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

The best part of this Corfu cruise is the boat itself: a traditional wooden vessel that gives the day a slower, more characterful feel than a standard excursion boat. You spend about six and a half hours along the island’s northeast coast, stopping at quiet coves and beaches reached by sea.

I like the three swimming stops, which give you several chances to get into the clear Ionian water, and I like the generous food service, including a Greek BBQ, salads, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and white wine. The main consideration is shade: parts of the deck can become very sunny, and the boat may feel crowded when the full group gathers for lunch.

Key points at a glance

• Classic wooden vessel: The boat gives this outing a more traditional Corfu feel than a basic motorboat trip.
• Three swim breaks: Kerasia, Erimitis, and Agios Stefanos provide time in the water, with the longest stop lasting about two hours.
• Greek BBQ lunch: Expect grilled food, salads, bread-based snacks, and fruit during the day.
• White wine included: Wine, water, juice, and soft drinks are provided, while some other drinks may cost extra.
• Maximum group size of 35: The boat has room to move around, but lunch and drink service can feel tight when everyone is onboard.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Snorkeling equipment is not included, though the water can be clear enough for swimming and fish watching.

Why this Corfu boat trip is worth considering

At $130.66 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Corfu. It is priced as a full service outing rather than a simple boat transfer. Your fare covers the vessel, crew, lunch, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, bottled water, taxes, and access to coastal spots that you cannot reach by car.

I see the value mainly in the pacing. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to another. The cruise includes time to sit on deck, swim more than once, eat a proper meal, and watch the coast pass by. If you want a quiet beach day but do not want to arrange a rental car, beach clubs, food, and transport yourself, the price becomes easier to justify.

The strongest part of the experience is the overall mix. You get scenery, swimming, a social boat ride, and a cooked lunch in one package. It is also a practical option for a port day. One cruise passenger reported walking 20 to 30 minutes from the cruise port to the meeting point and returning to the ship around 5 p.m., with time left before the all-aboard call. That timing will depend on your ship and its schedule, so you should still allow a generous buffer.

Meeting the boat in Corfu Town

The tour begins at CruiseMeUp, on Eleftheriou Venizelou in Corfu Town, at 10 a.m. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. That is especially important if you are coming from a cruise ship, since the walk, taxi wait, and port procedures can eat into your morning.

The meeting point is close enough to Corfu Town for some people to walk, and it is near public transportation. The activity ends back at the same place, which makes it easy to continue exploring the Old Town afterward if you still have energy.

The opening part of the route includes views connected with Corfu’s identity. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian, British, French, and Greek influences. From the water, you get a different angle on the island’s historic waterfront than you would while walking its streets.

The route also includes the area around the Durrells’ House, known locally as the White House. It was used as a filming location for the television series The Durrells in Corfu, based on Gerald Durrell’s books about his family’s life on the island in the 1930s. Treat this as a coastal sight rather than a formal house visit. The important appeal is seeing the setting from the sea and linking it to Corfu’s literary and television history.

Kerasia Beach and the first swim

The first listed stop is Kerasia Beach, where the boat pauses for about 30 minutes beneath the famous Kerasia Tower. Admission is free because this is a swim and sightseeing stop, not a ticketed attraction.

A short first stop works well. You can get comfortable with the boat, take photographs, and enter the water without committing to a long swim. The water is described as clear, and the cove setting offers an easy introduction to the day.

Do not expect a long shore visit here. The point is to enjoy the water and the view from the boat. If you want to swim, bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel handy. Snorkeling gear is not supplied, so pack your own goggles or mask if you want to look below the surface.

One detailed account described a water depth of roughly 15 to 20 feet at an early swimming area, with fish near rocks and the shoreline. Conditions change with weather and anchorage, but the advice is useful: bring goggles if you enjoy watching fish, rather than assuming the cruise will provide equipment.

Two hours beneath the Erimitis forest

The longest stop is Erimitis, where the boat remains for about two hours near the forest and coastal coves. This is the section that gives the outing its relaxed character. You can swim, spend time near the beach, sit on the boat, or simply let the morning unfold without watching the clock.

Erimitis is a strong match for anyone who prefers natural scenery to organized sightseeing. The coast is best appreciated from the water, where the forested shore and small coves form the backdrop. Several boats may be present, particularly in good weather, so do not expect complete solitude.

The long stop also creates the best chance for a proper swim. Detailed descriptions of the water include sandy areas, seagrass, rocks, and many fish. That makes this stop more interesting for casual snorkeling than a quick dip, though the quality of underwater visibility depends on the day.

There is one fair criticism to keep in mind. If you do not like swimming or sitting in the sun, two hours can feel long. The boat offers seating, but parts of the deck have limited shade. Some people may find the swimming areas similar, with less to see underwater than expected. I would bring a book, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up if you plan to stay aboard during part of this stop.

The BBQ lunch and drinks onboard

Lunch is one of the main reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing sail. The meal is a traditional BBQ with salads, and detailed accounts describe grilled souvlaki or kebab-style food, sausage, bruschetta, bread, and fresh vegetables. Fruit, including melon, may also appear as a snack on the return journey.

The food is served during the cruise, including around the time of the longer coastal stop and the move toward the next swimming area. This is practical because you do not lose valuable beach time waiting for a restaurant. It also keeps the day flowing: eat, watch the coast, then swim again.

White wine is included throughout the tour for adults aged 18 and over. Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are included as well. Some accounts describe beer and mixed drinks being available for an extra charge, so bring a little money if you want something beyond the included selection.

The drink setup is not perfect. At busy moments, ordering extra drinks can create a queue around the service area. One account also noted that beer was not included, which may disappoint you if you expect an open bar. The safest approach is to view the included wine, water, and soft drinks as the core offering, not to book the cruise expecting a wide range of complimentary alcohol.

The meal has received unusually strong praise, but dietary needs deserve attention. The tour information says special diets should be accommodated, yet one account reported that this did not happen as expected. If you have an allergy, medical diet, or strict restriction, contact CRUISEMEUP before booking and confirm exactly what can be provided.

Peristeres Lighthouse from the water

The route includes a short, roughly 10-minute stop at the rock formation and Peristeres Lighthouse area. The lighthouse dates from the late 19th century and was built during the period of British rule in the Ionian Islands. Its white cylindrical tower rises about 25 meters above the cliffs and remains operational.

This is mainly a scenic and historical pause. You are not given a long period to explore the lighthouse grounds, so think of it as a chance to photograph the structure and hear about its role in guiding ships through the Ionian Sea.

The stop helps break up the swimming-focused schedule, but it will not satisfy you if you want a detailed lighthouse tour. The captain may also change the route because of weather, delays, or other conditions. That flexibility is sensible on a boat, though it means the exact order and length of stops can vary.

Agios Stefanos and the final swim

Agios Stefanos is listed as another swimming location, with about 30 minutes in the water. The stop may be at Agios Stefanos Beach or at a nearby shoreline that is not reachable by car.

The appeal is simple: clear water, a clean shoreline, and one more chance to swim before heading back. The northern coast scenery is the real attraction here, rather than a long walk or a formal beach visit. You can jump into the sea, enjoy the cove, and return to the boat when you are ready.

The final swim also gives you a useful choice. You can be active early at Kerasia and Erimitis, then take this last stop slowly, or save your energy for the warmer water later in the day. Some descriptions found this area warmer and full of fish, though not quite as full of marine life as the longer Erimitis stop.

Afterward, the boat returns to Corfu Town. Once you are dry, the exposed parts of the deck can feel hot, especially on a bright afternoon. Claiming a shaded seat early matters more on the return than on the morning departure.

Boat comfort, shade, and group size

The wooden boat is clean and well maintained, with cushioned seating and enough room for many people to sit comfortably. Several accounts describe a friendly, easygoing atmosphere, and the crew leaders Paul and Spiros are singled out for warm, attentive service.

The group limit is listed as 35 people. One account counted 38 onboard, while other descriptions found the boat spacious and not overcrowded. That difference may reflect the day’s actual numbers or a changing operating limit, but it points to the same practical issue: comfort depends on how full the departure is.

The boat is not designed as a private charter. You will share tables, swimming areas, and drink service with other passengers. That can be part of the fun if you enjoy meeting people, but it may not suit you if you want a silent or intimate day at sea.

The crew appears to be strongest in hospitality. They serve food, offer snacks, help with the swimming stops, and make an effort to speak with passengers. The amount of sightseeing commentary may vary. If you want a detailed running explanation of every cove and landmark, this may feel light on information.

Wi-Fi is included, which is useful for checking messages or sharing photographs. Still, I would treat it as a convenience rather than the main reason to book. The boat, water, food, and coastline are the real draw.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this tour if you want a full day by the sea without having to plan each part yourself. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, solo passengers, and cruise ship passengers who can manage the meeting time and return schedule.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

• Like swimming from a boat rather than spending all day on a developed beach
• Prefer a relaxed social setting to a private charter
• Want lunch and drinks included
• Enjoy traditional boats and coastal scenery
• Are happy with a flexible route shaped by weather
• Can handle sun, boat movement, and limited shade

I would think twice if you dislike swimming, need extensive shade, expect a premium open bar, or want a strongly narrated sightseeing cruise. The price also makes more sense for you if you will use the swim stops and eat the included lunch. If you only want a short scenic cruise, six and a half hours may be too much.

Book at least a few weeks ahead if your schedule is fixed. The experience is often reserved about 31 days in advance, so leaving it until the last minute may limit your options, especially during the busy season.

Practical details before you go

The tour starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about six hours and 30 minutes, including time spent cruising. Confirmation arrives when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. The activity is offered in English.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light cover-up. Add your own snorkeling equipment if that matters to you. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is also sensible around repeated swim stops, though these items are not listed as tour inclusions.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The boat’s captain can change the itinerary because of poor weather, delays, or other unexpected conditions. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather or an unmet minimum cancels the cruise, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Corfu wooden boat cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Corfu day includes warm water, quiet coves, a traditional boat, and a filling Greek lunch. The crew’s friendliness, the quality of the BBQ, and the three swim opportunities are the strongest reasons to book.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a private yacht, a formal lighthouse visit, or a drinks package with every beverage included. Shade can be limited, the boat may feel busy at lunch, and the commentary may be modest.

For a relaxed day away from Corfu Town, the combination is convincing. Bring goggles, arrive early, choose your seat carefully, and reserve it for a day when you want to spend more time on the water than on land.

FAQ

How long does the Corfu wooden vessel cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the time spent traveling between stops.

What time does the tour begin?

The tour begins at 10 a.m. You should arrive at least 20 minutes early to avoid delays at departure.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

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

How many swimming stops are included?

The route includes three swimming opportunities: Kerasia Beach, Erimitis, and Agios Stefanos or a nearby beach that cannot be reached by car.

How long is the stop at Erimitis?

The boat remains at Erimitis for approximately two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional BBQ lunch with salads is included in the tour price.

Which drinks are included?

White wine, bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are included. The minimum drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 18. Some other drinks, including beer or mixed drinks, may cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The captain may change the route or timing because of unfavorable weather, delays, or other unexpected circumstances. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you should be offered another date or a full refund.