Paros Boat Tours
Private and Shared Boat Adventures Across the Aegean
Experience the magic of the Aegean with GoParos Boat Trips and Cruises
Do not leave Paros without a day at sea. On this page you can book hand-picked boat tours and boat trips around Paros and Antiparos, from traditional wooden boats and sailing cruises to fast private RIBs and relaxed catamaran day cruises.
Scroll the cards below to find the right boat tour, boat trip or sunset cruise for your dates, group size and budget. If you want to compare tour styles first, jump to the options here: traditional boat tours, catamaran cruises, sailing boat tours, private RIB boat tours, and sunset cruises.
Popular Boat Tours
Traditional Greek Boat Trips
Private RIB Charters
Catamaran Cruises
Sailboat Cruises
Private Yacht Charters
Sunset & Specialty Cruises
How to choose your boat tour:
Quick guide: which tour is right for me?
Choosing the right Paros boat tour depends mainly on how long you stay, who you travel with, and how much you want to spend. Here is a simple way to think about it.
If you only book one boat tour
If you are in Paros for three to seven nights and want one really good boat day:
Full day shared cruise around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko
Best all-round option for most first-time visitors. You typically start from Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi or Aliki, visit the Blue Lagoon, sea caves and quiet bays, have lunch on board, and usually swim at three or more different spots.Private RIB boat tour
Ideal if you want more freedom, speed and privacy. On good weather days a RIB can go bigger, or you can keep it local around Paros and Antiparos and simply enjoy more stops with fewer people. Great for families, groups of friends and special occasions. Compare options here: private RIB boat tours.Shorter sunset cruise
If your budget or schedule is tight, a sunset boat tour in Paros gives you the sea, views and golden light in two or three hours. It works very well at the beginning or the end of your stay, and it pairs perfectly with a beach day. See options here: sunset cruises and beaches in Paros.
Main boat tour styles in Paros
Traditional wooden boat tours
Slow pace, social atmosphere, Greek music, simple food cooked on board. Good for mixed groups, kids, and anyone who wants the classic Greek island feeling.Catamaran cruises
More comfort and space to move around, with shaded areas and big nets for relaxing. A strong choice for couples, families and groups who prefer a stable boat and a more “chill” experience.Sailing boat tours
For people who like the feeling of moving with the wind. Usually more intimate, with smaller groups and a slightly more adventurous vibe.Private RIB boat charters
Fast, flexible and personal. You decide the pace, stops, music, and whether you stop for lunch in a seaside taverna or eat on board. Perfect if you want to see more in one day.Pirate style and party boats
Louder music, more people, jumping from the boat, dancing and drinks. Fun for younger travellers and groups that want a high-energy day.
Typical routes from Paros
Most boat trips in Paros focus on one of these routes:
Local classic: Paros – Antiparos – Despotiko
Blue Lagoon, sea caves, white cliffs and very clear water. This is the route you will see on most traditional boats, catamarans and sailing tours.West side of Paros and Antiparos
Coves and beaches around Antiparos, bays like Panteronisia and sometimes the cave of Antiparos, often starting from Parikia or Aliki.Longer day to the Small Cyclades or Polyegos
These are usually private RIB boat tours, only on good weather days, with more time in open sea. Higher cost, but very special water and landscapes.
Quick tips so you choose well
If you get seasick easily, choose a catamaran cruise or a larger traditional boat, and prefer a route that stays between Paros and Antiparos rather than long open crossings. Start here: catamaran cruises or traditional boat tours.
For small children, look for full-day tours with plenty of shade, easy ladders, and life jackets in kids’ sizes. Catamarans are usually the most comfortable. See: catamaran cruises.
July and August sell out fast. Prebook your preferred Paros boat trip if possible, especially private options like private RIB tours.
In meltemi season, mornings are often calmer than afternoons. If you are nervous about wind, choose an earlier departure and keep an eye on messages for schedule changes. If the sea does not cooperate, swap to land plans in experiences in Paros or things to do in Paros.
If you still feel unsure, filter the cards above by group size, departure port, and type of boat, then choose the option that matches how you imagine your perfect day at sea.
In-depth guide to boat tours
This is the complete guide to boat tours in Paros. It covers why a boat day is special, the main routes and boat types, how wind and season affect plans, what a typical day looks like, what to bring, and a simple chooser to match the right tour to you.
Jump to:
Why do a boat tour in Paros ·
Trip types & routes ·
Types of boat tours ·
Meltemi & season ·
Typical boat day ·
What to bring ·
How to choose ·
Next steps
Why do a boat tour in Paros
A boat tour is one of the best things to do in Paros because it shows you the island from the side you never see from the road. You get quiet coves, sea caves, cliffs and sandbars that are only reachable by boat, plus long swims in clear water without worrying about driving, parking, or choosing the “wrong side” of the island for wind.
Even if you only stay three to seven nights, one Paros boat tour is worth planning as a key day of your trip. You can keep it simple and local around Paros and Antiparos, or go bigger on a private day if weather and budget allow.
Types of boat tours, trips and cruises in Paros
Most tours fall into two big groups: the classic local route around Paros and Antiparos, and the longer full-day crossings to more remote islands.
Local classics: Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko
This is the main route for traditional wooden boats, catamarans, sailing boats and many RIB tours when the wind is stronger.
- Swim stops at the Blue Lagoon between Paros and Antiparos.
- Sea caves and cliffs on the Antiparos side, sometimes with short cliff jumps for those who like it.
- Time on sandbars and beaches with some of the clearest water in the area.
- Snorkelling in quiet bays away from the crowds.
On traditional boats, catamarans and sailing boats you usually eat on board. On many RIB trips you may have the option to stop at a taverna on Antiparos, eat on land, then continue the cruise.
Longer adventures: bigger distances on calm days
- More expensive and more fuel-heavy.
- Best in very stable weather, mostly outside the strongest meltemi days.
- Longer, usually a full day from morning until late afternoon.
If you want one really big day on the water and your budget allows, this kind of trip is hard to beat. If you prefer something flexible and easy to fit into a short holiday, the local Paros and Antiparos route is usually the smarter choice.
Types of boat tours in Paros
The easiest way to decide is to think in boat types rather than company names.
Private RIB boat tours
RIB boats are fast, stable and very flexible. This is the top choice if your budget allows and you want to control the pace of the day.
- You choose the route with the skipper based on wind and what you like to do.
- More swim stops than most shared options because you move quickly between spots.
- You can stay longer in a place you love, or skip a place that feels busy.
- Your music, your group, your pace.
Compare options here: private RIB boat tours.
Traditional wooden boats
Traditional Greek kaikia are the classic wooden boats many people picture when they imagine the Cyclades.
- Usually a fixed local route with 3 to 4 main stops.
- Food cooked on board, often simple Greek plates and salads.
- Mixed age groups and a relaxed, social vibe.
See options: traditional boat tours.
Catamaran cruises
Catamarans are wide and stable, so they are excellent if you like space and comfort.
- Plenty of deck space and shaded areas.
- Several swim stops with snorkel gear on many trips.
- Lunch or dinner on board with drinks.
See options: catamaran cruises.
Sailing boat experiences
Sailing boats are for people who love the feeling of moving with the wind, often with a smaller group and a quieter atmosphere.
See options: sailing boat tours.
Pirate ship party boat
Paros also has “pirate ship” style trips that are basically floating parties. Expect louder music and a high-energy vibe. Fun for groups, not ideal if you want a quiet day or have small children who dislike crowds.
Sunset cruises
Sunset cruises are shorter trips, usually around two hours, focused on golden light, simple snacks, and swims close to Paros or Antiparos.
If you have the time, one full-day cruise plus one sunset cruise is a beautiful combination for a week on the island. See options: sunset cruises.
Boat rentals without a licence
You can also rent small boats that you can drive yourself without a licence. These can be fun for short outings, but you are responsible for navigation and safety, and wind matters a lot. For most first-timers, a skipper-led tour is safer and more relaxed.
See the local options here: boat rentals with no licence.
How the meltemi and season affect boat tours
From July to August, the north meltemi wind is part of island life. It can make the sea rough on certain sides and can force last-minute changes or cancellations for safety.
- In strong north wind, many boats stay on more protected routes around Paros and Antiparos.
- Mornings are often calmer than late afternoon on very windy days.
- If a cruise is cancelled, swap to land plans in experiences in Paros, outdoor activities, or an easy village loop in Paros villages.
What actually happens on a typical boat day
- Check-in and boarding. Meet at the port, check your booking, and get a short safety briefing.
- First cruise and swim. The boat heads to the first bay, then you swim, snorkel, float, or just enjoy the water.
- More stops. Expect two to four swim stops. On RIB tours you may have more short stops because you move quickly.
- Food and drinks. On most trips you eat on board. Water and some drinks are usually included, depending on the tour.
- Slow cruise back. Late afternoon light on the sea is often the best part of the day.
Tip for nervous swimmers: there is usually a ladder, and you can stay close to the boat and still enjoy the water without pressure.
What to bring on a boat tour
- Swimwear and a light change of clothes.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Towel or light travel towel.
- Any medicine you may need, especially if you get seasick easily.
- Waterproof phone pouch or a small dry bag if you have one.
- Cash or card for extras, depending on the trip.
Space on boats is limited, so keep it light. A small backpack is usually enough.
How to choose the right boat tour for you
- First-time visitors who want the “best of” in one day: choose a local route around Paros and Antiparos on a RIB, catamaran or traditional boat.
- Families with younger kids: catamarans and larger traditional boats usually feel the most comfortable. Look for shade and food included.
- Couples: private RIB, small sailing boats, or sunset cruises for the best light and calmer vibe.
- Groups of friends: decide between a private day (RIB charter) or a social day (party-style trips).
- Travellers on a tighter budget: shared traditional boats and some shared catamaran cruises can give you a full day with food included for a lower price per person.
Next steps after you pick your boat tour
Once you know which tour fits you, planning the rest of your week becomes much easier. Use this guide with:
- Things to do in Paros to link boat days with land days.
- Experiences in Paros for cooking, workshops, and memorable non-beach days.
- Beaches in Paros to choose swim days based on wind and mood.
- Paros villages to plan easy evenings in Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Drios and Aliki.
- Day trips from Paros if you want to add island-hopping by ferry.
- Where to stay in Paros to pick a base that makes your morning departure easy.
- Services in Paros for practical help, including taxi transfers and sea transfers.
With one good boat tour, a few well-chosen beaches, and a couple of slow village evenings, you already have the core of a perfect week in Paros.
Boat Tours in Paros: FAQs
Where do most tours start from?
Mainly Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi, and Aliki. Your ticket confirms exact meeting point and time.
Private RIB, traditional boat, sailing or catamaran, what fits who?
Private RIB boats in Paros are fast and flexible. Traditional wooden boats feel classic and social. Sailing boats suit people who like the journey. Catamarans are spacious and comfortable for families and groups.
What is the best first-time route?
A local loop of Paros–Antiparos–Despotiko with the Blue Lagoon, caves and clear bays. Longer private days can reach the Small Cyclades or Polyaigos, weather allowing.
How does the meltemi wind affect tours?
Northerlies are common in July and August. Captains switch to protected sides or reschedule. If canceled, move the date or pick land-based experiences in Paros.
Are tours OK for non-swimmers or nervous swimmers?
Yes. Choose trips with calm coves, ask for noodles or life vests, and enjoy the scenery from deck. A short sunset cruise in Paros is perfect.
Are boat tours kid-friendly?
Catamarans and traditional boats work well. For very young kids avoid very windy days and pick shorter routes.
What is usually included?
Snorkel gear, soft drinks or wine, and a light meal on many shared trips. Private boat tours in Paros can be tailored, ask what is included.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, light cover-up, and a dry bag for phone or camera.
Morning, afternoon or sunset?
Morning means calmer seas and fewer crowds. Afternoon has warmer water. Sunset is shorter and romantic with golden light.
How far in advance should I book?
For July and August, as early as you can. In shoulder months a few days is often fine, but popular days still sell out.
Can you arrange pick up?
Yes. Add a private transfer so you do not worry about parking or buses.
What if I get seasick?
Pick larger boats, sit mid-ship, look at the horizon, avoid heavy food, and consider motion tablets if your doctor approves.
What To Do Next:
Ready to lock your day at sea and round out the rest of your trip?
Pick your style first, then choose a date: traditional boat tours, catamaran cruises, sailing boat tours, private RIB tours, or sunset cruises.
Balance your week with land days in experiences in Paros and things to do in Paros.
Match your swim days to wind and vibe using beaches in Paros.
Choose a base that fits your style in where to stay in Paros, then plan easy evenings via Paros villages.
Make mornings and late returns painless with taxi transfers (and keep services in Paros as your logistics hub).
If you want more islands beyond a boat day, browse day trips from Paros.