A full-day private cruise from Alyki runs out to Koufonisia and the small Cyclades islets, with long swims in transparent water and sandy coves you cannot reach by ferry schedule alone. Your captain handles the open-water legs while you relax on deck.
Morning starts early from Alyki with a clear run toward the Koufonisia chain. The first open-water stretch sets the tone for the day; after that you alternate longer transits with anchorages where the sea turns glassy over white sand.
Kato Koufonisi and the larger island beaches appear in the order the captain chooses based on wind and swell. Expect time to snorkel above bright seabeds, eat a relaxed lunch on board or ashore when a taverna is open, and still get back toward Paros before dark on a standard summer day.
Koufonisia sits northeast of Paros across open Cyclades water, which is why this trip is a full day rather than a quick hop like Antiparos. Alyki’s south-coast start keeps the first hour productive without sailing all the way around Paros from Parikia.
The small Cyclades around Koufonisia are famous for shallow turquoise bays and low crowds compared with Mykonos or Santorini ferry ports. That distance is the trade-off: more sea time, but beaches that still feel quiet in July when road beaches on Paros are busy.
Comfort on a moving boat for several hours matters here, including an open-sea section that can have swell even in summer. Swimming ability helps because the best parts of the day are in the water rather than sightseeing from the dock.
Children who manage long car journeys usually manage this day if an adult supervises deck play and swim stops. Share ages at check-in so the captain can pick calmer anchorages when younger kids are on board.
Skippers who run Koufonisia days know which side of each islet stays flat when the meltemi blows and where to hide for a long lunch swim. Fuel planning and timing are built around real summer traffic, not a theoretical timetable from a brochure.
A private hull keeps snorkelling gear within reach, so the group can jump in when water colour changes without waiting for a shared tour vote. The day stays flexible if one cove deserves an extra twenty minutes instead of ticking every name on a map.
An early briefing at Alyki sets expectations for the longer offshore day to Koufonisia. You leave the harbour with fuel, safety kit and a route tuned to the forecast for open Cyclades water.
The skipper confirms swim stops and rough timing with your group so you know when to expect lunch breaks and quieter anchorages along the way.
The morning leg crosses open water toward Koufonisia with a steady offshore pace. Your skipper chooses the most comfortable track based on wind and swell while you relax on deck.
There is time for coffee and photos during the crossing; the crew keeps an eye on fuel and timing so the middle of the day stays unhurried at the islands.
You spend the middle of the day at turquoise anchorages around Koufonisia and nearby islets. Swim, snorkel and take photos while the crew manages the boat and keeps shade available on deck.
Stops rotate with conditions; your skipper may add a quiet cove if wind picks up so you still get long swims without uncomfortable chop.
The afternoon route back to Alyki balances comfort and timing so you return before dark with energy left for dinner ashore.
The crew handles lines at the pontoon and answers any questions about future charters before you collect bags and leave the marina.
Meet at the port of Alyki on the south coast of Paros for an early departure on Koufonisia days. We share pontoon and parking notes ahead of your date.
Arrive about twenty minutes before the planned cast-off so the crew can stow provisions and run through safety points before the long offshore leg.
This is a full-day private charter of about ten hours at sea, including open-water legs to the Koufonisia area and time at anchor for swims.
We leave Alyki early so you reach the best anchorages with daylight to spare on the return to Paros.
You meet at our base in Alyki on the south coast of Paros. We send exact pontoon details after your booking is confirmed.
Arrive about fifteen minutes before departure for the safety briefing and to stow bags before you cast off.
Transport to the marina is not included. Most guests drive, take a taxi, or use local buses to the south of the island.
Allow extra time in peak season for parking and check-in before your departure slot.
If conditions are unsafe, the skipper postpones or adjusts the trip. You can move to another suitable date or receive a full refund under our weather policy.
Light wind is normal; we explain options before you leave the dock when swell or chop changes the plan.
Lunch is not included in the listed price. Many groups eat on board with provisions they bring, or stop at a taverna ashore when a port call fits the route and timing.
Tell us dietary preferences when you book and the crew can suggest realistic lunch stops for your date.
There is open Cyclades water between Paros and Koufonisia, so swell is possible even in summer. Sea bands or medication help if you are sensitive, and the skipper chooses the most comfortable track.
If the forecast is poor for an offshore day, we postpone or offer another date under our weather policy rather than forcing the long leg.
Private charters are for your party only. Tell us adults and children when you book so we assign a suitable boat with enough seating and life jackets.
Maximum group size depends on the hull assigned to your date; we confirm capacity when your enquiry is approved.
No. A licensed skipper handles the helm, navigation and anchoring throughout. You relax, swim and take photos while the crew manages the boat.
Everyone listens to the short safety briefing before departure, especially regarding life jackets for children and moving around on deck while underway.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Use a dry bag for phones and wear soft shoes with grip on deck.
Carry water and snacks unless you plan a taverna stop on longer routes.
Yes, when accompanied by a responsible adult in your group. Let us know ages when you book so we can confirm life jacket sizes and the best boat layout.
Skippers choose calmer anchorages when young children are swimming and keep a watchful eye at boarding and on deck.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Paros
Operated by Astrakis Zsisi And Sia EE (The Sailor's Ride), a partner of adventuro.
Nótio Aigaío (South Aegean), Greece
From €1100
