From Kardamena: Nisyros, St.Antonios & Yali Islands Cruise

The best part of this three-island cruise is its easy mix of swimming, island scenery, and time ashore. You start with the quiet church and clear water of St. Antonios, visit Nisyros and its port town of Mandraki, then finish near volcanic Yali with music, drinks, sun, and jumps from the boat.

I like the Greek barbecue lunch served on board, and I like the freedom to choose your pace in Mandraki. You can climb toward Panagia Spiliani, wander narrow lanes, or sit with a coffee. The main consideration is time: Nisyros has plenty to see, but the stop is short if you also want the optional volcano visit.

I also like that the boat has two decks, toilets, and a bar, which makes a full day at sea easier. The possible drawback is that coffee and drinks cost extra, and the trip can feel more like a cheerful group boat day than a quiet sailing escape.

Key points at a glance

• St. Antonios comes first: Visit the small Church of St. Antonios, swim in clear water, or stretch out in the sun while lunch is prepared.
• Mandraki gives you real island time: Explore Nisyros town, climb about 200 steps to Panagia Spiliani, or stop in Ilikiomeni Square.
• Yali is the final swim stop: This small volcanic island is viewed from the water, with time for sunbathing and jumping from the boat.
• Lunch is included: Expect souvlaki, salad, and bread, with a vegetarian meal available if you request it ahead of time.
• The vessel is set up for a long day: Maria Magdalini has two decks, toilets, and a bar.
• Ask about extra exploring: A quad bike can be useful if you want to see more around the island stop, but the volcano visit has an additional charge.

Setting sail from Kardamena at 10am

Your day begins at Kardamena port, where you look for the pirate boat Maria Magdalini and show the crew your mobile voucher. The boat leaves at 10am and returns to the same port at about 5:30pm, giving you roughly eight hours from start to finish.

The pirate-boat theme sets the mood, but this is not a private sailing trip. You will spend the day with a group, and the atmosphere can include music, sunbathing, drinks, and plenty of activity around the rails. That suits you if you want a social day on the water. If you are hoping for silence and a small, refined sailing yacht, this is not that kind of outing.

The boat has two decks, which matters on a long cruise. You can look for a sunny spot, move into shade, or change levels when the boat feels busy. Bring a towel and beachwear from the start. You will not want to spend the first hour in ordinary sightseeing clothes once the swimming stops begin.

The first island comes within about an hour. That short opening cruise gives you time to settle in, take in the sea views, and decide how you want to use the stops. Since the vessel has a bar, you can buy drinks during the day, but bring some extra money for coffee and refreshments because they are not included in the price.

St. Antonios for a quiet church and a first swim

St. Antonios is the first stop, and it offers a gentle beginning rather than a packed sightseeing visit. The island is uninhabited, with a small church dedicated to St. Antonios and a peaceful setting that feels far removed from Kardamena.

You can walk up to the church for a view over the surrounding water. The appeal is not a long list of monuments. It is the quiet, the simple white church, and the chance to see a less developed corner of the Dodecanese.

The other choice is to stay near the water. The stop is designed for swimming and sunbathing, so pack your towel where you can reach it quickly. The water is described as clear, and the boat gives you a practical base for getting in and out. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on board or use the time to relax in the sun.

While you are enjoying St. Antonios, the crew prepares lunch. This is a smart use of the stop because you are not sitting at a restaurant waiting for food. The included meal is Greek-style souvlaki with salad and bread. Vegetarian food is available, but you need to notify the operator in advance so the crew can prepare it.

Do not expect a long island walk here. St. Antonios is mainly about the church, the view, and the water. That makes it a good first stop, but it will not satisfy you if you want shops, museums, or a broad choice of cafés.

Lunch on board, with the sea as your dining room

The included lunch adds real value to the day. A meal in a port town would use both time and money, while eating on board lets you stay with the cruise and enjoy the scenery. The food is simple rather than elaborate: souvlaki, salad, and bread.

I would treat this as a casual barbecue meal, not a formal Greek feast. The attraction is convenience and the setting. You can eat after the first swim, keep your afternoon moving, and avoid arranging lunch on Nisyros.

Vegetarians should request their meal before the cruise. The information provided does not give details about other dietary needs, so anyone with a more specific requirement should ask the crew before booking.

Drinks and coffee are not part of the package. The bar is open during the cruise, so you can buy something cold, but the final cost will be higher if you plan to purchase several drinks. For the best value, think of the $39.52 price as covering the boat, the three-island route, and lunch, with refreshments and optional activities added separately.

Mandraki, Nisyros, and your choice of pace

Around noon, the boat reaches Nisyros and drops you at Mandraki, the island capital and port. This is the most substantial shore stop and the part of the trip that requires the most planning.

Mandraki gives you several ways to spend your time. You can simply walk through the narrow streets and absorb the town’s traditional atmosphere. Small shops provide a chance to browse souvenirs, and Ilikiomeni Square offers a place to sit with coffee or a local dessert.

The town option is best if you want a relaxed visit. You can leave the boat, wander without rushing, and enjoy the feeling of a real island community rather than moving from sight to sight. The stop also works well for anyone who would rather avoid a steep climb in the midday sun.

The more active choice is the climb to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. The route involves about 200 steps, so comfortable shoes and water will help. From above, you can look over Nisyros and the sea, while the Orthodox church provides the main cultural sight.

This climb is rewarding, but it uses a fair portion of your time in Mandraki. If you want the monastery, a coffee, souvenir shopping, and the volcano, you may feel hurried. Pick one main goal before you leave the boat.

You can also ask the crew about visiting Nisyros volcano for an extra fee. The provided information does not state the additional price or how the volcano visit fits into the available time, so ask before committing. This option may be worthwhile if the volcanic character of Nisyros is your main reason for booking, but it can reduce your time in Mandraki.

A useful practical idea is to ask about a quad bike if you want to see more of the island during the shore stop. A quad can give you more range than walking, particularly if you want to reach viewpoints or explore beyond the port. Confirm availability, cost, and timing with the crew rather than assuming it is included.

Yali for swimming, sun, and a lively finish

The final stop is Yali, a small volcanic island belonging to the municipality of Nisyros. Only 21 people live there, so the character is very different from Mandraki. You mainly experience Yali from the water rather than through a long walk around a town.

This is the place to slow down again. The boat remains your base while you look toward the island, sunbathe, order a drink, or take a swim. If you enjoy jumping from a boat into clear water, this is likely to be the most playful part of the afternoon.

The atmosphere can be lively, with music and an easygoing holiday feel. That is a strong point if you want a fun day rather than a quiet nature trip. It is less ideal if you prefer every stop to include a guided walk or detailed explanation.

Yali also gives the day a good rhythm. St. Antonios offers a small church and peaceful water. Nisyros brings a proper town and optional cultural or volcanic sights. Yali closes with open water and relaxation. You get three different types of island experience instead of three similar port calls.

Remember that the activity is centered on swimming from the boat. Bring beachwear under your clothes and keep your towel handy. If you do not swim, you can still enjoy the views, music, sun, and bar, but much of the stop’s appeal is tied to being in the water.

What the $39.52 price really covers

At $39.52 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several experiences bundled together. The price includes boat tickets for all three islands, the onboard lunch, legal fees, taxes, and liability insurance. It also saves you the trouble of arranging separate transport to Nisyros or finding your own way between swimming spots.

The value is especially clear for people who would otherwise pay for a boat trip and a meal separately. You also get a full day out from Kardamena, with a return to the same port at the end.

There are limits. Coffee and drinks cost extra, and the volcano visit is not included. A quad bike, if available, would also be an added expense. The day is best viewed as a low-cost boat excursion with several stops, not as an all-inclusive luxury cruise.

The 4.5 out of 5 rating from 171 reviews supports the idea that the basic formula works well. The strongest praise centers on the good stop choices, clear water, music, and relaxed overall mood. Those are exactly the parts to value when deciding if this suits you.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day away from Kardamena without complicated planning. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who like to mix sightseeing with swimming.

It is also a good choice if you want to see Nisyros but do not need an entire day devoted to the volcano. You get a taste of Mandraki, a chance to climb to Panagia Spiliani, and time for a coffee or dessert.

Swimmers will get the most from the itinerary. The first and third stops are built around clear water, sun, and time near the boat. Anyone who dislikes swimming can still join, but should know that the water stops are a major part of the day.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, small-group sailing trip, a long guided visit to Nisyros, or a carefully structured cultural tour. The schedule has several attractions packed into one day, and you will need to choose between them at Mandraki.

Practical advice for a better day at sea

Arrive at Kardamena port with your voucher ready and look for Maria Magdalini. Since the boat leaves at 10am, avoid leaving your arrival until the last moment.

Wear beachwear and bring a towel. Comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to climb the 200 steps to Panagia Spiliani, while a light bag makes it easier to move between the boat and the shore.

Bring money for the bar, coffee, and drinks. If you want the volcano visit or a quad bike, ask the crew about prices and timing before leaving Mandraki.

Tell the operator in advance if you need a vegetarian lunch. The standard meal includes souvlaki, salad, and bread, while vegetarian meals must be reserved with the crew.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host language is English. Toilets are available on the vessel, which is useful during an eight-hour outing.

Should you book the Nisyros and Yali cruise?

Book this cruise if you want good variety for a low price: a church on a quiet island, a real stop in Nisyros town, an included Greek lunch, and swimming from the boat near Yali. The cheerful music and relaxed mood make it particularly suitable for a fun holiday day.

Book with realistic expectations. You will not have unlimited time at Nisyros, drinks are extra, and the volcano requires an additional payment. If you plan your main priority in Mandraki before departure, the schedule should feel productive rather than rushed.

For most visitors staying in Kardamena, this is a worthwhile way to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging your own transport. Bring swimwear, reserve a vegetarian lunch early if needed, and ask about the optional extras before the boat leaves.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from the port of Kardamena. Look for the pirate boat Maria Magdalini and show the crew your mobile voucher.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The boat departs at 10am and returns to Kardamena port at about 5:30pm. The total activity lasts about eight hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes St. Antonios, Nisyros, and Yali. St. Antonios is the first stop, Nisyros is visited around noon, and Yali is the final island stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on board includes souvlaki, salad, and bread. Vegetarian meals are available if you notify the operator in advance.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included, but the bar is open during the cruise.

Can I visit the volcano on Nisyros?

Yes, the volcano visit is available as an optional activity for an additional charge. Ask the crew for information about the price and arrangements.