Sail Away in Kos: Unveil 3 Greek Isles’ Secrets!

Three islands, one easy day at sea. This seven-hour cruise from Kos combines swimming, island scenery, lunch, and time on a handsome 80-foot wooden yacht. I especially like the clean boat, friendly crew, and the generous time set aside for swimming at Platy and Pserimos. The chance to see dolphins is another welcome bonus, though wildlife sightings can never be promised.

The price is unusually low at $35 per person, especially with lunch and one drink included. My main caution is the vegetarian meal: one passenger received extra salad and bread instead of a proper meat-free main course, so vegetarians and vegans should confirm the food arrangement before sailing. Strong wind can also make the first crossings wet and chilly, even on a sunny day.

Five things to know before you book

• Three islands in seven hours: You visit Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos without arranging separate ferries.
• A classic wooden yacht: The Santa Maria and Captain Hook boats offer cushioned sundecks, shade, and an onboard bar.
• Swimming time matters: Platy allows about an hour in the water, with another swimming stop at Pserimos.
• Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed: The route includes about 15 minutes set aside for dolphin watching.
• Lunch is included: You receive a meal and one free beverage, while extra drinks cost more.
• The crew gets strong marks: Ariel is singled out for making the day especially cheerful, and the wider crew is described as helpful and friendly.

What the $35 cruise really gives you

At $35, this is not simply a boat ride from Kos. It is a full-day package with a vessel, crew, three island stops, lunch, one drink, and time in the water. You avoid paying for separate boat transfers, finding a place for lunch, and working out how to reach smaller islands such as Platy and Pserimos.

That price also explains the appeal for families, couples, and anyone watching holiday costs. You can spend most of the day outdoors without a long list of add-on charges. The onboard bar sells further drinks, so bring cash for anything beyond your included beverage.

I would not book this expecting a private sailing trip. The boat is designed for a shared day out, with a social feel and a set route. The benefit is convenience and value. The trade-off is less control over how long you stay at each place.

The wooden yacht itself is part of the pleasure. You have cushioned sundecks for lying in the sun, a shaded area for relief, and a bar onboard. One useful point from the feedback is that the boat was found clean and in very good condition, which matters on a seven-hour outing. A tidy deck and enough places to sit can make the difference between a pleasant day and a tiring one.

Meeting the Santa Maria crew in Kos

You meet the crew at the Santa Maria and Captain Hook wooden boats. The experience is offered with English, German, Greek, Italian, Dutch, and French support, which is useful for a mixed group.

The crew receives some of the warmest praise connected with this trip. They are described as friendly and helpful, and Ariel is specifically credited with bringing extra energy to the day. That kind of personable service matters on a boat, where simple things such as explaining the next stop, helping people move around the deck, or keeping lunch organized shape the whole mood.

Starting times can vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want. The complete outing lasts seven hours, including the sailing between islands. Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a sun hat and sunscreen, and pack beachwear and cash.

There is no need to pack a full picnic because lunch is included. Still, I would bring water if you prefer to drink often, plus a light layer. One day at sea can feel hot in direct sun and surprisingly cool when wind hits wet clothes.

The first hour: open water and dolphin watching

After leaving Kos, the boat spends time in the open water of the Dodecanese. The route includes roughly 15 minutes for dolphin watching. Seeing dolphins is one of the most memorable possibilities on this cruise, and it has happened on the trip, but you should treat it as a lucky extra rather than the main reason to book.

The open-water crossing is also where weather matters most. On a calm day, you can settle on the sundeck, watch the islands come into view, and enjoy the contrast between the blue sea and the pale Greek coastline. When the wind rises, spray can reach the lower parts of the boat. One passenger found the first two crossings very wet and felt cold despite temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.

That is a useful warning, not a reason to avoid the trip. Sit in a sheltered spot if the sea looks rough, keep a dry layer close, and do not assume that hot weather means you cannot get chilled. If you are prone to seasickness, the sailing conditions deserve more thought than the low price.

Kalymnos: an island stop with local character

Kalymnos is the most substantial cultural stop. The boat spends about 80 minutes cruising and taking in the island before allowing around 30 minutes for a visit, lunch, and free time.

The stop focuses on Vathy, a town known for picturesque lanes, a small port, sponge fishing, honey, and local orange juice. This is where the trip moves beyond swimming and sunbathing. You get a brief look at an island shaped by its working traditions, with time to walk around and buy souvenirs.

Thirty minutes is short. You can get a taste of the town, but you will not have time for a long independent exploration. I would keep your walk simple: follow the town’s lanes, look at the port, and make any small purchases early. If local honey, sponge products, or orange juice interest you, this is the stop to pay attention to.

Lunch is served onboard rather than in a restaurant. That keeps the schedule moving and means you do not lose more of your island time waiting for a table. It also lets you eat with the sea nearby, which is a pleasant setting for a midday break.

The food is a point worth checking before you reserve. The trip includes lunch and says vegetarian and vegan options are available. Yet one account describes the meat being removed and replaced with extra salad and bread. If you avoid meat, contact the provider before the day of sailing and ask exactly what will be served. The standard meal may work well for some people, but it may not be enough for a full day at sea.

Platy: the best stop for a long swim

Platy provides about an hour for swimming. This is the clearest water-focused part of the day, and it gives you enough time to move beyond a quick dip from the boat.

You can use this stop to swim, relax, or snorkel. One couple found that the swimming time at the stops was generous, and that is important because many boat excursions promise water time but allow only a few rushed minutes. Here, Platy has a full hour in the schedule.

The setting can be busy. One account found the first island stop crowded because many boats arrived at the same time. If Platy is the first swimming stop for several boats, the appeal comes from the water itself rather than solitude.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, since equipment is not listed among the inclusions. The trip provides the boat and swimming opportunity, but not a stated set of water gear. Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are practical basics.

Pserimos: a shorter final taste of island life

Pserimos is the final island stop, with time for a visit, sightseeing, and swimming. The practical schedule gives this stop about 45 minutes, so you should expect a quick look rather than a long stay.

That shorter visit can work well late in the day. You have already had a longer swim at Platy and a cultural stop at Kalymnos, so Pserimos adds another view of the Dodecanese without turning the day into a single repetitive beach stop. You can stretch your legs, see the small island setting, and get back into the water if conditions suit you.

The order and exact timing may shift with sea conditions and the captain’s decisions. The supplied schedule includes a longer cruise after Pserimos before returning to Santa Maria. That final stretch gives you time to rest on the deck, enjoy the view, and let the day wind down.

Do not expect Pserimos to provide a long shopping session or a full town visit. The stop is brief. Use it for a short walk and a swim, not for a detailed tour.

Lunch, drinks, and what to bring

Lunch and one beverage are included in the fare. Additional drinks can be bought on the boat for an extra charge. Since the trip lasts seven hours and the sun is strong, I would carry cash for the bar and any small purchases on the islands.

The food has received good praise overall, with one couple describing lunch as unexpectedly tasty. That positive impression should be balanced with the vegetarian concern. A standard meal may satisfy you, but anyone needing a substantial meat-free or vegan plate should ask for precise details before booking.

Your day bag should contain:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Cash
• A dry layer for windy crossings
• A towel and personal snorkel gear, if wanted

The boat has a shaded area, but you should not plan to spend seven hours in full sun. Alternate between the sundeck and shade, particularly after swimming.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits you if you want a simple way to see several Greek islands in one day. It works especially well for couples and families who value swimming, scenery, and an easy meal arrangement over long guided sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if your Kos holiday is short. Instead of spending the day at one beach, you get several coastal views and a taste of Kalymnos. The multilingual crew makes the outing more approachable for international groups.

You should think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a quiet or private setting, or want long hours on each island. The route covers a lot of ground, but the stops are brief. Rough water can also change the feel of the day quickly.

The trip is not suitable for people over 95, according to the activity information. No other age restriction is provided, but anyone joining should be comfortable with swimming stops, open-water travel, and moving around a boat.

Is the three-island cruise good value?

For $35, I consider this strong value if lunch, swimming, and a shared boat day are what you want. The boat itself receives favorable comments for cleanliness and condition, the crew is repeatedly praised for its friendly manner, and the route includes three different island experiences.

The value is strongest when you use the whole package. Swim at Platy, take the Kalymnos walk seriously, enjoy the included lunch, and use Pserimos as a final short stop rather than judging the trip only by the amount of time spent ashore.

The main risks are weather and food expectations. Wind can produce spray and discomfort, while the vegetarian option may need confirmation. Neither issue cancels out the bargain, but both are worth planning around.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Kos schedule is still changing, but you still need to check the available start time for your date.

Should you book the Santa Maria island cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost, full-day sea outing with three island stops, swimming, lunch, and a friendly multilingual crew. The clean wooden yacht, strong swimming schedule, and chance of dolphin sightings make this more than a basic transfer between islands.

I would book with two conditions in mind. First, ask about the vegetarian or vegan lunch if that matters to you. Second, pack for wind and spray as well as sunshine. If you can accept a shared boat, brief island visits, and weather-dependent comfort, this is an appealing way to sample the Dodecanese from Kos.

FAQ

How long does the Kos three-island cruise last?

The cruise lasts seven hours, including the boat rides between Kos, Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and one free beverage are included in the price. Vegetarian and vegan options are listed, but you should confirm the exact meal if you need one.

Can I see dolphins?

The trip includes about 15 minutes of dolphin watching, and dolphins have been seen during the outing. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Where do I meet the boat?

The crew waits at the Santa Maria and Captain Hook wooden boats.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, sunscreen, and cash. A dry layer is also sensible if the sea is windy.