Corfu is an island whose best swimming is reached by boat, and a day trip with swimming stops and a barbecue lunch is the classic way to do it. The trip described on its tour details runs along the island coast, stopping in sheltered coves for a swim, with a barbecue meal served on board. It is a social, easy day rather than a sightseeing marathon: you drift between anchorages, swim in water that is often startlingly clear over pale stone and sand, and eat a simple grilled lunch while the boat rests. The trip has a large following , which suggests it is a dependable operator, and the price is moderate for a full day on the sea. It sits between the very short cruises and the long island hops to Paxos and Albania, which makes it a good middle option. Be realistic about the season: this is a summer activity. As of early November 2026 the water is cooler, daylight is shorter and many operators have already stopped for the year, so confirm that departures exist before you build a day around it.
How it works
You board at the departure point on the island coast, spend the day on a boat shared with other guests, swim from the boat at two or three stops and eat the barbecue lunch on board. Operators set the route according to the wind and sea, so the exact coves can change from day to day. Meeting time, route and what is included in the meal are on the tour details, and a sailing may be called off if the sea is rough.
What to expect
A gentle pace, a lot of sun and plenty of time in the water. The sea around Corfu is clear and the coast is green right down to the shore, so even a short swim stop has scenery. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream, a hat and a dry layer, and wear shoes that are easy to take off for the boat.
Non-swimmers can still enjoy the trip, since much of the pleasure is the time on deck and the coastline. The barbecue is simple, so tell the crew about dietary needs when you book if the tour details allows it.
Making the most of it
Choose this trip for a rest day between sightseeing days, ideally in settled summer weather when the sea is calm. If you have limited time and want one boat day, compare it with the Paxos and Antipaxos cruise, which goes farther and has the more dramatic scenery but is also more crowded and takes longer. In the off-season, treat the cruise as a late-spring to early-autumn option, and in the cooler months turn to land-based days instead, such as the old town, the museums and a food or wine experience.
One practical point is timing. A boat day usually begins mid-morning and returns in the late afternoon, so plan nothing important for the evening beyond a late dinner, and avoid scheduling an airport transfer on the same day. Weather in the Ionian can turn quickly in spring and autumn, so a tour operator may offer a change of date or a refund if a trip is cancelled, and it is worth reading those terms before you confirm.
Travelling with a group of friends makes the day more fun, since the atmosphere on board is part of the experience.
What to expect
The experience
A shared day boat trip along the Corfu coast with swimming stops in coves and a barbecue lunch on board.
Best time
Calm summer days; the trip is a warm-season activity and many boats stop in late October.
How long
A full day; the tour details gives the exact times.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream and a dry layer, and check the tour details for departures before planning in the shoulder months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a swim-and-relax boat day rather than a sightseeing marathon.
- Families
- Good for families with children who swim, with a calm pace and a simple lunch on board.
- Couples
- A sociable day on the water that suits couples who like sun and sea.
- Pair with
- A quieter old town day before or after, and the Paleokastritsa boat trip.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Does the boat trip run in November?+
It is a summer activity and many Corfu boat trips stop in late October. Check the tour details for departures before you plan around it.
Is lunch included?+
The trip includes a barbecue meal on board according to its tour details; check the page for the menu and dietary notes.
Can non-swimmers join?+
Yes, because much of the day is spent on deck enjoying the coastline, though the swim stops are a big part of the appeal.
What should I bring?+
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun cream, a hat, a dry layer and shoes that are easy to remove.
How does it compare with the Paxos and Antipaxos cruise?+
This trip stays along the Corfu coast and is quieter and shorter; the Paxos and Antipaxos cruise travels farther for more dramatic scenery.
