Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer

The best part of this $33 island cruise is the mix of lazy beach time, clear-water swimming, and small-island scenery. You get a full day on the Aegean, with stops at Pserimos, Plati, and Vathy, plus lunch and a good chance of spotting dolphins.

I like the excellent value and the crew’s cheerful energy. Music, dancing, fairly priced cocktails, and simple Greek food make the long ride feel social rather than dull. The main drawback is that the boat can feel busy in high season, and lunch quality may vary, with some meals arriving cool.

Key points at a glance

• Pserimos beach stop: Spend more than an hour on a small island with about 60 residents, a sandy beach, clear water, and a few beach taverns.
• Plati swim break: Anchor near this largely uninhabited island for a refreshing swim while the crew prepares lunch.
• Vathy and Rina: See a fishing village shaped like a fiord and swim in clear water at Rina, with a local cliff-jump platform nearby.
• Friendly onboard atmosphere: Expect music, dancing, jokes, and an outgoing crew. Mike, Ariel, Captain Ioannis, and Nicolas have been especially helpful on some departures.
• Optional hotel transfer: Pickup is offered from Kos Town, Psalidi, Agios Fokas, Lambi Beach, Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari, and Kardamena.
• Pack for strong sun: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. There is no free drink service.

Why this Kos cruise offers good value at $33

At $33 per person, this is one of the easier Kos excursions to recommend on price alone. The fare covers the cruise, lunch, visits to Pserimos and Plati, swimming stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option.

You are not paying for a quiet private sailing trip. This is a full-day group outing with music, a bar, and a lively crew. Still, the price includes enough to make it far more than a simple boat ride from the harbor.

The day lasts about 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. That gives you time to enjoy the sea without rushing from one photo stop to the next. Some people find the long day tiring, especially under the Greek sun, but that length is also what makes the fare attractive.

Drinks cost extra, including soft drinks and alcohol. The onboard bar is reported to have reasonably priced cocktails, and happy-hour offers are part of the atmosphere. Bring some spending money, but you do not need to buy drinks on the islands if you prefer to keep costs down.

Leaving Kos Harbor for the Aegean

The meeting point is at Kos Port on Akti Kountourioti, close to the city center. The named boat is Poseidon, although boat assignments can change. One departure used Captain Morgan, and another used MV Princess Diana, so check the vessel details close to the day of sailing.

If you meet at the port, arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in. Sunbeds and the most desirable deck seats can go quickly, with some passengers arriving 15 to 20 minutes early to claim them.

The cruise begins with a broad view back toward Kos. The ride north gives you a pleasant change from the island’s resort strip, but remember that the sea can be choppy. One October outing had rough conditions during the crossing, although the day still ran well.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most comfortable and avoid spending the whole crossing on an exposed, sunny deck. The supplied information does not mention medication or specific motion-sickness facilities, so bring anything you normally use.

Pserimos, a quiet beach with a tiny population

Pserimos is usually the first major stop and one of the most appealing parts of the day. The island has only about 60 inhabitants, which gives the visit a very different feel from Kos Town.

You get more than an hour here, followed by around 30 minutes for swimming. That is enough time to stretch your legs, sit on the sandy beach, wander near the shore, or stop at one of the taverns directly beside the water.

Pserimos works best as a slow stop. Do not expect a long sightseeing program or a packed list of attractions. Its appeal is the quiet setting, the clear sea, and the chance to enjoy a small Greek island without a complicated plan.

You can also browse small shops and buy souvenirs. Some items are handmade, giving the stop a more local feel than a standard resort shopping street.

The beach is a strong choice for anyone who wants an easy swim from shore. Families can enjoy the shallow-looking beach setting, while adults may prefer a drink at a waterfront tavern. Keep an eye on the clock, since the cruise continues on a fixed schedule.

Plati and the lunch break on the water

Plati, near Kalymnos, is used mainly as a swimming stop. The boat anchors near the coast, and you get free time to enter the sea while the crew prepares lunch.

The water around Plati is repeatedly described as exceptionally clear. It is a good place to snorkel, float, or simply cool off after sitting in the sun. If you are not a confident swimmer, take care around the boat and consider using a life jacket. One participant chose not to swim in deep water without one, while stronger swimmers enjoyed jumping in.

Lunch usually includes familiar Greek dishes such as souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fruit. It is a sensible meal for a hot day, with flavors most people will recognize and enough substance to keep you going through the afternoon.

Food is one area where expectations should stay modest. Some departures served a fresh and tasty lunch, while others had food that was a little cold. If lunch matters greatly to you, bring a small backup snack. Drinks are not included, but the bar remains available for purchases.

The timing of Plati and Vathy can vary by departure. The published details describe lunch around Plati in one part and lunch at Vathy in another, so think of these as the main food and swimming portions of the day rather than a guarantee of a precise order.

Vathy and the clear water at Rina

Vathy is described as one of the prettiest fishing villages in the Dodecanese. The inlet has a fiord-like shape, with steep sides guiding you toward the settlement and the water at Rina.

This stop gives the cruise a welcome change of pace. Pserimos is mainly about the beach, while Vathy gives you a village setting, local taverns, and a chance to see a working coastal community.

Swimming at Rina is one of the highlights. The water is clear, and a cliff-jump platform gives confident swimmers another way to get in. You do not have to jump. You can stay near the boat, watch from the shore, or use the stop for lunch and a walk.

The time in Vathy is around an hour, though some people would prefer longer. If you want a proper meal at a local tavern, a walk through the village, and a swim, you may need to choose your priorities.

Seafood is available at local taverns, but it is not included in the cruise price. Lunch arrangements can differ by the day’s operating plan, so ask the crew what is covered before ordering anything separately.

Dolphins, music, and the Poseidon crew

The crew is a major part of the experience. This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. Expect music during the return ride, dancing on deck, jokes, and plenty of effort to get people involved.

Mike has been singled out for working hard to find dolphins, including encouraging everyone to clap and make noise. Ariel has also been praised for being helpful and engaging, while Captain Ioannis and Nicolas have been named on one family departure. Staff names and boat assignments are not guaranteed, but the general style is clear: the crew aims to keep the mood upbeat.

Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised. Several departures saw dolphins close to the boat, including one group that spotted them on two occasions and another that saw a pod of around ten. Other days passed without a sighting.

That uncertainty is worth understanding. Book this for the islands, swimming, and sea views first. Treat dolphins as a lucky extra, not the reason to pay for the trip.

The music is part of the appeal for many people, but it may not suit everyone. One older group appreciated that the music was not excessively loud, while other departures included plenty of dancing and active entertainment. If you want a calm, quiet sailing day, this may not be your best match.

Transfers from Kos hotels and resort areas

Hotel pickup is optional. It is available from Kos Town, Psalidi, Agios Fokas, Lambi Beach, Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari, and Kardamena, with many individual hotels and meeting points listed.

Published pickup times include Kardamena at 8:00 AM, Mastichari at 8:15, Marmari and Tigaki at 8:30, and Lambi at 8:45. The road transfer from the starting or pickup location is listed as about 45 minutes.

Transfers have generally been on time, with air-conditioned vehicles reported on some departures. One delay meant less time at an island stop, so keep in mind that a shared pickup can add uncertainty to the morning.

If you are staying close to Kos Town, walking to Akti Kountourioti may be simpler than taking a transfer. If you are based farther away, the pickup option is useful and avoids arranging a taxi before sunrise.

Confirm your pickup point carefully. The long hotel list includes resorts across the island, and the exact availability depends on the option you book.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this cruise for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants several sea stops without paying for separate excursions.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want swimming and beach time more than museums or formal sightseeing.
• You enjoy music, dancing, and a crew that talks with passengers.
• You want to see several small islands in one day.
• You are watching your budget.
• You like the idea of a Greek lunch and a bar onboard.
• You are happy with a group setting.

Think twice if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing experience, or a carefully timed cultural tour. The schedule is full, the boat may be crowded in peak summer, and Vathy may feel too short if you want a leisurely village visit.

The excursion can work for families, but young children should be watched closely around the water and boat edges. The supplied information does not give specific accessibility details, so ask the operator before booking if you need assistance with boarding or swimming stops.

What to pack for a hot full day

Bring the basics, then add a little protection from the sun. You will spend many hours outside, and the open water can make the heat feel pleasant at first, then surprisingly strong later.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes
• A small snack, especially if you are selective about lunch
• Money or a payment card for drinks and optional tavern food

The crew can sell drinks onboard, and card payment has been accepted on some trips. Still, do not rely on every small island stop having the exact food or drink option you want.

Reapply sunscreen after swimming. Several people found the sun stronger than expected, and shade is worth seeking out between stops.

Booking details and the final decision

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The host or greeter language is English.

The cruise is a strong buy for the price. You receive transport if selected, a full day at sea, three scenic island areas, swimming in clear water, lunch, and an entertaining crew. The compromises are a possible crowd, extra charges for drinks, a lunch that may be better on some days than others, and a schedule that leaves limited time at certain stops.

I would book it if you want a cheerful, active day and your priority is seeing beautiful water and small islands without spending much. Choose a quieter sailing or private charter instead if you dislike onboard music and group entertainment.

For the best day, arrive early for a good seat, pack serious sun protection, and treat the dolphin search as a bonus. The islands and swimming stops are enough to make this a worthwhile Kos outing on their own.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Kos Port on Akti Kountourioti, very close to Kos Town city center. The boat name provided for the experience is Poseidon.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. Check the selected date for the exact starting time.

Which islands and villages does the cruise visit?

The trip includes Pserimos, Plati near Kalymnos, and Vathy. Swimming stops include Plati and Rina.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Pickup is available from Kos Town, Psalidi, Agios Fokas, Lambi Beach, Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari, and Kardamena.

What time can pickup begin?

Published pickup times include 8:00 AM in Kardamena, 8:15 AM in Mastichari, 8:30 AM in Marmari and Tigaki, and 8:45 AM in Lambi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and may include traditional Greek food such as souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fruit.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, but drinks and cocktails can be purchased onboard. Some departures have offered happy-hour prices.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming stops at Plati and Rina. You should bring swimwear and a towel.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You may also want money for drinks or food at local taverns.