SEMIPRIVATE GALATEA tour Antiparos-Blulagoon-Despotiko-FREE DRINK

An Authentic Day on the Water with the SEMIPRIVATE GALATEA Tour

Imagine waking up in Paros, and by 10 am, you’re stepping onto the deck of a stunning Turkish schooner named Galatea — the only one of its kind on the island. For around $140 per person, you’ll spend roughly eight hours cruising along the coast, stopping at Antiparos, Despotiko, and the famous Blue Lagoon. This tour blends scenic sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and savoring authentic Greek flavors, all in a small-group setting that guarantees a relaxed, personal experience.

What we really love about this trip? First, the boat itself — an elegant vessel with ample space for lounging, eating, and enjoying the sea breeze. Second, the diverse stops that promise both stunning views and memorable swims. The only downside? The weather can influence the itinerary—some stops might be skipped if seas are rough, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for relaxed travelers who want a taste of sailing life, nature lovers eager to explore hidden beaches, or foodies keen on authentic Greek cuisine and local drinks. If you’re after a balanced mix of comfort, scenery, and culture, this trip will suit you well.

Key Points

Beautiful Sailing Experience: The Galatea schooner offers a comfortable and elegant way to see Paros and surrounding islands.
Varied Itinerary: Stops include beaches, ancient ruins, and the Blue Lagoon, providing plenty of swimming and sightseeing opportunities.
Inclusive Food and Drinks: Greek specialties, free local wine, beers, ouzo, and fresh fruit make the day tasty and refreshing.
Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 25 passengers, ensuring a more intimate, relaxed trip.
Weather Flexibility: Stops are weather-dependent, which may mean some routes are modified.
Authentic Greek Flavor: The lunch features Greek favorites, adding cultural flavor to the day on the water.

A Closer Look at the Galatea Tour

Starting Point and Duration

Setting out from Piso Livadi at 10 am, the tour kicks off bright and early, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day. The eight-hour cruise includes a mix of sailing, swimming, and eating, with the boat returning by 6 pm. The mobile ticket makes it easy to join and provides flexibility, and the tour guarantees a maximum of 25 travelers — ideal for avoiding crowds and having a more personalized experience.

The Vessel: Galatea

The Galatea schooner is a highlight itself. Measuring 19 meters long and 5.5 meters wide, it’s an elegant, classic vessel with large indoor and outdoor spaces. The boat features a big enclosed area and plenty of open deck space with mattresses on the floor, perfect for relaxing in the sun or shade. Reviewers often praise the ship’s cleanliness, comfort, and beautiful design, making it a joy to spend the day on.

Morning Departure and First Stops

The day begins with navigation along Paros’ eastern coast, where the scenery is striking—cliffs, beaches, and shimmering waters. The first stop is at Antiparos, a charming island facing Paros, renowned for its crystalline waters and sandy beaches like Sostis or Faneromeni.

Here, you’ll have about 50 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. Many reviewers rave about the clear waters and the great snorkeling opportunities, with some saying they were the first to jump in — “the water was beautiful and crystal clear,” as one guest shared. Since the beaches are free to access, you can enjoy some quiet time in a stunning setting.

Exploring Despotiko

Next, the boat heads to Despotiko, a less developed, wild island with archaeological significance. Weather conditions determine whether you visit the beach of Livadi or anchor in the channel between Antiparos and Despotiko, where you can admire the Temple of Apollo and ancient Cycladic ruins.

The buffet lunch is served here, featuring Greek specialties, and you’ll enjoy free drinks—local wine, beer, ouzo, and tsipouro. Several reviews mention how delicious and generous the food and drinks are, making this a highlight of the tour. The approximately 60-minute stop allows you to eat, relax, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings with green waters and historical intrigue.

The Blue Lagoon: A Swimming Paradise

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the Blue Lagoon near Panteronisi, where rocky islets form a natural swimming pool with turquoise waters so vivid they seem surreal. Here, you’ll spend about an hour swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh fruit and local spirits. One reviewer called it “a place I’ve never seen in my life,” highlighting how this stop feels like a secret slice of heaven.

Sea Caves of Antiparos

The last stop involves exploring Antiparos’ famous sea caves, which add an element of adventure and natural wonder. Expect about 40 minutes to marvel at these limestone formations and take photos. Many guests appreciate this quiet, scenic finale to the day.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour’s price includes all the essentials: fuel, lunch, snacks, water, coffee, soda, and free drinks—local wine, beers, ouzo, and tsipouro. You’ll also get snorkeling equipment, although some reviews clarify that only masks are provided, not snorkels or fins, due to hygiene rules post-COVID.

Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim. The tour operates with a small group size, giving everyone space to relax and enjoy the day at their own pace. The crew is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and professional—a key reason many guests return year after year.

Weather Considerations

Since the itinerary is weather-dependent, some stops might be skipped if seas are rough or winds are strong. Guests should be prepared for some flexibility — and sometimes, a change of plans. But this can also mean discovering new spots or enjoying calmer waters.

Authenticity and Value

Compared to larger, more crowded boat trips, this experience offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The price point reflects the high-quality vessel, delicious Greek cuisine, and personalized service. Guests frequently mention the generous amount of food and drinks, making it an excellent value for a full-day adventure.

The reviews also reveal that many travelers find this tour to be well-organized, with friendly staff who prioritize safety and guest enjoyment. The small group size ensures everyone can participate comfortably, whether lying in the sun or chatting with the crew.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise suits those who love scenic sailing combined with beach time and good food. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups wanting a relaxed day on the water. If you’re looking for adventure or high-energy activities, you might find this trip too calm. But if authenticity, comfort, and stunning scenery are your priorities, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

The Sum Up

The Galatea semi-private tour from Paros offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural discovery, and Greek hospitality. You’ll get to visit beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and the famous Blue Lagoon, all while relaxing on a beautiful vessel with plenty of space and comfort. The quality of the food, free drinks, and the professional crew make it a standout choice for anyone wanting to see the best of the islands without feeling rushed or crowded.

While the itinerary is weather-dependent, most guests leave with fantastic memories and a sense of having experienced something authentic and enjoyable. For travelers who value small-group intimacy, authentic Greek flavors, and beautiful sights, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately eight hours, from 10 am to 6 pm, including swimming, sightseeing, and meals.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers fuel, lunch, snacks, water, coffee, soda, and free drinks like local wine, beer, ouzo, and tsipouro. Snorkeling equipment (masks only) is also provided.

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included. It’s recommended to bring your own if you plan to swim.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families can enjoy this trip, but be aware that the crew sometimes brings along their children and a family dog, which many guests find charming.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Some stops may be skipped or altered based on sea conditions. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on the boat?
The vessel is limited to 25 travelers, offering a small-group experience.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat. The boat has comfort features, but it’s best to wear casual, lightweight clothing suitable for sunbathing and swimming.

Enjoy your sailing adventure—paradise awaits in Paros’ stunning waters, and this tour makes sure you see the highlights in comfort and style.