Samos is a place where the water is blue, the landscapes are lush, and the local culture offers plenty to explore. Unlike some Greek islands that focus heavily on ancient ruins or beaches, Samos offers a variety of tours that combine natural beauty, local food, and engaging activities. We particularly enjoy the Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch to Samiopoula because it balances relaxing swimming stops with a hearty meal and a scenic ride along the coast. The cruise offers a chance to capture photos of Samiopoula’s rugged shoreline and enjoy the warm, turquoise waters—plus, the BBQ lunch served on Kakorema beach is a real highlight.
What makes Samos especially great for tours is the diversity—ranging from full-day boat adventures to cultural bus tours and even day trips to Turkey. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water or a deeper dive into local history and traditions, you’ll find options that suit your style. For a taste of the sea, the Samiopoula and Kakorema Full-Day Tour provides a more intimate boat experience, while history lovers might prefer the Ephesus day trip that combines Greek and Turkish highlights.
Below, we’ll introduce you to the best tours in Samos, exploring what makes each one unique—so you can choose the perfect adventure for your trip.
1. Samos: Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch to Samiopoula
Cruising on a traditional Kaiki boat along Samos’ coast, this full-day adventure offers a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at Samiopoula and relax on Kakorema beach while savoring a delicious BBQ. The tour, rated 4.6/5 from 69 reviews, is a popular pick for its friendly crew and relaxed vibe. Captain Jannis and his team make the day memorable with their charisma and local knowledge, making sure everyone feels comfortable, whether they want to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the scenery. The BBQ lunch features both fish and meat options, and the uninhabited Samiopoula island—home to donkeys and mountain goats—is perfect for photos and a quick dip. The main downside noted in reviews is the extra charge for sunbeds, but overall, this trip offers excellent value for a full day of sun, sea, and good food.
Bottom Line: If you want a laid-back, scenic day on the water with a tasty meal and swimming stops, this tour hits the spot. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a relaxing escape.
2. Kassonisi Day Cruise From Samos
This intimate six-hour cruise takes you to the tiny rocky islet of Kassonisi, separated from Samos by a narrow strait less than 50 meters wide. With a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from just 2 reviews, it’s clear this tour appeals to those craving a quiet, natural setting. The highlight is the turquoise waters of Kassonisi, which are ideal for swimming right from the boat. Afterward, you’ll head to Posidonio beach, where you can relax and enjoy the clear water. The shallow strait makes for a fun, shallow swim or snorkel experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for water lovers who want a short, relaxing day exploring a tiny island and its surrounding waters without a lot of fuss.
3. Samos East Coast by Boat with Beachside BBQ
For around $62, this eight-hour boat trip along Samos’ east coast combines swimming at Posidonio, scenic sailing past Kasonisi, and a beachside BBQ at Megali Lakka. The trip gets rave reviews—rated 4.5/5 from 10 reviews—for its relaxed pace and tasty lunch. The boat, a traditional “caique,” offers plenty of space for sunbathing, and the scenery along the coast is picture-perfect. The highlight is definitely the beachside barbecue, which leaves you full and happy after a day of swimming and sailing. The guide’s organization ensures a smooth experience, making it a good choice for families or groups wanting a full but manageable day on the water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a straightforward, enjoyable day on the sea with excellent food and scenery.
4. Full Day Island Bus Tour Starting from East Samos
If you’re after a rundown of Samos’ highlights, this eight-hour bus tour offers a perfect sampler. Starting from your hotel, you’ll visit the Temple of Hera, explore the Potami waterfalls (or swim), enjoy wine tasting at Vakakis Winery, and visit a pottery workshop. The guided visit inside the Temple of Hera is a must-see, and the waterfalls offer a refreshing break with a chance to walk or swim. The wine tasting is a bonus for those interested in local flavors, and the tour wraps up with a drive through traditional villages. The tour is rated 5.0/5 from one review, emphasizing the excellent organization and variety.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a full-day overview of cultural and natural sites, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary.
5. Samos: Full-Day Guided Island Bus Tour
This guided tour explores both the north and south sides of Samos. It includes visits to the Temple of Hera, fishing villages, a 15th-century monastery, and a wine factory. The trip offers a mix of archaeology, architecture, and local flavor, with stops for lunch in Karlovassi and a walk through the Valley of Nightingales. The focus is on blending historic sites with authentic experiences, like tasting regional products. Rated 4.5/5, it’s well-suited for travelers who want to see a wide range of sights without the hassle of self-driving.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and culture buffs who want a guided, all-in-one experience across the island.
6. Turkey – Ephesus from Samos
This full-day cross-border tour combines a boat ride to Kusadasi, a visit to the famous Ephesus archaeological site, and free time at the vibrant bazaar. The boat crossing takes about 1.5 hours, making it a smooth journey, and the Ephesus ruins are a highlight for history lovers. The tour includes guided visits and market exploration, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the ease of travel. Be aware, some reviews mention the need for a visa for Australian passports, and some logistical challenges around customs. The cost is $169.67, reflecting the full-day experience and international travel.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers interested in combining Greek and Turkish culture, with a focus on Ephesus and local markets.
7. Samos: Private Sightseeing Tour
For those who prefer a personalized experience, this 7-hour private tour offers the flexibility to see Samos at your own pace. Using a private minivan, you can select your interests—whether that’s Manolates village, Potami waterfalls, or simply relaxing with local wine and food. The guide provides insights tailored to your preferences, making this tour ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a customized itinerary. The tour has a 4.5/5 rating from two reviews, highlighting the flexibility and personal attention.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a tailor-made experience with the comfort of private transport and guidance.
8. Samiopoula and Kakorema Full-Day Tour with Lunch
This full-day boat trip takes you to Samiopoula, a small uninhabited island, for about an hour of swimming and relaxing. Later, you’ll visit Kakorema beach, reachable only by boat, where a BBQ lunch is prepared by the crew. Rated 4.0/5 from 10 reviews, it’s appreciated for its friendly staff and scenic stops. The lunch includes grilled fish or meat, a Greek salad, and local fruit, served on the private beach, making it an authentic and peaceful experience. The tour is perfect for those who want a combination of swimming, sunbathing, and good food in a smaller, intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a relaxed day with good food and scenic swimming spots, especially if you like a more personal boat experience.
9. Day Cruise Patmos Monastery & The Holy Island from Samos
This long 10-hour cruise offers a deep dive into the Aegean Islands’ history, with stops at Patmos’ Cave of Revelation and the Monastery of Saint John. The guide’s commentary brings the stories to life, and the visits to Chora Village showcase traditional architecture. The cruise is perfect for history and religion enthusiasts, with the added bonus of hassle-free round-trip transport. Rated 4.0/5, some reviews point out logistical issues with timing and tickets, but most appreciate the comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Byzantine history and scenic island towns combined into one day.
10. Boat Trip and BBQ from Samos
This eight-and-a-half hour cruise is similar to the earlier boat trips, offering swimming, sunbathing, and a BBQ lunch on Samiopoula island. Rated 3.5/5 from 13 reviews, it provides a relaxed day but with a slightly lower rating. The lunch includes steak or fish, Greek salad, and fruit, and the boat ride offers opportunities to enjoy the coast and swim in peaceful waters. It’s a simple, straightforward option for a day on the water.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers on a budget seeking a dependable boat trip with good food and swimming.
11. Samos East Coast by Boat with BBQ
Finally, this eight-hour trip provides a cruise along the east coast with stops at Posidonio, Kasonisi, and Megali Lakka, ending with a beach barbecue. Rated 3.5/5 from 3 reviews, it offers a quieter, scenic experience but with less consistent reviews. The itinerary includes swimming and relaxing by the sea, making it a good option for those wanting a low-key day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a peaceful, scenic cruise with a casual beach barbecue, perfect for early or late-season travel.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Samos
Picking the best tour depends largely on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring. If you’re after a relaxing day on the water, the Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch to Samiopoula or the Samiopoula and Kakorema Full-Day Tour are excellent choices. For those interested in culture, archaeology, and local taste, the Full-Day Island Bus Tour or the Ephesus day trip from Samos are more suitable.
Travelers who prefer personalized experiences should consider the Private Sightseeing Tour, offering flexibility and tailored stops. Meanwhile, if you want to experience more than just Greek islands, the Turkey – Ephesus trip provides a fascinating cross-cultural adventure.
When booking, consider seasonality—summer is perfect for boat trips, but some tours might fill up fast. Also, check whether your interests lean toward history, beach relaxation, or local food to guide your choice. Booking early ensures you don’t miss out on popular options, especially in high season.
Samos offers a variety of memorable tours that suit different interests and travel styles. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful boat ride, an immersive cultural day, or a mix of both, this guide helps you find the perfect experience. For a relaxed day on the water, the Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch to Samiopoula is hard to beat, but for those craving culture and history, the Full-Day Guided Island Bus Tour won’t disappoint.
No matter your choice, early booking is recommended—these tours fill quickly, especially in summer. Now, pick your adventure and make the most of your time in this beautiful Aegean corner.
