An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory!

Small boat, big sea views. Dory offers a lively 150-minute trip from Kos to Pserimos, mixing a fast ride, a swimming stop, and a look through the boat’s thick glass bottom at an old shipwreck. At $29 per person, it is an easy way to add some time on the Aegean without committing to a full-day cruise.

I like the choice of two decks: you can sit below in the shade with a drink, or head upstairs for open sun and wide views. I also like that the Pserimos stop is not just a quick photo pause, since you get time to swim, snorkel, and possibly go ashore. The main drawback is that the glass-bottom viewing period can feel brief, and the underwater life may be modest.

Key things to know before boarding

• The trip leaves from Kos Port: You board in Kos Town and return to the same port after 150 minutes.
• Pserimos gets about 80 minutes: The main stop combines scenic views, swimming, snorkeling, and time near the shore.
• The shipwreck is the main viewing feature: Dory’s thick glass bottom gives you a look at an old wreck close to the coast.
• The ride can be lively: Wind against the boat may make the crossing rough, which some people enjoy and others may find uncomfortable.
• Drinks and snacks cost extra: The onboard bar sells refreshments, and cash is recommended.
• Pack for sun and water: Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

A quick ride across the Dodecanese sea

Dory is designed for speed rather than a slow, formal cruise. From Kos Port, the boat heads toward Pserimos, one of the smaller islands in the Dodecanese, with the sea and nearby islands providing the main scenery along the way.

The fast boat format matters because the total outing is only two and a half hours. You get a taste of island scenery and open water without giving up an entire day. If you have limited time in Kos, this is a practical way to add a boat trip to your schedule.

Speed also brings a tradeoff. Wind can make the crossing turbulent, especially when it blows toward the boat. Some people find the lively motion part of the fun, but if you are sensitive to movement, sit where you feel most comfortable and keep the horizon in view. The ride is not presented as a quiet sailing excursion.

The boat has two levels. The lower deck offers shade and a place to buy a drink, while the top deck gives you more sun and open views. On a hot Greek day, that choice is useful. You can start in the shade, then move upstairs once the boat is underway, or stay below if the sun becomes too strong.

What the glass bottom really adds

The glass-bottom feature is more than decoration, but you should keep your expectations sensible. The boat stops to show an old shipwreck lying close to the coast, and the wreck can be seen through the thick glass panels under Dory.

This is the trip’s most distinctive feature. You are not simply looking at blue water from the rail. You get a short guided viewing moment focused on what lies below the boat, with the chance to see fish and underwater details through the glass.

The viewing period may feel short. The focus is on one wreck and nearby sea life, not a long marine-life presentation. One account described the fish viewing as too brief, and another found little to see while snorkeling. I would treat the glass-bottom stop as a pleasant extra rather than the reason to book the entire outing.

Your experience can also depend on water conditions, light, and how many people are gathered around the viewing area. If seeing the wreck matters to you, pay attention when the crew signals the viewing time and move into position promptly. The best views may not last long.

Pserimos and the 80-minute island stop

Pserimos is the heart of the trip. The boat allows about 80 minutes for the stop, giving you time to look at the coast, swim, snorkel, and spend some time near land.

The strongest part of this stop is the swimming. The water is clear, and the bay provides a natural break from the speed of the crossing. Several people singled out the lagoon-style swimming stop as the best part of the day. That praise makes sense: after sitting on a moving boat, getting into the water gives the trip a welcome change of pace.

You can enter the water from Dory. A ladder is available, and one account also noted a waterslide for those who prefer a more playful entry. That detail can make the stop more appealing to families, though the trip still involves open water and a moving boat, so you should follow the crew’s instructions.

Snorkeling is included in the stop, but it may not deliver a major underwater show. Bring your mask if you have one and enjoy the water for what it is, but do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling trip. The available information does not promise equipment rental or a large reef area, and the underwater viewing may be limited.

You may also have time to go ashore. The stop is primarily described around swimming, sightseeing, and snorkeling, so the amount of time on land may vary. Think of Pserimos as a coastal pause rather than a full island tour. You will not be spending hours exploring inland.

A sunny boat day with a practical layout

The two-deck arrangement is one of Dory’s most useful features. The top deck is the place for sun, wind, and open views. It suits anyone who wants to feel the speed of the boat and watch the coastline as it slips past.

The shaded lower deck is better when the sun is intense. You can sit there with a purchased drink and still watch the sea through the glass-bottom area when the crew points out the wreck. This flexibility is especially helpful if your group has different ideas about sun exposure.

The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, and other beverages, but these are not part of the $29 fare. Bring cash, since that is specifically recommended. You should also bring your own water if you prefer to avoid extra purchases, though the boat’s bar gives you an option during the trip.

Pack lightly but do not forget the basics:

• Sunglasses and a hat for the bright sun
• Sunscreen for the exposed upper deck and swimming stop
• Swimwear and a towel
• Cash for drinks and snacks
• A secure place for small personal items

The boat trip is short, but sun, wind, salt water, and reflected glare can make the outing feel more intense than the clock suggests. A hat with a secure fit is more useful than a loose one on a fast boat.

Is $29 a fair price?

At $29 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day-style outing, especially if you want several elements in one trip. The fare covers the boat ride from Kos to Pserimos and back, the glass-bottom viewing, and the extended swimming stop.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a short boat trip and a beach outing. You are paying for transport across the water, views of two islands, a swimming break, and a distinctive look at a wreck. For a short coastal experience, that is a solid bundle.

The value is weaker if your main goal is snorkeling or marine wildlife. The fish viewing can be brief, and the snorkeling may show limited underwater life. A dedicated snorkeling trip would likely be a better match for that purpose, but no such comparison can be made from the available details.

The cost of drinks and snacks is extra, so add that to your personal budget. The trip becomes more economical if you bring your own water and buy nothing onboard. It is also useful that you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who will enjoy Dory most?

This boat trip fits several types of visitors:

• Families: The swimming stop, ladder, and reported waterslide give children more than a simple sightseeing ride.
• Short-stay visitors: The 150-minute schedule leaves most of the day free.
• Sun seekers: The upper deck provides plenty of exposure and open sea views.
• Casual swimmers: Pserimos offers a pleasant place to get into the water without requiring a full beach day.
• First-time Kos visitors: The trip introduces you to the nearby island setting with little planning.
• People who like speed: The fast crossing adds excitement, especially in windy conditions.

It may be less suitable if you want a peaceful sail, extensive snorkeling, or a long visit on Pserimos. It also may not suit anyone over 95, since that is listed as a restriction. People who dislike boat motion should take the potentially rough crossing seriously.

Timing and seasonal comfort

The water and air can feel different depending on the season. In mid-October, the sea may be a little cool, though still refreshing for a swim. If warm water is important to you, a summer departure is the safer choice.

Summer brings warmer swimming conditions, but the boat can also feel crowded. One July outing was described as very full, even though the overall trip remained enjoyable. Space matters on a small, active boat, especially when everyone gathers around the glass-bottom viewing area or prepares to swim.

September can offer a useful balance, but the exact feel depends on wind and the number of people booked. October may provide a cooler and quieter setting, yet the water may not feel as inviting for everyone.

Regardless of the month, the Greek sun is strong. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are not optional extras for most people. The lower deck gives you a way to take a break from the heat.

Languages and the onboard welcome

The host or greeter can provide service in English, German, Italian, and French. That makes the experience easier for a broad range of visitors, especially when the crew gives instructions for the swimming stop and signals the glass-bottom viewing.

No individual guide name is provided, so you should not expect a named specialist-led tour. The focus is the boat ride and the scenery rather than a long historical lecture about Kos or Pserimos.

That can be a plus if you prefer a relaxed outing. You get clear practical direction and time to enjoy the water without being tied to a heavily scripted program. If you want detailed archaeological or marine interpretation, this trip may feel light on explanation.

My final recommendation: book it for the water, not the fish

I would book Dory if you want a short, affordable boat outing with a lively crossing, a good swimming stop, and a brief look at a shipwreck. The Pserimos lagoon-style stop is the strongest reason to go, and the two-deck setup makes it easier to manage heat and sun.

I would not choose it as your main snorkeling trip. The glass-bottom viewing is interesting but short, and the amount of fish or underwater life may be limited. Think of the wreck as a bonus within a well-priced island boat ride.

Bring cash, arrive ready for sun and spray, and choose a warmer season if swimming comfort matters. For families, couples, and anyone with a spare morning or afternoon in Kos, Dory offers a lively taste of the nearby Dodecanese at a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at the Port of Kos and returns there after the outing.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is 150 minutes, or two and a half hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $29 per person.

Is Pserimos included?

Yes. The trip travels to Pserimos and includes sightseeing, scenic views, swimming, and snorkeling there.

How long do you spend at Pserimos?

The planned stop lasts about 80 minutes.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The Pserimos stop includes swimming, and you can enter the water from the boat using the ladder. A waterslide has also been noted as an option.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of the Pserimos stop. The trip information does not specify that snorkeling equipment is provided.

Can I see a shipwreck?

Yes. Dory has a glass bottom used to show an old shipwreck close to the coast.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks, snacks, and other beverages can be purchased from the onboard bar for an additional charge. Cash is recommended.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Bring cash if you want to buy drinks or snacks onboard.