Kalymnos and Pserimos Day Cruise from Kos: swim and snorkel

Seven and a half hours on the water: three islands, two snorkel stops, lunch on the boat

A day cruise from Kos harbour to Pserimos, Kalymnos and Plati on a traditional wooden kaiki boat, with swimming and snorkeling at multiple stops, BBQ lunch on board, and an English-speaking guide. The boat anchors in shallow, clear water where you jump in directly from the deck; lunch includes vegetarian options. Extra charges may apply for hotel pickups outside the standard route area.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day cruise to Pserimos and Kalymnos

• Depart from Kos harbour on kaiki boat
• Swim around the boat in clear waters
• Explore Pserimos beach and bay
• Visit beach stalls and walk to church
• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters
• Visit Kalymnos port of Vathy
• Shop and explore colorful fishing boats
• Swim or jump from boat at Plati
• Enjoy included lunch on board

The Experience

You board a traditional wooden kaiki at Kos harbour and head out toward three islands in the Dodecanese. The boat anchors close to Pserimos first, a small island with a sheltered bay where the water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom through turquoise shallows. You jump straight in from the boat and swim or snorkel; if you prefer land, there's a beach with local cafés and tavernas, or you can walk to a small church. The stop gives you time to move at your own pace—water or shade, depending on what you want.

Kalymnos comes next, famous for sponge diving. The boat docks at Vathy, a working port filled with colourful fishing boats where you can walk around the shops and see how sponges are harvested and sold. It's one of the most colourful towns in the Dodecanese, with houses painted in different hues, each colour carrying its own meaning. You explore on your own or stay aboard. Lunch arrives while you're there or shortly after—BBQ cooked on the boat, with vegetarian options, eaten on deck or below depending on the weather and the day's rhythm.

The final stop is Plati, where the water turns turquoise and shallow. You can swim again or, if you're feeling bold, jump from the boat into the deeper water nearby. The whole day runs about seven and a half hours from departure to return. The guide speaks English and travels with the boat, answering questions and pointing out what you're seeing. Dolphins sometimes appear, though there's no guarantee.

What’s included

• BBQ lunch on the boat with vegetarian options.
• English-speaking guide.
• swimming and snorkeling stops at Pserimos and Plati.
• time to explore Kalymnos port at Vathy.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MTM Experiences

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to visit three islands in one day with swimming stops and lunch included, all on a fixed schedule with a group rather than customizing your own itinerary.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the water like for swimming and snorkeling on this cruise?

The water around all three islands is clear enough to see the sandy bottom, and the stops at Pserimos and Plati have shallow areas where you can jump straight in from the boat. Snorkeling gear is not mentioned as provided, so bring your own or plan to swim without it.

Is lunch included, and what if I'm vegetarian?

BBQ lunch is cooked on the boat and included in the price; vegetarian options are available. You eat on deck or below, depending on the weather and the boat's setup that day.

How much time do you actually spend in the water versus on the boat?

The itinerary includes multiple swimming stops—at Pserimos and Plati—where the boat anchors and you jump in. At Kalymnos, you have time to explore the port on foot or stay aboard. The exact time in water depends on how long you choose to stay at each stop, but the day is structured around water access rather than sightseeing from the deck.

What's Kalymnos known for, and what will I see there?

Kalymnos is famous for sponge diving. The boat stops at Vathy, a working fishing port where colourful boats are moored and sponges are sold in local shops. You can walk around the port and see how sponges are harvested, or stay on the boat during the lunch stop.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup, or is transport from my hotel included?

The tour departs from Kos harbour. Hotel pickups are available but may carry extra charges depending on where you're staying; pickups outside the standard route area are quoted separately. Public transportation to the harbour is also available nearby.

What should I bring or know before boarding?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels. Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim. Drinks are available to purchase on board. The boat is a traditional wooden kaiki, so expect an open-air experience with sun exposure.