Kos is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding islands and landscapes, thanks to its well-established boat tours and scenic excursions. Whether you want a relaxing day on the water, a cultural adventure, or a rugged off-road experience, the options are plentiful. We particularly like the Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands for its combination of swimming, island exploration, and great reviews—the crew’s friendliness and the inclusion of Greek lunch make it a standout. For a more luxurious experience, the Full-Day Luxury Vessel Cruise offers a comfortable ride with multiple stops and dolphin sightings, perfect for travelers seeking a little more comfort and style.
If you’re interested in geological wonders, the Full-Day Tour to Nisyros Volcano Island combines a boat trip with a walk through active volcanic terrain, giving you a sense of real adventure. For those who enjoy exploring land and sea, the Kos: Small Group Full-Day Sailing is ideal, with snorkeling, local cuisine, and personalized attention in a small group setting. And if a rugged, off-road adventure appeals, the Full-Day Jeep Safari in Kos and Kefalos showcases the island’s rural beauty and scenic spots away from the crowds.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top-rated full-day tours, helping you decide which one best fits your taste and travel style.
1. From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands
At number 1, this full-day boat cruise stands out for its stellar reviews, averaging 4.8 out of 5 from nearly 4,000 travelers. It’s a classic for those who love island hopping, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying a relaxed day at sea. The cruise departs from the port of Kos and visits three different islands, including Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. The itinerary is well-paced, with stops for swimming, exploring traditional villages, and even dolphin spotting—an exciting bonus for wildlife lovers.
The crew prepares a generous Greek buffet lunch on board, with vegetarian options available, making this trip great value at just under $34 per person. Guests praise the friendly staff, smooth crossing, and the chance to snorkel at multiple locations. Many reviews highlight how special it is to see dolphins swimming near the boat, turning the trip into more than just a sightseeing cruise. The relaxed music and cocktails served onboard add a fun touch.
Bottom Line: If you want a reliable, lively day with plenty of swimming, island exploration, and a tasty meal included, this cruise offers outstanding value and a memorable experience.
2. Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup
Ranked slightly lower at 4.5, this full-day boat cruise provides a more intimate experience exploring the islands north of Kos, including the tiny Pserimos, with only 60 inhabitants. It lasts around 8 hours and includes beach time, snorkeling gear, and a delicious Greek lunch. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy peaceful coves and quiet sandy beaches away from crowded spots.
The tour’s highlights are the stops at Pserimos, Vathi on Kalymnos, and Plati, with the boat entering a fjord on Kalymnos—a photo-worthy moment. The reviews mention friendly staff, seamless organization, and dolphin sightings—adding extra magic. One traveler noted, “It was a great experience seeing some beautiful islands and swimming in a gorgeous blue ocean,” which captures the appeal.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and island wandering with a more laid-back vibe, all with included lunch and equipment.
3. Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island
This tour earns a 4.5 rating and combines a boat cruise with a walk through an active volcano. It’s ideal for travelers interested in geology and geology-related landscapes. The day starts with a cruise to Nisyros, followed by a bus trip to the volcano crater, where you can feel the rumbling beneath your feet.
The island itself is volcanic and fertile, with black rock formations and traditional villages. You’ll visit the church of Panagia Spillani and learn about its history. Many reviews mention how engaging the guide is and how memorable walking next to bubbling lava is. The highlight remains walking through the volcanic terrain, which is something you can’t experience every day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a mix of sea, nature, and culture, with enough walking and exploring to justify the full day.
4. Kos: Small Group Full-Day Sailing with Meal, Drinks, & Swim
Rated at a perfect 5.0 from just 53 reviews, this small-group sailing tour offers a more personalized experience. The vessel is luxury-class, and the day includes snorkeling, swimming, and a generous Greek meal served onboard. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more intimate, leisurely trip rather than a large cruise.
Guests rave about the fantastic crew and the quality of the food, mentioning how the bays and beaches are “astonishing” and the atmosphere “fun and relaxed.” Even with some weather challenges like wind and rain, the crew kept everyone engaged and still had a memorable day. The tour is perfect for anyone wanting a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and authentic Greek cuisine.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a luxurious, small-group experience with excellent food and personalized service, this sailing trip offers a high-end day out.
5. From Kos: A full day cruise in the newest luxury vessel!
This 4.7-rated cruise offers a luxury experience on a new vessel, with four stops for swimming and sightseeing. It includes dolphin watching and visits to Platy, Kalymnos, and Pserimos, with an extra surprise stop at a hidden island. The itinerary is flexible, with frequent sea crossings and plenty of time to relax or explore.
Travelers mention the brilliant crew, entertaining captain, and the opportunity to take professional photos at a reasonable price. The emphasis on comfort and multiple stops makes this a top choice for those who want a luxurious boat ride with diverse experiences.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers looking for a luxury cruise, with many stops and the chance to see dolphins, all in style.
6. Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island
This 4.5-rated tour covers three islands—Platy, Kalymnos, and Pserimos—in a day for about $44. It’s a good balance of sea adventure and island exploration. The boat is equipped with Wi-Fi and a restroom, making it comfortable for longer trips.
The trip includes dolphin watching, local lunch, and stops for swimming and exploring. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and fun the day is, with travelers appreciating the dolphin sightings and friendly staff. It’s an excellent pick for those who want to maximize island visits without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting three islands in one day with a focus on relaxing, sightseeing, and wildlife.
7. The Santa Maria Full-Day Island Cruise in Aegean Sea
Rated 4.5, this cruise offers a hassle-free way to visit three islands, including Pserimos. It features a barbecue lunch and plenty of beach and cultural stops. The boat is traditional and offers a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to swim and explore.
Guests rave about the lively atmosphere, dolphin sightings, and fun music onboard. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to combine cultural visits with relaxation in a friendly setting.
Bottom Line: Great for those who like cultural visits combined with swimming and an easy, all-inclusive day.
8. Full-Day Jeep Safari in Kos and Kefalos with Lunch
This exclusive 5-star-rated Jeep safari takes you off the beaten path to explore rural Kos and Kefalos. With a small group of 12, it offers a personalized adventure through Plaka Forest, beekeeping at the Honey Museum, and scenic coastal drives. The tour includes lunch and stunning photo stops.
Travelers love that this tour showcases Kos’s natural beauty and avoids tourist-heavy areas. The highlight is definitely the Forests and coastal views, which provide a real taste of the island’s rural charm. The small group size ensures plenty of attention and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want a full-day off-road experience with cultural, scenic, and natural highlights.
9. Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos
This highly-rated (5 stars from over 1,000 reviews) tour focuses on maximizing island visits with an efficient itinerary. It includes dolphin watching, exploring villages, and swimming at each stop, with lunch onboard. The boat’s large capacity allows for a lively, social atmosphere.
Guests appreciate the smooth trip, the dolphin sightings, and the variety of stops like Vathi on Kalymnos and Pserimos. It’s a flexible option for those who enjoy a full schedule with plenty of free time to explore on your own.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting to see three islands in one day with an energetic, social vibe.
10. Full Day Kos Guided Boat Tour Including Lunch
This tour offers a more laid-back experience with a classic wooden vessel, plush sundecks, and several swimming stops. It includes lunch, dolphin watching, and visits to Vathi, Plati, and Pserimos.
The reviews note the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery—it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea and local life at a gentle pace. It’s slightly more expensive but includes all amenities for a worry-free day.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic boat trip with included lunch and dolphin sightings.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Kos
When selecting your perfect trip, consider your budget, how much physical activity you want, and whether you’d prefer sea or land-based experiences. If you love luxury and comfort, the luxury vessel cruise and small-group sailing are excellent choices. For active explorers, the Jeep safari offers a rugged adventure with scenic stops. Those who want to spend a leisurely day exploring multiple islands might prefer the full-day boat cruises that include dolphin watching and cultural visits.
Think about whether you value all-inclusive options with meals, drinks, and equipment, or if you’d rather explore independently at your own pace. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the full-day boat cruise to 3 islands and the luxury vessel cruise.
Final Thoughts
From relaxing boat trips to active land excursions, Kos offers a wide array of full-day tours to suit different tastes. For a classic experience with swimming and island hopping, the From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands is hard to beat. If comfort and personalized attention are your priorities, try the Small Group Full-Day Sailing. For geology buffs and nature lovers, the Nisyros Volcano tour offers a truly unique landscape.
Whatever your interests, the key is to book early and choose a tour that matches your energy level and curiosity. With so many options, your perfect full-day adventure in Kos is just a click away.
