The Santa Maria Full-Day Island Cruise in Aegean Sea

The Santa Maria Full-Day Island Cruise in the Aegean Sea offers travelers a chance to explore the beautiful islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Platy without the hassle of arranging transport or planning individual visits. This well-reviewed, approximately 7.5-hour cruise combines sightseeing, swimming, local culture, and a traditional barbecue in one accessible package.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it allows you to visit three islands in a single day, saving you time and effort. Second, it includes a delicious BBQ lunch, perfect for refueling after swimming and exploring. Third, the chance to spot dolphins while passing through their natural habitat adds an element of excitement.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the schedule is quite packed—if you prefer slow, leisurely days by the beach, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s best suited for those eager to see multiple islands, enjoy water activities, and taste local flavors in one go. This tour is an excellent choice for travelers wanting a fun, straightforward, and value-packed day out on the water.

Key Points

• Visit three Greek islands—Kalymnos, Platy, and Pserimos—on one seamless tour.
• Includes a traditional barbecue lunch, with options to swim, explore, and relax.
• Opportunity to see dolphins while cruising the Aegean Sea.
• Accessible and well-reviewed, with most travelers rating it above 4.5.
• Great for those seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local culture.
• Note: Be prepared for a busy day, with stops ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours.

An In-Depth Look at the Santa Maria Full-Day Cruise

The Comfort and Convenience of a Hassle-Free Tour

One of the biggest advantages of booking the Santa Maria cruise is not having to worry about navigating or hiring a boat yourself. The tour is organized and operated by Kos Cruise Experts, who handle all the logistics. The meeting point at the Port of Kos is straightforward, with plenty of nearby public transportation options, making it easy to reach the departure point at 9:30 am.

The boat itself is equipped with essentials like a restroom and WiFi, so you can stay connected or share your experience in real time. The group size is capped at 150 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, lively atmosphere while still allowing for some personalized attention.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Kalimnos (Vathy Port) – 2 hours
The first stop is Kalymnos, a charming island known for its climbing culture and honey. As you arrive at Vathy port, you’ll notice the small, picturesque town with traditional taverns and local shops. Many reviewers mention how friendly and helpful the staff are, often sharing tips about local delicacies. Carolyn_W noted that even when the original ship was unavailable, the company quickly transferred her to a sister ship, Captain Morgan, which made the trip still enjoyable.

During your time here, you can try freshly squeezed orange juice and taste the island’s renowned honey. The opportunity to swim in the clear waters is a highlight, with some reviewers mentioning how refreshing the water feels after exploring the town and tasting local snacks.

Platy – 40 minutes
The next stop is the tiny island of Platy, where the focus is on cliff diving, swimming, and relaxing. The small size of Platy means fewer amenities but plenty of natural beauty. Reviewers rave about the turquoise waters perfect for a quick dip, with one mentioning that this is their favorite part of the trip for its peaceful, unspoiled scenery.

The short stop means you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to swim and snap photos of the rugged coastline. Since the trip is tightly scheduled, be sure to be ready to reboard promptly.

Pserimos – 40 minutes
The final stop is Pserimos, a peaceful island known for its sandy beaches and relaxed vibe. Here, there’s little in the way of shops or amenities, so it’s all about unwinding on the sandy shore or exploring the coastline. Several reviews note the beautiful beaches as well worth a visit, with some taking the chance to grab ice cream and enjoy a quiet moment before heading back.

This stop offers a perfect chance to soak in the tranquility before the return cruise to Kos.

The Food and Additional Perks

A traditional BBQ lunch is included and is one of the tour’s big selling points. The meal typically features grilled meats and local flavors, providing a hearty and authentic taste of Greek cuisine. Since beverages and drinks are not included, you might want to bring some water or purchase drinks during the stops.

Travelers also appreciated the WiFi onboard, which allows sharing photos or catching up on messages, and the availability of restrooms helped make the full day more comfortable.

What Do Travelers Say?

From reviews, it’s clear that the staff make a positive difference, with many mentioning their friendliness and helpfulness. Tamara_R praised the great staff, sightseeing, fun music, and dancing, emphasizing how memorable the experience was.

Kimm_F highlighted the relaxing nature of the trip—between swimming, village visits, and cruising—calling it a “super day.” Carolyn_W’s review highlights the flexibility and quick response of the team, which can be reassuring if anything goes awry.

Price and Value

At around $44.76 per person, this cruise offers significant value. For the price, you get multiple island visits, swimming opportunities, local food, and scenic views—all without the stress of planning each detail yourself. It’s an affordable way to see some of the Aegean’s highlights in one day, especially given the included lunch and amenities like WiFi.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those who want to maximize their time and experience a variety of islands without a lot of hassle. It’s perfect for first-timers in Kos wanting an overview, or travelers who love a mix of sightseeing and swimming.

It may not suit those looking for a slow-paced day or a full-day beach holiday—since the stops are brief, and the schedule is quite packed. However, if you enjoy a lively, social atmosphere combined with scenic views and local flavor, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Maria Full-Day Island Cruise balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural exposure at a very reasonable price point. The opportunity to visit three islands, combined with swimming, local delicacies, and dolphin sightings, makes it a well-rounded day out. The reviews reflect consistent satisfaction, especially with staff friendliness and the quality of the stops.

While the day can be busy, it’s a fantastic option for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of planning, all in a comfortable, friendly setting. If you’re eager for a fun, scenic, and authentic Greek island experience, this cruise is worth considering.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 9:30 am from the Port of Kos, making it easy to plan your morning.

Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, a traditional BBQ lunch is included. Beverages are not included, so bring your own if you’d like drinks.

How long is each stop?
Kalimnos is about 2 hours, while Platy and Pserimos are each around 40 minutes—enough time for swimming, exploring, or relaxing.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, WiFi is provided, so you can stay connected during the cruise.

Are there opportunities to swim?
Absolutely, most stops offer the chance to swim in clear waters, with some reviewers calling out how refreshing and enjoyable it was.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps some snacks or drinks for the journey. Limited amenities mean it’s good to come prepared.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your schedule.

To sum it up, the Santa Maria Full-Day Island Cruise offers a delightful blend of scenic island hopping, swimming, and local cuisine—perfect for travelers seeking an engaging, value-rich day in the Greek Isles. Whether you’re after a fun sightseeing experience or a relaxing escape, this tour can accommodate your needs while providing authentic moments and memorable views.