Full Day Cruise from Corfu in Classic Wooden Vessel, Swim & BBQ

Corfu looks best from the water. This six-and-a-half-hour cruise combines a handsome traditional wooden vessel with three swimming stops, quiet coves, and a generous Greek BBQ lunch. I especially like the chance to reach beaches that have no road access, and the relaxed service from crew members such as Spiros and Paul, who are often praised for being warm and attentive.

The main caution is space. The published maximum is 35 people, and the boat can feel crowded around lunch or the drinks station when it is full. I also would not book this expecting a guided history tour or a serious snorkeling expedition. The focus is swimming, scenery, food, and a pleasant day at sea, with basic sightseeing along the way.

What makes this Corfu cruise worth considering

• A traditional wooden vessel: The boat gives the day more character than a standard motorboat outing, with cushioned seating and room to move around the deck.
• Three swim opportunities: Kerasia Beach, Erimitis, and Agios Stefanos or a nearby cove provide several chances to get into the sea.
• A long stop at Erimitis: Two hours here allows time to swim, sit near the shore, or simply enjoy the water without being rushed.
• Greek BBQ served during the cruise: Expect grilled food, salads, bread or bruschetta-style snacks, and white wine included throughout the trip.
• Useful onboard extras: Bottled water, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and snacks are included, while snorkeling equipment is not.
• A small-boat feel with a practical limit: Most accounts describe a friendly atmosphere and adequate seating, though full departures may feel tight.

Setting out from Corfu Town at 10:00

The meeting point is CruiseMeUp Cruises in Corfu at El. Venizelou, near the waterfront. You should arrive at least 20 minutes early. That matters here because the boat leaves at 10:00, and a late arrival could delay or even jeopardize your place.

The cruise returns to the same meeting point after roughly six hours and 30 minutes. The total time includes the sailing between stops, so you are not spending the entire period in the water. That is a good thing for most people. The day has a natural rhythm: ride, swim, eat, relax, swim again, then cruise back.

The boat is described as clean, well maintained, and fitted with comfortable cushions. Seating is generally considered sufficient, though you will want to choose your spot early. Some areas are shaded, but not every part of the deck stays out of the sun. The rear of the vessel has been particularly useful for people seeking more dependable shade.

If you want a sunny place for photographs, stay on deck. If you burn easily or find six hours of direct sun tiring, claim a shaded seat at the start. On the return run, after swimming and lunch, many people want shade at the same time.

Corfu Old Town and the Durrells’ House from the water

The route includes views connected with Corfu Old Town and the Durrells’ House, also known locally as the White House. These are valuable sights for context, but you should not assume they are shore visits with time to explore inside.

Corfu Old Town has Venetian, French, and British influences, visible in its streets, fortifications, and buildings. From the boat, you get a different sense of the town’s position along the eastern coast. It is a pleasant opening chapter before the cruise heads toward quieter coves.

The Durrells’ House is associated with the television series The Durrells in Corfu, based on Gerald Durrell’s memories of his family’s life on the island during the 1930s. The white villa, blue shutters, terracotta roof, flowers, olive trees, and bougainvillea make it an appealing sight from the sea.

I would treat both locations as passing scenery and orientation rather than the central purpose of the excursion. The real reward begins when the boat leaves the built-up coast and reaches places accessible only by water.

Kerasia Beach and the first 30-minute swim

The first timed stop is Kerasia Beach, beneath the well-known Kerasia Tower. You have about 30 minutes here, usually enough for a quick swim, a look below the surface, or a short pause on the boat.

The water is clear, and the protected setting makes this a gentle introduction to the day. One detailed account described water around 15 to 20 feet deep, with several kinds of fish near rocks and the shore. Conditions can change, but bringing your own goggles is a smart idea if you want to see anything underwater.

The boat does not provide snorkeling equipment. You may bring your own mask and snorkel, but you should not expect a full organized snorkeling session or a guide pointing out marine life. The emphasis is simply on enjoying the sea.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If you want photographs, take them early, then get into the water. The crew needs to keep the timetable moving, and this is not a stop for a long beach walk.

Two unhurried hours beneath the Erimitis forest

Erimitis is the longest stop, with about two hours beneath the Erimitis forest. This is the part of the itinerary that gives the cruise its easygoing character. You have time to swim more than once, sit near the shore, or stay aboard and enjoy the views.

The water around this area can be especially rewarding for people who bring goggles. One account described large numbers of fish across sand, seagrass, rocks, and shallow pools. You might find the underwater scenery more interesting close to the rocks and shore than in the middle of the cove.

The two-hour pause also takes pressure off the day. You do not have to race from the boat into the water and back again. You can dry off, rest, and swim later. Some people head toward the small beach, while others remain on the boat.

There is one fair criticism to keep in mind: several stops can look similar. If you have taken many Greek island cruises, you may find the coves repetitive, especially if swimming is not your main interest. The best way to appreciate Erimitis is to treat it as a long rest stop in a beautiful setting, not as a major sightseeing attraction with many landmarks.

Peristeres Lighthouse and the rocky coast

The cruise also passes the Peristeres Lighthouse, near the rock known as Kaparelli. The stop lasts about 10 minutes, so this is primarily a photo opportunity rather than an exploration on land.

The lighthouse dates from the late 19th century, when Corfu was under British rule. Its white cylindrical tower rises about 25 meters above the rocky coast and remains operational. From the boat, it adds a useful piece of maritime history to a day otherwise focused on swimming.

The short timing is appropriate. There is no suggestion of a shore landing here, and the value lies in seeing the lighthouse from the water. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the site.

Agios Stefanos and the final swim

The final swimming stop is Agios Stefanos Beach or another nearby beach that cannot be reached by car. You get about 30 minutes in the water, with clear conditions and a peaceful shoreline.

The setting is well suited to a final swim because you already know the routine. You can jump in, cool off, look for fish among the rocks or seagrass, then return to the boat before the journey back. One account described this water as warmer than at the earlier stops, though sea temperature depends on the day.

Do not expect a large beach program here. The stop is brief, and the key attraction is the chance to reach an isolated section of northern Corfu. If you dislike swimming from a boat, the scenery is still enjoyable, but you will get less from the excursion than someone happy to spend repeated periods in the sea.

The Greek BBQ is a major part of the value

The included lunch is more than a token snack. It is a traditional BBQ with salads, grilled meat, bread, and small plates served during the cruise. Specific accounts describe souvlaki, kebabs, sausage, bruschetta, tomatoes, cheese, and fresh salads. Melon or other light snacks may appear during the return trip.

Food quality is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. Several accounts single out the BBQ as one of the best meals of a Greek holiday, with generous portions and well-seasoned grilled food. Breakfast-style bread and juice may be offered early in the trip, followed by snacks before lunch.

White wine is included throughout the tour for adults aged 18 and over. Bottled water, soda, and other soft drinks are also included. Beer and mixed drinks may cost extra, so do not assume every alcoholic option is covered by the ticket price. If you want a particular drink, ask the crew before ordering.

The meal is served while the boat is traveling or during the longer stop. This saves time and lets the swimming stops remain focused on the water. It can also make the lunch period busy, particularly if many people order drinks at once. If you have dietary requirements, raise them before departure and confirm what the crew can provide. The excursion information says special diets should be addressed, but the actual arrangements are not described in detail.

What the crew and atmosphere are like

Crew service is one of the most praised features of this outing. Spiros and Paul are both mentioned by name, and the crew is regularly described as friendly, attentive, and willing to chat. The atmosphere is informal rather than formal, which suits a day spent in swimwear with wine and grilled food.

The boat is also suitable for solo passengers. You may be surrounded by couples and friends, but the crew makes an effort to include people traveling alone. That is useful because six hours on a boat can feel long if the social tone is cold or stiff.

Information about the coastline is provided, but this is not a lecture-heavy sightseeing cruise. One account found the commentary limited, especially about the stops. If you want detailed facts about Corfu’s history, bring a guidebook or arrange a separate walking tour of Old Town.

The onboard Wi-Fi is a helpful extra, though the quality of any connection at sea can vary. I would see it as a convenience, not a reason to choose the cruise. The strongest parts of the day are the water, food, and crew.

Price, group size, and practical value

At $130.66 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Corfu’s coast. It is also more than a basic short boat ride. The fare includes a traditional wooden boat, nearly a full day on the water, three swim stops, a BBQ meal, white wine, water, soft drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and taxes.

That package can represent good value if you will use the included food and drinks and want to spend most of your day at sea. Paying separately for lunch, drinks, and transport to several isolated coves could quickly narrow the price difference.

The value is weaker if you want a small private charter, extensive guided commentary, or serious snorkeling. The stated maximum is 35 people, and one account described 38 passengers on a departure. Even with enough seating, lunch and drink service can feel crowded when the boat is full.

The cruise is highly rated, with a 4.9 score from 281 ratings and 99 percent recommending it. The strongest pattern is clear: people value the crew, the food, the attractive boat, and the chance to swim in places unreachable by road. The repeated reservations are also clear: some stops can feel alike, shade is limited, and drinks beyond wine and soft drinks may cost extra.

Who should book this wooden boat cruise?

I would choose this for a couple, family, solo passenger, or group of friends who wants a relaxed day with several swims and a proper meal. It suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy sitting on deck between stops.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a fast sightseeing tour, a quiet private boat, or a structured snorkeling lesson. You should also think twice if six hours at sea sounds tiring or if you strongly dislike sun exposure.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your own snorkeling mask if you have one. Arrive early, choose a seat with your preferred amount of shade, and keep a little extra money for optional drinks.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal Corfu day means a handsome wooden boat, clear water, grilled food, Greek wine, and quiet coves. The crew and BBQ appear to be the most dependable highlights, and the three swim stops give the day enough variety for most people.

I would skip it only if you want major historical sightseeing or a truly uncrowded private experience. For a social, food-centered day on the Ionian Sea, the $130.66 price is reasonable, provided you understand that the beach stops are short except for Erimitis and that snorkeling gear is your responsibility.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings, so poor conditions or low demand can lead to a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at CruiseMeUp Cruises on El. Venizelou in Corfu, Greece.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am. You should arrive at least 20 minutes early.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including sailing time between stops.

Where does the cruise finish?

It returns to the original meeting point in Corfu.

What beaches or coves does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kerasia Beach, the Erimitis area, and Agios Stefanos or a nearby beach that cannot be reached by car.

How long is the stop at Kerasia Beach?

The first stop at Kerasia Beach lasts about 30 minutes.

How long do you stay at Erimitis?

The Erimitis stop lasts about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional BBQ lunch with salads is included.

Are drinks included?

White wine, bottled water, soda, and other soft drinks are included. Beer and mixed drinks may require an additional payment.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to look underwater.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.