From Kardamena: Nisyros, St.Antonios & Yali Islands Cruise

The best part of this day is its variety. You move from a quiet island church to the streets of Nisyros, then finish with a swim beside volcanic Yali. It feels less like a single sightseeing stop and more like a full day built around the sea.

I like the three-island route and the simple Greek barbecue served aboard the boat. I also like that you get real time in Mandraki, rather than only seeing Nisyros from the water. The main consideration is the long schedule: eight hours on a boat, with drinks and coffee costing extra.

• St. Antonios within the first hour: Visit a small church, swim in clear water, or relax in the sun.
• Greek barbecue on board: Lunch includes souvlaki, salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead.
• Mandraki on Nisyros: Explore the port town, climb about 200 steps to Panagia Spiliani, or pay extra for a volcano visit.
• Yali swimming stop: Finish near a tiny volcanic island with only 21 inhabitants and time for swimming or jumping from the boat.
• Maria Magdalini pirate boat: The vessel has two decks, toilets, and a bar.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

A Three-Island Day from Kardamena

This cruise gives you a generous look at the water around Kos without requiring separate ferry planning. You leave Kardamena at 10 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m., with stops at St. Antonios, Nisyros, and Yali.

The route works because each stop has a different purpose. St. Antonios is for quiet and swimming. Nisyros gives you a proper island visit, with streets, churches, coffee, shops, and optional sightseeing. Yali is the relaxed finale, where the boat becomes your base for sun and swimming.

At $39.52 per person, the price is strong for an eight-hour cruise that includes boat transport to three islands and lunch. You still need to budget for coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, and other bar purchases. The optional volcano visit on Nisyros also costs extra.

This is not a small private sailing trip. You are joining a scheduled boat excursion, so the atmosphere may include music, conversation, and a shared lunch. That is part of its appeal if you want an easy social day, but it may not suit you if you want silence or a highly personal itinerary.

Finding the Maria Magdalini in Kardamena

Your meeting point is the port of Kardamena. Look for the pirate boat Maria Magdalini and show the crew your mobile voucher before boarding.

The boat has two decks, which gives you a choice between sitting in a more shaded or protected area and finding a better spot for sun and views. A toilet is available on board, and the bar remains open during the cruise.

Bring beachwear and a towel. You should also carry anything you normally want for a long day in the sun, though the supplied details specifically list swimwear and a towel. Since coffee and drinks are not included, you may want to plan for additional spending at the bar.

The crew and host service are in English. No individual guide names are provided, so the main support comes from the boat crew rather than a named cultural guide.

St. Antonios: A Quiet First Stop

The first stop comes within roughly an hour of departure. St. Antonios is uninhabited, so do not expect a village, a row of restaurants, or a large set of attractions. Its appeal is the opposite: a small natural setting, open views, clear water, and a simple church dedicated to St. Antonios.

You can visit the church and take in the view, then spend the rest of the stop swimming or sunbathing. This is a good first pause because it lets you settle into the pace of the day before reaching the busier part of the itinerary.

I would treat this stop as a chance to slow down rather than a major sightseeing visit. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking near the church, but remember that the tour specifically asks you to bring beachwear and a towel because swimming is a central part of the stop.

While you are ashore or in the water, the crew prepares lunch. That timing keeps the day moving and means you do not lose sightseeing time waiting for a restaurant meal.

Lunch on the Pirate Boat

Lunch is a Greek barbecue served on board. The included meal is souvlaki, salad, and bread. Vegetarian food is available, but you need to notify the operator in advance so the crew can prepare it.

This is useful for two reasons. First, you do not need to spend part of your short island stops searching for food. Second, eating on the boat keeps the itinerary simple and lets you enjoy the setting while you take a break.

The meal is practical rather than elaborate. If you have special dietary needs beyond the stated vegetarian option, the provided information does not confirm what can be arranged, so ask before booking or contact the crew ahead of time.

Drinks are separate. The boat bar is open during the cruise, but coffee and drinks are not part of the $39.52 price. That is worth remembering when comparing this trip with other full-day excursions.

Mandraki, Nisyros, and the 200-Step Climb

Around noon, you reach Nisyros and get off in Mandraki, the island capital and port. This is the most substantial stop of the day because you have time to walk through a real town rather than simply visit a beach or viewpoint.

Mandraki is a good place to wander without a strict plan. You can explore narrow streets, browse souvenir shops, and settle into Ilikiomeni Square for coffee or a traditional dessert. The town stop adds local texture to a day that could otherwise become only a sequence of swimming breaks.

If you want a viewpoint and a church visit, you can climb about 200 steps to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. The climb is optional, so you can skip it and remain in town if you prefer a slower visit.

The monastery is described as one of the island’s important Orthodox churches, and from the high point you can see across Nisyros. The steps are the key practical issue. They may be manageable for many people, but the climb will feel less appealing after a morning in the sun or if you have difficulty with stairs. Bring water and give yourself enough time to return to the port.

You can also ask the crew about an optional visit to the volcano. This is not included in the basic fare, and the supplied details do not state the extra price or the exact length of that excursion. Ask before choosing it, since adding another activity could reduce your free time in Mandraki.

Yali and the Final Swim

The final stop is Yali, a small volcanic island belonging to the municipality of Nisyros. Only 21 people live there, so the experience is mainly about the water and the view rather than town sightseeing.

This is where the cruise shifts into its easiest, most playful phase. You can sunbathe on the boat, order a cocktail or another drink, and swim in the clear water around the vessel. You can also test your nerve by jumping from the boat.

I like the fact that Yali is not overloaded with planned activities. After the steps and streets of Nisyros, you get time to choose your own pace. Swim, sit, take photographs, or simply enjoy the view of the volcanic island.

The phrase best used here is boat-based swimming stop. You are not being promised a long beach visit or a guided walk across Yali. The boat is your base, and the water is the main attraction. If you prefer sandy beaches, this may feel limited. If you like jumping into open water and relaxing on deck, it is likely to be one of the day’s highlights.

Music, Swimming, and the Feel of the Day

The overall mood is relaxed and informal. Music forms part of the atmosphere, and the stops are designed to mix sightseeing with leisure. You can expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet sailing lesson or a formal historical tour.

That distinction matters when deciding if the cruise suits you. I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want a low-effort day at sea with several changes of scene. It is also a good fit if you want to see Nisyros but do not want to arrange your own boat tickets and lunch.

You should think twice if you dislike set schedules. The boat leaves Kardamena at 10 a.m., spends the day following a planned route, and returns around 5:30 p.m. You will have free time at the stops, but you will still need to follow the crew’s departure times.

The strongest parts of the day are the clear-water swim stops, the jump from the boat at Yali, and the chance to explore Mandraki. The least flexible part is the group format. You cannot decide to remain on Nisyros for the afternoon or change the order of the islands.

Is $39.52 Good Value?

For $39.52, the package covers a lot: an eight-hour cruise, transport to three islands, lunch, legal fees, taxes, and liability insurance. That makes it a particularly reasonable choice if you value convenience and want a full day rather than a short harbor trip.

The value is less about luxury and more about access. You get to reach St. Antonios, Nisyros, and Yali in one outing, with the crew handling the boat route and meal. Organizing all three locations independently would be more complicated, even before considering ferry schedules and food.

The price does not cover drinks, coffee, or the optional volcano visit. If you plan to buy several drinks or add the volcano excursion, your final cost will rise. Still, the base price remains easy to understand and includes the main parts of the day.

The 4.5 rating from 171 reviews also gives you a useful signal about consistency, though it should not replace checking the exact departure date and current availability. Boats, weather, and operating schedules can affect any day at sea.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Request a vegetarian lunch before departure. The crew needs advance notice, so do not wait until you are on board.

Bring a towel and beachwear, even if you are unsure about swimming. The first and final stops are built around water time, and you may also want to jump from the boat at Yali.

Use your Nisyros stop according to your interests. If you want the monastery and its view, allow time for the 200-step climb. If you prefer a calm town visit, stay in Mandraki for the narrow lanes, shops, Ilikiomeni Square, coffee, or dessert.

Ask the crew early about the optional volcano visit. The additional cost and timing are not included in the standard price, so you should understand the arrangement before committing.

Plan for bar purchases. Lunch is included, but coffee and drinks are not. A little extra money makes the day easier.

Keep an eye on departure times. The itinerary has several stops, and the boat returns to Kardamena at about 5:30 p.m. You do not want to turn a pleasant island visit into a rushed return to the port.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would book this cruise if I wanted an affordable full-day outing from Kardamena, especially if swimming, music, and easy island access mattered as much as sightseeing. It gives you three different settings, a meal, and enough time in Mandraki to make Nisyros feel like more than a passing view.

Families and groups of friends should find the mix useful because not everyone needs to do the same thing at every stop. One person can climb toward Panagia Spiliani, another can explore the shops, and others can relax on the boat or swim.

I would be more cautious if you want a small boat, a quiet atmosphere, or detailed guiding about local culture. You should also consider another option if you dislike open-water swimming, long boat days, or optional costs that are not clear until you ask.

For most visitors staying in Kardamena, the balance is good. You get a simple, active day with three islands, a Greek lunch, and plenty of time near the water without paying a large excursion price.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the port of Kardamena. Look for the pirate boat Maria Magdalini and show the crew your mobile voucher.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat is scheduled to depart Kardamena at 10 a.m.

When does the cruise return?

The boat is scheduled to return to Kardamena at approximately 5:30 p.m.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts about eight hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits St. Antonios, Nisyros, and Yali.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, salad, and bread. Vegetarian food is available if you request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included, although the bar is open during the cruise.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are available on the vessels.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.