Antiparos & Despotiko: Kaiki Cruise, Swim Coves & Deck BBQ

Summary

Traditional boat cruise to wild coves and secret caves near Antiparos

You’ll board a traditional kaiki boat from Antiparos with a small group and local crew, cruising past sculpted Cycladic cliffs and swimming in hidden blue coves only reachable by sea. Taste freshly grilled souvlaki and local wine right on deck after exploring Despotiko’s wild coastline. Expect laughter, salty skin, and moments you’ll want to bottle up for later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first splash of sea spray to taste that salty — or maybe I just hadn’t had proper coffee yet. We’d barely left Pounta Port when our captain, Nikos, grinned and pointed out a strip of turquoise water slicing through the rocks. “That’s Panteronissi,” he said, like we were supposed to know it already. The old kaiki creaked underfoot and the sun was already starting to bite my shoulders. Someone passed around tiny plastic cups of Greek coffee (strong as jet fuel), and honestly, it felt like we’d slipped sideways into another time.

The route changed with the wind — Nikos kept glancing at the sky and muttering about “meltemi,” which I guess is some kind of local wind that decides everything here. We drifted past cliffs that looked carved by giants, then stopped in a cove so blue it almost seemed fake. I jumped in before I could overthink it; the water was cold but not shocking, more like waking up fast. Our guide Maria handed me a snorkel mask and pointed to where the rocks dropped away under the boat — there were little silver fish everywhere. At one point she tried explaining how Despotiko used to be sacred ground for Apollo worshippers but honestly, I was too busy watching sunlight flicker on the seabed.

Lunch was grilled right on deck — souvlaki skewers, pita bread warm enough to steam in my hands, tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes. Someone poured local wine into mismatched glasses and we all toasted… something (the islands? surviving the swim?). There was tzatziki too, thick with garlic. I probably ate too much but nobody cared; even Maria went back for seconds. The breeze smelled faintly of thyme from somewhere inland, or maybe just my imagination running wild again.

On the way back toward Antiparos, everyone got quiet for a while — just sunburnt faces and wind in our ears. I watched Despotiko fade behind us and tried to memorize how the light hit those cliffs at 4pm. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home. Anyway, if you’re wondering whether this day trip from Antiparos is worth it… well, let’s just say you’ll probably dream about those coves later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kaiki cruise around Antiparos and Despotiko

• Transfer to Pounta Port
• Board traditional kaiki boat
• Set sail at 10:00 AM
• Enjoy coffee and coastal views
• Visit secret sea caves and beaches
• Swim at Panteronissi Blue Lagoon
• Have a refreshing snack
• Explore Mastihari Cave and rock formations
• Swim and snorkel at Despotiko island
• Enjoy grilled BBQ lunch on deck
• Sail back to Pounta Port
• Return around 16:15

Top questions

How long does the Antiparos & Despotiko kaiki cruise last?

The cruise lasts around 6 hours, departing at 10:00 am from Pounta Port and returning about 16:15.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Antiparos?

Yes, a freshly grilled BBQ lunch with souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, pita bread, fruit, local wine and soft drinks is served on board.

Are transfers included for this cruise?

Round-trip transfers from a stop near your accommodation to Pounta Port are included.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear Cycladic waters during the cruise.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses a traditional wooden kaiki fishing boat with an English-speaking crew.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What are some highlights of this cruise?

You'll visit Panteronissi (the Blue Lagoon), explore sea caves near Mastihari Cave, swim off Despotiko island, and enjoy lunch onboard.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to meeting points for pickup.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from near your accommodation to Pounta port; cruising aboard a traditional kaiki with an English-speaking crew; stops for swimming or snorkeling at secluded beaches; plus a freshly grilled BBQ lunch with souvlaki skewers, Greek salad, pita bread and local wine served right on deck before heading back in late afternoon.