REVIEW · CATAMARAN SNORKELING CRUISES

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks!

★ 4.9 · 18 reviews 7 hours From $212 Operated by SAIL KOS · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Sailing from Kos to Pserimos gives you a full day of sea time without the feel of a crowded ferry ride. I like the two swim stops in clear water and the fact that coffee, snacks, lunch, and drinks are included. The crew also keeps the atmosphere easygoing, with music and plenty of room to sit.

The main caution is price. At $212 per person, this is not a cheap boat outing, and one stop is enough to see that the food and drinks are pleasant but fairly simple. You are paying for the catamaran setting, the small-group feel, and a long day on the water.

Key points to know before booking

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Key points to know before booking

  • Two bays near Pserimos: You get separate stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing rather than one quick photo stop.
  • About seven hours on the sea: The day feels unhurried, though part of the route is covered under engine power rather than sail.
  • Food and drinks are included: Expect coffee, snacks, a Greek lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer.
  • Snorkeling gear is provided: Masks, goggles, flippers, life vests, and swimming aids are available on board.
  • A smaller boat setting: The catamaran has ample deck space, and one recent outing had around 14 people.
  • Not suitable for everyone: Children under 12, people with mobility or visual impairments, wheelchair users, and people over 75 cannot take this trip.

Leaving Kos harbor for Pserimos

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Leaving Kos harbor for Pserimos

Your day starts on board at Kos harbor, just to the right of the I ❤️ Kos sign when you face it. The meeting point is easy to describe, but give yourself enough time to find the boat among the harbor activity. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the port.

Once on board, the crew serves morning coffee and snacks as the catamaran heads away from Kos. This first stretch is part of the appeal. You can settle into the rhythm of the boat, watch the coast recede, and choose a spot on deck before the swimming begins.

The boat uses its sails for some parts of the journey and its engine for others. That matters if you are imagining a silent, fully wind-powered cruise. You will get the pleasure of sailing, but the schedule also depends on motor power when needed.

The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with a steady effort to keep people supplied and comfortable. English is the activity language. There are no named guides listed, but the crew handles the cruise, food, drinks, and swimming arrangements.

More Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises in Greece

Two quiet bays for swimming and snorkeling

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Two quiet bays for swimming and snorkeling

The main stops are two bays near Pserimos, where the catamaran anchors in clear turquoise water. Rather than rushing you ashore, the trip makes the water itself the focus. You can swim from the boat, use the provided snorkeling gear, or stay dry and enjoy the view from the deck.

The snorkeling equipment includes masks, goggles, and flippers. Life vests and swimming aids are also available, which is useful if you want to enter the water without committing to a long swim. The description promises marine life, but you should treat snorkeling conditions as weather dependent. The appeal here is simple: clear water, a boat-based swim, and time to enjoy it without a packed beach around you.

Each bay offers a different chance to use the day well. At one stop, you might spend most of your time in the water. At the other, you might prefer to float, sunbathe, listen to music, or take photographs of Pserimos and the surrounding sea.

There is no promise of a major snorkeling site or a guided underwater tour. That is worth keeping in mind. This is a relaxed swim cruise, not a specialist snorkeling expedition. If you want technical instruction or an extensive reef program, this will probably feel too light. If you want a pleasant swim with equipment already on board, it fits well.

A dolphin sighting has occurred on one outing, but that is a lucky extra, not part of the planned program. Keep your eyes on the sea, but do not book this trip expecting wildlife.

Lunch on the catamaran

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Lunch on the catamaran

After the water stops, the crew serves a traditional Greek lunch prepared on board. The meal is one of the strongest parts of the experience because it keeps the day tied to Greece rather than turning it into a generic boat picnic.

The food has been described in two ways: several people found it excellent, while one person considered it good but simple. Those opinions can both be true. You should expect satisfying Greek flavors and a freshly prepared meal, not an elaborate restaurant service with a long menu.

Lunch comes with drinks, including bottled water, soft drinks, white wine, and beer. Coffee and snacks are served earlier in the day. The drinks are included, but alcohol is limited to two glasses of wine and two beers per person under the boat’s safety rules. This is a modest allowance, not an open bar.

That limit suits the nature of the trip. You are swimming, moving around a boat, and spending hours in strong sun. Still, if unlimited drinks are central to your idea of a catamaran day, you should know exactly what is offered before paying.

The meal is served while you look out over the island and sea. This is one of those details that gives the lunch its value. You are not simply stopping at a restaurant and returning to a bus. The boat remains your dining room, swimming platform, and rest area all at once.

What the spacious boat feels like

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - What the spacious boat feels like

A catamaran gives you more room and stability than many small excursion boats. You can sit on deck, move around, and find a place to relax during the longer stretches between stops. Music is available on board, adding to the easy holiday mood.

The smaller group size also helps. One recent trip had around 14 people, though the exact number can vary. That is a more personal setup than a large day boat packed with passengers, and it gives the crew a better chance to help with equipment, drinks, and swimming aids.

Do not assume every seat will be soft. One important criticism was that the deck can feel hard, with not enough padded space at the front for everyone. Towels are not provided, so bring your own and use it as both a beach towel and a little extra padding.

The catamaran is described as being in good condition, but this is still an active boat day. You will climb around the deck, step into the water, and spend much of the day outside. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for people with visual impairments, children under 12, or people over 75.

Same water, a different way to get in it:

Is $212 a fair price?

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Is $212 a fair price?

At $212, this outing costs more than a basic Kos boat trip. The price includes the round-trip cruise, two swim stops, snorkeling equipment, coffee, snacks, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, white wine, beer, and the crew’s assistance. You are also paying for a catamaran and a smaller group rather than a simple point-to-point boat ride.

I think the value depends on how much you care about the boat itself. If you want seven hours on a spacious catamaran, a calm pace, included food, and a day built around swimming, the price can make sense. If you mainly want transportation to Pserimos or a short swim from a boat, it will feel expensive.

The value also depends on your expectations for lunch and drinks. The food is freshly made and Greek, but it is not presented as a luxury meal. The selection of drinks is limited, and the alcohol allowance is controlled. One person felt the cost was difficult to justify because there were no extras such as towels and not enough soft seating at the front.

I would compare this with the cost of booking a standard boat excursion plus buying lunch and drinks separately. Then ask yourself whether the extra money is worth the catamaran space and slower pace. For some people, that is the whole point of the day. For others, the two swimming stops will not feel like enough.

What to bring and what to leave behind

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack a hat, swimwear, beachwear, towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID card. A copy of your passport or ID is accepted. Bring your own towel because none is supplied.

Only non-oily sun protection products are allowed on board. This rule protects the deck and keeps the boat from becoming slippery, so apply oily products before boarding or use a suitable non-oily alternative.

Pets and nudity are not allowed. You should also send your full name, surname, nationality, ID or passport number, mobile phone number, and hotel in Kos at least two days before the cruise. This information is required for Port Authority paperwork and allows the crew to contact you if the trip is changed because of weather.

The boat can cancel or reschedule because of weather or because too few people book. That is normal for a sea excursion, but it matters if your Kos schedule is tight. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who will enjoy this day most?

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full, restful day on the water rather than a fast sightseeing schedule. It suits couples, friends, and adults who enjoy swimming, Greek food, music, and a relaxed social setting.

It is especially good for someone who wants snorkeling equipment handled for them. You do not need to rent fins or carry masks to the harbor. The crew provides the gear and swimming aids, so your job is mainly to get in the water and enjoy the bays.

It also works well for people who value atmosphere. The best parts are not a long list of sights. They are coffee after leaving Kos, a swim in clear water, lunch with a sea view, and time to stretch out on a catamaran.

I would hesitate if you dislike being on boats for long periods, need firm accessibility support, or expect a luxury yacht service. I would also hesitate if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The trip gives you a good chance to swim and explore the water, but it is not built around marine instruction.

Should you book the SAIL KOS catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want seven slow hours at sea, two swim stops, a friendly crew, and food and drinks included. The strongest reasons to go are the catamaran setting, the relaxed pace, the traditional lunch, and the chance to swim in two bays around Pserimos without arranging equipment yourself.

Skip it if $212 feels high for a day with simple food, limited drinks, and no included towel. You should also skip it if the age and mobility rules apply to anyone in your party.

For the right person, this is less about checking off Pserimos and more about making the boat the destination. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and expect a pleasant Greek sea day rather than a luxury cruise or an intense snorkeling trip.

FAQ

KOS: Catamaran Day Cruise – Swim, Snorkel, Food & Drinks! - FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet in Kos?

The crew meets you on board at Kos harbor, just to the right of the I ❤️ Kos sign when you face the sign.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Kos harbor yourself.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides morning coffee and snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, white wine, beer, and a traditional Greek lunch prepared on board.

Is alcohol unlimited?

No. Alcohol is limited to two glasses of wine and two beers per person under the boat’s safety rules.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, goggles, and flippers are provided. Life vests and swimming aids are also available.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own towel.

What identification do I need?

You need a passport or ID card, and a copy is accepted. At least two days before the cruise, you must provide your full name, surname, nationality, ID or passport number, mobile phone number, and hotel in Kos.

Who cannot take this cruise?

The cruise is not suitable for children under 12, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, or people over 75.

More like this

Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises, compared.

The full Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises list →
Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 4,761 reviews· from $44

Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

Read our review →
Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 4,362 reviews· from $57

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 2,859 reviews· from $47

Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

Read our review →
Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.1· 2,848 reviews· from $59

Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch

Read our review →
Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 2,822 reviews· from $117

Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar

Read our review →
Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,534 reviews· from $180

Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo

Read our review →
Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,479 reviews· from $107

Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

Read our review →
Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,402 reviews· from $63

Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Find your water

Pick a coastline, an animal or a kind of boat.