Round of Antiparos & Despotiko With Traditional Boat

Discover the enchanting islands of Antiparos and Despotiko on a captivating full-day cruise aboard the traditional boat Meraki. Departing from Parikia Port, this adventure offers a delightful blend of snorkeling, exploring stunning sea caves, and savoring a delicious BBQ lunch complemented by free ice cream and ouzo. With an average rating of 4.5 stars and accommodating up to 60 travelers, this tour promises a memorable day of culture and natural wonders, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. As you embark on this journey, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of these captivating islands.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Paros.

Key Points

• A full-day cruise to the islands of Antiparos and Despotiko, providing a well-rounded experience of Paros’ natural wonders and cultural heritage.
• Highlights include snorkeling, a traditional Greek BBQ lunch, free ice cream and ouzo, making it suitable for families and adventure seekers.
• The tour is operated on a traditional boat named ‘Meraki’ and departs from Parikia Port at 10:00 am, with a maximum group size of 60 travelers.
• While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is accessible to many visitors to Paros, with a positive overall rating of 4.5 stars from 41 reviews.
• Concerns raised about crew interaction and visibility of snorkeling equipment, but the tour overall offers good value for the price.

Overview of the Tour

This boat tour offers visitors a full-day cruise to the nearby islands of Antiparos and Despotiko, providing them with opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty and partake in various activities.

With an average rating of 4.5 stars from 41 reviews, the tour is highly regarded for its scenic landscapes, diverse experiences, and traditional Greek cuisine. Highlights include snorkeling through sea caves, indulging in a barbecue lunch on Despotiko, and enjoying ice cream or ouzo.

The tour caters to a range of travelers, from families with young children to groups seeking an adventurous day out. This excursion presents a well-rounded and enjoyable way to discover the enchanting islands off the coast of Paros.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The Round of Antiparos & Despotiko tour departs from Parikia Port (Pyrgaki cruises port), where travelers should arrive 15 minutes early to board the traditional boat named Meraki starting at 10:00 am. The tour includes a variety of activities and amenities to enhance the experience. Guests can enjoy traditional Greek food, snorkel while exploring the seabeds, and indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch on Despotiko. Plus, ice cream and ouzu are provided, and children up to 5 years old can join for free. The tour concludes by returning to the original meeting point, making it an accessible and well-rounded day excursion for visitors in Paros.

What’s Included
Traditional Greek Food	Snorkel Gear
BBQ Lunch on Despotiko	Ice Cream and Ouzo
Children up to 5 Years Free

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for the Round of Antiparos & Despotiko tour is Pyrgaki Cruises Paros, located in Aliki 844 00, Greece. Travelers should arrive at this location, as the tour returns to the same point at the end of the day.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it welcomes children as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. The tour can accommodate up to 60 travelers, making it convenient for those relying on public transportation.

The meeting time is 10:00 am, and participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, including traditional Greek food, snorkeling gear, a barbecue lunch on Despotiko, and refreshments like ice cream and ouzo.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have offered a mix of positive and constructive feedback regarding their experiences on the Round of Antiparos & Despotiko tour. Many have praised the brilliant and accommodating crew, describing the beautiful scenery, enjoyable swimming spots, and tasty traditional Greek food. Highlights for many included the snorkeling, cliff jumping, and overall relaxing atmosphere.

However, some guests noted a lack of interaction or information from the crew and expressed concerns about safety instructions and equipment visibility during rougher seas. There were also mixed feelings about the snorkeling experiences and the availability of advertised perks.

Pricing and Booking Information

For this tour, pricing starts from $97.60, with online booking available for quick confirmation.

However, the cancellation policy is non-refundable, as no refunds are provided on cancellations.

Prospective travelers can easily reserve their spot through the tour provider’s website, which offers a seamless booking experience.

The price point makes this excursion an accessible option for many visitors to Paros.

While the lack of refunds may be a deterrent for some, the convenience of online booking and the overall value of the tour’s inclusions likely offset this concern for many.

Ultimately, the pricing and booking details showcase the tour’s accessibility and flexibility for those interested in exploring the stunning landscapes of Antiparos and Despotiko.

Departure Point and Start Time

Departing from Parikia Port (Pyrgaki cruises port), the traditional boat ‘Meraki’ sets sail at 10:00 am sharp, inviting travelers to embark on their day-long journey to explore the stunning islands of Antiparos and Despotiko.

Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and organized start to the adventure.

The boat, with its rich heritage and charming character, will transport visitors across the azure waters, setting the stage for a day filled with natural wonders, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who join the expedition.

Activities and Features

Snorkeling the crystal-clear waters around Antiparos and Despotiko offers visitors a chance to marvel at the vibrant marine life nestled beneath the surface. Guests can don the provided snorkel gear and enjoy the underwater world, discovering colorful schools of fish, captivating sea caves, and other natural wonders. Upon reaching Despotiko, the group will disembark for a traditional Greek barbecue lunch, savoring the flavors of the region while taking in the stunning island scenery. After the meal, travelers can indulge in refreshing ice cream or a shot of ouzo, further enhancing the authentic cultural experience.

Activity	Description	Duration
Snorkeling	Explore the colorful underwater world	60-90 minutes
BBQ Lunch	Savor traditional Greek cuisine on Despotiko	45-60 minutes
Ice Cream & Ouzo	Enjoy refreshing treats after lunch	20-30 minutes

Accessibility and Restrictions

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the traditional boat requires the ability to board and navigate uneven terrain. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the maximum group size is limited to 60 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Passengers should keep the following in mind:

1. The boat and shore access may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

2. Young children must stay with their adult guardians throughout the tour.

3. The group size cap helps maintain a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.

4. The tour is located near public transportation, making it accessible for travelers without private vehicles.

Despite these accessibility considerations, the Round of Antiparos & Despotiko tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Greek islands in a traditional setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boat Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The boat may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as the description states it is "not wheelchair accessible." Travelers with mobility concerns should check with the tour operator about accessibility before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides a traditional Greek lunch and refreshments as part of the experience. Bringing outside items may not be permitted.

Is There an Age Limit for Children Participating?

The tour allows children up to 5 years old to participate for free, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Booking details should specify the child’s age to take advantage of this policy.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers group discounts, but the specifics are not clearly stated. Customers should inquire about any group pricing options when booking to determine if they’re eligible for a reduced rate per person.

What Is the Maximum Group Size Allowed on the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 60 travelers. This is stated in the "Meeting and Pickup Information" section, which notes the tour is "near public transportation" and "not wheelchair accessible" with a maximum of 60 passengers.

Recap

Exploring the enchanting islands of Antiparos and Despotiko aboard the traditional boat Meraki is a day filled with natural wonders.

Snorkeling, discovering stunning sea caves, and savoring a delicious BBQ lunch make this tour a memorable experience for families and adventure seekers alike.

With an average rating of 4.5 stars and accommodating up to 60 travelers, this culture promises a day of pure delight.