Naxos: Cruise to Rina Cave & Ano Koufonissi with BBQ Lunch

Rina Cave is the star of this Naxos day cruise. You can swim in clear water, snorkel near the rocky shore, jump from the boat if you are confident, and walk to a nearby pebble beach and natural spring. Then the boat serves a generous BBQ before giving you several hours on Ano Koufonissi.

I especially like the long stop on Ano Koufonissi, since three hours gives you time for Chora, a beach, or both. The included meal is another strong point: souvlaki, potatoes, tzatziki, Greek salad, pasta, and rice with vegetables, plus wine and soft drinks. The main caution is seating. One recent departure became crowded enough that about 20 people had to sit on stairs or use extra chairs, so ask about the boat setup before booking if a comfortable seat matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Rina Cave is the best swimming stop: Plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming, snorkeling, the pebble beach, and the natural spring.
• The BBQ uses local Naxian food: Souvlaki, oven potatoes, tzatziki, Greek salad, pasta, and rice with vegetables are served on board.
• Ano Koufonissi gets three hours: You can visit Chora, shop, eat at a cafe, swim, or use a low-cost sea taxi to reach other beaches.
• The day begins at Agia Anna Port: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the MIKROS KOSMOS meeting point yourself.
• The cruise depends on the weather: Strong winds can alter or cancel the route, with an alternative date or full refund offered.
• Boat comfort can vary: Plenty of seating was available on one departure, but another had more people than comfortable seats.

A full day from Agia Anna to the Small Cyclades

This is a nine-hour boat trip built around three things: time on the water, a swim at Rina Cave, and free time on Ano Koufonissi. At $94 per person, the price is fair if you want an all-day outing with lunch, drinks, and transport between islands.

It is not the right choice if you prefer a quiet, small-group sail with a carefully narrated tour. The cruise is more about scenery, swimming, food, and free time than formal guiding. One person specifically wished for more information about the places visited, and that is useful to know before you go.

You meet at the dock at Agia Anna Port, at the MIKROS KOSMOS NAXOS ISLAND CRUISES point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow time to reach the port on your own. Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and anything you like for a long day outside.

The boat leaves early, which is sensible. You want as much daylight as possible for the swimming stop and the island visit. During the first stretch, the route follows Naxos’s west coast. You can sit inside, find a place on deck, and take photos as the boat moves through the Aegean.

The ride along Naxos’s west coast

The first part of the day is a chance to settle into the boat. You will spend a good amount of time traveling, so your comfort here matters. A recent departure had plenty of places to sit, but another had around 20 people without proper seats for part of the trip.

That difference is the most important practical issue in this review. A scenic boat ride is pleasant when you can sit, move around, and find shade. It becomes tiring when you are stuck on stairs for a long crossing. If the boat is busy, try to board promptly and claim a suitable spot, while remembering that the operator may change the vessel or seating arrangement.

The cruise gives you open views of Naxos and the sea rather than a guided tour packed with facts. I like this relaxed rhythm, but you should bring your own interest in the scenery. The English and Greek speaking crew can help with the practical side of the day, and the crew has provided masks, snorkels, and floating aids on at least one departure.

Swimming at Rina Cave

After about an hour and a half, the boat reaches Rina Cave. The stop lasts roughly 1.5 hours in the stated schedule, while the general plan describes up to two hours here. Either way, this is not a quick photo stop. You get real time in the water.

The main activity is swimming and snorkeling in clear water near the cave. If you are adventurous, you can jump into the sea from the boat. You do not have to do that. You can use the available floating aids, stay near the shore, or simply enjoy the view from the deck.

Rina Cave is best suited to people who want an active stop, but non-swimmers are not left with nothing to do. A nearby pebble beach and natural spring offer a quieter alternative. You can walk along the shore, look at the setting, and let the swimmers have their fun.

Bring your own towel, since one is not listed among the included items. Sun protection matters here. The Greek sun can be strong, and the open boat gives you little relief once you are away from shore.

The stop also shows why the weather warning matters. Swimming conditions and the boat route depend on wind and sea conditions. Strong winds can lead to a changed schedule or cancellation, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

A Naxian BBQ served at sea

After Rina Cave, you return to the boat for lunch. The meal is a substantial spread rather than a token snack. It includes souvlaki, oven potatoes, tzatziki, Greek salad, pasta, and rice with vegetables.

The food is made with local Naxian products, and the menu includes several vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices. You should still ask the crew about ingredients if you have an allergy or a strict dietary requirement, since the information provided does not give a full allergy policy.

House wine, soft drinks, and water are included during lunch. That adds real value to the $94 price, especially because you are spending the whole day on a boat and do not need to arrange a separate meal. The food also gives the day a pleasant break between two active stops.

Recent feedback praised the food for being abundant and very good. That matches the menu: potatoes, rice, pasta, salad, and tzatziki give you plenty of filling choices even if you skip the meat. Expect a communal boat meal, not a restaurant setting.

Optional views near Kato Koufonissi

If the weather allows, the boat may stop near Kato Koufonissi, an uninhabited island. This is an optional part of the route, not a guaranteed stop.

That distinction matters. You should treat Kato Koufonissi as a bonus rather than build your plans around it. Strong winds or rough conditions may prevent the stop, and the operator can change the route for safety.

The wider Koufonissi area is one of the pleasures of this cruise. The islands give you a change of scale from Naxos, with open water, small beaches, and a slower feel. The boat ride itself is part of the day, so bring a camera and enjoy the views even when you are not at a formal stop.

Three hours to explore Ano Koufonissi

The longest shore stop is Ano Koufonissi, with about three hours of free time. This is a good amount of time for an island visit, because you are not forced into a rushed walk from the harbor and back.

Chora, the island’s only village, is an easy place to begin. You can stroll through the village, visit local shops, and stop at a cafe. It gives you a chance to walk after several hours on board and see a little local life beyond the swimming coves.

You can also use the time for the beaches near the village. Swim, snorkel, or simply sit by the water. If you want to see other beaches, a low-cost sea taxi may take you for a brief visit. The tour does not include those sea taxi rides, so keep personal spending money with you.

The key choice is pace. You probably cannot see every beach and spend leisurely time in Chora within three hours. I would choose one main goal. Visit Chora and a nearby beach if you want variety, or use a sea taxi if the beaches matter more than shopping and cafes.

This free time is one of the strongest parts of the day. You are not kept in a tight group, and you can shape the stop around your interests. The tradeoff is that you are responsible for watching the time and returning to the boat promptly.

The return journey to Naxos

After Ano Koufonissi, the boat begins the return trip to Agia Anna. The listed water transport time is about 105 minutes, so you should expect another substantial stretch at sea.

This is when seating becomes especially important. After a full day in the sun, most people want a stable place to rest. If you are sensitive to long boat rides, seasickness, or strong sun, plan carefully. A hat, sunscreen, water, and a light layer are useful basics, although only water is specifically included.

The return is meant to be calm rather than activity-filled. You can look back on the day, take more photos, and enjoy the sea before arriving at the original meeting point.

Is $94 a fair price?

I think the price is reasonable for the right kind of day. For $94, you get the boat trip, the Rina Cave stop, the Ano Koufonissi visit, lunch, house wine, soft drinks, and water. You also get transport between destinations without arranging several separate boat rides.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay for a separate beach outing and a restaurant meal. The three-hour stop on Ano Koufonissi adds useful freedom, while the BBQ saves you from searching for food during the middle of the cruise.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short swim near Naxos or a quiet sailing trip. Nine hours is a long commitment, and much of that time is spent traveling. The seating issue also means the quality of the day can depend on how crowded the boat is.

The overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 55 reviews reflects that split. The stops and food receive strong praise, while comfort and the lack of detailed place information are the main reservations.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to pack several Aegean sights into one day. It suits couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who enjoy a full schedule and plenty of time outside.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Ano Koufonissi without arranging your own island transport. The three-hour stop gives you more freedom than a quick organized walk.

You may want another option if you need guaranteed seating, dislike long boat journeys, or want an in-depth historical and cultural explanation at each stop. The day is built around scenery and leisure, not lectures.

The crew has been described as welcoming and helpful, and masks, snorkels, and floating aids have been made available. Still, the tour does not name a specialist guide or promise detailed commentary, so bring your own curiosity and enjoy the places at your own pace.

My final recommendation

Book this cruise if Rina Cave, swimming, a generous BBQ, and several hours on Ano Koufonissi sound like your ideal Naxos day. The food and stops offer good value, and the schedule gives you enough time to enjoy rather than merely photograph each place.

Before paying, ask about expected crowding and seating if comfort is important. Also keep your plans flexible because wind can change the route or cancel the cruise. For an active, social day on the Aegean, this is a solid choice. For a quiet, highly guided sail, choose something smaller.

FAQ

Where does the Naxos cruise start?

The meeting point is at the MIKROS KOSMOS NAXOS ISLAND CRUISES dock at Agia Anna Port.

How long does the cruise last?

The full activity lasts about nine hours, including the boat rides, the Rina Cave stop, lunch, the Ano Koufonissi visit, and the return to Naxos.

How long do you spend at Rina Cave?

The schedule allows about 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling at Rina Cave. The wider description states that the stop may last up to two hours.

Can I swim at Rina Cave?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included at Rina Cave. You may also jump from the boat if you are comfortable, or walk along the nearby pebble beach and see the natural spring.

What food is included?

The BBQ includes souvlaki, oven potatoes, tzatziki, Greek salad, pasta, and rice with vegetables. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. House wine, soft drinks, and water are included during lunch. Water is also listed as included in the boat tour.

How much free time do I get on Ano Koufonissi?

You get about three hours on Ano Koufonissi. You can visit Chora, shop, stop at cafes, swim, snorkel, or use a low-cost sea taxi to visit other beaches.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Agia Anna Port and the stated meeting point yourself.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Strong winds or other bad weather can lead to a changed route or cancellation, including last-minute changes. An alternative date or a full refund is offered in that situation.