You’ll sail from Paros along Antiparos’ coast on Galatea, stopping for swims in clear bays and a laid-back lunch near ancient ruins on Despotiko. Snorkeling gear is included if you want to try it, plus unlimited drinks and local stories from your guide. If you’re craving sun-warmed decks and quiet turquoise water, this day trip might stick with you long after you rinse off the salt.
I didn’t expect the Galatea to feel so much like someone’s summer house—just floating. We boarded at Piso Livadi, shoes off, sun already sneaking up over the harbor. Our guide (I think her name was Eleni?) handed out coffees and grinned when I asked about the big wooden wheel—she said it’s mostly for show now but let me touch it anyway. There’s something about that old wood under your palm, you know? The boat smelled faintly of varnish and seaweed, not bad at all.
The first stop was somewhere off Antiparos—Sostis or Faneromeni beach, I honestly lost track because the water was so clear it looked fake. Everyone just sort of slid into the sea. A couple from Athens showed me how to use the snorkel gear (I’m still not great at it; swallowed half the Aegean). You could hear nothing underwater except your own bubbles and this distant clinking from someone opening a beer back on deck. The sun felt sharp but not mean yet.
We drifted towards Despotiko after that. The island looked wild—no shops, just rocks and a flash of white ruins in the distance. Lunch happened in a cove near Livadi beach: Greek salads, something with eggplant I can’t pronounce, ouzo if you wanted it (I did). Eleni pointed out where Apollo’s temple used to stand across the water. She told us locals still come here for picnics, even though there’s no shade except what you make yourself. I liked that detail.
The last stop was Blue Lagoon by Panteronisi—honestly, I thought “lagoon” was an exaggeration but nope: turquoise everywhere and these little rocky islets like stepping stones. Someone played music quietly on their phone; nobody minded. They brought out fresh fruit and more wine—I dropped my peach in the sea but ate it anyway (tasted fine). On the way back to Paros I lay on a sunbed watching salt dry on my arms and thinking how weirdly peaceful everything felt out there between islands.
Operated by Galatea daily cruise
Same experience, different operators — compare price, rating and length.
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Paros: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip & Snorkeling with PickupBoat trip from Paros to Blue Lagoon with snorkeling gear, refreshments and two island stops. 3.5–4 hours, 10:30 departure, small groups, English & Greek guides.★ 4.82 (255)3h–4hEN€ 65View › Paros & Antiparos: Galatea Gulet Day Trip with Blue Lagoon & Despotiko
8h · EN · EL +3
from € 115 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.59174 reviews