From Ag Anna: Rina’s Cave and Ano and Kato Koufonisi Cruise

Rina’s Cave is the star of this full-day sea trip from Naxos. After about 90 minutes on the water, the boat anchors near the cave for swimming, snorkeling, and optional jumps from the boat. I love the generous homemade lunch and the chance to see Ano Koufonisi without arranging a separate ferry.

I also like the easygoing rhythm: swim, eat, sail, wander, swim again. The main drawback is the long time at sea, especially on the return journey, and the lack of a guide explaining the islands. Strong winds can also change the planned stops.

Key points

• Rina’s Cave by boat: Reach a sea cave and nearby pebble beach that cannot be visited by road.
• A big Greek lunch: Expect souvlaki, salads, pasta, potatoes, rice with vegetables, bread, fruit, and vegetarian choices.
• Three hours on Ano Koufonisi: Walk the village lanes, swim, shop, or use a low-cost sea taxi to reach other beaches.
• A real day on the water: The 25-meter Mikros Kosmos II has sunbeds, loungers, shade, snorkels, life jackets, and flotation noodles.
• Weather matters: Kato Koufonisi and other swim stops depend on wind and sea conditions.
• Best for confident swimmers: This is not a good choice for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or anyone prone to seasickness.

A 25-meter boat ride from Agia Anna to Rina’s Cave

The day begins at the taxi piazza and dock in Agia Anna, where you look for the sailing boat Mikros Kosmos II. Departure is scheduled for 9:45 a.m., with a return around 7 p.m. Free transfers are available from selected meeting points, but you need to ask the operator about the exact locations and times.

The boat follows the western coast of Naxos. That first stretch takes roughly an hour and a half, so this is not a quick excursion with constant activity. You are signing up for a long day afloat. I would arrive early if you want one of the limited front sunbeds, especially if you care about having the best view or a place to stretch out.

The boat is large enough to feel comfortable, but the most desirable loungers can go quickly. Some seating is shaded, though shade is limited, so bring a hat and do not count on moving into a front sunbed later. The trip is more pleasant if you accept that you may spend part of the day on an upper deck or in another open seating area.

This sailing boat is not a private yacht. It is a shared excursion with a full day of swimming and island time. That keeps the price at a reasonable $94 per person, but it also means you should expect a set schedule and shared facilities.

Swimming at Rina’s Cave

After the first long sail, the boat stops near Rina’s Cave for about 90 minutes. The cave is approachable only from the sea, which gives this stop its special appeal. You can swim toward the cave, snorkel in the clear water, or stay near the boat with one of the provided flotation noodles.

If you are a confident swimmer, you may also jump from the boat. The height and open-water setting make this a memorable part of the day, but it is optional. Life jackets and other safety equipment are available, and you should choose the activity that matches your comfort level rather than feeling pushed into a jump.

A nearby pebble beach has a distinctive freshwater spring. If conditions and your swimming ability allow, you can reach the beach and see the spring for yourself. The stop gives you both open-water swimming and a small shore visit, though the time passes quickly if you want to do everything.

This is a swimming stop, not a guided cave tour. You should not expect a detailed explanation of geology, archaeology, or local legends. The crew is available to help, but the day is designed around enjoying the place rather than listening to a formal talk.

A generous lunch with local Greek dishes

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch aboard the boat. The meal is one of the strongest parts of the trip because it is more substantial than the usual excursion sandwich. Expect Greek salad, oven potatoes, pasta, rice with vegetables, fresh bread, spetzofai, fruit, and pork or chicken souvlaki.

Vegetarian food is available, including Greek salad, potatoes, rice with vegetables, and other meat-free dishes. Tell the operator about food allergies in advance so the crew can explain the available choices. Vegan options should also be discussed ahead of time rather than assumed on the day.

Water is provided, and wine, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and orange juice are served with lunch. Beer, cocktails, extra soft drinks, and snacks cost more and can be purchased onboard. The included wine is a practical addition to the meal, though you should not expect a premium wine tasting.

Portions are generous. I would eat a light breakfast, since the lunch includes several dishes and is served after swimming, when you are likely to be hungry. Fresh fruit and a homemade sweet may also appear later in the day, particularly during the return sail.

Calling it a barbecue is slightly loose. The meal includes grilled souvlaki, but it is also a broad spread of prepared local dishes. That is not a complaint. You get a filling Greek lunch with enough variety for different appetites, which adds real value to the $94 price.

Kato Koufonisi depends on the wind

After Rina’s Cave, the boat may stop at Kato Koufonisi if the weather allows. Kato is uninhabited, so the appeal is its quiet shoreline and clear water rather than shops, restaurants, or a town to explore.

This stop can be beautiful, but it is also the most weather-sensitive part of the day. Strong winds may make the visit unsafe or impractical. If it is canceled, the schedule may change, with more time spent at another stop or on the boat.

You should also keep your expectations realistic. Kato Koufonisi is not a developed island attraction. Bring your swimwear, towel, and sun protection, and think of the stop as a chance to swim and enjoy a quiet setting rather than a sightseeing walk.

In some conditions, the boat may include an additional swimming stop on the way back. The exact order and number of stops can change with wind and sea conditions, so do not treat every swim stop as guaranteed.

Three hours on Ano Koufonisi

The main island visit is Ano Koufonisi, where you have about three hours to spend as you choose. This is a useful amount of time. You can walk through the cobbled village lanes, browse small shops, sit for a drink, or head to a nearby beach.

Ano Koufonisi is particularly good for people who want a taste of an island beyond Naxos without giving up a full day to a ferry crossing. The village is compact enough for a relaxed wander, while the nearby beaches make it easy to turn the stop into a swimming break.

You can also use a low-cost sea taxi to reach other beaches. That gives you more choice, but it also means watching the clock. Keep enough time to return to the agreed meeting point, since the boat is scheduled to leave at about 5:15 p.m.

A useful plan is to choose one main activity rather than trying to cover the whole island. If you want to swim, go directly to a beach. If you want to explore, walk through the village first and then find a short swimming stop. Three hours sounds long, but it moves quickly once you add walking, changing, food, and time waiting for a sea taxi.

The stop is independent. There is no guide leading you through the village or explaining what you are seeing. I like that freedom, but you need to manage your own time and know that the experience will be more about atmosphere, water, and wandering than organized sightseeing.

The long return sail to Agia Anna

The return begins around 5:15 p.m., with arrival at Agia Anna planned for about 7 p.m. The timing can stretch if the wind rises. One part of the journey back may take two and a half hours or more, so bring a book, a small game, or something else to occupy you.

This is when the difference between a sailing day and a fast boat transfer becomes clear. The pace is slow, and you spend a lot of time looking at the sea and nearby islands. If you enjoy open water and sunbathing, that can be the best part of the outing. If you want constant sightseeing, the ride may feel repetitive.

The crew may serve watermelon and a homemade dessert during the return trip. Music is also part of the atmosphere. The family-run feel is friendly, but communication in English can be limited at times. Basic questions are usually manageable, though you should not expect a detailed commentary about every island or coastline.

One practical point deserves attention: make sure your pickup location is confirmed clearly if you arrange a transfer. The meeting point is the taxi piazza at Agia Anna, but transport is offered only from specific places and times. A wrong pin or unclear confirmation could create a stressful start.

What the $94 price includes

At $94, this is good value if you plan to use the whole package. You are paying for an 8.5-hour boat day, transport on a 25-meter vessel, two main island-area stops, onboard lunch, water, lunch drinks, and equipment for swimming.

The food matters here. A separate boat trip with lunch and drinks can add up quickly, especially if you are traveling with a family. The included menu is not a fine-dining meal, but it is plentiful, fresh, and suited to a hungry swimmer.

You also avoid arranging separate transport to Koufonisi. That convenience is worth something, particularly if you have only a few days on Naxos. At the same time, you should not book this expecting a private cruise, a luxury yacht, or a history lesson.

The value is strongest for people who want a full day of scenery and swimming at a controlled price. It is weaker for anyone who dislikes long boat rides, needs a quiet luxury setting, or wants a tightly guided cultural tour.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip if you are comfortable in open water and want several different parts of a Greek island day: a cave, swimming, a large lunch, a quiet island, and a village stop. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and friends who enjoy an active day without needing every minute organized.

Confident swimmers will get the most from the cave and boat jumps. Non-swimmers can face a difficult day because much of the appeal is built around swimming, snorkeling, and water access. The excursion is also not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. The trip lasts most of the day, and the return can be long when the wind increases. Use your usual precautions, but know that this is still a great deal of time on a moving boat.

Children must not travel unaccompanied. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and sensible sandals or flat shoes are the right choice. Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and any personal medication.

Should you book the Mikros Kosmos II cruise?

Book it if you want a social, food-filled day on the water and you are happy to trade formal guiding for freedom. The best moments are the swim at Rina’s Cave, the clear water around Koufonisi, the large lunch, and the simple pleasure of lying on deck while Naxos fades behind you.

Skip it if you need guaranteed stops, extensive history, comfortable seating for every hour, or a short transfer between destinations. Wind can change the route, the front sunbeds are limited, and the long return may test your patience.

For the right person, this is one of the better-value ways to add Koufonisi to a Naxos holiday. Arrive early, confirm your pickup details, tell the crew about allergies, and treat the schedule as weather-dependent. Do that, and you can settle in for a memorable Greek sea day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the taxi piazza and dock at Agia Anna. Look for the sailing boat Mikros Kosmos II. Free transfer is available from selected meeting points, so ask the operator about the exact locations and times.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about 8.5 hours. Departure is scheduled for 9:45 a.m., with return to Agia Anna at approximately 7 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes dishes such as Greek salad, potatoes, pasta, rice with vegetables, spetzofai, bread, fruit, and pork or chicken souvlaki. Vegetarian options are available, and you should report food allergies in advance.

Are drinks included?

Water is provided. Coca-Cola, Sprite, orange juice, and wine are served with lunch. Beer, extra soft drinks, cocktails, and snacks can be bought onboard.

Is there a guide or historical commentary?

No formal guide is aboard. The crew is available to help with practical needs, but the cruise focuses on relaxing, swimming, and exploring independently rather than guided sightseeing.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and personal medication. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, loungers, sunbeds, and flotation noodles are available on the boat.