point
The cruise departs from Paros port in Parikia at 10:00; please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included. Parikia is the main town of the island and the centre of the local bus network, so it is easy to reach from Naoussa, Pounta and the south-coast resorts by bus, taxi or car, and the meeting point is a short walk from hotels in town.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and beachwear
- Rock jumps and cave swims are optional; follow the crew's instructions and only jump if you are a confident swimmer
- The itinerary depends on the weather and can change for safety reasons, especially on strong meltemi days in July and August
- Only water and soft drinks are served on board with lunch
- Please tell us about dietary needs when booking; halal food is limited on Paros, so we will share your request with the crew
- Children aged 3 and over are welcome with an adult and should be supervised in the water at all times
- If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private tour?
It is a shared full-day cruise with other travellers, a host and a crew. It is the only option we currently offer for this route.
Can we change the itinerary or the pace?
No, the route is planned by the crew, who adjust the order of the stops to the wind and sea so you always swim in calm water.
How many people are on the boat?
It is a shared cruise, so the group size varies, but there is plenty of space on deck to sunbathe or relax in the shade.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the boat at Paros port in Parikia, easy to reach by bus, taxi or on foot from hotels in town.
What is included?
The full-day cruise with host and crew, a traditional Parian lunch on board, fresh fruit and snacks, water and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment and swim stops at bays reached only by boat. Hotel transfers and tips are not included.
How long is the cruise?
About 7 hours, from 10:00 to around 17:00.
Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?
Children from about 3 years old enjoy the shallow Blue Lagoon, always with an adult. Boarding and moving on deck need some balance, so travellers with reduced mobility should contact us before booking.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, beachwear and a waterproof phone case. Water shoes are useful for rocky entries.
What is the best season for this cruise?
June and September are ideal, with warm water and fewer boats. July and August are the busiest and windiest months, but the crew always looks for sheltered bays.
Do we visit the ancient sanctuary on Despotiko?
The cruise focuses on swimming and the sea, so the day is spent in the bays around Despotiko rather than at the excavation site.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date in the booking panel on this page and send your request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes.
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