Full Day Kos Guided Boat Tour Including Lunch

Exploring the Greek Isles by boat offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, charming villages, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. This full-day guided boat tour in Kos costs around $47.12 per person and lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time between three captivating stops. Led by friendly guides, the experience promises a day filled with stunning views, local flavors, and relaxing beach time.

What we love about this tour is the chance to enjoy a plush sundeck on an 80-foot wooden vessel — perfect for soaking up the sun — and the opportunity to spot dolphins, which often join the boat for a while. The inclusion of a Greek BBQ lunch adds to the laid-back, authentic vibe. On the flip side, a potential drawback might be the long hours of travel between islands, which could be tiring for some.

This adventure suits travelers looking for a balance of scenic cruising, cultural exploration, and beach relaxation. If you’re comfortable with a full day on the water and enjoy discovering small ports and unspoiled beaches, this tour offers a worthwhile introduction to the Dodecanese.

Key Points

• Authentic island stops offer swimming, local food, and free time for exploration.
• Dolphin sightings are common, adding a fun, unexpected element.
• Lunch is included, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Travel time between islands accounts for about half the trip, so be prepared for a day on the water.
• Group size can be up to 95 travelers, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Reviews highlight friendly guides, delicious food, and great scenery as major highlights.

A Practical Overview of the Tour Experience

This full-day boat trip from Kos is a chance to see the Dodecanese islands from the water, with a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local culture. The cost of around $47.12 per person offers fairly good value when you consider the included lunch and the chance to visit three different islands.

The meeting point is at the Kos Cruise Experts port, with the tour starting promptly at 10:00 am. The duration is roughly 7 hours, which includes approximately 3 hours of travel time between islands. This means you’ll spend about 3 hours on land exploring or relaxing, and the rest on the boat. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a leisurely pace and enjoy being on the water.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Vathi in Kalymnos

This authentic little port is perfect for experiencing a slice of local life. The 1 hour 30 minutes stop allows time for a refreshing swim — the water here is cool and inviting — and sampling local delicacies like honey, figs, and fresh orange juice. Many reviews mention enjoying the free time to wander the charming streets and pick up souvenirs. The relaxed pace here makes it a highlight for those seeking a taste of genuine Greek island life.

A reviewer described it as a “cute little town,” appreciating the chance to explore at their own pace. The free admission means no extra costs, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than additional fees.

Stop 2: Plati

Next, you’ll hop over to a uninhabited island with stunning turquoise waters. The 45-minute stop provides an excellent opportunity to swim in some of the clearest waters you’ll likely encounter, and you might spot lots of fish or even share the water with a tiny church on the island. It’s a perfect spot for a quick cooling-off during a warm day, with relaxed scenery and good photo opportunities.

Reviewers highlight the beautiful waters here, making it a favorite for swimming and snorkelling. It’s a short stay but packed with the chance for a memorable dip.

Stop 3: Pserimos

The final stop is a golden-sand beach on Pserimos, where you have about 45 minutes. This is the classic beach relaxation spot — work on your tan, grab an ice cream, or jump in for a last swim. It’s a simple, straightforward way to unwind after a busy morning of exploring.

Travelers often describe this as the “final cool-off” spot, ideal for those who love spending time on beaches or want a calm end to the tour.

The Food and Drinks

The lunch included is a Greek BBQ, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Many reviews praise the delicious, authentic food and friendly service onboard. While the bar is not included in the price, you can purchase alcoholic beverages during the trip, allowing for some relaxed socializing or a toast to the scenery.

What Travelers Say

Feedback from travelers is mixed but generally positive. Many highlight the friendly guides, the wonderful scenery, and the opportunity to see dolphins, which many report joining the boat for a while. One reviewer said it was a “really nice trip” with a “good mood from the staff,” and appreciated the delicious food.

However, some found the welcome to be less warm or experienced frustration over limited multilingual support — especially during the off-season when certain services like audio guides in French were unavailable. One unhappy traveler pointed out the strict cancellation policy — noting they lost their money after illness prevented their attendance — so be aware of the 24-hour cancellation window.

Practical Considerations

Group size can be up to 95 travelers, which means the boat can feel lively but also crowded during peak times. The travel time between stops accounts for about half the journey, so be prepared for a full day on the water. Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses are a must.

Since most travelers book about three weeks in advance, this tour is popular, so early booking is advisable. The option for free cancellation up to 24 hours before helps if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love being on the water, enjoy swimming in beautiful surroundings, and are keen to explore multiple islands in one day. It’s perfect if you value authentic experiences, like sampling local food and exploring small ports, rather than just relaxing on a beach all day.

Those who appreciate dolphin sightings will find this especially exciting, and families or groups with mixed ages tend to enjoy the varied stops and scenic journeys.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For about $47, this guided boat tour offers a well-rounded taste of Kos and nearby islands, blending scenic cruising, swimming, and local culture. The lunch adds value, and the chance to spot dolphins makes it more memorable. The friendly guides and beautiful scenery shine through in reviews, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a full day of island exploration.

If you’re comfortable with the long hours at sea and enjoy a lively group atmosphere, you’ll likely find this trip to be a worthwhile, authentic experience. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing day on the water, all without breaking the bank.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including about 3 hours of travel time between islands, with the remaining time spent exploring or relaxing ashore.

What is included in the price?
Your lunch (Greek BBQ) is included, with vegetarian and vegan options. The tour also includes transportation on an 80-foot wooden vessel and guided stops at three islands.

Are drinks available onboard?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can purchase drinks at the onboard bar. Soft drinks and water may also be available for purchase.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but proof of age may be requested if consuming alcohol. The experience suits those who enjoy being on the water and exploring small ports.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, and perhaps a begging bag for souvenirs. Comfortable clothing and water are also recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How crowded does the boat get?
The maximum group size is 95 travelers, so it can feel lively, but the boat’s size helps manage the crowd comfortably.

This guided boat tour in Kos offers a lively, scenic, and authentic way to explore the nearby islands, especially if you’re keen to combine swimming, sightseeing, and local flavors in one memorable day.