Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer

If you’re visiting Kos and looking to explore some of the nearby islands without the hassle of planning each detail, this boat trip offers a pretty appealing option. It’s a full-day cruise that takes you to the quieter, less touristy spots like Pserimos and Kalymnos, with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and soak in the scenery. We’ve collected a lot of feedback from travelers to give you an honest picture of what this experience is really like.

What we love about this tour is its laid-back vibe—it’s all about enjoying the sun and sea at a relaxed pace—and the value for money seems quite good, especially considering the length and included meal. On the flip side, a potential consideration could be the group size and timing, which might not suit travelers seeking a more private or tailored experience. But overall, if you’re after a casual day of island hopping with some great views and local touches, this tour hits the spot.

This experience is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy being on the water, want to visit a few islands without the stress of organizing transport or meals, and appreciate authentic Greek scenery and food. It’s also popular among families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to meet others and share a fun day. Keep in mind, drinks aren’t included, so if you’re planning to indulge, budget some extra for beverages.

• Relaxed pace and plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and explore small islands.
• Includes a traditional Greek lunch, often praised for its authenticity and quality.
• Flexible options with or without hotel transfer, making it easy to fit into your plans.
• Captivating scenery—from beautiful bays to picturesque villages like Vathy.
• Dolphin sightings are a highlight, with many reviews noting successful glimpses.
• Good value for around $31, especially for a full 7.5-hour experience.

This boat trip is designed to give you a taste of some of the less visited, more peaceful islands in the area around Kos. Starting from Kos Port, the day is structured to maximize your time on land and in the water, all while enjoying the comfort of a friendly crew and a lively, social atmosphere on board.

Departure and Transportation

Depending on your booking, you might have the option of being picked up from select locations around Kos. These pickups typically start early, with some as soon as 8 AM from places like Kardamena, Mastichari, Marmari, or Tigaki. This adds a lot of convenience, especially if you don’t want to navigate to the harbor yourself.

Once onboard, you’ll cruise for about an hour to Pserimos, a tiny island with just 60 inhabitants. The boat itself is comfortable enough for a full day out, and reviews often mention the friendly staff—many describing them as energetic, knowledgeable, and fun. The boat’s size generally means a more intimate experience than the huge party boats some might expect, which many travelers seem to appreciate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Stops and What You’ll Do

First stop: Pserimos
Here, you’ll have over an hour to enjoy the tranquil sandy beach, soak up the sun, or explore the small village. Some reviews mention love for its peaceful vibe and clear waters. You’ll probably want to bring your own sun protection, as the day is mostly outdoors.

Next: Vathy
This charming fishing village looks quite dramatic, almost like a fiord, and offers a beautiful spot for a swim. Many people take the chance to jump off the cliff diving platform or simply float in the shallow, crystal-clear water. It’s a favorite stop, with reviews highlighting the stunning scenery and the chance to see local life.

Lunch at Plati
Anchoring near Plati on Kalymnos, this is when the crew prepares a traditional Greek meal. The lunch, typically including souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fresh fruit, is a highlight for many. Reviewers praise it as delicious and authentic, often remarking that the food alone makes the trip worth it. It’s a relaxed meal with plenty of local flavor.

Swimming and Free Time
After lunch, you’ll have some more time for swimming at Plati or in Rina, a bay famous for its clear waters. Many reviews describe these swimming spots as “stunning” and “crystal clear,” perfect for a refreshing dip.

Optional activities
Some reports mention boat crew trying to spot dolphins, and many guests are lucky enough to see them—an experience that adds a special touch to the day. Several reviewers note that the crew works hard to attract dolphins and that their efforts pay off.

The Final Stretch

After a full day of exploring, swimming, and eating, the boat heads back towards Kos, with a relaxed atmosphere and perhaps some music and drinks onboard (note: drinks aren’t included). The returning journey offers a chance to unwind while enjoying the scenic views one last time.

The price point of around $31.62 per person is quite attractive, especially considering it includes the boat trip, lunch, and the visits to three islands. Many reviews emphasize the good value for money, with some praising the quality of the lunch and the overall length of the trip for the price.

The reviews from past travelers are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on nearly 850 reviews. Many highlight the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and the chance to see dolphins as standout moments. A common theme among reviewers is how they appreciated the balance of relaxing and active moments, with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and good food.

Things to Consider

While the trip is generally well-liked, there are a few things to keep in mind. The group size can vary, and some might find the schedule a little rushed, especially if they want more time on each stop. Also, drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks) are extra, so you might want to bring your own or be prepared to purchase onboard. The roughly 7.5-hour duration means it’s a full day, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

This cruise suits travelers who want a laid-back day at sea with the chance to explore multiple small islands without much hassle. It’s a great fit if you enjoy swimming in beautiful waters, want to experience authentic Greek flavors, and are excited about dolphin sightings. The tour is also suitable for those who value good value for money and don’t mind sharing a lively, social atmosphere with fellow travelers.

It’s especially appealing to those traveling with friends or family, as the pace and environment are generally relaxed and fun. If you’re after a quiet, private experience, it might feel a bit busy or structured, but for most, the mix of scenic stops and social vibe hits the right note.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, pickup is available from several locations around Kos, including Kardamena, Mastichari, Marmari, and Tigaki.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Since there’s a lot of outdoor time and swimming, dressing appropriately is key.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the price, but you can purchase alcohol or soft drinks onboard at the bar.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts about 7.5 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening depending on the schedule.

What’s the food like?
The included lunch is a traditional Greek meal—think souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, and fruit—that many find delicious and authentic.

Is dolphin spotting guaranteed?
Not guaranteed, but many travelers report seeing dolphins thanks to the crew’s efforts and luck. Several reviews mention successful dolphin sightings.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the relaxed pace, safe swimming spots, and scenic stops make it suitable for travelers with children, provided they are comfortable on a boat and in the water.

In all, this boat cruise from Kos offers a friendly, well-rated way to explore the nearby islands without breaking the bank. With scenic stops, good food, and a lively crew, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable day on the water. While it’s not a private or super exclusive experience, the value, views, and relaxed vibe make it an experience many travelers cherish.

Whether you’re after dolphin sightings, a lazy beach day, or just a different way to see the Greek islands, this tour checks many boxes. It’s best suited for those who value authentic, laid-back experiences and enjoy sharing a fun day with fellow travelers. Just remember to bring your sun protection and some extra cash for drinks, and you’re all set for a day to remember.

Enjoy your trip, and may your Greek island adventures be full of sunshine and good vibes!