From Parga: Full-Day Cruise to Paxi Islands & the Blue Caves

Setting out on a full-day cruise from Parga to the Paxi Islands offers a wonderful way to see some of Greece’s most stunning waters and charming villages. This experience, rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 286 reviews, promises a mix of scenic boat rides, refreshing swims, and leisure time in a picturesque setting. It’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a relaxing, yet visually spectacular day along the Ionian coast.

What we really like about this tour is how well it balances adventure with relaxation—you get plenty of chances to swim in crystal-clear waters, explore caves only accessible by boat, and enjoy free time to wander in Gaios, a quaint port town packed with character. Plus, the knowledgeable crew and good value for the price make it a compelling option.

One potential consideration is the long day—around 8 hours, including travel and stops—which might be tiring for travelers with mobility issues or very young children. Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, bringing some cash for snacks or extra drinks may be wise. This trip suits those who appreciate scenic boat rides, good swimming spots, and a taste of local Ionian charm without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Stunning views of steep cliffs, caves, and crystal waters
• Swimming at Antipaxos’s acclaimed beaches and exploring Blue Caves
• Flexibility with free time in Gaios to shop and dine
• Value for money, with a full day of sightseeing and activities
• Experienced crew ensuring safety and comfort
• Ideal for travelers looking for a scenic, relaxed day on the water

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Full-Day Paxi Islands & Blue Caves Cruise

When we think about Greek island hopping, the appeal is undeniable. This tour from Parga hits the sweet spot by combining spectacular scenery, swimming, and a touch of local life. The day kicks off at 10 AM from the main port of Parga, where you’ll find the boat moored at the “Captain Hook II” dock. The boat itself is described as large and immaculate, offering enough space for a comfortable journey, even if it can carry up to 200 people.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The first leg of the trip takes just over an hour to reach Antipaxos, a tiny island famous for its pristine beaches and clear waters. The boat anchors near the beach, giving you roughly 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Based on reviews, the water here is stunningly clean, and the beach is one of the most acclaimed in the Mediterranean, making it a highlight. You might find yourself marveling at the sight of sailboats and yachts dotting the bay—an excellent scene for photos or just relaxing on the sand.

Next, your captain guides you past the rugged western coast of Antipaxos, an area inaccessible from land but visible from the boat. Here, steep cliffs and enormous caves unfold, creating a truly dramatic backdrop. This part of the trip offers a chance to see dolphins passing by—an added bonus that many travelers really enjoy. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring the Blue Caves, which are accessible only by boat. The caves are a must-see, with their vivid blue waters and impressive rock formations, making for memorable photographs.

Afterward, the boat heads east toward Gaios, the main port of Paxi. Once there, you’ll enjoy around 2.5 hours of free time. This is your chance to wander through narrow streets, browse gift shops, sample local cuisine, or take a dip in another nearby bay. Several reviews emphasize how charming Gaios is—small but packed with character. One traveler noted, “Gaios island is a place with many restaurants and gift shops where you can wander around,” highlighting the relaxed, authentic feel of the town.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes the boat cruise, experienced crew, swimming stops, and free time in Gaios. It’s good value, considering the full-day nature of the trip and the range of experiences. However, food and drinks aren’t included, so bringing cash or snacks is advisable. There are snack bars on board if you want a quick refreshment. Towels aren’t provided, so pack your own if you plan to swim.

The Experience’s Strengths

Travelers consistently praise the scenery and the well-organized itinerary. Many comment on the “really good boat” and the “great itinerary,” which balances active swimming with leisure. The quality of the crew also earns high marks, with reviews describing them as “kind” and “knowledgeable,” which enhances the feeling of safety and comfort.

The swimming spots are another highlight. One reviewer mentioned that “plenty of time in each stop” allowed for enjoying the water without feeling rushed. The Blue Caves are especially cited as “incredible shapes and colors,” a feature that sets this tour apart from typical boat trips.

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Considerations and Practical Tips

This trip is long and active, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues, severe seasickness, or very young children. The tour explicitly states that infants under three, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions should consider whether this is suitable. Also, since not all beaches are accessible from land, some swimming will involve jumping into the water from the boat, which might not be comfortable for everyone.

Packing wisely can enhance your experience—sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, and a camera are essentials. Also, bringing some cash helps if you want to purchase souvenirs or snacks in Gaios. To avoid missing the boat, plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before departure.

The Value of this Experience

At roughly 8 hours, this tour offers a full day’s worth of sightseeing and swimming at a reasonable price. When considering the cost of boat rentals, fuel, and a guide’s expertise, many travelers feel it provides excellent value, especially given the quality of the stops and the scenery.

The tour’s popularity is evident in glowing reviews, with comments like “excellent value” and “good bar prices.” The flexibility of free time in Gaios also allows you to tailor part of your day—whether that’s dining on fresh seafood or shopping for souvenirs.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers who want to see the beauty of the Ionian Islands without the hassle of organizing their own boat trips. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic water views, swimming, and exploring small coastal towns. If you enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water, this is a great fit.

However, it might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges or seasickness. If you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant women, it’s worth considering whether the long boat ride suits everyone’s needs.

In short, if you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic, and fun-filled day that combines nature, charming villages, and a bit of adventure, this tour from Parga checks all those boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation from Parga included?
No, you need to meet at the port in Parga, specifically at the “Captain Hook II” boat moored at Anevxavrtisias.

What should I bring for the trip?
Essential items include sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, cash, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but a snack bar is available onboard, and you may want to bring some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3 years old, and travelers should consider whether the long boat ride and swimming from the boat will be comfortable for very young children.

What about accessibility?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or those with certain medical conditions such as vertigo, epilepsy, or recent surgeries.

Can I swim at all the beaches visited?
Not all beaches are accessible from land, so most swimming will be from the boat. Be prepared to swim or snorkel from the vessel at designated stops.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins around 10 AM and returns to Parga around 6 PM, but check availability for the exact starting times during your booking.

Final Thoughts

This full-day cruise from Parga offers a well-rounded taste of the Ionian Islands’ natural beauty and laid-back charm. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy stunning scenery, crystal waters, and authentic village life in a single day. The friendly crew, flexible itinerary, and beautiful swimming spots make it a memorable experience for many travelers.

While it may not be suited for those with certain health issues or very young children, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a relaxing yet scenic adventure on the water. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with older children, this tour provides a great value for the chance to see some of Greece’s most captivating coastlines and islands.

If you appreciate authentic, scenic, and well-organized excursions, this cruise is likely to leave you with plenty of great memories—and maybe a few excellent photos to show back home.

You can check availability for your dates here: