Koufonissia & Rina Cave: Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch & Swim

Traditional boat ride from Naxos to Koufonissia islands with cave swim and Greek BBQ

You’ll board a traditional wooden boat in Naxos for a day trip to Koufonissia and Rina Cave—with swimming stops in clear blue water, time to explore Ano Koufonissi village, and a fresh Greek barbecue lunch served onboard (with local wine). Expect friendly crew, relaxed island rhythms, and those small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s included

• Your day includes departure from Agia Anna port in Naxos aboard a traditional wooden boat with all swimming stops and free time ashore.
• barbecue lunch featuring souvlaki (pork or chicken), salads, tzatziki, fresh bread and fruit.
• unlimited local wine plus soft drinks and bottled water.
• vegan menu options if needed.
• use of snorkeling gear.
• WiFi onboard.
• plus space for strollers or infant seats if you’re traveling with little ones.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip to Koufonissia and Rina Cave

• Depart from Agia Anna port at 9:30 a.m.
• Swim at Kato Koufonissi
• Enjoy Greek barbecue with local wine
• Visit Ano Koufonissi for free time
• Swim and explore Rina Cave

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the creak of the wooden deck under my sandals as we left Agia Anna port—sun already sharp on the water, that salty Cyclades smell everywhere. Our captain, Nikos, waved at some fisherman hauling nets nearby. He poured us coffee (strong, sweet) while the boat slipped away from Naxos. I could hear someone’s laughter mixing with gulls overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything so quickly.

Kato Koufonissi came up like a watercolor—white sand, turquoise water so clear you could see your toes even before jumping in. I hesitated (it looked cold), but Maria from the crew grinned and said, “Go!” So I did. The sea was brisk, almost fizzy against my skin. Afterward, we dried off in the sun while they grilled souvlaki right on deck—smoke curling around tomato salad and that thick tzatziki. Local wine tasted better out here for some reason. Maybe it’s just being hungry after swimming?

We had time to wander Ano Koufonissi’s little village—blue doors, old men playing cards in the shade. There’s this slow rhythm; nobody rushing anywhere. I tried to order something in Greek at a bakery (not well), got a smile anyway. Then back on board for Rina Cave—the water inside glows this weird green-blue, echoey and quiet except for splashes and someone daring a jump off the side. My friend kept saying she’d never seen light like that before.

I still think about how peaceful it felt drifting back toward Naxos—skin salty, hair tangled, everyone just kind of sunk into themselves or chatting softly over fruit slices. It wasn’t fancy or perfect (my towel blew away at one point), but it felt real—and honestly that’s what made it stick with me.

Top questions

How long is the boat trip from Naxos to Koufonissia?

The tour departs at 9:30 a.m. from Agia Anna port on Naxos and includes multiple stops throughout the day before returning in the afternoon.

Is lunch included on the Koufonissia & Rina Cave tour?

Yes, a Greek barbecue lunch with local wine, salads, bread, fruit, and vegan options is served onboard.

Can I swim inside Rina Cave during this tour?

Yes, there is time to swim inside Rina Cave or dive from the boat during the final stop.

Are drinks included on this day trip?

Unlimited water bottles, soft drinks, and local wine are included throughout the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can use prams or specialized infant seats onboard.

Do they offer vegetarian or vegan menu options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan menu options are available upon request.

Where does the tour start?

The boat departs from Agia Anna port on Naxos island at 9:30 a.m.