Crystal water makes the day feel effortless. This Astypalea cruise stays small, with a 14-person limit on the 19-meter Merillo, and I love how snorkeling gear, towels, and showers are included so you can go from boat to swim without fuss.

The one drawback to plan for: the day is run on a schedule. You’ll get great time in the water, but it’s not long-beach lounging, and the crew may adjust the stop order if weather shifts.

Key highlights at a glance

• 14-person maximum on the Merillo (19-meter Ferretti yacht) for a calmer, more personal day at sea
• Snorkeling kit and towels included, plus showers to rinse off before heading back
• Open bar and food onboard, including a cold cuts and dried fruit platter
• Four swim-focused stops with short sails between coves
• Agia Kyriaki includes a hot meal: shrimp pasta and dessert
• Helpful captain and friendly crew, including the two Michael’s mentioned in feedback

Merillo Yacht Comfort and the Small-Group Advantage

This cruise is built around the idea that you should actually enjoy the sea, not fight for space on a huge boat. The Merillo is a 19-meter Ferretti yacht, and the cap is just 14 people. That small number matters more than you’d think. You’re not dodging bodies when you move to a shaded spot or when you grab a mask and fins.

On board, you’ll find canopies for shade, so you can cool down between swim stops instead of roasting in the sun. If you like a day that feels easy and friendly, this is the right vibe: people can talk, the crew can keep an eye on what you need, and you’re not stuck in a crowded line waiting for drinks.

11:00 Departure from Pera Gialos and How the Timing Really Works

The day runs from a late morning start. You meet at the port area (Pera Gialos) and set off at 11:00 AM. The total time is listed as about 6 hours, and the cruise returns you back to the meeting point at the end.

This timing is great if you don’t want an early-morning scramble across Astypalea. You also get a day format that’s simple: sail to a stop, swim for a set window, then move on. It’s not a slow sightseeing crawl. The focus is water time.

One more practical note: the experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you may be offered a different date or a refund. And if the crew needs to shuffle the order of stops for weather, you won’t necessarily get a heads-up before departure—so keep expectations flexible.

Kounoupa Double-Beach: Your First Swim Stop After a Short Sail

Your first swim spot is Kounoupa, reached after a smooth 45-minute sail. The highlight here is that Kounoupa is known for its double beach, which gives you options for where to relax once you’re anchored.

You’ll have about 60 minutes on Kounoupa. That’s enough time to do the two things most people come for: stretch out and swim in the crystal-clear emerald waters. There’s also a snack bar on the island where you can grab a refreshing cocktail if you want something special.

When you’re back on the Merillo, the crew serves a platter with cold cuts and dried fruits, plus your choice of beer, wine, soft drinks, or water. This is one of those “small details” that turns a standard boat trip into a proper sea day. It breaks up the afternoon energy before the next swim.

Tip: If you’re the type who likes to snorkel first thing, use your Kounoupa hour to get your footing with the kit. Then later stops feel more relaxed, not rushed.

Koutsomitis Beach: 40 Minutes of Turquoise Water

After Kounoupa, the cruise moves quickly—just about a 10-minute sail to Koutsomiti. Here you get around 40 minutes to swim.

Koutsomiti is all about the water. You’re in turquoise territory, and the snorkeling gear is there for you: masks, snorkels, and fins. There’s also an open bar experience during this segment, which makes the stop feel less like a quick chore and more like a real break.

One thing I like about this format is the “short-and-strong” nature of the time. You get multiple water moments without losing the whole day to just one beach.

Red Rock and the Nearby Cave: A Change of Scenery in 30 Minutes

Next comes Red Rock, about a 20-minute sail away. Your time here is 30 minutes—enough to swim, snorkel, or just hang out and enjoy the water and cliff views.

There’s an added adventure option: the crew can guide you into a nearby cave. If you’re comfortable with the idea of exploring a cave area, it’s a fun switch from open-water swimming. If you’d rather stay relaxed, you can simply remain on board and enjoy the scenery from there.

This stop is a good reminder of why small-group boat trips feel different. You’re not spending hours trying to find a spot that matches your energy level. You get a taste, then you move on while everything still feels fresh.

Agia Kyriaki: Two Hours to Swim, Snorkel, and Eat Well

Your final stop is Agia Kyriaki, reached after a 20-minute sail from Red Rock. This is the longer one: around two hours.

Agia Kyriaki has a natural channel that splits the island into two, so the setting feels more open and interesting than a simple single beach. It’s also quieter than the earlier stops in terms of pacing, because you’re not rushing from one action to the next.

During this time, you’ll have plenty of chances to swim or snorkel in the inviting waters. And while you’re enjoying the water, the crew prepares your main meal.

The meal is shrimp pasta followed by dessert. If you prefer vegetarian food, there is a vegetarian option available—just request it at booking.

If you care about having a meal that feels like part of the day (not an afterthought), this stop delivers. Eating with sea air and views beats any snack-and-go plan.

What You Get That Actually Saves You Time (and Money)

A lot of “boat day” experiences sound good on paper, but the details are where your day can get annoying—missing equipment, surprise charges, or food that doesn’t match the hype. This one is more straightforward.

You get:

• Snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, fins) so you don’t need to bring your own
• Beach towels provided
• Showers on board to rinse off after swimming
• Open bar during the day
• Food included, including the cold cuts/dried fruits platter and the main meal at Agia Kyriaki

That “no surprise fees” feel is part of the value. If you’ve ever done a tour where you end up spending extra on basics, you’ll appreciate how much is handled for you here.

One more small point: shade is built into the experience. Canopies mean you can recover between swim windows without constantly chasing sun.

Price and Value for a 6-Hour Sea Day

The price listed is $144.03 per person for roughly six hours. On its face, that’s not cheap—but when you break it down, it’s easier to see where the money goes.

You’re paying for:

• a small-group yacht day (max 14)
• multiple stop locations with water time
• snorkeling equipment, towels, and showers
• drinks via open bar
• a real onboard meal (shrimp pasta plus dessert)

So the value comes from the bundle. You’re not trying to assemble the day yourself (rent gear, arrange transport, then buy food and drinks separately). The cruise turns that planning load into a smooth schedule.

Also, the experience is commonly booked about 51 days in advance. That’s a clue to book earlier if you’re traveling in peak season or on a date with high demand.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• a sea day focused on swimming and snorkeling
• a small group atmosphere
• a day where drinks and basics are handled for you
• a meal included at the final stop

It also fits families with the right setup. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, assuming you’re comfortable with being on the water for the day.

Who might not love it? If you’re hoping for long, lazy beach time or a heavy history-and-architecture agenda, this isn’t that kind of tour. It’s a water-first experience with a set rhythm.

And if you’re very rigid about the order of swim spots, remember the stop order may shift with weather. You’ll still get the core highlights, but your exact flow might change.

Should You Book This Astypalea VIP Yachting Cruise?

If your idea of a perfect day in the Dodecanese is simple—great water, short sails, snorkeling gear ready, and a real meal at the end—then I think you should book it. The overall rating is 4.9, and the consistent message is clear: the water stops are breathtaking, and the crew keeps the day fun and comfortable.

I’d especially consider it if you’re traveling with friends or as a couple and you want the boat to feel special, not crowded. The mention of the captain being helpful and the crew being friendly, including the two Michael’s, lines up with the vibe the details suggest: personal service, not a factory process.

Just go in with the right mindset. This is a swim-focused day, not a long beach picnic. With that expectation, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 11:00 AM and it ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are on board?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers on the Merillo yacht.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The cruise provides snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins, plus beach towels.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have a platter of cold cuts and dried fruits onboard, plus an open bar with options such as beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. At the final stop, the crew prepares shrimp pasta and dessert.

Do you offer vegetarian options?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to request it at the time of booking.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellation, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; changes within 24 hours of the start time aren’t refunded.