Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Lunch, Swimming and Audio Guide

If you’re planning a day trip from Kos and want to see a bit of everything—beautiful beaches, charming villages, and maybe even some dolphins—you might be considering the Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Lunch, Swimming and Audio Guide. This cruise promises an interesting mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation, all wrapped into a roughly 7.5-hour adventure.

What immediately caught our attention about this experience are a couple of standout features. First, the personalized audio guide in your own language, which can make the stops more meaningful without the hassle of a loud tour group. Second, the chance to spot dolphins along the way—something many travelers find exciting and memorable.

That said, there’s a small caveat: the tour is quite popular, which means it can get crowded, especially during peak season. So if you’re after a quiet, intimate boat ride, this might not be your first pick. Still, for those looking for a fun, well-organized day out with plenty of swimming and sights, it tends to hit the mark. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balance of sightseeing, cultural insights, and relaxation on a budget.

Key Points

• Includes visits to three islands: Platy, Kalymnos, and Pserimos, each offering unique views and local culture.
• Swim and relax: Multiple stops for swimming in clear waters, with plenty of time to soak up the sun.
• Dolphin spotting: Look out for dolphins that gather around the boat—an unpredictable but often delightful sight.
• Personalized audio guides: Use your phone to access interesting info in your language, at your own pace.
• Onboard Greek lunch: Enjoy a delicious BBQ meal with drinks included; a real highlight for food lovers.
• Affordable price: Around $30 per person, offering a solid value especially considering the length and inclusions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Boat and Setting

Boarding the Santa Maria, you’ll step onto an 80-foot wooden vessel that feels inviting and well-equipped. The boat offers sundecks with comfortable cushions, shaded areas to escape the sun, tables for snacks or drinks, and a well-stocked bar. This setup means you can tailor your experience—whether you want to lounge in the sun or relax in shade.

Many reviews praise the comfortable seating and friendly crew, emphasizing that the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. One guest from the UK mentioned the “incredibly fun atmosphere on board,” which hints at a lively, yet laid-back vibe.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise’s itinerary is thoughtfully planned, with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops. It begins at the Port of Kos, with an 80-minute cruise around the Dodecanese islands. Along the way, you’ll enjoy dolphin watching—a 20-minute window that, while unpredictable, often results in sightings that get everyone excited.

Next, the boat stops at Kalymnos for about an hour. Kalymnos is famous for its sponge diving, and you’ll have the chance to explore the small town of Vathy, walk around, and learn about the local sponge industry, honey, and orange juice. Several reviews mention how engaging the guides are, with one saying, “Alex was an amazing guide, really funny,” which adds a personal touch to the experience.

After Kalymnos, the boat proceeds to Platy Island for about 40 minutes of free time and swimming. Its beaches are stunning, and the water invites you for a refreshing dip. Many travelers appreciate the versatility of this stop, noting the clear waters and peaceful vibe.

The final island stop is Pserimos, where you get around 40 minutes for shopping, wandering, and relaxing before heading back. Pserimos offers a more laid-back, Greek-style experience, perfect for those wanting to stretch their legs and pick up souvenirs.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The main highlights are the three stops for swimming, the dolphin watching session, and the Greek BBQ lunch on board. Using your phone, you can listen to a personalized audio guide in your language, which many reviewers found helpful and well-produced.

The price of around $30 per person is quite reasonable, considering the length of the trip and the inclusions. However, note that drinks and souvenirs are not included—so if you want to buy local products or additional drinks, you’ll need cash.

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The Lunch and Onboard Amenities

The onboard Greek BBQ lunch has garnered praise from many guests. It’s described as delicious, with some reviewers mentioning it being better than expected for a boat tour. Plus, drinks are reasonably priced, making it easy to stay hydrated during the day.

The bar on the boat offers a selection of beverages, so you can enjoy a cold drink while lounging or during the stops. Many travelers appreciate the casual, friendly atmosphere created by the crew, making the entire day feel like a fun, social event.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Most reviews are glowing, with a 4.6/5 rating from 310 reviews, highlighting friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and good value for money. Several mention how the dolphins appeared, which was a highlight for many. Others rave about the tasty lunch and comfortable seats.

However, a few guests note that the cruise might not match its description perfectly. For example, one review pointed out that there were no dolphins on their trip, but still found the overall experience to be “simply great.”

Crowding can be an issue during peak times, so if you prefer a less hectic environment, you might want to go early or aim for quieter days. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, which is understandable given the boat’s nature and stops.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits travelers who want a full day of island hopping without breaking the bank. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, enjoy swimming, and appreciate some local culture along the way. The audio guide feature makes it accessible for those who enjoy learning new facts without a loud tour in a group.

If you’re traveling with kids or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider how the stops and boat movement will suit you, but overall, it’s a flexible day trip for most able-bodied travelers.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring cash for souvenirs and extra drinks, as card machines might not always work smoothly.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat—the Greek sun can be intense.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early outside Santa Maria for smooth boarding.
• Don’t forget your passport or ID as it’s needed for boarding.
• Consider bringing some snacks if you’re particular about what you eat—although the onboard lunch is generally well-liked.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed as a family tour, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy swimming may find this trip enjoyable. Keep in mind the boat’s capacity and the fact that some stops involve walking and swimming.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
You can listen to the guide in your own language using your phone—English, German, Greek, and Italian are available.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included, but the bar offers reasonably priced options. You might want to bring some cash for additional purchases.

How long are the stops at each island?
Stop durations vary: Kalymnos gets about an hour, Platy Island 40 minutes, and Pserimos around 40 minutes as well. The cruise also includes shorter sightseeing sections and dolphin watching.

Is the tour full during peak season?
Yes, the tour is very popular and typically reaches full capacity, so early booking is recommended.

What should I bring on the day?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, cash, passport or ID, and perhaps some snacks for extra energy during the day.

Final Thoughts

The Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Lunch, Swimming and Audio Guide offers a balanced, enjoyable way to explore a slice of the Dodecanese. It combines sightseeing, swimming, and cultural insights into a relaxed day, all at a reasonable price. The friendly crew, tasty food, and the chance to see dolphins make it stand out, especially if you love a lively, social boat trip.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized day with diverse stops, good value, and a chance to learn about local culture without the stress of planning each element. If crowds aren’t an issue and you’re craving a fun, scenic outing, this cruise might just be the highlight of your time in Greece.

Enjoy your trip and happy sailing!

You can check availability for your dates here: