The Santa Maria 3 Island Cruise in the Aegean w/ Free Audio Guide

The Santa Maria cruise packs three very different island stops into one easy day from Kos: a sandy beach at Pserimos, a swim and cliff-jumping stop at tiny Plati, and the small Kalymnian port of Vathy. In between, you can watch for dolphins and enjoy the Aegean from the deck.

I like the low $30.25 price, especially since lunch is included, and I like the relaxed mix of swimming, sightseeing, and free time. The main consideration is the schedule: you get only about 40 minutes at Pserimos and Plati, while the boat can carry up to 150 people.

I also appreciate the practical touches: a restroom, WiFi, sunbathing mats, and an audio guide you use through your own smartphone. Drinks are extra, and you need to arrive at the Kos port at least 30 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Three island experiences in one day: Relax on Pserimos, swim at Plati, and explore Vathy on Kalymnos.
• A traditional BBQ lunch is included: Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if requested ahead of time.
• Dolphin watching is part of the route: The boat spends about 20 minutes looking for dolphins in their natural area, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Swimming gear matters: Pserimos and Plati are beach and swimming stops, so bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
• The price covers the main day out: Food, the cruise, restroom, WiFi, and audio guide are included, but water, soft drinks, alcohol, and purchases ashore cost extra.
• It is a large-group boat: The maximum is 150 people, so arrive early if choosing a preferred seat matters to you.

A full Aegean day from Kos

This is a good choice if you want to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging several ferries. From Kos, you spend the day on the water and get short tastes of Pserimos and Kalymnos, plus a stop at tiny Plati.

The total outing lasts about seven and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a real island day, but not so long that you need to plan an overnight stay or a complicated route. The day begins at the Kos Cruise Experts vessel in the port of Kos, with departure scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

The boat can take up to 150 people. That gives the cruise a social, holiday feel, with music and dancing possible on board, but it also means this is not a private sailing trip. If you prefer a quiet boat with personal attention, the group size is worth considering before you book.

Arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. The crew uses this time for boarding and seat selection, so arriving early is more useful than showing up just before departure. Bring your booking confirmation and have your phone ready if you plan to use the audio guide.

Pserimos, a simple sandy beach stop

Pserimos is the first stop, and the appeal is simple: sand, clear water, and time to slow down. You have about 40 minutes here, with free time to relax on the beach, walk around, or buy an ice cream.

Do not expect a full shopping district or a long list of attractions. Pserimos is presented as a small, quiet island stop with few stores. That is part of its charm, but it also means the stop works best if you want a quick beach break rather than extensive sightseeing.

The short timing calls for a clear plan. If you want to swim, change before leaving the boat or be ready to move quickly once ashore. If you prefer to stroll and take photographs, you will have time for that, but not for a long wander.

I would use Pserimos as your gentle start to the day. The stop is less about checking off monuments and more about getting your feet in the sand before returning to the boat. Keep an eye on the departure time, since the cruise continues on a fixed schedule.

Dolphin watching near Kalymnos

After Pserimos, the boat makes a roughly 20-minute stop for dolphin watching near Kalymnos. The crew looks for dolphins in their natural surroundings, giving you a chance to watch the sea rather than simply pass through it.

This is best treated as a hopeful wildlife sighting, not a guaranteed show. Dolphins are wild animals, and a short search may or may not produce a sighting. Keep your camera ready, but give yourself permission to enjoy the open water even if the animals stay out of view.

The stop adds variety to the day. You are not moving from one beach directly to another. Instead, the cruise gives you a brief chance to look outward and notice what lives in these waters.

For the best chance of seeing something, stay alert during the full stop and follow the crew’s instructions. Avoid assuming the first splash is a dolphin. The crew will be the best source of information about what appears around the boat.

Plati, a tiny island for swimming and cliff jumping

Plati is the most active stop. This very small island is used for swimming in turquoise water and for cliff jumping, with about 40 minutes available.

You can choose your comfort level here. If jumping from a low cliff is not for you, simply swim or stay on board. The activity is optional, and there is no reason to force yourself into a jump just because others are doing it.

The short stop makes Plati feel more like a refreshing break than a full island visit. You may want to bring water shoes if you have them, but the supplied details do not specify the exact shoreline or entry surface, so pack footwear that you can use comfortably around wet areas.

This is also a useful place to keep your phone protected. A waterproof pouch can help if you want photos in the water, though that is your own equipment and is not provided as part of the cruise. Bring a towel and dry clothes for the trip back to the boat.

Vathy on Kalymnos, local tastes and a longer pause

The longest stop is at Vathy, a small port area on Kalymnos. You have about one hour and 20 minutes here, giving you more time to leave the boat, explore, and try local products.

Freshly squeezed orange juice and Kalymnian honey are specifically highlighted. These small food experiences help make Vathy different from the beach stops. You can use the time for a short walk, a local taste, or a swim in the refreshing water.

The schedule does not suggest a long guided town tour. Think of Vathy as a compact port visit with time to look around at your own pace. If you want to buy honey or another souvenir, budget separately because purchases are not included.

After the stop, lunch is served aboard the boat. The meal is a traditional BBQ, and vegetarian and vegan options are available when requested in advance. That advance request matters, so make it during booking rather than waiting until the food is being served.

Eating on board keeps the day moving and removes the need to search for a restaurant during a short port stop. Beverages are not included, so bring money for drinks or plan to buy them on the boat or at a stop if available.

What the $30.25 price really covers

At $30.25 per person, the cruise offers strong value for a full day on the Aegean. You are paying for the boat trip, several island stops, dolphin watching, swimming opportunities, and a cooked BBQ lunch.

The included meal is important. A seven-and-a-half-hour outing can become expensive if you must buy lunch and drinks along the way, so having food covered makes the advertised fare easier to assess. You still need to allow extra money for bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, ice cream, orange juice, honey, and other purchases.

Alcohol is not included and is restricted to people aged 18 and over. Bottled water is also excluded, so do not assume that every drink you need will be supplied. Carrying some cash or a payment card for extras is sensible.

Group discounts may be available, making this especially useful for families or larger parties. The boat’s capacity of 150 means the lower price comes with a shared, group setting. That is a reasonable trade for people who value range and price over privacy.

Life aboard the Santa Maria

The Santa Maria is set up for a day of moving between beaches and ports. A restroom is available on board, which is a small but important comfort during a full-day cruise.

WiFi is also provided. Signal quality on the water can vary, so treat it as a useful extra rather than a reason to plan work or constant streaming. The main attraction is still the sea, the stops, and the company around you.

Sunbathing mats are available, giving you a place to stretch out while the boat is underway. Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. A day that combines open water, swimming, and time on deck can expose you to more sun than expected, even when the breeze feels cool.

Music and dancing may add to the holiday mood. That will suit you if you want a lively shared outing. If you want long quiet stretches, choose a seat away from the main activity when boarding.

The free audio guide works through your smartphone and is available in several languages. It gives you extra context without requiring a separate paid guide, though you need to bring a charged phone. Headphones may help if the deck is noisy, but they are not listed as included.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple way to see several islands from Kos. It suits people who like a balance of beach time, swimming, local food, and a little wildlife watching.

Families can benefit from the range of activities, though the short stops require some organization. A child who wants to swim, eat, and look for dolphins will have plenty to anticipate. A child who needs long, unhurried time in one place may find the schedule busy.

It also works well for couples and groups looking for a reasonably priced day out. The combination of sunbathing mats, music, dancing, and swimming creates an easygoing holiday atmosphere. The cruise has also been recommended by 98 percent of purchasers and holds a 4.9 rating from 412 ratings, which supports its appeal as a reliable day-trip choice.

I would be more cautious if you dislike large boats, fixed schedules, or quick shore visits. You cannot spend the whole afternoon at Pserimos or Plati, and you may not get a quiet, private experience with up to 150 people aboard.

Practical preparation for the morning

Meet at Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos. The meeting point is also where the cruise ends, so there is no separate return transfer to arrange.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure, at the latest. Early arrival helps with boarding and seat selection, and it avoids starting the day in a rush.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Dry clothes for after swimming
• A charged smartphone for the audio guide
• Money for drinks and purchases
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want to take pictures near the water

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, and if that number is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund.

The crew may photograph or record people on board for promotional and documentation use. If you do not want to appear in those images, tell the crew before departure.

Should you book the Santa Maria cruise?

Book it if you want the best range for a modest price. Three island stops, a BBQ lunch, swimming, a dolphin search, and a free audio guide make this a practical way to sample the Aegean from Kos.

I would especially choose it for a first island day, a family outing, or a group that wants food included and no complex planning. The trip gives you a taste of Pserimos and Kalymnos without asking you to arrange separate transport.

Skip it if you want a private boat, long hours on one beach, or a quiet luxury cruise. The group may be large, shore time is limited, and drinks cost extra. For most people who want a relaxed, active day at sea, though, the Santa Maria offers a lot for the fare.

FAQ

Where does the Santa Maria cruise depart?

It departs from Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos, Greece.

What time should I arrive?

The scheduled departure is 9:30 a.m. You should meet the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure, no later than 9:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Plati, and Kalymnos, including the port area of Vathy on Kalymnos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional BBQ lunch is served aboard the boat.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested ahead of time.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and other drinks are not included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.