Naxos & Antiparos: Semi-Private Yacht Tour to Blue Lagoon or Rina Cave

Summary

Sail from Naxos to secret Cyclades spots with Captain George

You’ll board a semi-private yacht in Naxos with Captain George, learning basic sailing tricks as you glide toward Antiparos or Rina Cave. Dive into clear water at Blue Lagoon, snack on local fruit and donuts between swims, explore caves with flashlights, and share laughs with new friends over organic wine—all with easy pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was already laughing when I clambered onto the Annabella in Naxos port—think it was Captain George, though he just nodded and said, “Coffee?” in that way Greeks do where you’re not sure if it’s a question or an order. The boat smelled like salt and sunscreen and maybe a hint of raki (which we’d get to later). We pushed off before I’d even found a good spot to sit, the harbor shrinking behind us while the sea opened up ahead. There were maybe a dozen of us, all squinting at the sun and each other, waiting for that first real splash of wind.

George let me try steering for a bit—he calls himself an “old salt” but he’s more like your uncle who tells stories you half-believe. He pointed out Paros on the horizon, then showed us how to trim the sails (“Not too tight! You want her to breathe!”). The water near Panteronissia was this wild turquoise I didn’t think existed outside Instagram filters. We dropped anchor by the Blue Lagoon, and suddenly everyone was peeling off shirts and jumping in. The water was cold at first but then perfect—salty, soft somehow. Someone handed me a donut after I climbed back up (not sure why donuts taste better at sea), and there were plates of fruit from Naxos that still smelled of earth and sun.

I tried snorkeling for about five minutes before getting distracted by tiny silver fish darting around my feet. At Rina Cave, George passed out waterproof flashlights so we could see inside—the walls felt damp and old as time itself. My friend Li tried saying thank you in Greek; George laughed so hard he almost dropped his flashlight. There’s something about being out here with strangers who slowly become less strange—maybe it’s the wine (organic, from Naxos), or maybe just the way everyone relaxes once their phone signal disappears.

The trip goes wherever weather allows—sometimes Koufonissi or Schinoussa instead—but honestly? It’s less about ticking off islands than just drifting through these blue spaces together. On the way back, someone played music quietly from their phone and nobody talked much; we were all tired in that good way you get after swimming all day. I still think about that moment when the sun started sinking behind Paros and everything went gold for a second—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour to Small Cyclades or Blue Lagoon

• Depart from Naxos at 08:00
• Sail to Small Cyclades or Blue Lagoon
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling
• Use flashlights to explore Rina Cave
• Receive sailing lessons on request
• Enjoy free soft drinks and snacks
• Return to Naxos by 18:00

Top questions

How long is the semi-private yacht tour from Naxos?

The tour runs from 08:00 until 18:00, so about 10 hours total.

Which destinations are visited during this yacht trip?

Depending on weather and bookings: Antiparos, Blue Lagoon (Panteronissia), Rina Cave, or small Cyclades like Iraklia or Koufonissi.

Is food included on this sailing tour?

Yes—snacks like donuts, seasonal fruits from Naxos, bottled water, soft drinks, organic wine or raki are provided onboard.

Are snorkeling gear and swimming noodles available?

Yes—snorkeling equipment and noodles for swimming are included for guests to use during stops.

Can I get sailing lessons during this yacht tour?

Sailing lessons are available upon request directly with Captain George during the trip.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

No specific hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart from Naxos port but should provide hotel info when booking for coordination.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring for this day trip around Naxos?

Dress appropriately for changing weather—bring warm clothes or a raincoat just in case.

What’s included

Your day includes light refreshments like bottled water and soft drinks, snacks such as donuts and seasonal fruits from Naxos, plus organic wine or raki served onboard. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are available throughout the cruise; you’ll also get waterproof flashlights for cave exploring and can request hands-on sailing lessons directly from Captain George before returning to port in the evening.