Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming

The best part of this Kos boat trip is the mix of three very different island stops. You get a taste of Kalymnos, a proper swim near Platy, and beach time on Pserimos, all without arranging separate ferries. The 80-foot wooden Santa Maria gives you sun decks, cushions, shade, tables, and a bar, so the boat itself is part of the day.

I like the Greek BBQ lunch served on board, and I like that the crew leaves time for real swimming rather than only sailing past the islands. The main catch is space: this trip is usually full, and the swimming stops may not feel private. One island stop also means time in the water rather than setting foot ashore, so the title can sound a little more land-based than the day really is.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worthwhile

• Kalymnos offers local flavor: Walk around Vathy, browse authentic Greek sponges, and look for honey and orange juice.
• Platy is the water stop: You get about 40 minutes for swimming and, if you wish, a cliff jump from the rocks.
• Pserimos brings beach time: Spend about 40 minutes walking, shopping, or sitting near the shore.
• The Santa Maria is built for a full day: Expect sundecks, cushions, shade, tables, and a bar.
• Dolphins are part of the search: The boat allows about 20 minutes for dolphin watching, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• The price covers the main essentials: At $28.23 per person, the cruise includes the boat, island stops, swimming, and Greek BBQ lunch. Drinks and purchases cost extra.

Setting sail from Kos on the Santa Maria

You meet outside the Santa Maria at the port of Kos and should arrive 30 minutes before departure. Bring your passport or a copy, since it is needed for boarding. There is no transfer from your hotel to the harbor, so you need to arrange that part yourself.

The boat is an 80-foot wooden vessel with comfortable cushions on the sun decks, a shaded area, tables, and an up-to-date bar. That layout matters on a 7.5-hour outing. You can sit in the sun for a while, move into shade when the heat builds, and grab a drink without turning the day into a series of long waits at the same seat.

Get there early if you want a better choice of shade. One person found that sitting near the cabin meant staying shaded for much of the trip, while another advised arriving early for a shaded place. Since the boat generally reaches capacity, do not assume you can find a quiet corner after boarding.

The cruise uses English, German, Greek, and Italian. The crew keeps the mood social, and Greek dancing may take place toward the end of the day. This is not a quiet sailing trip. Music, conversation, swimming, sunbathing, and bar service are all part of the atmosphere.

The first 80 minutes: open water and Dodecanese views

The opening stretch lasts about 80 minutes as the Santa Maria leaves Kos and cruises through the Dodecanese. This is your time to settle in, find a seat, and get used to the rhythm of the boat.

There is no detailed guided commentary promised for this section, so think of it as a scenic cruise rather than a formal history lesson. You will see open water and island views, with plenty of time to work on your tan or stay under cover.

The boat then allows around 20 minutes for dolphin watching. The crew searches for dolphins gathering near the vessel, and some outings do produce sightings. Still, dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. Treat this as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee.

You may want to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at a screen. The appeal here is the combination of sea air, wide views, and the chance of seeing dolphins close to the boat.

Kalymnos for one hour of local color

Kalymnos is the most cultural stop of the three. The boat spends about one hour here, with time for sightseeing and a short walk around the small town of Vathy.

Kalymnos is closely linked with Greek sponge fishing, and local shops sell authentic sponges. You can touch and compare them before choosing a souvenir. The island is also known for honey, and local orange juice is another product highlighted during the stop.

This is a useful break from the boat because you can stretch your legs and see a little of island life rather than only looking at the shore from offshore. You might browse for gifts, walk near the port, or stop at a small restaurant. One outing included time for souvlaki at a little restaurant beside the port, although the included meal is served later on board, so any food bought ashore is extra.

The limitation is the clock. One hour is enough for a short walk, a shop, and perhaps a quick bite, but not enough for a broad tour of Kalymnos. You will not get a full island visit. The value is a compact taste of the place, especially if you are interested in sponges and local products.

After Kalymnos, the boat spends about 30 minutes cruising onward. This gives you another chance to sit back, order a drink, and watch the coastline change.

Platy Island: 40 minutes made for swimming

Platy is the most active stop. The boat allows about 40 minutes for swimming, and the clear water is the main reason to look forward to it.

You can jump from the boat’s upper deck or swim directly from the vessel. Cliff jumping from the rocks is also promoted, but only do this if you are comfortable with the conditions and follow the crew’s instructions. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant women.

A 40-minute swim stop sounds generous until you account for getting ready, climbing down, swimming, and drying off. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel nearby. Sunscreen is essential, especially if you plan to spend time on the upper deck before and after the stop.

The water is the star here, but this is not a beach visit in the usual sense. Platy is primarily a swimming stop. You may not step ashore, and one account specifically described it as a swimming-only stop. If you want cafés, a village walk, or a long stretch of sand, Pserimos is the better match.

Pserimos for beach time and small purchases

After another 25 minutes of cruising, the Santa Maria reaches Pserimos for about 40 minutes. This stop gives you the most relaxed island feel of the day.

You can walk near the beach, look around, shop, or sit by the water. The island has cafés and vendors, making it a pleasant place to buy small souvenirs or local products. Bring cash, since shopping is not included and cash is specifically recommended for the trip.

Pserimos is not a long, unhurried beach afternoon. Forty minutes passes quickly, especially if you want to walk, browse, and sit down. Still, it adds a useful change of pace after the active swim at Platy. You can use the stop for a quiet stroll instead of another jump into the sea.

The cruise back to Kos takes about 90 minutes. Depending on the day’s timing, the crew may add another swimming stop if spare time remains. That is a welcome bonus, but it should not be treated as a fixed part of the schedule.

Greek BBQ lunch, drinks, and the real price

The listed price is $28.23 per person, which is strong value for a full-day boat outing if you want swimming and several island stops. The fare includes the 7-hour cruise to three destinations, swimming stops, and Greek BBQ lunch on board.

There is a small timing difference in the published information: the experience is described as lasting 7.5 hours, while the included section calls it a 7-hour cruise. Plan around the longer figure, since the listed schedule runs from the Kos departure through the 90-minute return cruise.

The lunch is one of the day’s most praised features. It gives you a proper meal without requiring you to spend one of the short island stops looking for food. The BBQ is served aboard the Santa Maria, and drinks are available from the bar, but drinks are not included in the price.

That last point matters. At $28.23, the trip remains inexpensive, but cocktails, soft drinks, water, souvenirs, sponge products, honey, orange juice, and food bought in Kalymnos all add to the final cost. Take cash for the islands and any purchases that appeal to you.

The staff is another strong point. Ariel and Aria are two crew members singled out by name, and the onboard team is described as friendly, attentive, and good at keeping the energy up. That helps on a long shared boat ride, especially when the vessel is full.

What the full boat means for your day

This is a popular outing, and the Santa Maria usually reaches capacity. That creates a lively atmosphere, but it also means you should not expect a private cruise or much personal space.

Arrive early for the best chance of finding shade. Choose your seat with the full route in mind, not just the first hour. If you sit in direct sun at the start, you may want a shaded area later when the heat is strongest.

The boat has cushions and a shaded section, so you are not left without cover. Still, shade is limited compared with the number of people on board. Bring sunscreen, drink water, and take breaks from the sun.

This cruise suits people who enjoy a social day with a bit of everything. You get open-water sailing, a town stop, a swim, a beach stop, lunch, and perhaps dolphins. It is less suitable if you want a quiet yacht, a long visit on one island, or a carefully paced cultural tour.

Practical packing advice for the Santa Maria

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or a copy. Swimwear is worth wearing from the start because the water stops are built into the schedule and changing time may be limited.

A small bag is easier than bulky luggage. Keep your passport, cash, phone, and sunscreen somewhere secure and easy to reach. You will be moving between the boat, swimming areas, and island stops throughout the day.

You also need to arrange your own way to Kos harbor. The cruise begins and ends outside the Santa Maria, so allow enough time to reach the port and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before planning your day around the cruise.

Who should book this Kos island cruise?

I would book this trip if I wanted a low-cost day on the water with several different experiences packed into one outing. The combination of Greek BBQ, swimming, Kalymnos products, Pserimos beach time, and possible dolphins gives you plenty for the price.

It is especially good for active couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage boat steps and swimming stops. The cliff jump and upper-deck jumps add fun for confident swimmers, while the shaded area and cushions give non-swimmers somewhere to relax.

I would choose another kind of excursion if my priority were a long, peaceful beach day or a detailed visit to Kalymnos. You get only about an hour on Kalymnos and 40 minutes on Pserimos, while Platy is mainly viewed from the water. The boat can also feel crowded at full capacity.

Should you book the Santa Maria cruise?

Book it if you want good value and variety more than privacy. For $28.23, you receive a full day at sea, three island stops, a Greek BBQ lunch, swimming, and the possibility of dolphins, with a friendly crew helping keep the pace lively.

Skip it if you dislike crowded boats, need step-free access, or want plenty of time on land. Arrive early for shade, bring cash and sun protection, and keep your expectations clear: this is a social island-hopping and swimming day, not a private sailing charter.

FAQ

How long does the Kos three-island cruise last?

The experience lasts about 7.5 hours. The scheduled route begins and ends at the Port of Kos and includes cruising, dolphin watching, time on Kalymnos and Pserimos, and swimming near Platy.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Kalymnos, Platy Island, and Pserimos. Kalymnos includes sightseeing and a short town stop, Platy is mainly for swimming, and Pserimos offers beach time, walking, shopping, and sightseeing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch is served on board the Santa Maria. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately from the bar.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. You need your passport or a copy of your passport for boarding. You should also meet outside the Santa Maria 30 minutes before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or a copy. Cash is useful for souvenirs, local products, cafés, and other purchases on the islands.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The boat is typically full, so expect a shared and lively setting rather than a private experience.