Kos: 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming

Kos’s Santa Maria cruise packs three very different island stops into one long, sunny day. You’ll cruise past the Dodecanese, watch for dolphins, jump from the boat or rocks into clear water, eat a Greek BBQ lunch, and walk through the small Kalymnos port town of Vathy.

I like the mix of activities: swimming at Platy gives you a beautiful sea stop, while Kalymnos adds local life and sponge shops. I also like the price, about $28.23 per person, which is strong value for a boat day with lunch included. The main drawback is space: this trip is usually full, and shade on the 80-foot wooden boat can be hard to secure.

Key points to know

• Three islands, three different moods: Kalymnos offers shops and local products, Platy is mainly about swimming, and Pserimos gives you beach time and a short island walk.
• The boat is the base for the day: Santa Maria has cushioned sundecks, shaded seating, tables, and a bar.
• Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed: The cruise includes a 20-minute search for dolphins during the outward journey.
• Lunch is included, drinks are extra: Bring cash for the bar, souvenirs, local honey, sponges, and other purchases.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Meet outside the Santa Maria boat at Kos harbor with your passport or a copy.
• Best for active, social passengers: You should be comfortable with boat boarding, swimming, sun, and a busy full-capacity setting.

What this Kos boat day is really like

This is not a quiet sailing trip. It is a full-day excursion built around sun, music, swimming, short island stops, and a friendly crew keeping the mood lively. The Santa Maria is an 80-foot wooden boat with upper and lower areas, comfortable cushions, shaded sections, tables, and a bar.

You will spend a fair amount of time underway. That is part of the appeal, since the sea views are a major part of the day, but it also means you should choose your seat carefully. If you want shade, arrive early. One passenger found that sitting near the cabin meant staying in shade for much of the trip, while another advised getting aboard early for the best shaded spots.

The boat can reach capacity, so expect a social atmosphere rather than lots of personal room. If you prefer a small-group outing with silence and flexible timing, this may feel crowded. If you enjoy a cheerful boat party with plenty to do, the full boat helps create the energy.

Leaving Kos for the Dodecanese

Your day begins at the port of Kos. Meet outside Santa Maria at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding. You need a passport or a copy of your passport, an important detail to handle before you leave your hotel.

The first part of the cruise lasts about 80 minutes. This gives you time to settle in, find a seat, order a drink, and get used to the boat. The Santa Maria has sundecks with cushions, though the most desirable places in the sun or shade can go quickly.

Bring swimwear and a towel, even if you are not sure about swimming at the start. Pack sunscreen, cash, and a cover-up if you plan to walk through the islands. Drinks are not included, and island purchases are also your responsibility.

The boat then spends around 20 minutes looking for dolphins. This is a pleasant bonus, but you should treat it as wildlife watching rather than a promise of a sighting. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search distract you from the open-water views.

Kalymnos, sponges, and a taste of local life

Kalymnos is the most useful stop for seeing something beyond the water. You have about an hour here, with time to walk around the small town of Vathy, browse local shops, and look at the island’s famous Greek sponges.

The sponges are more than a standard souvenir. They are tied to Kalymnos’s long connection with sponge gathering, and the local stores give you a chance to handle authentic products before buying. You can also look for honey and local orange juice, two other products highlighted during the visit.

This is a short stop, so do not expect to see all of Kalymnos. You will have enough time for a quick walk, a drink or snack at the port, and some shopping, but not a full island tour. One useful way to use the hour is to stay close to the harbor, learn about the sponges, and leave room for a relaxed return to the boat.

The stop also gives the day a local touch. Platy and Pserimos are mainly about the sea and beach. Kalymnos gives you shops, food, island products, and a glimpse of everyday Greek port life.

Platy Island is the day’s best water stop

After Kalymnos, the boat continues toward Platy Island. The cruise portion lasts around 30 minutes, then you have about 40 minutes for swimming.

Platy is primarily a water stop, not a port visit. You can swim in clear water, use the boat as your base, and jump from the upper deck if conditions allow. The supplied details also highlight jumping from the island rocks, so this is the place for confident swimmers who want a little excitement.

You should not feel pressured to jump. The point is to enjoy the water, and you can simply swim or relax on deck. Wear secure swimwear and use care around rocks and boat ladders. The experience is not suited to people with mobility impairments, and the activity is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

The 40-minute stop is long enough for a proper swim, but not so long that the day loses momentum. I like this balance. You get an active sea break without spending hours waiting for everyone to return aboard.

Pserimos brings beach time and a slower pace

The boat then cruises for about 25 minutes to Pserimos. You have roughly 40 minutes here for free time, shopping, sightseeing, and a walk.

Pserimos feels different from Platy because you can step onto the island and spend time near the beach. You may find small cafés and vendors, along with places to browse for souvenirs. It is a simple stop, not a major sightseeing destination, but that simplicity is part of its charm.

Use the time for a short walk, a look at the beach, or a cold drink. Keep an eye on the clock, since 40 minutes passes quickly and the boat will not wait indefinitely for long detours. Pserimos works best as a calm pause after the more active swimming stop at Platy.

The cruise back to Kos takes about an hour and a half. If there is spare time, the crew may add another swimming stop. That is not something you should count on, but it can be a welcome extra at the end of the day.

Greek BBQ lunch on the Santa Maria

Lunch is served aboard the boat, so you do not need to spend your island time searching for a restaurant. The meal is a Greek BBQ, and it forms one of the main value points of the excursion.

The format also makes sense for a boat day. You can eat at the tables, stay with the group, and avoid using your short island stops for a full meal. Drinks are separate, including bar drinks and cocktails, so budget a little extra if you want more than the included food.

The bar is part of the Santa Maria setup, with tables for sitting and enjoying refreshments. The crew has been praised for friendly service, with Ariel and Aria specifically singled out for making the day feel welcoming. The atmosphere may include Greek dancing near the end, adding a festive finish to the return journey.

This is not the right cruise for someone seeking a formal, quiet lunch. It is a casual meal in a social setting, with people moving between the deck, tables, water, and bar.

Dolphins, swimming, and the right expectations

The dolphin watch is one of the most appealing parts of the trip, but nature keeps its own schedule. The boat allows about 20 minutes for watching dolphins, and sightings are possible rather than guaranteed.

The strongest part of the day does not depend on seeing them. You still have three island stops, two planned swimming opportunities, a BBQ lunch, and a long cruise through the Dodecanese. If dolphins appear, they add a memorable bonus.

Swimming is central to the experience. You should bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, and be ready to use boat ladders or walk on uneven surfaces at the island stops. Platy is the clearest swimming-focused section, while the water around the boat may also be used for jumps and short swims.

If you want to stay dry, you can remain on the sundeck, watch the coast, and enjoy the food. Still, the day is designed for people who want to get into the water at least once.

Is $28.23 good value?

At about $28.23 per person, this is a very inexpensive way to spend most of a day on the water. The price includes the cruise to three islands, swimming stops, and Greek BBQ lunch. You would normally pay extra for drinks, souvenirs, and local products.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day. You are not only paying for transport between islands. You are also getting a large wooden boat with seating, a bar, organized swimming time, lunch, dolphin watching, and crew entertainment.

The price does not include transport to Kos harbor, so you need to arrange your own way to the port. That is easy to overlook when comparing excursions. You should also bring cash for drinks, honey, sponges, orange juice, beach cafés, and souvenirs.

The low price comes with trade-offs. The boat is often full, island stops are short, and you do not get a private or highly flexible itinerary. For most people who want a lively island day without a large bill, that is a fair exchange.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want several highlights in one booking. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a social atmosphere.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy:

• Swimming in open water
• Boat rides and sunny decks
• Short walks through small island ports
• Local shopping
• Casual Greek food
• Friendly crew interaction
• A lively group setting

It is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike crowded boats, or want a quiet day with long visits on one island. The activity is specifically not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

The timing also matters. A 7.5-hour day is a major part of your Kos holiday, so book it when you want a full excursion rather than a short morning activity. The schedule gives you variety, but each island stop is brief.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive early, especially if shade matters to you. The boat is usually full, and shaded seats can be taken well before departure.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or a copy. Keep your belongings compact, since you will move between seating, swimming areas, lunch tables, and island stops.

Wear footwear that is easy to manage around boat decks and island paths. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, but sensible sun and water clothing will make the day easier.

Do not spend all your cash at the first stop. Kalymnos offers sponges, honey, and orange juice, while Pserimos has cafés and vendors. Saving some money for the second island gives you more choice.

Listen carefully when the crew announces boarding times. Kalymnos and Pserimos each allow about 40 to 60 minutes, which is enough for a look around but not enough for wandering far from the port.

Finally, keep your expectations realistic about dolphins and any extra swim stop. Enjoy them if they happen, but judge the trip by the included cruise, lunch, island visits, and planned swimming time.

Should you book the Santa Maria cruise?

Book it if you want excellent low-cost value, a full day on the sea, and a cheerful mix of swimming, shopping, food, and island scenery. Kalymnos gives you the best local flavor, Platy supplies the clearest water stop, and Pserimos adds a small beach visit.

Skip it if you want lots of time on each island, guaranteed dolphins, or a peaceful small-boat experience. The boat can be crowded, drinks cost extra, and some passengers may find the short stops too rushed.

For most visitors staying in Kos, this is a practical way to see more of the Dodecanese in one day. Arrive early for a good seat, bring your swimming gear and cash, and treat the dolphin watch as a bonus. At this price, the Santa Maria offers a lot for a single day.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about 7.5 hours, with departure and return at the port of Kos.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Kalymnos, Platy Island, and Pserimos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch aboard the Santa Maria is included. Drinks are not included.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The trip includes swimming time, including a stop at Platy Island. The boat may add another swimming stop if time allows.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or a copy of your passport.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The boat is typically full, so it may not suit anyone who prefers a quiet or spacious excursion.