East coast cruise – Sightseeing and BBQ Lunch

Discover Corfu’s Coastline on a Relaxing Sightseeing and BBQ Cruise

Corfu, with its rugged coastline, charming villages, and lush forests, offers some of Greece’s most inviting waters. This 7-hour cruise along the island’s eastern coast promises a day filled with stunning views, refreshing swims, and a tasty BBQ lunch — all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat. While it’s a popular experience, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic Greek seaside charm.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines scenic cruising with engaging stops at notable spots like Nissaki Cave and Erimitis Bay, offering plenty of opportunities to cool off in crystal-clear waters. Plus, the onboard BBQ — grilled with fresh ingredients — turns a simple day on the water into a satisfying culinary experience. That said, a potential drawback to keep in mind is the limited facilities on the boat, which might not suit everyone, especially those wanting a full-service restaurant setup.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who appreciate relaxed, scenic days on the water, want to see Corfu from a different perspective, and enjoy authentic local food. It’s perfect if you seek a balance of sightseeing and downtime, and don’t mind a group setting on a boat.

Key Points

• Authentic sightseeing of Corfu’s coast, including famous landmarks and charming seaside villages.
• Relaxing stops for swimming and exploring natural spots like Nissaki Cave and Erimitis Bay.
• Delicious BBQ lunch served on board, made with fresh ingredients and grilled on charcoal.
• Informative guides who share insights and local stories during the cruise.
• Ideal duration of about 7 hours, offering a full but manageable day on the water.
• Limited facilities onboard, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a picnic-style experience rather than a full restaurant service.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The journey begins at the Old port of Corfu Town, directly under the New Fortress, where the boat “Aeolos” awaits. This location is perfect for those already exploring Corfu, providing an easy, central launch point. You’ll see iconic sights like Vido Island, the Old Town, the Royal Palace, and the Venetian Fortress as you set sail — all in the first few moments of your day.

Scenic Sailing and Landmark Views

From the start, the cruise offers a fresh perspective of Corfu’s coastline and architecture. We loved the way the boat glided past seaside villages such as Barbati, Nissaki, and Kaminaki, with their colorful houses and boats bobbing in the water. Passing the highest mountain, Pantocrator, this route underscores the island’s dramatic landscape.

Stop at Nissaki Cave for Swimming

The first major stop is at Nissaki Cave, a highlight for many. With about 20-30 minutes here, you’ll have ample time to swim in crystal-clear waters and explore the cave’s surroundings. Reviewers mention that the water is particularly inviting, with one describing it as “lovely waters” perfect for a quick dip. It’s a gentle introduction to the tour’s focus on relaxing and enjoying natural beauty.

Visiting Iconic Villages and Villas

As the boat continues along the coast, you’ll pass by notable properties such as the Durell’s White House in Kalami, as well as villas owned by Italian families like the Anielli. The tour also provides views of the Rothschild tower, famous for hosting British royalty and top models. These sights add a layer of luxury and historical intrigue to your journey.

Midday at Erimitis Bay

By around noon, the boat arrives at Limnopoula Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque Erimitis forest backdrop. Here, guests are encouraged to relax on the beach, swim, or simply soak up the scenery. The staff prepare a BBQ lunch, grilled with fresh ingredients and served in a picnic-style setup. This is a highlight for many, as the meal offers a taste of authentic Greek grilled cuisine amid stunning surroundings.

Return Voyage & More Swimming

After lunch, the cruise continues towards Kaparelli, a tiny island with one of Greece’s oldest lighthouses. You’ll get to enjoy more scenic views, and the last swim stop occurs in a beautiful bay before heading back to Corfu town. Several reviews mention the joy of finishing the day with a calm, relaxing swim in another scenic bay, making this tour a perfect blend of activity and leisure.

Final Stop & Disembarkation

The trip concludes back at the Old port, around 7 hours after departure. The timing is generally well-paced, though it’s wise to arrive at least 20 minutes early if you haven’t booked a transfer, to ensure a smooth departure.

What to Expect During the Tour

Guides and Commentary: The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian, with guides sharing insightful stories about the sights. Reviewers mention that guides are knowledgeable, which enhances the experience, especially when passing by historical villas and landmarks.

Boat and Facilities: The vessel offers a comfortable experience with seats and shaded areas, but it’s not a full-service restaurant. Guests pass by the bar, which sells drinks, snacks, and ice cream, and are served a picnic-style BBQ. The boat lacks extensive restaurant facilities, so bring snacks or drinks if desired.

Timing and Pace: The 7-hour duration feels balanced — enough to see key sights, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and have multiple swim opportunities — without feeling rushed. The schedule is subject to change based on weather or unforeseen conditions, so flexibility is key.

Price and Value: At $52 per person, the cost includes the boat ride, sightseeing, swimming stops, and the BBQ lunch. Given the multiple scenic stops, natural beauty, and the quality of the lunch, this provides good value for a full-day excursion.

Authenticity and Unique Aspects

One of the tour’s strengths is its focus on natural spots like Erimitis forest and Limnopoula Bay, which are not just tourist clichés but genuine gems. The stops at villas and historical towers add a touch of luxury and local color, helping you see Corfu’s diverse landscape and history.

The informative guides help bring the sights to life, sharing stories about the villas’ past owners, royal visits, and local lore, making the experience more engaging than a simple boat trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed day on the water, enjoying beautiful scenery, swimming, and a hearty grilled lunch. It suits those who appreciate authentic natural environments and would prefer to avoid overly commercial or crowded boat trips.

It’s particularly good for groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a balanced mix of sightseeing and downtime. However, those with mobility issues or who need full restaurant facilities might find the boat’s picnic setup limiting.

The Sum Up

In all, this East Coast cruise with sightseeing and BBQ lunch offers a well-rounded day of natural beauty, relaxed exploration, and authentic Greek cuisine. You’ll love the way it combines scenic cruising past iconic villas and lush forests with the chance to swim in clear waters and unwind on a pristine beach. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views make it a memorable experience that captures the essence of Corfu’s charm.

While it’s not a luxury cruise with extensive amenities, it’s a fantastic value for those seeking a genuine, laid-back adventure along the coast. Perfect for travelers who prioritize authentic scenery and local flavor over high-end facilities, this tour delivers a delightful taste of Greece’s coastal beauty.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour price includes the boat cruise, sightseeing at various points, swimming stops, and a BBQ lunch prepared on board with fresh ingredients.

Are drinks available onboard?
Yes, the bar offers a variety of beverages including coffees, alcoholic drinks, refreshments, ice cream, sandwiches, and snacks. However, it does not include free drinks; beverages are sold separately.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Old port of Corfu Town, just opposite Cabal nightclub, and finishes back at the same point.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, with multiple stops for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

Is this suitable for children?
Children need to be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s relaxed pace and natural stops are family-friendly, but keep in mind the boat doesn’t have extensive facilities.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing for comfort during the day.

This cruise offers a lovely way to enjoy Corfu’s scenic coast at a reasonable price, blending natural beauty, history, and delicious food into one memorable day on the water.