Corfu: Classic Wooden Boat Cruise with Swim & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Swim in Ionian coves, taste Greek BBQ, cruise on vintage wood

You’ll board a classic wooden boat in Corfu Town for a full-day cruise with three swimming stops in hidden Ionian coves only reachable by water. Enjoy traditional Greek BBQ lunch with local wine on deck and hear stories from your guide as you pass famous villas and forests. It’s relaxed, real—just salty skin, laughter over lunch, and those blue-green waters you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t exactly start how I pictured — we got to the old port in Corfu Town and realized we’d left our sunscreen back at the hotel. Our guide, Yannis, just grinned and handed us a half-used bottle from his own bag (“Greek sun is not your friend!”). The boat itself looked like something out of an old film — wood creaking underfoot, ropes everywhere, that faint salty tang mixed with engine oil. There was a family from Athens onboard too; their little boy kept pointing at jellyfish and shouting “medusa!” every time we passed a patch of water weeds.

I didn’t expect the first swimming stop to be so quiet. Kerasia cove was just cliffs and water — no cars, no beach bars, only the slap of waves on hulls and someone’s radio drifting over from another boat. I jumped in before I could talk myself out of it (the Ionian Sea is colder than you’d think in May), and when I came up for air, Yannis was already tossing bread to fish. He told us about the Durrells’ house further up the coast — apparently people still come hunting for “that white villa” from the TV show. We drifted past it later; honestly, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for blue shutters.

The BBQ lunch happened after our second swim near Erimitis forest. The smell of charcoal and oregano hit me before I even climbed back onboard. They served grilled pork skewers, salad with those fat tomatoes that taste like summer, and white wine that went down way too easily under the sun. Someone dropped a fork overboard (not me this time), which set off a round of laughter between tables. By then my hair was stiff with salt but I didn’t really care — there’s something about eating outside with strangers that makes food taste better.

We stopped again near Agios Stefanos beach — not the main one you can drive to, but some strip of pebbles only boats seem to find. Water so clear you could see your toes even waist-deep. I tried snorkeling but mostly floated around watching light flicker on rocks below. The captain let us linger longer here since nobody seemed in a hurry to leave (I get why). Heading back along the coast, wind picking up a bit now, I sat on deck thinking how different Corfu looks from the sea — quieter somehow, more private. Still think about that view sometimes when things get loud at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day cruise with swimming and BBQ

• Pass by Corfu Old Town
• Pass by Durrells' House villa
• Stop 30 minutes at Kerasia Tower
• Stop 2 hours at Erimitis Forest
• Visit Peristeres Lighthouse
• Swim and snorkel at Agios Stefanos Beach
• Enjoy traditional Greek BBQ lunch

Top questions

How long does the Corfu wooden boat cruise last?

The full-day cruise lasts approximately 8 hours including all swimming stops and lunch.

Are drinks included during the Corfu boat tour?

Yes, bottled water, soft drinks, and white wine are included throughout the tour.

Is lunch provided on this Corfu day trip?

Yes, a traditional Greek BBQ lunch with salads is served onboard after swimming stops.

Can you snorkel during this Corfu cruise?

Yes, there are opportunities for swimming and snorkeling at each cove stop.

Does the cruise visit beaches not accessible by car?

Yes, all three swim stops are at coves or beaches only reachable by boat.

Is pickup included for this Corfu day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests should arrive at least 20 minutes early at departure point.

Are guides present during the Corfu wooden vessel tour?

Yes, local guides accompany guests throughout the cruise sharing stories and tips.

Is there WiFi available on board?

Yes, free WiFi is available during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes all entrance fees and taxes covered upfront; unlimited bottled water, soda pop, and white wine are served throughout; plus a traditional Greek BBQ lunch with fresh salads right on deck after swimming stops. Free WiFi keeps you connected as you sail between secret coves before returning to Corfu Town in late afternoon.