A Day’s 3-Island Cruise Tour with Transfer

A relaxed and beautiful day exploring the Greek islands with a 3-island cruise from Kos

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the sea, soak in some incredible views, and experience local culture without the hassle of planning every detail, this 3-Island Cruise Tour with Transfer from Kos might just be your answer. We haven’t taken it ourselves, but based on what travelers say and the details available, it sounds like a well-organized, enjoyable day out — especially if you’re craving a mix of scenic beaches, charming villages, and good food.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which takes the stress off your shoulders and lets you relax from the moment your day starts. Second, the multi-stop itinerary offers variety — from exploring a lively fishing port to swimming in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on pristine beaches. But, a potential drawback is that it’s a fairly structured experience, so if you prefer complete independence or longer time on each island, you might find it a little tight.

This tour seems ideal for travelers who want a taste of multiple islands in one day, enjoy scenic boat rides, and appreciate authentic Greek flavors. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a guided, all-in-one package that handles transportation and logistics, leaving you to focus on relaxing and taking in the sights.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience with hotel transfers and lunch.
• Varied stops offering beaches, culture, and local markets.
• Friendly crew and well-organized experience with positive reviews.
• Affordable price point with good value for a full-day cruise.
• Good for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic, and cultural experience.
• Potential for crowdedness with up to 90 travelers on board.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Stop 1: Vathis
The first stop is the charming Porto Vathy, a small port packed with local landmarks. Here, you can stroll around the quaint town, visit food shops, and check out the sponge retailer — a nod to Kalymnos’ famous sponge diving. The highlight is of course the chance to dip into the beautiful, refreshing sea, which travelers describe as a lovely way to start the day. The stop lasts about an hour and a half, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Travel tip: Angeles from a review mentioned the team was very friendly, but noted they picked up travelers two hours early and the wait in the boat was an hour. It’s worth being prepared for some flexibility and arriving on time for the pickup.

Stop 2: Plati
Next, you’ll visit Platy, an uninhabited island known for its stunningly clear waters — the perfect spot for snorkeling or just lounging on the rocks. With roughly 45 minutes here, you’ll get a quick but memorable taste of the natural beauty. You might find yourself marveling at the vivid blue and green waters, a favorite among travelers who love a good swim or photo op.

Stop 3: Pserimos
Finally, the last stop is Pserimos, a tiny island with a sandy beach and a peaceful vibe. It’s a great place to relax on the golden sands, grab an ice cream, or visit the cute little church. You get around 40 minutes here, which, while not long, is sufficient to soak up the atmosphere and maybe take a quick walk along the shore.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a Greek BBQ lunch with options for vegetarians and vegans, which many travelers find satisfying and tasty, especially after a morning of swimming and exploring. The onboard restroom, air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel transfers are all part of the package, making the experience smooth and comfortable.

However, drinks — both alcoholic and non — are not included and need to be purchased onboard. This is typical for many tours and allows you to choose what suits your taste and budget.

How the Experience Feels

From reviews, it’s clear that the crew makes a positive impression — friendly, accommodating, and lively. One traveler called the boat “super cool,” commenting on the music and atmosphere onboard, which suggests the experience is fun and lively, not overly formal.

The crystal-clear waters and the chance to jump into the sea from the boat are the standout moments, according to reviews. The friendly crew and the scenic fjord-like passages also add to the charm. The lunch gets positive remarks, with travelers appreciating the quality and the authentic Greek flavors.

A consistent theme is the value: the tour is affordable and packed with diverse experiences, making it well worth the price of around $48 per person. Considering the all-inclusiveness with transfers, lunch, and visits, it’s a pretty good deal for a full day’s adventure.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Timing: The tour departs at 10:00 am, so plan your morning accordingly. The pickup times are scheduled to align with the tour start, but some reviews mention early pickups or wait times — arriving promptly is the best way to keep things running smoothly.
• Weather: Since the experience is weather-dependent, be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling due to poor conditions. You’ll either get a different date or a full refund if weather cancels the trip.
• Group size: With up to 90 travelers possible, expect a lively, social atmosphere. If you prefer quieter trips, this might feel a bit crowded, but most reviews suggest the crew manages the group well.
• What to bring: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and your snorkeling gear if you have it. Even though the stops are short, the time in the sun can add up.
• Food and drinks: If you’re particular about drinks, plan to purchase onboard as they’re not included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise offers a great blend of scenery, culture, and relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers who want an organized, all-in-one day to see multiple islands without the hassle of ferry schedules or self-planning. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy group experiences and lively atmospheres, along with some time to swim and explore at their own pace.

If you’re after a laid-back day with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and good food, this tour ticks all those boxes. However, if you prefer a more solo or flexible adventure, or want more time on each island, you might find the schedule a bit tight.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Kos who wants a cost-effective, well-organized way to see a handful of the nearby islands, this 3-island cruise is a solid choice. It offers a good balance of scenic beauty, cultural touches like the local church and sponge market, and plenty of opportunities to relax and swim in crystal-clear waters. The included lunch and hotel transfers make it convenient, and the overall reviews suggest that most travelers leave with happy memories.

While it might be a little crowded at times and the stops are brief, the lively crew, stunning views, and authentic Greek flavors make it a day worth considering. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with friends or a group and looking for a fun, hassle-free way to enjoy the Greek islands.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making the day more convenient and stress-free.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 10:00 am, with pickups scheduled beforehand. Be punctual to avoid missing the departure.

How long is each stop?
Vathis is about 1.5 hours, Plati around 45 minutes, and Pserimos roughly 40 minutes — enough to explore, swim, and relax.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) must be purchased onboard, as they are not part of the package.

What is the lunch like?
A Greek BBQ featuring options for vegetarians and vegans, praised for its taste and authenticity.

Is this suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the stops are relaxed and short, making it manageable for travelers of all ages.

How many people usually join the tour?
Up to 90 travelers, so it can feel lively but is generally well-managed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Yes, on the stop at Platy, you can snorkel in the clear waters and enjoy the marine scenery.

Is there anything I should bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Also, consider bringing some cash for drinks or souvenirs.

All in all, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and relaxed day with a touch of culture and great views, this A Day’s 3-Island Cruise could be a highlight of your Kos trip.