Naxos Blue Lagoon sailing cruise: caves, mud bath & snorkeling

Swim in the Blue Lagoon, explore a sea cave by flashlight, and float in natural clay mud

An 8-hour sailing cruise from Naxos across the Cyclades to small islands and hidden sites, with snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, local wine and organic fruit included. The boat departs at 8am and returns at 6pm, stopping at the Blue Lagoon, a sea cave (Rina Cave), a natural mud bath and Piso Livadi, with live commentary in English, Italian, German or Greek. The route changes based on weather and booking numbers, so you might sail to Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi or Panteronissia instead. Groups stay under 18 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day sailing and island exploration

• Depart from Naxos at 08:00
• Sail to small Cyclades or Panteronissia islets
• Visit Blue Lagoon and Holed Cave
• Enjoy natural clay mud-bath
• Stop at Piso Livadi, Paros
• Swim and snorkel with provided gear
• Optional sailing lessons on request
• Return to Naxos at 18:00

The Experience

The boat leaves Naxos at 8am and sails for the full day across open water to the smaller Cyclades islands. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are on board, along with a flashlight for the sea cave — you swim and float at multiple stops instead of watching from the deck. The route shifts with the weather: depending on conditions and how many people have booked, you might anchor at the Blue Lagoon, Rina Cave, Holed Cave, or sail to Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi or Kalados Bay instead. A guide speaks live commentary in your language throughout the day.

At the natural mud bath, you wade into shallow water and coat yourself in grey clay — it's included and ready, not something you hunt for. Between stops, the crew serves local organic wine from Naxos, bottled water, homemade donuts with Naxos cheese, and seasonal fruit. Sailing lessons are available on request if you want to help trim the sails or take the wheel. The boat returns to Naxos by 6pm.

Weather dictates the day, so bring a rain jacket or warm layers — the tour runs in all conditions. Cruise ship passengers need to provide their ship name, docking time and re-boarding time at booking so the return is timed to get you back on board. If your ship is delayed and you miss the departure, refunds don't apply. The boat holds a maximum of 18 people, so the day stays small and the stops feel less crowded than the bigger tour boats.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles.
• local organic wine and raki from Naxos.
• bottled water.
• homemade donuts with Naxos cheese.
• seasonal fruit.
• soft drinks.
• flashlight for the sea cave.
• live commentary in English, Italian, German or Greek.
• sailing lessons on request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Naxos Sailing Tours

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Naxos at 8am and returns by 6pm, so you arrange your own transport to the dock or ask about pickup when you book — this works well if you're staying in town or on the island without a rental car, since the full day at sea and all the stops are handled once you're on board.

Traveler reviews

4.61★★★★★★★★★★

509 verified traveler reviews

5 ★406

4 ★59

3 ★11

2 ★13

1 ★20

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is the Blue Lagoon stop like on this cruise?

The Blue Lagoon is a shallow anchorage with crystal-clear water where you swim and snorkel — snorkeling gear is provided, and you can float on the noodles included in the tour. It's one of several stops depending on the day's weather and route.

Can I actually go inside the sea cave, or do we just sail past it?

Rina Cave is a sea cave you enter by boat, and the crew gives you a flashlight so you can see inside as you float through. It's one of the stops on the itinerary, though the exact route depends on weather conditions.

How does the mud bath work — is it a beach or a pool?

The natural mud bath is a shallow area where you wade in and coat yourself with grey clay that's already there. It's part of the day's stops and included in the tour, not an extra activity you pay for.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is there a pickup?

The tour departs from Naxos at 8am, and you'll need to provide your hotel name at booking. Arrange your own transport to the departure point, or ask the operator about pickup options when you book.

What if I'm on a cruise ship — can I still do this tour?

Yes, but you must provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the boat returns you on time. If your ship is delayed and you miss the 8am departure, the tour cannot be rescheduled and refunds don't apply.

Is lunch included, or should I bring my own food?

Lunch is not included, but the boat provides soft drinks, homemade donuts with Naxos cheese, seasonal fruit and local organic wine and raki throughout the day. Bring extra food if you prefer a full meal.