Paxos & Antipaxos Cruise: Blue Caves, Vrika Beach & Blue Lagoon

Summary

Swim Paxos blue caves taste nougat in Gaios and snorkel Antipaxos

You’ll float through Paxos’ blue caves, swim right off Antipaxos’ Vrika Beach, snack on local nougat with salt still drying on your skin, then snorkel among bright fish in the Blue Lagoon before heading home sun-drowsy and happy. Includes snacks, drinks, gear—and plenty of time to wander or just watch island life go by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paxos, Antipaxos, and Blue Lagoon

• Motor-through Lakka Port
• Swim outside Paxos Blue Caves
• Visit Vrika Beach at Antipaxos
• Stroll and dine at Gaios Port
• Swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon

Top questions

How long does the Paxos & Antipaxos cruise last?

The cruise lasts around 8 hours from Lefkimmi Port.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included; you can choose where to eat during free time at Gaios Port.

Do they provide snorkeling gear?

Yes, snorkeling masks and swimming aids like noodles are provided onboard.

Are drinks or snacks included?

You get bottled water, a glass of Prosecco, and traditional Corfiot nougat mandolato during the cruise.

How many people are on each boat?

The cruise is semi-private with a maximum of 20 guests per boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup—guests meet at Lefkimmi Port for departure.

Can children join this cruise?

Yes; children under 6 pay a reduced fare and infants can ride in strollers.

What are some stops on this cruise?

You’ll see Lakka Port (from the boat), swim near Paxos blue caves, visit Vrika Beach in Antipaxos, stroll Gaios Port, then snorkel at Blue Lagoon.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Lefkimmi Port with complimentary bottled water, local nougat mandolato after your first swim (which is honestly great when you’re salty), snorkeling masks plus swimming aids like noodles or life jackets if you want them—and yes, there’s Prosecco poured as you head back toward Corfu along with photos and videos snapped throughout so you don’t have to worry about missing those moments yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait — is that really the color?” I blurted out before I could stop myself. Our guide, Yiannis, just grinned and nodded. He’d already warned us about the water around Paxos and Antipaxos but honestly, nothing prepares you for it. We left Lefkimmi Port early (not too early — enough time for coffee) and the boat ride was quick, maybe half an hour? The breeze smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. At Lakka Port, a couple of fishermen waved as we motored past. It felt like they’d seen this a thousand times but still gave a little nod to each boat.

The blue caves were next — not inside them, just outside for a swim. The water was cold at first but then perfect, clear enough to see your own toes wiggling. There’s this weird echo when people laugh out there; maybe it’s the rocks or just the way sound bounces off the sea. Someone handed me a piece of mandolato (nougat) after my swim — sticky sweet with almonds — and I swear it tasted better because my hands were still salty. We docked right up on Vrika Beach in Antipaxos so nobody had to do that awkward sand-walk from deep water.

I wandered off in Gaios while some folks went shopping for olive oil or those tiny bottles of ouzo. Sat under some shade near the port and watched locals chatting over coffee — lots of hand gestures, even more laughter. Lunch was whatever you wanted; I tried grilled sardines (probably should’ve ordered two plates). By the time we got to the Blue Lagoon, everyone was sun-warmed and loose. Snorkeling there felt like swimming inside a postcard: fish everywhere, light flickering on white sand below. I fed some bread to the fish (Yiannis said it’s fine) and they swarmed around my fingers — honestly kind of ticklish.

On the way back someone popped open Prosecco and we all tried to take group selfies without dropping our phones overboard (success rate: questionable). I still think about that view leaving Antipaxos — sun hitting the water just right so it almost glowed blue-green. If you’re looking for a day trip from Corfu that feels both easygoing and kind of unreal at times… well, this one stuck with me.