In any Greek port visitors will usually find a few `caiques` offering round island trips.

Caiques are brightly painted Greek boats, usually former fishing boats that have been converted to take passengers. This usually means some planking added for passengers to sit on. The wise tripper will take along a cushion or something soft to sit on, as the solid planks can prove uncomfortable for long rides on choppy waters.

Caiques are traditionally made of wood and often have some sort of rigging, although many are now diesel powered. Each caique is unique, with most of them built without any particular plan and each relying on the skills of the boat builder. The art of boatbuilding in wood is a dying trade and modern fiberglass craft are becoming more prevalent.

Although some are still used for fishing, many have now been converted to become short excursion vessels with former fishermen making a living from the summer tourist trade. These are usually good value for money. Visitors get to visit more remote beaches and offshore islets and there is often a barbecue thrown in, either on board or on some remote beach.

The EU has offered cash incentives to Greek fishermen to retire early. Part of the deal requires former fishermen to destroy their boats. It`s thought about 5,000 fishing boats have been broken up in recent years, prompting alarm at this sad loss of Greek cultural heritage.