Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our daily cruises from Corfu.
General Questions
Are cruises available every day?
Yes, Finikas Cruises operates daily departures during the season, which runs from April through October. Both the Paxos–Antipaxos–Blue Caves cruise and the Albania to Discover day trip run every day, subject to weather conditions and minimum passenger numbers. During peak season (July and August), cruises almost always run as scheduled. In the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October, occasional cancellations may occur due to weather or low demand. If a cruise is cancelled, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another date at no extra cost.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least a few days in advance, especially if you are visiting Corfu during the high season months of July and August when spaces fill up quickly. Booking online through our FareHarbor system is the easiest way to secure your spot and guarantees your reservation instantly. For shoulder season months (April, May, September, October), you can often book a day or two ahead without issues. However, booking early also gives you flexibility to choose your preferred date and plan the rest of your Corfu itinerary around the cruise.
Are cruises weather dependent?
Yes, passenger safety is our top priority and all cruises are subject to weather conditions. If seas are too rough for a safe and comfortable crossing, we may adjust the route, change swimming stop locations, or in rare cases cancel the departure entirely. Weather-related cancellations are most common in early spring and late autumn. If we cancel a cruise, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another available date at no additional cost. We monitor the forecast daily and will contact you as early as possible if conditions require any changes to your booking.
What should I bring?
For the best experience, bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. A light jacket is recommended for the return trip in the evening as it can get breezy on the water after sunset. Bring water and any personal snacks, though refreshments and light snacks are available for purchase on board. A camera or waterproof phone case is essential for photos at the Blue Caves and Antipaxos beaches. If you are taking the Albania cruise, you must bring a valid passport or national ID card for the border crossing. Cash in Euros is useful for dining at destination stops.
Is food included?
Food is not included in the cruise price for either tour. However, the boat has a refreshment bar on board where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and light bites throughout the journey. During the free time at your destination — Gaios village on the Paxos cruise or Saranda on the Albania trip — you will have 2 to 3 hours to enjoy lunch at local restaurants. Gaios offers traditional Greek tavernas with fresh seafood, while Saranda is known for affordable Albanian cuisine with full meals often costing €5 to €10 per person. We recommend trying the local specialties at either destination.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 24 hours before departure receive a full refund. Less than 24 hours is non-refundable. See our Terms & Conditions for details.
Paxos – Antipaxos – Blue Caves
What time does the cruise depart?
The Paxos–Antipaxos–Blue Caves cruise departs at 08:30 AM from the New Port of Corfu (6 Eth. Antistaseos & 1 Sp. Mouriki, Corfu 49100). We ask passengers to meet at the port by 08:00 AM (30 minutes before departure) to complete boarding comfortably. The cruise follows a scenic route along the Corfu coastline before reaching the Blue Caves of Paxos, then continues to Antipaxos for a swimming stop, and finishes with free time in Gaios village. The return to Corfu is at approximately 6:30 PM, making it a full 10-hour day trip.
How long is the cruise?
The total duration of the Paxos–Antipaxos–Blue Caves cruise is approximately 10 hours. The boat departs from Corfu at 08:30 AM and returns around 6:30 PM. During this time, you will enjoy a scenic sail along the coastline, a guided sightseeing stop at the famous Blue Caves, a swimming break in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Antipaxos, and 2 to 3 hours of free time in Gaios, the charming capital village of Paxos. The pace of the cruise is relaxed, with plenty of time at each stop to swim, explore, eat, and take photos.
Can I swim during the cruise?
Yes! There is a dedicated swimming stop at the crystal-clear waters of Antipaxos, one of the highlights of the trip.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly. Life jackets are provided for all passengers. Children under 4 travel free of charge.
Albania to Discover
Do I need a passport to visit Albania?
Yes, a valid passport or national ID card is required for the border crossing between Greece and Albania. EU citizens can use a national ID card, while non-EU citizens need a valid passport. The border formalities are handled at the port in Saranda and typically take around 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure your document is not expired and bring it with you on the day of the cruise. Without valid identification, you will not be permitted to disembark in Albania and will need to remain on the boat.
Is the entrance fee to Butrint included?
The entrance fee to Butrint (approximately €8 per person) is not included and is payable on arrival.
What currency is used in Albania?
The Albanian Lek (ALL) is official, but Euros are widely accepted in Saranda and tourist areas. ATMs are also available.