Paros: Day Cruise to Koufonisia by Traditional Wooden Kaiki

Exploring the stunning Cycladic islands by traditional wooden boat is a captivating way to take in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. The day cruise from Paros to Koufonisia aboard the Agios Georgios kaiki promises an unforgettable journey, with ample opportunities to swim, savor Mediterranean cuisine, and witness the region’s natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this excursion offers a unique and accessible means to experience the enchanting allure of these picturesque islands. With a thoughtfully designed itinerary and attentive crew, the stage is set for an exceptional day on the water.

Key Points

• A 9-hour day cruise from Paros to Koufonisia aboard a traditional wooden kaiki, Agios Georgios, with stops at Naxos, Kato Koufonissi, and Rina Cave.
• The cruise offers a comfortable open-deck experience with various food and drink options, including Mediterranean meals and free snorkeling equipment.
• The cruise departs at 9:45 AM from Piso Livadi and returns at 7:00 PM, with swimming breaks and exploration of the Koufonisia islands.
• Accessibility is limited, as the cruise is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, but shuttle bus service is available for an additional fee.
• The cruise has a 4.1/5 rating based on customer feedback, highlighting its scenic beauty, attentive crew, and unforgettable experience.

Cruise Overview

This day cruise from Paros to Koufonisia is aboard the traditional wooden kaiki, Agios Georgios.

The cruise lasts 9 hours and costs from $123.13 per person. It’s likely to sell out, so booking early is recommended.

Passengers can opt for a "reserve now & pay later" option, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cruise departs from Piso Livadi at 9:45 AM and returns at 7:00 PM, with stops at Naxos, Kato Koufonissi, and Rina Cave.

Itinerary Highlights

The day cruise departs from Piso Livadi at 09:45.

The first stop is a swimming break at the south coast of Naxos, either at Kalados beach or Agios Sostis chapel, around 10:30.

At noon, the boat visits the Kato Koufonissi cave.

Lunch and swimming follow at a protected spot around Kato Koufonissi at 13:30.

The cruise then explores Koufonissi’s port at 15:00 before stopping at Rina Cave on Naxos at 16:00.

Onboard Experience

Spanning the spacious open deck, a sun sail provides shade for passengers aboard the traditional wooden kaiki, Agios Georgios.

The cruise offers an extensive onboard experience, featuring a variety of food and drinks. Guests can enjoy coffee, cookies, souvlaki (both pork and chicken), Revithia, Greek salad, aubergine salad, tzatziki, fresh fruits, and beverages including water, soda, and two beers per person.

For those who wish to explore the waters, free snorkels, masks, and noodles are available.

The onboard experience is designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Accessibility and Restrictions

According to the information provided, the day cruise to Koufonisia may not be suitable for certain passengers.

It’s not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users. However, the cruise operator offers a shuttle bus service from selected pick-up points for an additional €10 per person, payable in cash. This could be a convenient option for those who need assistance getting to the departure point.

The cruise also has the following restrictions:

1. Not suitable for pregnant women.
2. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
3. Shuttle bus service available for an extra charge of €10 per person (cash payment required).
4. No indication of accessibility for other mobility-impaired passengers.

Customer Feedback

Passengers have overwhelmingly praised the day cruise to Koufonisia, with an impressive 4.1/5 rating based on 8 reviews.

Positive comments highlight the spaciousness and comfort of the traditional wooden kaiki, the spectacular stops at scenic locations, the friendly and attentive crew, and the delicious Mediterranean meals served onboard.

Travelers have recommended the cruise as an unforgettable experience, perfect for those seeking a relaxing day exploring the stunning Cycladic islands.

With free snorkeling gear and a sun sail for shade, the onboard amenities have further contributed to the cruise’s high customer satisfaction.

Departure and Return Times

The day cruise departs from Piso Livadi at 09:45, providing ample time for passengers to embark and settle in before the journey commences.

The first stop is a swimming break at the South coast of Naxos (Kalados beach or Agios Sostis chapel) around 10:30.

The boat then arrives at the Kato Koufonissi cave at 12:00, followed by a lunch and swimming session at a protected spot around Kato Koufonissi at 13:30.

The final stop is at the Rina Cave on Naxos at 16:00, before the cruise returns to Piso Livadi at 19:00.

Swimming Stops and Visits

The cruise offers several captivating stops along the way, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Aegean.

The first stop is at the south coast of Naxos, where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim at either Kalados beach or the Agios Sostis chapel.

Next, the boat will visit the Kato Koufonissi cave, a unique geological formation.

Lunch and additional swimming take place at a protected spot around Kato Koufonissi, before the vessel makes a port round in Koufonissi.

The final stop is at the Rina Cave on Naxos, offering another chance to explore the region’s natural marvels.

Included Food and Drinks

Upon boarding the cruise, passengers can indulge in a delectable onboard dining experience.

The menu includes:

1. Coffee and cookies to start the day.
2. Savory souvlaki (pork and chicken), Greek salad, aubergine salad, and tzatziki for a hearty lunch.
3. Fresh seasonal fruits for a refreshing treat.
4. Water, soda, and up to 2 beers per person, as well as wine, to quench one’s thirst.

The inclusive food and drinks ensure a satisfying and well-rounded culinary journey, complementing the stunning natural scenery and cultural highlights of the Koufonisia islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

The cruise includes food and drinks, so passengers cannot bring their own. However, the operator does provide free snorkeling equipment and noodles for passengers to use during the swimming stops.

Can I Disembark at Any of the Stops Along the Way?

Passengers can disembark at the designated stops during the cruise, such as the swimming stops at Kalados beach or Agios Sostis chapel, and the port round in Koufonissi. However, they must re-board the boat at the scheduled departure times.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

There’s no option to extend the cruise duration. The cruise is a fixed 9-hour excursion from Piso Livadi to Koufonisia and back. Passengers can’t disembark at intermediate stops along the way.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Using the Snorkeling Equipment?

The cruise offers free use of snorkels, masks, and noodles, so there are no additional costs for using the snorkeling equipment. Passengers can enjoy exploring the waters without any extra fees.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Port Round in Koufonissi?

The cruise itinerary includes a port round in Koufonissi, so passengers can likely purchase souvenirs or local products during this stop. However, the overview doesn’t specify if there are any shops or vendors available for on-shore shopping.

Recap

Paros’ day cruise to Koufonisia aboard the traditional wooden kaiki Agios Georgios offers an enchanting Cycladic experience. Guests can enjoy swimming, delicious Mediterranean meals, and exploring natural wonders like Rina Cave. With spacious decks, attentive crew, and onboard amenities, the cruise provides a relaxing and adventurous journey through the Aegean Sea.