Astypalaia: Daily Cruise to Koutsomiti, Kounoupa, Red Rock & more

Half-day at sea feels like a secret spa. This is a daily cruise in Astypalea where you get up to 14 guests on a 19-meter Ferretti yacht (the Merillo), plus all the right extras already handled like towels, showers, and snorkel gear. I especially like the steady rhythm of stops, you swim, relax, then eat and drink without scrambling for anything.

The one thing to keep in mind is weather. The cruise runs only in good conditions, and the order of stops can shift if conditions change, with no promise of advance notice before you depart.

Quick highlights to plan your day

• Small-group comfort (max 14) keeps the boat feeling calm instead of crowded
• Merillo yacht setup gives you shade, a comfortable ride, and easy time on the water
• Snorkeling gear provided so you are not hunting for rentals or second-guessing what you packed
• All-inclusive food and drinks from snacks and cold cuts to main meal and dessert
• Multiple swim chances at Kounoupa, Koutsomitis, Red Rock, and Agia Kyriaki

Meeting point and timing: what your day actually feels like

You start at 11:00 am from Pera Gialos in Astypalea. The meeting point is easy to find using the provided pin, G9X3+4C Astypalea, Greece, and the cruise returns you right back to the same spot.

That timing matters. A late-morning departure means you avoid the earliest rush, but you still get enough daylight to enjoy several swim stops. The total duration is around six hours, so you get a full sea day without losing an entire evening to logistics.

Also, this is offered in English, which makes the flow easier, especially when the crew explains options like snorkeling, relaxing aboard, or heading toward a cave near Red Rock.

The Merillo yacht experience: 14 people, real comfort, and shade

The boat is a 19-meter Ferretti yacht called the Merillo, and it is sized for a small group, max 14 guests. In practice, that means you can actually move around, find a comfortable spot, and keep conversations going without the constant shuffle you get on larger boats.

I like that the essentials are covered: beach towels, showers, and snorkeling equipment are provided. You are not making a “did I bring the right mask?” trip in your head. You also get time to use the yacht’s canopies for shade, which is a big deal under strong midday sun.

You should also expect hospitality to be part of the day, not an afterthought. The crew includes the captain and a friendly team (including the two Michaels), and they keep things relaxed, helpful, and fun. It’s the kind of service where you feel taken care of, but the day still feels like yours.

One practical note: this is not the sort of tour where every minute is packed with activities. The stops have built-in swim and relax time, so you can do your own pace.

Stop 1, Kounoupa: the double-beach island and a calm first swim

After boarding, you sail for about 45 minutes to your first stop: Kounoupa. This is a popular-feeling island because it has that double beach shape, and it sets the tone for the rest of the cruise.

You get 60 minutes there, which is enough time to settle in. You can relax on the beach, take in the crystal-clear water, and use the free snorkeling gear if you want to look around underwater. There’s also a snack bar onboard for a refreshing cocktail, which is a nice touch early in the day when you are still feeling energetic.

Once you return to the yacht, you get fed. The plan includes a platter of cold cuts and dried fruits, plus your choice of drinks like beer, wine, soft drinks, or water. That matters because it keeps you from having to think about food timing. You eat, then you head back out without that “hangry” gap that ruins some day trips.

Potential downside: Kounoupa is just the first stop, so if you are the type who wants to spend hours in one swimming area, you might wish you had more time. The upside is that you also get multiple other swim chances later.

Stop 2, Koutsomitis Beach: short sail, focused swim time, open bar

From Kounoupa, the next ride is quick, around 10 minutes. That short hop is a nice rhythm change. It keeps the day from feeling like nonstop travel, and it gets you into the next swim window while you still have momentum.

At Koutsomitis Beach you have about 40 minutes. The water there is described as mesmerizing turquoise, and the whole stop is designed for swimming and looking around. You’ll have snorkeling gear, so you can spend part of your time floating, and part of your time checking out what’s beneath the surface.

You also get an open bar during this stop. For me, this is where the cruise vibe clicks: you are not just sightseeing, you are actually living in the water for a bit, then coming up for a drink and a breather.

Consideration: 40 minutes can go fast if you are really enjoying the water. If you want to take photos, rest, and snorkel, pace yourself early so you still end the stop feeling relaxed, not rushed.

Stop 3, Red Rock: a quick sail, snorkeling options, and a cave visit

After Koutsomitis, you sail about 20 minutes to Red Rock. This stop is built for variety, because you get around 30 minutes total to snorkel, swim, or just hang out with a drink.

What I like here is that the experience offers options. If you feel adventurous, the crew will guide you into a nearby cave for a unique look. If you would rather stay aboard, you still get the benefit of being surrounded by stunning water and shoreline views.

Snorkeling is optional, so you can match it to your comfort level. The key thing is that the boat provides the gear, so your only decision is how long you want to spend exploring underwater.

Trade-off: since the stop is shorter, you have less “slow wandering” time on the cave visit. If you want that cave experience, show up ready to go when the crew cues you, so you do not lose precious minutes.

Stop 4, Agia Kyriaki: the long swim window plus shrimp pasta and dessert

Your final stop is Agia Kyriaki, about 20 minutes by sail from Red Rock. This island is split into two by a natural channel, which gives it that distinct shape from the water.

You spend the most time here, around two hours. That extra time makes Agia Kyriaki feel like the payoff stop. You can swim for as long as you want, snorkel if you feel like it, then relax and linger while the meal happens.

Food is a real highlight. The crew prepares a main course for you: shrimp pasta, followed by dessert. Eating fresh meals with a sea view changes the whole mood of the day. It feels like a proper day at sea, not just a tour with quick snacks.

If you do not eat shrimp, there is a vegetarian option available. You need to request it at booking, so add it early when you reserve.

One more practical point: two hours can be a lot if you plan to do a lot of swimming. I recommend mixing it up, spend time in the water, then give yourself a break in the shade, especially if the sun is strong.

Value and what makes the price feel fair

The price is about $144.03 per person for a roughly six-hour small-group cruise. On paper, that might look like a simple boat ride. In practice, you are paying for a lot of included pieces that usually cost extra on other tours.

Here is what is wrapped into the day:

• Snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, fins) and towels
• Drinks, including an open bar and beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
• Food at multiple points, from cold cuts and dried fruits to shrimp pasta and dessert

The biggest value is the all-in-one flow. You do not have to budget for drinks and meals at each stop, and you do not need to arrange rentals. You also benefit from the small group size, which can turn a busy sea day into a calmer one.

If your goal is “water time plus food plus no hassle,” this is the kind of tour that usually feels worth it.

How to pack and how to enjoy each stop

Because snorkeling gear is included, your personal packing list can stay simple. Still, bring what makes the day comfortable.

I suggest:

• Sunscreen and a hat, since you are in the sun between swim windows
• A swimsuit you can wear right away, since you will be back and forth from water
• Water shoes if you like them for rocky spots, though you might find beach entry varies by stop

Also think about your day strategy. If you are chasing the best water time, prioritize snorkeling at places that offer the most underwater viewing, like Koutsomitis and Red Rock. If you prefer lounging, Kounoupa and Agia Kyriaki give you more space to settle in.

If you get motion-sensitive, the day includes sailing between stops. You might want to keep hydrated and take shade breaks.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a strong match for couples, small groups, and solo travelers who want a calmer day on the water. The maximum of 14 guests helps you feel like you are part of a small crew, not just one number in a crowd.

It is also a good option for people who want a clear structure. You start at 11:00 am, you hit four swim and relax stops, and you eat onboard with no extra hunting.

Kids are welcome as long as they are with an adult. Most travelers can participate, but you still should be ready for swimming and boat time.

If you want a big cultural day with long walking tours and museum stops, this is not that. If you want sea time, snorkeling, and a meal that feels like a treat, this fits the bill.

Should you book this Astypalea daily cruise?

Book it if:

• You want a small-group yacht day with multiple swims
• You care about included snorkeling gear and towels
• You like the idea of drinks plus meals built into the schedule
• You want an easy plan in English with a crew that stays friendly and helpful

Skip it or consider other options if:

• Weather conditions are unpredictable for your dates, because the tour requires good weather
• You are the type who hates changes, since the order of stops can shift based on conditions

If you are already in Astypalea and you want one day that feels like it belongs to the sea, this cruise is a practical choice. It is a solid value for what you get, and it is the kind of day where the main goal is simply to enjoy the water, eat well, and let the crew handle the rest.

FAQ

What is the cruise duration?

It runs for about 6 hours, with the schedule built around several swim and relax stops.

How many people are on the boat?

The cruise has a maximum of 14 travelers, keeping the group small.

What time does the tour start?

The tour departs at 11:00 am.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Pera Gialos in Astypalea (meeting point pin: G9X3+4C Astypalea, Greece) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What snorkeling gear and amenities are included?

Towels, snorkeling equipment such as masks, snorkels, and fins are provided. Showers are also available.

Is there food and drinks included?

Yes. You get snacks like a platter of cold cuts and dried fruits, drinks throughout the day including an open bar, and a main meal at the final stop, shrimp pasta plus dessert.

Is there a vegetarian option?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise at booking if you require it.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.