Paxos Semi-Private Cruise From Corfu
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A classic wooden sailing yacht, a crew of three, and never more than 12 guests. Swim at Lakka Bay and Voutoumi Beach, with a chef-prepared Greek lunch and open bar on board. 37 reviews · 4.8 stars.
The Paxos semi-private cruise from Corfu is a full-day sailing trip (~10 hours) aboard the wooden yacht ODDYSEIA, limited to 12 guests. Departing Benitses Marina at 09:00, it stops for swimming at Lakka Bay on Paxos and Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos, with a chef-prepared Greek lunch and open bar included — from $185 per person, free cancellation up to 24 hours.
The semi-private cruise and the standard Paxos & Blue Caves cruise are different products. The standard cruise visits the Blue Caves and Gaios town with a large group from $49; the semi-private sails with max 12 guests to quieter swim spots — Lakka Bay and Voutoumi Beach — with lunch and open bar included, from $185.
| This Tour Semi-Private Cruise | Standard Group Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Max 12 guests | Large group boat |
| Boat | Classic wooden sailing yacht | Tourist cruise boat |
| Route | Lakka Bay + Voutoumi Beach | Blue Caves + Antipaxos + Gaios |
| Blue Caves | Not on the route | Yes — slow cruise inside |
| Swimming | Two long stops, no waiting in line | One stop at Antipaxos |
| Lunch | Included — chef-prepared on board | Not included (tavernas in Gaios) |
| Drinks | Open bar included | Bought separately on board |
| Rating | ★ 4.8 (37 reviews) | ★ 4.6 (3,135 reviews) |
| Price from | $185 per person | $49 per person |
| Best for | Couples, small groups, food lovers | First-timers, families, budget |
Lakka Bay · Paxos
A sheltered horseshoe bay on the northern tip of Paxos, ringed by olive and cypress trees. The yacht anchors in the calm, shallow turquoise water — ideal for swimming and snorkeling straight off the boat. You get around 45 minutes here, without the crowds of the big cruise boats.
Voutoumi Beach · Antipaxos
The longest stop of the day — over an hour at one of the clearest beaches in Greece. White pebbles, water so transparent the boat looks like it’s floating on air. Swim ashore or stay on deck; there’s a beach bar on land if you fancy an ice cream between swims.
Life on Board ODDYSEIA
A classic wooden sailing yacht with a crew of three — captain, sailor, and an on-board chef. Lunch is prepared fresh during the cruise: Greek salad and a chicken gyro pita (vegetarian option available), with fruit and crepes later in the day. The open bar runs from departure to docking.
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08:30 – 09:00
Boarding at Benitses Marina
Find ODDYSEIA at Pier E — the last boat on the pier. Arrive 20–30 minutes early; welcome drinks as you settle in.
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09:00
Departure — Corfu’s Southeast Coast
The yacht sails south along Corfu’s east coastline — a stretch rich in marine life that you only see properly from the water.
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~11:30
Swim Stop at Lakka Bay
Anchor in the sheltered bay on the north of Paxos. Around 45 minutes of swimming and snorkeling in calm, clear water.
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~13:00
Voutoumi Beach + Lunch on Board
The longest stop of the day at Antipaxos. The chef serves Greek salad and gyro pita on board; swim ashore to the beach if you like.
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~15:30
Return Cruise — Crepes & Open Bar
Relaxed sail back along the coast. Fresh crepes and fruit from the chef, drinks flowing, and the best light of the day for photos.
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~18:30 – 19:00
Arrive Back at Benitses Marina
Dock at Benitses. Corfu Town is about 20 minutes away by taxi or local bus.
Included in your ticket
- Full-day cruise on the wooden yacht ODDYSEIA (max 12 guests)
- Two swim stops — Lakka Bay and Voutoumi Beach
- Chef-prepared lunch: Greek salad + chicken gyro pita (vegetarian option)
- Open bar throughout the day
- Fresh fruit and crepes on the return leg
- Crew of three — captain, sailor, on-board chef
- All safety equipment, fuel, and taxes
Not included
- Hotel transfers — make your own way to Benitses Marina
- Snorkel gear — bring your own mask if you have one
- Towels and sunscreen
- Gratuities for the crew (optional)
What to bring
A wonderful day on a beautiful wooden sailboat. The crew were fabulous and the chef’s lunch and crepes were a highlight. Worth the extra cost — we could relax in comfort and swim without waiting in any lines.
Both beaches were incredible, but Antipaxos was like nothing else. The food was great and just the right amount — we were never hungry or thirsty. Only wish we could have stayed at Voutoumi a little longer.
The size of the tour was perfect — a small group makes all the difference. The water can get a bit choppy on the long crossing, so bring motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive. Otherwise a flawless day.
Reviews displayed are representative summaries of verified bookings on GetYourGuide. See all 37 reviews on the booking page →
What is the difference between the semi-private and the standard Paxos cruise?
Group size, route, and what’s included. The semi-private sails with a maximum of 12 guests on a wooden yacht to Lakka Bay and Voutoumi Beach, with lunch and open bar included, from $185. The standard group cruise carries a much larger group, visits the Blue Caves and Gaios town, and costs from $49 — but food and drinks are extra.
Does the semi-private cruise visit the Blue Caves?
No. This itinerary is built around swimming, not sightseeing — the two stops are Lakka Bay on Paxos and Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos. If seeing the Blue Caves is your priority, choose the standard Paxos & Blue Caves cruise instead.
Is lunch included on the semi-private cruise?
Yes. The on-board chef prepares lunch fresh during the cruise: a traditional Greek salad and a chicken gyro pita, with a vegetarian option available. Fresh fruit and crepes are served on the return leg. You won’t need to budget anything extra for food.
Are drinks included?
Yes — there’s an open bar on board from departure to docking, covering soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. That’s a meaningful part of the value compared to group boats, where every drink is paid separately.
How many people are on the boat?
A maximum of 12 guests, plus a crew of three — captain, sailor, and chef. That’s the “semi-private” part: you share the yacht with a handful of other travelers instead of a full tourist boat, and swim stops never involve queuing to get in and out of the water.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Benitses Marina, on Corfu’s east coast about 20 minutes south of Corfu Town by car or local bus. Look for the wooden yacht ODDYSEIA at Pier E — it’s the last boat on the pier. There’s no hotel pickup, so plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before the 09:00 departure.
Is the semi-private cruise worth the price?
If comfort and food matter to you, the math is closer than it looks: the $185 ticket includes a chef-prepared lunch and unlimited drinks, which would cost €40–60 extra on a standard cruise day. Reviewers consistently say the small group and no-waiting swim stops justified the difference — the tour holds 4.8 stars. If you mainly want to see the Blue Caves on a budget, the $49 group cruise is the better pick.
Is the cruise suitable for children or people prone to seasickness?
Families with children are welcome, and the calm anchorages at Lakka and Voutoumi are easy swimming. It is a long day (~10 hours) with open-sea crossings that can get choppy — if anyone in your group is sensitive to motion, take seasickness medication before departure. Check the weather forecast; the sea is usually calmest in the morning and in early summer.
When does the semi-private cruise operate?
The sailing season runs roughly May through October, weather permitting. With only 12 spots per departure, this tour sells out faster than the big group boats — in July and August, book several days ahead. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, so there’s no risk in reserving early.
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