3 Island Cruise to Nisyros, St. Antonios & Yali

Discover the 3 Island Cruise to Nisyros, St. Antonios & Yali from Kos

This 8-hour cruise offers the chance to explore three distinctive Greek islands for just $42.14 per person. Departing from Kardamena port, the tour takes you to Nisyros, St. Antonios, and Yali, providing a mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and unique swimming opportunities. The cruise includes a Greek BBQ lunch and all the necessary boat tickets, making it a convenient and affordable way to see some of the Dodecanese islands in a single day.

While the rating of 3.5 out of 5 suggests that the experience has its strengths and some limitations, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, and bookers tend to plan about 10 days in advance for better availability.

Key Points

• Visit three islands in one day: Nisyros, St. Antonios, and Yali
• Includes a traditional Greek BBQ lunch with vegetarian options available
• Affordable price at $42.14 per person
• 8-hour tour starting at 10:00 am from Kardamena port
• Stops are short but impactful, with free access to most sites
• Limited to a maximum of 320 travelers, ensuring comfortable group sizes

Starting Point at Kardamena Port

The cruise begins at Kardamena port, with departure scheduled at 10:00 am. This port is easy to find and well-equipped for a smooth boarding process. The boat used for the cruise is described as clean and well-kept, with a friendly crew that makes for a pleasant journey. The tour duration allows plenty of time to enjoy each stop while maintaining a relaxed pace.

Exploring St. Antonios Island: The First Stop

Within the first hour, the boat arrives at St. Antonios, an uninhabited island renowned for its peaceful natural setting. Here, visitors can visit the small church of St. Antonios and take in the island’s untouched landscape. The island is considered a natural paradise, and the 45-minute stop offers a great chance to relax and enjoy the views.

Most visitors appreciate the free access to the island and the opportunity to explore its unspoiled environment. Since the island is uninhabited, amenities are limited, so bringing essentials for comfort is advisable. The stop is particularly ideal for those seeking quiet scenic moments away from busy tourist spots.

Nisyros: The Main Destination with a Greek BBQ

Arriving around noon, the boat reaches Nisyros, famous for its volcanic landscape. Upon disembarking, visitors find themselves in Mandraki, a charming town known for its whitewashed buildings and narrow streets. The highlight here is the Greek BBQ lunch prepared on board, featuring pork Souvlaki, salad, and bread. Vegetarian options are available upon request, catering to different dietary preferences.

Most travelers spend around four hours on Nisyros, which allows ample time to explore the town, admire the volcanic scenery, or simply relax. The volcano on the island is a notable feature, and some tours offer the chance to visit the crater (though this specific tour does not include the volcano visit). The admission fees for local sites are not included, so visitors who want to explore further may consider additional expenses.

Yali Island: A Volcanic Swim Stop

The cruise’s third stop is Yali, a small volcanic island with only 21 inhabitants. Known for its striking volcanic views, Yali offers a 45-minute window for sightseeing and swimming. Its volcanic nature creates a unique setting for swimming in the sea, with many choosing to take a dip directly from the boat.

Most find the free access to Yali’s scenic vistas and waters a highlight of the day. The island’s small size and volcanic terrain make it a distinctive stop—perfect for those wanting a quick, memorable experience of Greece’s volcanic islands without the crowds.

Return to Kardamena Port

The tour wraps up with a 50-minute return trip to Kardamena port, arriving around 5:30 pm. This allows travelers time to reflect on the day’s adventures and enjoy the scenic views during the journey back. The group size is capped at 320 travelers, maintaining a comfortable and manageable atmosphere.

Included in the Tour

The cruise package covers boat tickets to the three islands, a Greek BBQ lunch, all fees and taxes, and liability insurance for participants. The lunch features pork Souvlaki, salad, and bread, with vegetarian options available on request. Most stops are free to access, making this a good value for the price.

What’s Not Included

Additional expenses include coffee or tea, which are not part of the meal, and transfer to the volcano—a service that costs €8 per person. Visitors interested in visiting Nisyros volcano or other local sites may wish to budget for these extras.

Logistics and Booking Details

The tour takes place from Nisyros Island & Volcano Tours at Kardamena port. Confirmations are provided at the time of booking, and most travelers book about 10 days in advance. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, since some exploring involves walking and short hikes, but no strenuous activity is required.

What Reviewers Appreciate

Review feedback highlights the cleanliness of the boat and the friendly, helpful crew. The stops at Nisyros and St. Antonios are especially praised. A notable positive is the beautiful location for swimming at the last stop, which many find adds a memorable touch to the day.

Limitations to Consider

The rating of 3.5/5 indicates some may find the stops brief or the itinerary somewhat limited for those wanting a deeper exploration or volcano visit. The admission fees for local sites are not included, and the volcano visit is an optional extra, not part of this specific tour.

Final Thoughts on the 3 Island Cruise

This cruise offers an affordable, scenic way to see three Greek islands in one day. It balances relaxation, sightseeing, and good value, especially with included lunch and most stops free to access. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, or those wanting a quick taste of the Dodecanese.

While it may not satisfy those seeking full-day hikes or island exploration with extensive site visits, it provides a well-paced, comfortable outing with stunning views and a charming boat experience. For travelers wanting an easy, picturesque cruise around Kos’s nearby islands, this tour remains a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and the boat’s environment is family-friendly. The last swimming stop is enjoyed by many, though some young children might need supervision.

Does the tour include a volcano visit?
No, the volcano visit is not included in this tour but can be arranged separately for an additional €8 per person.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and essentials for swimming are recommended. Bringing some cash is useful for optional extras or souvenirs.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request for the BBQ lunch.

How long do stops last?
Most stops are around 45 minutes to 4 hours, with the main time spent on Nisyros.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as clean and well kept, with friendly crew members.

Can I explore Nisyros volcano?
This specific tour does not include a volcano visit, but the island itself offers volcanic scenery to enjoy.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 320 travelers, ensuring a relaxed group experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are made through Nisyros Island & Volcano Tours, with online booking available and confirmation provided immediately at purchase.