From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands

Kos is a fine base for beach time, but the best part of this trip is getting away from the island for a day. The Odyssey heads to Vathi on Kalymnos, then to clear-water swimming spots around Plati and Pserimos, with lunch served on board and a chance to watch for dolphins near the fish farms.

I like the simple value here: three islands and lunch for about $35, plus cocktails sold at reasonable prices. I also like the friendly crew and the calm pace. The tradeoff is that the boat can feel crowded, and time on the islands is short, so this is island sampling rather than a slow, independent visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Vathi gives you the most character: Walk through a peaceful village and look into the fjord, coves, cliffs, and caves of Kalymnos.
• Plati is the best swim stop: You jump from the boat into turquoise water, though wind can sometimes prevent the boat from stopping there.
• Pserimos is your unhurried island stop: You get about an hour to walk around, swim, or buy something locally.
• Dolphins are a real possibility: The route passes fish farms where wild dolphins are sometimes seen close to the boat.
• Lunch is included: Expect souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, and bread, with beans and dolmades replacing the meat for vegetarians.
• It is not a party cruise by design: Soft music, a cash bar, and a relaxed crew make it a better fit for families and couples than for anyone seeking loud entertainment.

A full day from Kos, with three very different stops

The Odyssey leaves from the harbor of Kos, opposite the Port Police. Look for the blue boat and arrive by 9:30 to check your ticket. The total outing is listed as 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours, though the exact day can run a little shorter or longer depending on sea conditions, dolphin sightings, and docking.

The route is well judged. You spend roughly an hour sailing to Kalymnos, about an hour at Vathi, then continue toward Plati for swimming. After another short crossing, you reach Pserimos before sailing back to Kos.

That rhythm matters. You are not spending the whole day in one crowded harbor, but you are also not racing from one stop to the next. The long stretches on the boat give you time to sit in the shade, listen to music, order a drink, and watch the Dodecanese coast pass by.

At the same time, this is a popular excursion. You should not expect a private yacht or a quiet sailing boat with unlimited personal space. Several people have found the boat comfortable, while one noted that seating could feel tight when too many people shared a row. Arrive early if having a good seat matters to you.

Vathi on Kalymnos: the most scenic arrival

The first major stop is Vathi, a village on Kalymnos reached through a striking natural fjord. The approach is the attraction. Rugged cliffs rise around the water, and the narrow entrance opens into a sheltered area with coves, caves, and bright blue sea.

You get about an hour to explore. That is enough for a short walk, photographs, and a drink or local snack, but not enough for a serious tour of Kalymnos. Think of it as a first taste of the island rather than a full visit.

I would use this stop for the views. Look back toward the water as you walk, since the shape of the fjord is easier to appreciate from land. The streets are described as peaceful, and the pace feels more local than the resort areas of Kos.

There is one practical wrinkle. If the captain slows down or changes the route to watch dolphins, your time at Vathi may be reduced. One reported schedule gave the group only about 30 minutes there because a dolphin sighting delayed the boat. That is a fair exchange for many people, but it means you should not plan a fixed restaurant booking or a long independent walk.

Lunch on board: simple Greek food that does the job

After Kalymnos, the boat serves a buffet lunch. The standard plate includes pork or chicken souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, and bread. The vegetarian option substitutes beans and dolmades for the meat.

This is not a restaurant meal, and the food is presented for a large group. Still, it gives you a filling Greek lunch without making you search for food during a short island stop. The portions are described as generous, and several people especially liked the fresh, satisfying meal.

Vegetarians should tell the crew early. The crew has handled preordered vegetarian meals well, and the option can also suit vegans if you leave off the tzatziki. That is useful, since vegan choices on small-island excursions can otherwise be limited.

The one modest criticism is the side salad. Some people would prefer Greek salad to the cabbage-based salad served on the day. I would keep expectations at the right level: this is practical buffet food, not the reason to book the cruise. For the price, though, including lunch adds real value.

Drinks are not included. You can buy water, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails from the boat. Cocktails have been priced around €6, and water has been available for about €1 during happy hour. Bring some cash anyway, especially for Pserimos, where small businesses may not accept cards.

Dolphin watching near the fish farms

After lunch, the Odyssey passes nearby fish farms. This is the best place to watch the water for wild dolphins.

No one can promise a sighting. The dolphins are not part of a staged show, and the boat may need to make a turn or slow down when they appear. On good days, people have seen several dolphins close to the boat, sometimes along with flying fish. That can become the unexpected highlight of the day.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at a screen. A dolphin can surface and disappear in seconds. If the captain makes another pass, that gives everyone a better chance, but it can also shift the timing of the next island stop.

This is one reason I like the excursion more than a rigid sightseeing route. The crew can respond to what is happening at sea. The downside is that the schedule is not perfectly fixed. If you care more about getting a full hour in each village than seeing wildlife, you may prefer a trip with a stricter timetable.

Plati: turquoise water and a jump from the boat

Plati islet is the day’s clearest swimming stop. The Odyssey anchors or stops near the islet, and you can jump into the sea and swim around the boat.

The water is the main event here. Several people describe it as crystal clear, and the heat of a Greek summer makes the swim feel well timed after lunch and the earlier walking stop. You can listen to soft music, sit on deck, or take the plunge. The choice is yours.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not supplied, and the boat’s swimming stop is not a beach visit with changing facilities. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, pack sunscreen, and bring a hat for the open deck.

Wind can change the plan. On one outing, the boat could not dock at Plati because of rough conditions, so the crew added another swimming stop near Pserimos. That is a sensible adjustment, but it shows why the exact route should be treated as weather dependent.

If you are uncomfortable jumping from a boat, check with the crew about the safest way to enter the water. The experience is built around swimming, but you are not required to be an expert swimmer. Children enjoyed the stop, though parents should keep a close eye on them around the boat and in open water.

Pserimos: a small island with time to wander

The final island stop is Pserimos. You get around an hour to explore at your own pace, which makes this the most relaxed chance to walk ashore, take photographs, browse small shops, or sit near the water.

Pserimos is less about a list of sights and more about the feeling of a small island community. You will not have hours to roam inland, but the stop gives you a break from the boat and a chance to see a quieter side of the Dodecanese.

Take cash. At least some restaurants and businesses on Pserimos do not accept cards. You do not need to spend money to enjoy the stop, but cash is useful if you want a coffee, snack, souvenir, or drink.

The swimming can also continue here, depending on the day’s route. If wind changes the Plati stop, the captain may arrange a swim near Pserimos instead. That flexibility keeps the water time intact, even when the original plan has to change.

The Odyssey atmosphere: relaxed, friendly, and not perfectly quiet

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Captain Yanas is described as friendly, humorous, and informative, while the wider crew helps with food, drinks, boarding, and swimming stops. The attention feels practical rather than formal. If you need help, the crew is generally quick to respond.

Music plays during the cruise. It has been soft enough for families and couples on many departures, with playlists that suit the Mediterranean setting. One person would have preferred more traditional Greek music, so do not book this expecting a live folk performance or a purely local soundtrack.

The Odyssey is also not a pirate party boat. That makes it a good choice if you want conversation, scenery, swimming, and a drink without loud games or constant announcements. Music levels can still vary, and the atmosphere depends partly on the group on your departure.

Seating is the main comfort concern. Some departures have plenty of room, while others feel crowded, with more people sharing a row than expected. Sea conditions matter, too. If the water is choppy, the front of the boat can be wet. Choose a sheltered place if you want a drier ride, and bring sun protection for every exposed part of the deck.

What the $35 price really buys you

At about $35 per person, this is unusually good value for a full day around three islands. Your price covers the boat trip, island stops, swim stops, and lunch. You would pay separately for transport, a meal, and boat access on many similar outings.

The low price does come with limits. You are joining a shared excursion, not chartering a boat. Drinks cost extra, the seating is not guaranteed to feel spacious, and the island visits are short. The trip also depends on weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s decisions.

Still, the package works because the day combines several things that are expensive or awkward to arrange independently. You get transport across the water, a meal, swimming locations, village stops, and a chance at dolphin watching without having to coordinate ferries or restaurants.

For families, the value is especially strong. Children can swim, watch for dolphins, and enjoy a full day without repeated packing and unpacking. Couples get scenic sailing and a casual onboard bar. Vegetarians are also well served if they identify themselves before lunch.

Who should book the Odyssey cruise

I would choose this trip if you want to see more than Kos but prefer an easy day with someone else handling the route. It suits you if you enjoy swimming, short walks, simple Greek food, and a friendly shared-boat atmosphere.

It is less suitable if you want long visits on each island, quiet luxury, or a carefully controlled schedule. You should also think twice if you have major mobility limitations. The activity information describes the boat as wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That contradiction needs clarification before booking, especially because boarding, island landings, and swimming access may be difficult.

Come prepared with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, and some cash. If you are prone to seasickness, carry suitable medication and ask the crew for help. Sea conditions can be choppy, and the open deck offers little protection from strong sun.

Should you book this three-island day trip?

Book it if your idea of a good day is a scenic boat ride, three island glimpses, clear-water swimming, a filling lunch, and the possibility of dolphins. The crew, flexible route, and low price make the Odyssey a strong choice for a first taste of the islands around Kos.

Skip it if you want a private boat, long cultural visits, or guaranteed access to every planned stop. For most people who want a relaxed and affordable day on the water, though, the balance is right. Arrive early, claim a sensible seat, pack a towel and cash, and let the captain adjust the day to the sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The blue Odyssey boat leaves from the harbor of Kos, opposite the Port Police.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive on the boat by 9:30 to check your ticket.

How long does the trip last?

The activity is listed as 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours. The exact duration can vary with sea conditions, route changes, and dolphin sightings.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Vathi on Kalymnos, Plati islet, and Pserimos island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pork or chicken souvlaki, salad, tzatziki, and bread. A vegetarian meal with beans and dolmades is available instead of meat.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to buy on board, including cocktails and water.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

The activity information says the boat is wheelchair accessible but also states it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Contact the provider before booking to confirm that the boarding and island stops meet your needs.