Antipaxos & Blue Caves Cruise From Corfu
Prices and departure times checked
The one Paxos boat that moors at Lakka instead of Gaios — a quiet northern bay, then the Blue Caves and a swim off Antipaxos. 4,131 reviews · 4.7 stars.
The Antipaxos and Blue Caves cruise from Corfu is a full-day boat trip run by Ionian Cruises. It leaves Corfu Port at 08:25, sails down the island’s east coast, moors in the bay of Lakka on northern Paxos, enters the Blue Caves on the west coast, and anchors off Antipaxos for the swim stop — from $48 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Of the five Paxos boats sold from Corfu it holds the highest rating, 4.7 from 4,131 reviews.
Lakka · The Quiet Side of Paxos
Lakka sits in a sheltered horseshoe bay on the northern tip of Paxos. It is smaller and calmer than Gaios, the capital where most Corfu boats moor — a handful of tavernas around the water, walking paths up to the Erimitis cliffs, and swimming straight off the village beaches. GetYourGuide lists it as the stop that “preserves its traditional charm away from mass tourism”, and it is the single thing that separates this cruise from the other Ionian Cruises boat at the same price.
The Blue Caves of Paxos
After Lakka the boat sails down the west coast, past the white cliffs of Erimitis, and enters the sea caves. Sunlight refracting through the entrances turns the water an electric blue. The caves are a habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, and the guide narrates the passage live. The boat slows but does not anchor here — swimming happens later.
Antipaxos · Mesovrika or Voutoumi
The swim stop is off Antipaxos, at either Mesovrika or Voutoumi depending on wind. The boat anchors offshore and you swim from it. This is the part travellers most often say they wanted more of — GetYourGuide’s own review summary notes that “some travelers say the tour would be better with more time at the Antipaxos swim stop”. Bring a mask if you snorkel; gear is not provided.
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07:40 – 08:10
Boarding at Corfu Port
Embarkation window. Boarding early gives you a better choice of seat — the boat also picks up passengers later.
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08:25
Departure
The boat leaves Corfu Port and sails south past the Old Town, the Kanoni peninsula and Mon Repo.
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09:00 – 10:30
Down the Corfu coast
Past Perama, Benitses and Kavos towards Cape Asprokavos, with the Lefkimmi stop on some departures.
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Late morning
Lakka, northern Paxos
Moor in the natural bay. Free time in the village, on the paths, or in the water.
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Midday
Blue Caves, west coast
Live-guided passage through the sea caves below the Erimitis cliffs.
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Early afternoon
Antipaxos swim stop
Anchor off Mesovrika or Voutoumi. Swimming straight from the boat.
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Afternoon
East coast return
Past Skaltsonisi and Mongonisi, then back north to Corfu.
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Late afternoon
Arrive Corfu Port
Total day 7–12 hours depending on the option and pickup you booked.
Ionian Cruises sells two nearly identical Paxos day cruises from Corfu at the same price. They run the same length of day, enter the same caves, and swim at the same beaches. The difference is which village you get.
| Boat | From | Rating | Reviews | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This cruise · Lakka | $48 | ★ 4.7 | 4,131 | Northern bay, quieter, walking paths |
| Sister cruise · Gaios | $48 | ★ 4.6 | 3,810 | Island capital, tavernas, most shops |
Worth knowingBoth are Ionian Cruises, both 7–12 hours, both enter the Blue Caves and swim off Antipaxos. Pick Lakka for quiet and swimming from the village, Gaios for lunch choice and shopping.
Included in your ticket
- Round-trip boat cruise from Corfu
- Multilingual guides on board
- Live commentary in English, French, German and Italian on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Hotel pickup and drop-off if you book that option
- Bar on board
Not included
- Food and drinks — the bar is pay-as-you-go
- Towels
- Snorkel gear
- Lunch in Lakka
- Gratuities
GetYourGuide review summaryTravelers highlight the scenic coastline, blue caves, turquoise water, and the lively atmosphere created by friendly crew and a DJ. Some travelers say the tour would be better with more time at the Antipaxos swim stop.
Rating, review count and the three sub-scores above were read from the GetYourGuide listing on 5 August 2026. They move with the season — check the current numbers on the booking page →
What is the difference between this cruise and the other Paxos cruise from Corfu?
Both are run by Ionian Cruises, cost the same, last the same 7–12 hours, enter the Blue Caves and swim off Antipaxos. This one moors at Lakka in the north of Paxos; the other moors at Gaios, the island capital. Lakka is quieter with walking paths and swimming off the village; Gaios has more tavernas and shops. Compare all five boats on the Paxos day trips hub.
Is Lakka better than Gaios?
Neither is objectively better. Lakka is a small horseshoe bay with a handful of tavernas, footpaths towards the Erimitis cliffs and easy swimming from shore. Gaios is the capital — a Venetian seafront, more restaurants, more shops, and a small fortress on the island opposite. If your day is about swimming and quiet, take Lakka. If it is about lunch and browsing, take Gaios.
What time does the boat leave Corfu?
Departure from Corfu Port is at 08:25, with boarding open from 07:40 to 08:10. Arriving at the start of that window gives you a better choice of seat. Some departures also board at Lefkimmi Port in southern Corfu, and there is a high-speed catamaran option from Benitses.
Is lunch included?
No. There is a bar on board but drinks and food are paid separately, and towels are not provided either. Most people eat in Lakka during the free time, or bring something with them.
Is there a live guide or an audio guide?
Live guiding in English, French, German and Italian runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. An audio guide in Romanian and Spanish is available on Wednesdays and Sundays. On other days the commentary offering is smaller — worth checking at the time of booking if language matters to you.
Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?
No. GetYourGuide lists this cruise as not suitable for wheelchair users or travellers with mobility impairments, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Boarding is from a quay onto a large boat and there are steps on board.
How does it compare with the semi-private option?
The semi-private cruise costs roughly four times more, carries a much smaller group, and includes lunch and an open bar — but it does not enter the Blue Caves at all. If the caves are the reason you are going, stay on a big boat.
Paxos & Blue Caves via Gaios
The sister cruise from the same company at the same price — moors in Gaios, the island capital, instead of Lakka.
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Luxury Cruise to Paxos & Antipaxos
The most-reviewed boat trip in Corfu — 5,479 reviews — with free Wi-Fi on board. Rated lower than both Ionian boats.
View →
Paxos Semi-Private Cruise
Small group, lunch and open bar included, two long swim stops — but no Blue Caves on the route.
View →Ready for the Lakka and Blue Caves Day?
Check availability, pick your date and reserve your seat on the highest-rated of the big Paxos boats. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, nothing to pay when you book.