Kos Islands: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch & Swimming

Summary

Swim in clear blue waters, taste island fish and stroll tiny villages

You’ll float between Kos’s islands by boat, stopping to swim in clear water at Plati, eat fresh fish on Pserimos beach, and wander Vathi’s sleepy lanes with a local guide. Expect laughter from your crew, homemade sweets, and moments of real quiet far from crowds.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the water off Kos looked almost fake — that bright turquoise you see in postcards but never expect in real life. We boarded the boat early (I’d barely finished my coffee), and the crew were already joking around with us, making sure everyone had sunscreen on. There was this salty breeze that stuck to my skin, and someone nearby was peeling an orange — so the air was kind of sweet too. Our guide, Giorgos, pointed out Pserimos as we got close. He said only about 130 people live there year-round. Hard to imagine, honestly.

Pserimos itself felt like a secret — just a few whitewashed tavernas right on the sand. I tried grilled fish for lunch (they brought it straight from the kitchen with lemon wedges), and it tasted like they’d pulled it from the sea that morning. There was this older woman sweeping outside her door who waved at us — she didn’t speak much English but smiled when I tried “kalimera.” After eating, we wandered along the beach barefoot; the sand was warm but not burning hot yet. You could hear cicadas buzzing somewhere up in the hills.

Vathi on Kalymnos came next. The boat slid into this narrow fjord — honestly, I thought we might scrape the sides — and suddenly everything went quiet except for the engine echoing off rock walls. We had an hour there; enough time to try homemade orange juice (so sweet it almost made me wince) and these little almond sweets at a bakery where two kids were playing behind the counter. The streets were empty except for a few cats sunning themselves. I took way too many photos of blue doors and bougainvillea.

Plati was our last stop before heading back to Kos. The boat anchored just off shore; some people jumped right in but I hesitated (the water looked cold!). Ended up going for it anyway — turned out to be perfect once you got used to it. You could see straight down to ripples on the sandy bottom, which is wild if you’re used to murky beaches back home. Someone handed me a cheap cocktail from the bar while I dried off in the sun. It all felt slow and easy in a way that stuck with me after we left — still does sometimes when things get noisy again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat cruise to three islands

• Depart from Kos island
• Visit Pserimos island and swim
• Enjoy fresh fish at beach tavernas
• Travel to Vathi village on Kalymnos
• Explore Vathi village and try local sweets
• Take photos of fjord, gulfs, and caves
• Stop at Plati island for swimming
• Relax on boat with cocktails
• Return to Kos island

Top questions

How long is the full-day boat cruise from Kos?

The cruise lasts about 8 hours total.

Which islands are included on this day trip?

The tour visits Pserimos, Vathi (on Kalymnos), and Plati islands.

Is lunch included during the cruise?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip.

Can I swim or snorkel during this boat tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is hotel pickup available for this Kos islands cruise?

Optional pickup is available; check when booking if you need it.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meals can be arranged if requested at booking.

What should I bring for this boat trip?

You should bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, summer clothes and comfortable shoes.

Is this tour suitable for families or small children?

Yes; infants and small children can join using prams or strollers.

What happens if weather is bad on cruise day?

If cancelled due to poor weather you can choose another date or get a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel pickup in Kos town or nearby areas, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, use of snorkelling gear onboard plus WiFi access throughout the cruise. A fresh lunch is served on board—vegetarian option available if you let them know ahead—and there’s an air-conditioned lounge area plus restrooms on deck for comfort between island stops.