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 traditional wooden vessel with quiet coves, clear swimming spots, and a Greek BBQ lunch. I especially like the chance to reach beaches you cannot get to by car, and the crew’s warm service, often praised by name-checking guests who sailed with Paul or Spiros. The main consideration is space: the boat usually feels comfortable, but a full departure can make lunch and drink service feel tight.

At $130.66 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing in Corfu. Still, the price covers lunch, white wine, bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, taxes, and Wi-Fi. You should also bring your own snorkeling gear, since equipment is not supplied. This is best for you if a relaxed day on the sea sounds better than another day of sightseeing in town.

Key details that shape the day

• Three swimming stops: Kerasia, the Erimitis area, and Agios Stefanos or a nearby beach provide different chances to swim and relax.
• A classic wooden boat: The vessel has cushioned seating, a clean deck, and enough room for sitting or lying down, though shade can be limited.
• Greek BBQ lunch: Expect grilled food, salads, bread, bruschetta, and snacks served during the cruise.
• White wine included: Wine, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks are available, while some beers and mixed drinks may cost extra.
• Small-to-medium group setting: The stated maximum is 35 people, although one departure carried 38, so the atmosphere can vary.
• Easy Corfu Town departure: Meet at CruiseMeUp on Eleftheriou Venizelou at 10:00 a.m. and arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Why this wooden boat trip feels different

Many Corfu boat trips use modern motorboats or large excursion vessels. This one puts you on a classic wooden boat, which gives the outing a slower, more old-fashioned feel. The boat is kept clean, has padded seating, and offers several places to sit, although the best shaded areas can fill early.

I like this style of boat because the ride becomes part of the day, not just transport between swim stops. You can sit back with a drink, watch the northeastern coast slide past, and chat with people around you. The mood is social but generally calm, rather than a loud party cruise.

The group size matters. With 35 people or fewer, the boat can feel pleasantly personal, and several accounts describe plenty of room. One departure had 38 people and felt more crowded, especially near the lunch and drinks area. If you want the most relaxed experience, arrive early and choose your seat carefully.

Leaving Corfu Town at 10 a.m.

The meeting point is CruiseMeUp Cruises in Corfu Town at Eleftheriou Venizelou. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, since the boat is scheduled to leave at 10:00 a.m.

The harbor location can work well for cruise ship passengers. The meeting point is described as a short taxi ride from the cruise port, and one passenger walked there in roughly 20 to 30 minutes along the waterfront. If you have a fixed all-aboard time, allow plenty of margin for the return walk, a taxi wait, or a late docking.

The first hour is part of the attraction. The boat moves along Corfu’s eastern and northeastern coastline, giving you a different view of the island’s shore. Corfu Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with Venetian, British, and French influences visible in its streets and fortifications. The cruise does not replace a proper Old Town visit, but it lets you see the city and coast from a fresh angle.

The route also passes the area around the Durrells’ House, known locally as the White House. The property became famous as a filming location for The Durrells in Corfu, the television series based on Gerald Durrell’s books about his family’s life on the island in the 1930s. The house’s white walls, blue shutters, terracotta roof, gardens, and seaside setting fit the Corfu image perfectly.

Do not expect a guided visit inside the house. It is best treated as a coastal sight connected with the island’s literary and television history.

Kerasia Beach and the first swim

The first planned stop is Kerasia Beach, beneath the well-known Kerasia Tower. The boat pauses here for about 30 minutes, and there is no admission charge.

This is a short introduction to the day’s main activity: getting into the sea. You can swim from the boat and enjoy the cove, or stay aboard and take in the views. The water is often the star, with calm conditions making it suitable for a refreshing first swim when the weather cooperates.

The stop is brief, so do not expect a long beach visit or a full shore excursion. You may be swimming directly from the boat rather than walking onto a developed beach. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach.

Several people brought their own goggles or masks and found fish near rocks, seagrass, and shallower areas. The cruise does not provide snorkeling equipment, so pack your own if looking below the surface matters to you.

Two hours around the Erimitis coast

The longest stop lasts about two hours in the Erimitis area, beneath the forest and along a protected section of coast. This is the part of the day that gives the cruise its strongest sense of escape.

You have time to swim without watching the clock every few minutes. The setting can include a small beach, rocks, seagrass, and clear water. Some people stay on the boat, while others swim toward shore or relax near the beach when conditions allow.

The underwater scenery is pleasant but not guaranteed to be dramatic. Fish can gather around the rocks and seagrass, and one detailed account described large numbers of fish across sandy and rocky areas. Another account found the swimming areas somewhat similar, with less to see underwater than expected. Your enjoyment here will depend on your expectations.

Think of Erimitis as a long pause in a beautiful cove, not a formal nature tour. The value comes from having time to swim, rest, and enjoy the coast without roads, shops, or cars nearby.

Lunch is served around this part of the cruise or shortly afterward, depending on the day’s timing. The meal is usually described as a Greek BBQ with grilled meat, salads, bread, bruschetta, and snacks. Souvlaki, kebab, sausage, and grilled food are among the items specifically praised, with the bruschetta receiving repeated approval.

White wine is included throughout the trip for adults aged 18 and over. Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are also included. Beer and mixed drinks may be available for an additional charge, so do not assume every alcoholic drink is covered. If you have dietary restrictions, raise them clearly before departure and confirm what can be provided. One disappointing account noted that a special diet was not handled as expected.

Peristeres Lighthouse and the northern coast

The boat spends about 10 minutes near the Peristeres Lighthouse, also identified in the route as Βράχος Καπαρέλλι Φάρος Περιστερέ. The lighthouse sits on rocky ground in the northwest part of the island and has guided ships through the Ionian Sea since the late nineteenth century.

Its white cylindrical tower rises about 25 meters above the cliffs. Built during the period of British rule, it remains operational and gives the passing coastline a useful link to Corfu’s maritime past.

This is primarily a photo and sightseeing pause, not a land visit. Ten minutes is enough to see the structure from the boat and hear some background if the crew provides it, but it is not enough for a full lighthouse tour. The amount of commentary can vary. Some people found the crew informative, while another account wanted more explanation about the places along the route.

Agios Stefanos and the final swim

The final stop is Agios Stefanos Beach or a nearby beach that cannot be reached by car. The scheduled swimming time is about 30 minutes.

The appeal is simple: clear water, a clean shoreline, and another chance to swim before returning to Corfu Town. The water may feel warmer here than at earlier stops, and seagrass can attract fish. You can swim from the boat or enjoy the beach if the boat anchors close enough for an easy landing.

This stop is short, so you will want to be ready before the anchor goes down. If you prefer not to swim, use the time for photographs and a quiet break on deck. You will see beautiful coves, but the three stops can look alike if you are expecting a series of completely different attractions.

Food, drinks, and the value of the price

The $130.66 fare makes sense if you use the inclusions. You are paying for a long boat ride, three swimming opportunities, a BBQ lunch, salads, snacks, white wine, water, soft drinks, taxes, and Wi-Fi. You also get access to coastal areas that are not reachable by car.

The food appears to be one of the strongest parts of the outing. Grilled souvlaki, kebab, sausage, salads, bread, and bruschetta make the meal more substantial than the basic sandwiches served on some day cruises. Fruit, including melon on the return journey, may also be offered.

The drink package is good but not unlimited in every direction. White wine, water, juices, and soft drinks are included. Beer and mixed drinks may cost extra, and one account specifically noted that beer was not part of the included drinks. If you are comparing this cruise with another package, check the drinks list carefully.

Wi-Fi is a useful extra, especially if you want to message family or share photos while offshore. Do not book the trip for the Wi-Fi alone, since service can depend on the boat’s route and connection.

Shade, comfort, and what to pack

The boat has cushions and enough seating for most people to remain comfortable during the long ride. Some people found space to lie down, while others felt the deck became crowded when the boat was full.

Shade is the practical issue to plan around. Not every part of the deck is covered, and the return trip can feel hot after you dry off. The rear of the boat may offer more consistent shade, but seats are not guaranteed. Arrive early if staying out of strong sun is important to you.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Your own mask and snorkel
• A light cover-up for the ride back
• Cash or another payment method for drinks that cost extra
• Motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness

Wear footwear that you can remove easily near the swimming area. You should also protect your phone from splashes, since much of the fun happens at the edge of the boat or in the water.

Crew service and the feel onboard

The crew receives unusually strong praise. Paul and Spiros are both mentioned warmly, along with a team described as friendly, attentive, and genuine. Good service matters on a six-and-a-half-hour outing because the crew controls the pace, meal service, drinks, safety, and general mood.

The best accounts describe crew members checking in with people, making conversation, and helping solo passengers feel included. That makes this a reasonable choice if you are traveling alone or want a social day without joining a huge ferry-style excursion.

The main weakness is information. The crew may explain some of the island and route, but commentary is not always continuous. If you want a detailed history lesson at every landmark, this is probably not the right outing. It is better understood as a scenic swimming cruise with some local context.

The captain can also change the route because of weather, delays, or other conditions. That is normal for a sea excursion, but it means the exact order and location of stops are not fixed.

Who should book this Corfu cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a full day outdoors, enjoy swimming, and prefer quiet coves to packed town streets. Couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors, and cruise ship passengers can all fit the format.

It is less suitable if you dislike sun, cannot easily board a boat, want a fully guided historical tour, or expect high-end drinks and restaurant-style dining. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the supplied details do not promise special assistance for every mobility need.

The cruise is also a good fit for anyone who values atmosphere over a long list of sights. You will spend much of the day sitting, swimming, eating, and watching the coast. That is the point.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a friendly, food-focused day on Corfu’s water and you are happy with three similar-style swim stops. The wooden boat, kind crew, generous BBQ, and access to car-free coves give the trip real value.

Before booking, check three things: the weather forecast, the drinks you expect to consume, and whether you are comfortable with limited shade. If you bring your own snorkeling gear and arrive early for a good seat, this becomes one of the better ways to spend a summer day around Corfu.

FAQ

How long does the Corfu wooden boat cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including time spent sailing between stops.

Where does the cruise start?

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

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled departure time is 10:00 a.m. You should arrive at least 20 minutes early.

What food is included?

A traditional BBQ lunch and salads are included. Bread, bruschetta, and other snacks may also be served during the trip.

Are drinks included?

White wine, bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are included. Some beer and mixed drinks may be available for an additional charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore underwater.

How many people can join the cruise?

The stated maximum is 35 people, although one reported departure carried 38 people.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or stops because of bad weather, delays, or other unexpected conditions.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

You can be offered another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.