A Genuine Look at the 2025 St. Antonio Paddle, Swim, and Beach Tour
You know, when you step off a big cruise liner, the sheer number of shore excursion choices can feel, well, a little bit much. Seriously, everyone is trying to sell you on their “unforgettable” experience. I was really looking for something that wasn’t just another bus tour, but an activity that let you, like, actually connect with the stunning scenery of St. Antonio. That’s why this half-day cruise, with its promise of paddling and beach time, honestly jumped out at me. It sounded like a more hands-on way to spend a few hours, you know, away from the crowds and more or less immersed in the water. I figured, basically, that getting on a paddleboard in these clear Aegean waters had to be better than looking at them through a window, right?
First Impressions and Getting Started
Finding the meeting spot was, actually, quite straightforward. A person from the tour group was holding a sign that was pretty hard to miss, even with all the activity around the port. The check-in process was, in a way, refreshingly simple and didn’t involve a lot of complicated paperwork. Our group size was, I mean, just right, with maybe about fifteen other people, so it didn’t feel cramped at all. The vessel itself was, to be honest, a really beautiful traditional wooden boat, not one of those huge, impersonal catamarans, which I really liked. The crew members greeted everyone with these big, genuine smiles, and they really set a friendly, relaxed mood from the get-go. As a matter of fact, you could just tell they were genuinely happy to have us there and show us around their home waters.
Sailing Along the Volcanic Coastline
Anyway, as we pulled away from the port, the first thing that really hit me was the incredible view of St. Antonio’s cliffs from the water. You see pictures, of course, but seeing the layers of volcanic rock towering over you is, like, a completely different feeling. The sea breeze felt absolutely amazing, and it was a bit of a relief from the heat on the shore. Our guide, a local fellow named Yiannis, was, you know, just a wonderful storyteller. He didn’t just point out landmarks; he shared these little tidbits about the island’s history and myths that were actually super interesting. He explained how the cove we were heading to was, sort of, a secret spot that bigger boats just can’t get into. The slow cruise along the coast was, pretty much, the perfect way to build anticipation for the activities that were coming up next.
Finding Your Balance: The Paddleboarding Experience
So, we anchored in this picture-perfect, secluded cove where the water was, honestly, unbelievably calm and clear. The crew gave a very clear, short lesson on how to paddleboard, which was great because, like, half the group had never done it before. At first, standing up on the board feels, you know, a little wobbly and uncertain. I definitely spent a few minutes just on my knees, getting a feel for it, which was actually fine. But then, once you find your balance, it’s this incredibly freeing sensation. You’re just gliding across the surface of the water, powered by your own effort, with this total silence around you, except for the sound of your paddle dipping in. The water was so transparent that you could, pretty much, see the fish swimming around below your board. It was just a little bit magical, really.
A Cool Plunge and Secluded Beach Time
After about an hour of paddling, which was a surprisingly good workout, jumping into that cool, refreshing water was, like, pure bliss. Seriously, the temperature was absolutely perfect for swimming. The crew pointed us toward a tiny, hidden beach, accessible only from the water. We all just swam over to this small stretch of dark volcanic pebbles, and it felt like our own private piece of paradise. We spent a good while there, just floating, sunbathing on the beach, and chatting. They provided some fresh fruit and cold water, which was, you know, a very thoughtful touch. It wasn’t rushed at all; it was just this incredibly chill time to soak in the incredible natural beauty of the place, more or less completely away from everything.
So, Was This Shore Excursion Worth It?
Okay, my honest opinion? I would absolutely recommend this tour, but it sort of depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a hands-on, active experience that gets you up close with the ocean, then this is, basically, perfect. It’s for people who find joy in, like, the simple things: a quiet paddle, a cool swim, and a beautiful view. If you are someone who prefers to just sit back with a fancy cocktail, this might be a little too active for you. For me, it was this great balance of activity and relaxation. The small group size and the friendly crew made it feel, you know, really personal and special. It’s an excursion that feels less like a product and more like, well, an authentic local experience, which is something I always value when I travel.
Quick Tips for Your Own Trip
If you’re thinking about booking this, here are just a few thoughts that might help you have the best time possible.
- Sun Protection is a Must: You are, like, really exposed to the sun out there on the water. I’d definitely bring a strong, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and maybe even a long-sleeved swim shirt.
- Go for a Morning Slot: I took the morning tour, and the water was, basically, super calm and there was less wind. It might be a little easier for paddleboarding, you know, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Water Shoes Could Be Helpful: The beach was made of small pebbles, not sand. So, having a pair of water shoes would make walking on it a bit more comfortable, to be honest.
- Bring a Waterproof Camera: Seriously, you are going to want to take pictures. A waterproof phone case or a GoPro is, like, a really good idea for capturing those moments on the water.
- Don’t Worry About Your Skill Level: The guides are actually very good with beginners. They make everyone feel comfortable, so, you know, don’t let a lack of paddleboarding experience stop you from trying it.
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