Clear water and easy sea days await. This full-day catamaran cruise from Paros strings together multiple swimming stops around Paros and Antiparos, with a laid-back pace and a small-group feel.

What I like most is the mix of sea scenery and time in the water. You get several anchor stops at spots like the Blue Lagoon and Tripiti sea cave, plus a lunch break that isn’t a sad snack situation.

One thing to consider: stop times are short at a few locations (like 30 minutes), and the route can shift if weather or safety anchoring needs change.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group size (up to 23), with enough room to relax on board
• Blue Lagoon swim stop between Paros and Antiparos for clear-water time
• Faneromeni Beach + BBQ lunch on a beach with rock formations
• Tripiti sea cave for snorkel or a quick swim in a natural setting
• Farangas Beach and Simadoura for multiple types of shoreline and coves
• Bring a layer: wind on deck can make it feel cool even in Greece

Paros–Antiparos by catamaran: why this day works

This is the kind of trip that feels like a full day outdoors, not a lot of rushing between places. You’re on a catamaran for about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to the same meeting point. The payoff is access to swimming and snorkeling spots that are hard to reach any other way without planning multiple boats.

The value here is tied to two things: time on the water and food included. You’re not just sightseeing from a viewpoint. You’re scheduled for several swims, and the included lunch is a proper Greek BBQ rather than a box meal.

Two practical notes you’ll want to keep in mind. First, towels aren’t included, so plan to bring your own. Second, the tour asks for moderate physical fitness, which basically means you should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and moving around the boat during an active day.

Getting started: meeting point and morning rhythm

The meeting point is the Paros Catamaran Experience area on Epar.Od. Parikias–Piso Livadiou, Paros 844 00. The tour ends back at this same place, which helps you avoid late-day taxi math.

You’ll check in on arrival, and the ticket is mobile. Some ships run with a quick greeting and a short briefing, including where basics are onboard (like bathrooms) and how the day is timed. On the smoother days, crew also helps you get set up for coffee and drinks early, before the first swim.

Because there are several stops with swimming and snorkel time, I’d show up a bit earlier than the posted start. You’ll be glad you did once the group is lining up and someone is pointing out where to find things onboard and how the day will flow.

Stop 1: Antiparos Blue Lagoon (Panterinosia) for clear-water swimming

Your first swim is at the Blue Lagoon, called Panterinosia in Greek, located between Paros and Antiparos. This is the classic “turn your head and forget the rest of the world” stop. Expect calm, clear water that’s made for easy swimming and snorkeling.

You’re scheduled for about 1 hour here. That length matters because it gives you real time to settle in instead of doing a quick splash and racing back to the boat. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to actually linger in the water, this is the stop that rewards that.

The only caution: it’s still a sea day, so bring sun protection and think about how you handle cooler water when you first drop in. One of the best bits of advice from past passengers is to dress for wind—so plan a light layer for the deck ride between stops.

Stop 2: Faneromeni Beach at Antiparos for rock views and BBQ lunch

Next up: Faneromeni Beach on Antiparos. This is the stop built around a beach with dramatic rock formations, plus food time. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is a generous window compared with later stops.

Lunch is a BBQ on the beach, and it’s clearly a highlight of the experience. The included menu is:

• souvlakia (pork and chicken)
• oven-baked chickpeas
• Greek salad
• aubergine salad
• fresh fruits

This matters for your day planning. When lunch is actually part of the schedule (and not eaten standing up while you scroll for the next ticket), you’ll feel better for the rest of the cruise. It also means you’re not hunting for food during the stops—you can just eat and reset.

What can be a small drawback: if you’re expecting tons of long beach lounging, this beach time is still time-boxed. But if your goal is swimming plus a solid meal, Faneromeni hits the sweet spot.

Stop 3: Paros Tripiti sea cave for snorkel or a quick swim

On Paros, you’ll head to the Tripiti sea cave, a natural sea cave where you can snorkel or swim. This is scheduled for about 30 minutes.

Thirty minutes sounds short until you’re actually out there. Caves and cliffside swim spots are the kind of places where you want enough time to gear up, get a few good looks, and still have time left for a comfortable exit before the boat moves on. This stop is more about a focused “do it right now” swim than a long hangout.

If you want the best photos, you’ll likely get more by moving calmly and keeping your phone or camera protected from spray. And since this is a cave setting, conditions can vary day to day, so go with a flexible mindset.

Stop 4: Farangas Beach on Paros’s south coast

Then it’s Farangas Beach, on the south coast of Paros. The boat drops anchor, and the shoreline is described as small sandy beaches separated by rocks—so you’re getting a little variety even within one stop.

You have about 30 minutes here as well. This is a great “reset and enjoy” stop. Some people love these kinds of quick beach anchors because you can choose your own pace: a quick dip, a snorkel scan, or simply drifting with the view.

The practical side: rocks and splashes are part of the charm, but that also means you should watch your footing near shorelines and plan for a wet deck again at some point during the day.

Stop 5: Antiparos Simadoura rocky coast and small sea caves

The final swim stop is Simadoura, a rocky coast on Antiparos known for spectacular rock formations and small sea caves. This one gets about 45 minutes, which is a nice bump in time compared with the 30-minute stops.

This is a “look first, then choose” kind of stop. The rocks and coves can be beautiful from the boat, and the sea caves offer an extra layer of interest if you want to swim or float nearby.

If wind picks up later in the day, it can make the return to and from shore feel more energetic than you expect. Past passengers have advised bringing a sweatshirt or light layer for comfort on deck.

Food and drinks: what’s included, and what to expect

Your lunch is clearly included, and the menu is solid: souvlaki, chickpeas, Greek and aubergine salads, and fresh fruit. This is the core “value engine” of the day.

When it comes to drinks, the official inclusions list lunch only, but many past experiences describe coffee in the morning, fruit after lunch, and a steady drinks service during the day. I’d treat that as a pleasant extra you can reasonably hope for, not a guarantee written into the lunch description.

Either way, even if you skip alcohol, you’re still getting a full BBQ meal plus fruit. That alone can make this tour feel more worth it than cheaper half-day trips where you end up spending extra on food later.

What to bring for a smoother sea day

A lot of comfort comes down to what you pack. Here’s the practical shortlist based on what’s explicitly missing and what keeps coming up for comfort:

• Swimsuit + sun protection: you’ll swim more than once
• Towels: not provided
• A light layer for wind: deck can feel chilly even if the sun is strong
• Comfort for water time: plan for quick changes between stops

One strong piece of guidance from the experience details is that you should be comfortable with swimming activities. The tour includes multiple swim opportunities, and the sea can be cool when you first get in. If you’re a weaker swimmer, you’ll want to consider whether you’ll feel safe and relaxed in open-water swims.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should think twice)

This works especially well for people who want a mix of sightseeing and swimming without doing complicated logistics. Couples often like it because it’s scenic, relaxed, and good for a shared day. Families can like it too, as long as the adults are comfortable managing the water-focused nature of the stops.

It also suits travelers who hate the feeling of an overbooked speed tour. The maximum of 23 people helps keep it from feeling like a crowded floating bus. Some departures have run with even fewer people, which only improves comfort on deck.

Who might want a different option:

• If you need long beach stays at one place, you’ll find several stops are short on purpose
• If you’re very sensitive to service rhythm (warm welcome, clear safety briefing, etc.), know that on-water days can vary even when the boat is great
• If you dislike getting wet and moving around between swim spots, you may find the schedule active

Price and value: is $192.23 worth a full day?

At $192.23 per person for roughly 8 hours, the math works best when you’re buying three things together:

1) transportation by boat across the Paros–Antiparos coastline

2) multiple swim-ready stops

3) an included beach BBQ lunch with multiple sides

Many cheaper tours try to replace food or skip swim time. Here, you’re getting real time in the water and a lunch designed to keep you fueled for the rest of the day.

There are two value “watch-outs” though. The first is that stops can be adjusted for weather or safety anchoring. That’s not a small thing if your favorite part is one specific cave or beach. The second is that some spots are only 30 minutes, so the experience is built on moving and switching gears rather than stretching out.

So, I’d frame it like this: if you want sea time and you’re flexible about timing, you’re paying for a packed day that keeps you active and fed. If you want long beach downtime at one exact spot, you’ll need to manage expectations.

Should you book CATAMARAN FILIPPOS for your Paros day?

I think this cruise is a strong choice if your ideal day in Paros includes multiple swimming stops, a meaningful lunch break, and a boat day that stays small. The combination of Blue Lagoon clarity, Tripiti’s sea cave vibe, and the Farangas and Simadoura coastline makes it feel like a real circuit rather than a single beach plus a long ride.

I’d book it sooner rather than later because the tour is often reserved about 50 days in advance on average. Also, keep your plan flexible around weather. The experience requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled for poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Finally, if you’re the type who likes to show up prepared, you’ll get more out of it: pack towels, bring a layer for wind, and be ready for a day that includes real water time—not just a pretty view.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

It starts at 9:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Paros Catamaran Experience by Captain Yannis, on Epar.Od. Parikias–Piso Livadiou, Paros 844 00, Greece.

How long is the cruise?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with souvlakia (pork and chicken), oven-baked chickpeas, Greek salad, aubergine salad, and fresh fruits.

Are towels included?

No, towels aren’t included.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

How many people are on the boat?

The cruise has a maximum of 23 travelers.

Is public transportation transfer included?

No, transfer isn’t included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get my money back?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it’s not refunded.