The Pounta: Paros & Antiparos Cruise offers an enticing blend of natural beauty, culture, and culinary delights. Embarking on a traditional wooden kaiki boat, adventurers will discover stunning locations like the Padieronissia Blue Lagoon and Epitaphios Cave, where they can swim, snorkel, and explore ancient ruins. With a small group and personalized attention, this 6.5-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience, complete with unlimited local refreshments and a delectable seafood lunch. Whether you’re seeking a day of relaxation or a deeper connection to the Greek islands, this cruise may just be the perfect gateway to an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- A 6.5-hour excursion through Paros and Antiparos, priced from $125.95 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights include swimming, snorkeling, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying a Mediterranean seafood meal with unlimited local refreshments.
- Guests embark on a traditional wooden kaiki boat to access hidden coves and secluded beaches, immersing in the Cycladic seafaring heritage.
- The tour includes stops at the Padieronissia Blue Lagoon, Panagia Faneromeni, Mastichari, Epitaphios Cave, and Psaralki Antiparos.
- The cruise is led by a knowledgeable guide providing live narration in Greek and English, with a group size typically around 12 participants.
Tour Overview
The Pounta: Paros & Antiparos Cruise is a 6.5-hour excursion that takes travelers on a journey through the stunning islands of Paros and Antiparos, offering a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and exploration of ancient ruins.
Priced from $125.95 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability for starting times.
The tour’s cancellation policy is generous, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Aboard a traditional wooden kaiki boat, guests can expect an intimate and comfortable experience, with a group size typically around 12 participants.
Experience Highlights
Aboard the traditional wooden kaiki boat, travelers can expect a range of engaging activities, from swimming and snorkeling to exploring ancient ruins and idyllic coves.
The tour includes equipment for swimming and snorkeling, allowing guests to fully enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
One highlight is the visit to the archaeological site on Despotiko, where travelers can discover the remnants of an ancient civilization.
Another captivating stop is the Epitaphios Cave, a natural wonder that offers a glimpse into the region’s geological history.
Throughout the journey, travelers can indulge in unlimited local wine, beer, ouzo, and seasonal fruits, complemented by a delectable Mediterranean seafood lunch or dinner.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at the Eurodivers Paros office located at Pounta Beach, where participants meet before embarking on their adventure.
From there, the itinerary takes travelers to a series of captivating destinations, starting with the Padieronissia Blue Lagoon, where they can spend an hour swimming and snorkeling amid the crystal-clear waters.
Next, the boat heads to Panagia Faneromeni for another hour of snorkeling, followed by a stop at Mastichari for cliff jumping and swimming.
Afterward, the group explores the Epitaphios Cave for an hour before visiting the archaeological site on Despotiko Island.
The final stop is Psaralki Antiparos, where travelers can swim and enjoy local snacks before returning.
Boat Type
Traditional wooden kaiki boats from Pounta Beach transport participants on this cruise, offering a unique and authentic maritime experience.
These traditional vessels, with their distinctive carved prows and sails, provide a glimpse into the rich seafaring heritage of the Cycladic islands.
As you board the boat, you’ll be surrounded by the gentle lapping of the waves and the salty sea breeze, creating an immersive atmosphere that sets the tone for the day’s adventures.
The kaiki’s compact size and maneuverability allow the crew to navigate to hidden coves and secluded beaches, giving you access to areas that larger vessels can’t reach.
This intimate, personalized experience on a traditional Greek boat is an integral part of the Pounta cruise.
Refreshments and Meals
As guests board the traditional wooden kaiki boats, they’re greeted with an array of refreshing local wines, beers, and ouzo, as well as seasonal fruits, setting the tone for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
The crew ensures these complimentary beverages flow freely throughout the cruise, allowing passengers to savor the flavors of the Cycladic islands.
The day’s culinary highlight is the included Mediterranean seafood lunch or dinner, featuring fresh, locally-sourced delicacies that showcase the region’s renowned cuisine.
From the first sip to the final bite, the refreshments and meals on this cruise provide a delightful and authentic experience that complements the stunning natural scenery and activities.
Meeting Point and Stops
Guests convene at the Eurodivers Paros office located at Pounta Beach, the designated meeting point for embarking on this captivating cruise. From there, the journey unfolds, with the first stop being the Padieronissia Blue Lagoon, where passengers enjoy an hour of swimming and snorkeling amid the stunning azure waters. The itinerary continues with visits to the following destinations:
| Stop | Duration |
|---|---|
| Panagia Faneromeni | 1 hour snorkeling |
| Mastichari | Cliff jumping and swimming |
| Epitaphios Cave | 1 hour exploration |
| Despotiko | 1 hour at archaeological site |
The cruise culminates with a swim and savoring of local snacks at Psaralki Antiparos before the return journey.
Participant Information
A knowledgeable tour guide is available on the cruise to provide live narration in both Greek and English for participants.
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, given the nature of the activities. Typically, the group size is around 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience.
The cruise offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and exploration of ancient ruins, catering to adventurous travelers.
Participants can enjoy unlimited local refreshments, such as white wine, beer, and ouzo, as well as seasonal fruits, enhancing the overall experience.
The seafood lunch or dinner served during the cruise showcases the Mediterranean cuisine, providing a delightful culinary element to the excursion.
The crew is known for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all guests.
Past participants have highly recommended this cruise, praising the boat’s ample space and the overall value of the experience.
Customer Reviews
The cruise has earned a stellar 4.7/5 rating based on 46 reviews, with past participants lauding its exceptional value.
Travelers rave about the unlimited refreshments, including local white wine, beer, and ouzo, as well as the delicious Mediterranean seafood lunch included in the experience.
The friendly and helpful crew is also a highlight, with reviewers noting the comfortable and spacious boat.
Many recommend this cruise as a must-do activity during a visit to Greece, praising the variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling, and exploring ancient ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Discount for Seniors or Children?
The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for seniors or children. However, some tour operators may offer reduced rates for certain age groups, so it’s best to check with the provider directly about potential discounts.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat, but the tour provides unlimited local wine, beer, ouzo, and seasonal fruits as refreshments. Bringing a packed lunch is generally not necessary, as a Mediterranean seafood meal is included in the tour.
Are Underwater Cameras and Gopros Allowed During the Activities?
Underwater cameras and GoPros are typically allowed during the activities, as the tour encourages exploring the marine environment. Participants should check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions or recommendations regarding camera use.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Towels and Swimwear?
No, you don’t need to bring your own towels and swimwear. The tour provides all necessary equipment, including towels, life jackets, and snorkeling gear, so you can focus on enjoying the activities without worrying about extra items.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Locations?
While the standard itinerary is set, customers can often work with the tour operator to customize their experience and visit specific locations, subject to availability and feasibility. However, they should inquire about any additional costs or requirements for a customized tour.
Recap
The Pounta: Paros & Antiparos Cruise offers an unforgettable day in the Greek islands.
Travelers can explore stunning natural wonders, swim in crystal-clear waters, and savor a delightful seafood lunch, all while enjoying local refreshments.
With its small group size, personalized experience, and high customer satisfaction, this cruise is a must-do activity for anyone seeking to enjoy the beauty and history of Paros and Antiparos.
