Kalymnos & Pserimos: 3 Island Aegean Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Wooden boat cruise in the Aegean sea with island stops, swimming and local food

You’ll board an old wooden boat in Kos for a day trip across the Aegean—swimming off Platy’s rocks, spotting dolphins near Pserimos, tasting honey in Kalymnos’ little harbor. With a local guide leading the way and lunch sizzling on deck, you’ll get sun-warmed skin and salty hair—and probably find yourself smiling at strangers by afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we reached the deck rail, my shirt already smelled like sunscreen and sea salt. The Santa Maria was bigger than I’d pictured — all polished wood and little creaks as people found their spots. Our guide, Nikos, grinned at us over his sunglasses and told us to keep an eye out for dolphins. He said they liked to race the bow if you were lucky. I thought he was joking until someone shouted and there they were, just slicing through the blue water like it was nothing special for them. It was kind of magic, honestly.

Pserimos came up first — not much there except a sandy stretch and a few sun-bleached umbrellas. I wandered off for an ice cream (the guy at the shack winked when I tried my Greek — probably butchered it), then just let my feet sink into the warm sand. There’s something about that quiet, just wind and distant laughter from the boat. Later at Platy, some of us jumped straight off the rocks into water so clear it almost looked fake. I chickened out at first but ended up doing it anyway after some good-natured teasing from a German couple who were braver than me.

Kalymnos felt different — more lived-in somehow. We docked at Vathy’s tiny port where old men played backgammon under striped awnings. Nikos pointed out a shop selling honey and another with sponges hanging outside; he explained how sponge diving used to be everything here. I tried fresh orange juice (tart, cold) and watched a kid chase chickens across a cobbled lane. Back on board, lunch was waiting — smoky grilled veggies for me (they remembered I’m vegetarian), plus bread still warm from somewhere nearby. The sun had shifted by then and everyone seemed quieter, maybe just full or maybe just happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aegean island cruise with stops

• Visit Pserimos island beach
• Go dolphin watching safari
• Stop at Platy island for cliff diving
• Explore Vathy port and town
• Swim in refreshing waters
• Enjoy freshly cooked lunch on boat

Top questions

How long does the 3 island cruise last?

The cruise is a full-day trip with several stops between morning departure and late afternoon return.

Which islands are visited on this cruise?

The cruise visits Pserimos, Platy, and Kalymnos islands in the Aegean Sea.

Is lunch included on the Santa Maria cruise?

Yes, a traditional BBQ lunch is served aboard; vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested ahead of time.

Are drinks included during lunch?

No, beverages and drinks are not included in the price of lunch.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed; they often appear near the boat.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the Santa Maria boat.

Can infants join this cruise?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

Is this cruise suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

The cruise is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing between Kos and three islands—Pserimos for swimming or ice cream breaks, Platy for cliff diving or snorkeling in turquoise water, Kalymnos for exploring its small port town—plus dolphin watching along the way, WiFi onboard if you need it, a freshly cooked BBQ lunch (with veggie options if you ask ahead), use of an audio guide on your phone, and restroom access throughout the trip.