Kos: Pserimos Island Small Group Family Day Sailboat Cruise

Thinking about a day out at sea in the Greek Islands? This small-group family cruise from Kos to Pserimos offers a refreshing way to experience the beauty of the Dodecanese. It’s designed to be both fun and relaxed, perfect for families looking for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the scenery without the crowds.

What we really love about this experience is its personalized approach—a fully-cushioned 20-meter sailboat that comfortably fits only families, making it feel more like a day out with friends than a massive tour. Plus, offering local Greek food served on board and kids’ sailing tips from the captain adds an authentic touch.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this is a weather-dependent tour. If the skies turn grey or the sea gets choppy, your trip might be canceled or rescheduled. It’s also worth noting that babies and toddlers aren’t suited for this activity, which might matter for families with very young children.

This cruise suits families wanting a calm, scenic, and engaging day under the Greek sun with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and socializing.

Key Points

Intimate family experience with small groups on a fully cushioned sailboat
Secluded swimming spots accessible only by boat, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing
Authentic Greek lunch served onboard, with drinks included, adding local flavor
Kids can learn sailing tips from the captain, making it interactive and educational
Dolphin watching is possible but not guaranteed—wild animals don’t follow schedules
Weather can influence the trip, so flexibility may be needed
All-inclusive price covers food, drinks, gear, and fuel—great value for a full day at sea
Suitable for children aged 5 and above—not for babies or guests with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: Sailing from Kos to Pserimos

The adventure begins at Kos Harbor, with the boat awaiting on the right side of the iconic “I Love Kos” sign. Once onboard, you’re greeted with a welcome treat and a briefing—ideal for setting expectations and making everyone comfortable. The boat, a beautiful 20-meter fully-cushioned vessel, is impressive even before you set sail, offering a stable and comfortable platform to enjoy the day.

The crew, friendly and knowledgeable, will give instructions on safety and snorkeling, ensuring both kids and adults feel confident. The atmosphere is relaxed, with music and scenic views that make it feel more like a family gathering than a formal tour.

The First Stop: Snorkeling in Secluded Bays

Your first stop is for snorkeling, and the choice of bays is intentional. These spots are only accessible by boat, which means you’ll dodge the crowds found in busier beaches. We loved the way these quiet bays allow for an intimate connection with the crystal-clear waters and marine life.

One reviewer remarked, “We loved the gentle calm of the bay, perfect for kids to splash around and explore without any worries.” The snorkeling gear provided, along with adult masks, helps ensure everyone can see beneath the surface. For children, learning some basic tips from the captain adds a touch of adventure.

The Remote Pserimos Island

Next, the boat glides toward Pserimos Island, a tiny gem with fewer travelers and charming scenery. Here, everyone has the freedom to swim, jump off the boat, or simply relax on deck and soak in the views. The island’s tranquility is a highlight, offering a break from crowded beaches and a chance to discover quiet coves.

A common comment from families is how much kids enjoy jumping into the water and trying to spot fish, which the crew sometimes points out. The crew’s attentiveness makes the experience educational and safe.

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Lunch on Board: Authentic Greek Fare

Midday, it’s time for the local Greek lunch, served right on the boat. This is a genuine highlight, especially for those who appreciate good food when traveling. The crew prepares a Greek meal, with drinks included, which is appreciated for its convenience and authenticity.

The meal is described as “simple but delicious,” with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. Being served on deck with panoramic sea views makes it a memorable experience, and kids can enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of food and drinks makes this all-inclusive tour offer particularly good value, allowing families to focus on the fun without worrying about extra costs.

More Swimming and Exploration

After lunch, the boat anchors at another secluded bay for more swimming. This allows everyone to cool off and explore more marine life or just unwind in the natural beauty. The crew often encourages guests to take advantage of the calm waters—sailing conditions permitting.

The chance to socialize with other families and watch for dolphins (not guaranteed) keeps the day lively. The boat’s friendly atmosphere and the crew’s local knowledge help create a sense of discovery.

Returning to Kos

As the day winds down, the boat heads back to Kos Harbor. The return trip offers one last opportunity to admire the scenery, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat. Most reviews mention the stunning views and the relaxing rhythm of the cruise as highlights that linger long after the day ends.

Practical Details and Value

Itinerary Breakdown

The day starts with a warm welcome, followed by snorkeling at a bay, then heading to Pserimos Island for swimming and exploration. After a locally-made Greek lunch aboard, the boat moves to another quiet bay for more swimming, before returning to Kos. This balanced schedule ensures plenty of time for relaxing, playing, and enjoying nature.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With family-only groups, you get a more relaxed, personalized experience. The boat’s size and the small group setting mean fewer crowds and a chance for kids to socialize. The crew’s friendliness and attentiveness are often praised, making the entire experience feel like a day out with friends rather than a mass-tourist affair.

Cost and What’s Included

The price covers the entire day’s experience, including food, drinks, snorkeling gear, fuel, port fees, and taxes. This makes it excellent value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature of the trip. You won’t need to worry about extra charges or bringing your own gear unless you want to, as adult snorkeling equipment is provided.

What to Bring and Considerations

Travelers should pack sunglasses, hats, sunscreen (preferably reef-safe to protect the marine environment), towels, and some ID for children. Be aware that babies and toddlers aren’t suited for this cruise, and people with mobility issues might find it difficult.

The trip is weather-dependent, so if rain or strong winds appear, your day might be canceled or rescheduled. Flexibility is key; it’s a risk worth taking for the chance to experience a peaceful day at sea.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

Many reviews note the knowledgeable guides, who make the trip engaging by sharing insights about the islands and marine environment. The scenery, from the coastline to the open sea, is frequently described as stunning.

Travelers also appreciate the local flavor of the Greek lunch and the chance to see dolphins (though not guaranteed), hinting at the unpredictability and thrill of wildlife encounters in the wild.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Cruise?

This Pserimos Island small-group family sail offers a peaceful, scenic, and engaging day suited for families with children over five who want to explore the waters of Kos without the chaos of large tours. Its personalized atmosphere and authentic Greek touches—from the food to the crew’s local knowledge—make it a memorable experience.

If your family enjoys water activities, natural beauty, and relaxed social atmospheres, this cruise will be right up your alley. It’s especially appealing if you value small groups and want to avoid crowded beaches or tourist traps.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children, have mobility issues, or need guaranteed weather, you might want to explore more flexible or private options. Still, for those who can enjoy a day under the sun, this trip delivers a beautiful, authentic slice of Greek island life aboard a comfortable sailboat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can join, making it a family-friendly option. Not suitable for babies or very young toddlers.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a tailored cruise for families, a 20-meter fully-cushioned sailboat, swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays, a Greek lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear for adults, music, fuel, port fees, and taxes.

Can I see dolphins during the trip?
Dolphin watching is possible but not guaranteed, as dolphins are wild and free. The experience is more about enjoying the sea and scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, a towel, sunscreen (preferably reef-safe), and a passport or ID for children. No pets allowed, and avoid oil-based sunscreens to protect the marine environment.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, your booking might be canceled or rescheduled, so flexibility is advised.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or for guests who are physically impaired.

Do I need to reserve and pay upfront?
You can reserve now with the option to pay later. Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Sail Kos, located to the right of the “I Love Kos” sign, and returns there at the end of the day.

Choosing this cruise means opting for a peaceful, intimate, and genuinely scenic day on the waters of Kos—ideal for families eager to explore Greece’s natural beauty with comfort and a splash of local flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: