Red Rock is the bold opener here: a crimson rock formation rising beside clear South Aegean water. From there, the boat continues to the rough cliffs and quiet beaches of Koutsomiti, then gives you time to swim and relax at secluded Kounoupa. The scenery is the main event, with plenty of room for photos and sea time.

I like the simple, useful setup: snorkeling gear and beach equipment are included, and the meal covers both meat and vegetarian preferences. I also like that the Hi-Star Boat has restrooms, a shower, and space for up to 60 people, comforts that matter on a seven-hour outing.

The main thing to consider is the group size. With up to 60 passengers, this is not a private island-hopping trip. Non-swimmers should choose another outing, and drinks from the boat bar cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Red Rock comes first: Photograph the red cliffs and choose the optional cave exploration.
• Two major swim stops: Koutsomiti and Kounoupa offer time for swimming, snorkeling, and quiet beach breaks.
• Meal included: Choose from meat or vegetarian food, while drinks from the boat bar are extra.
• A full seven hours at sea: The schedule gives you time to enjoy the water rather than rush through several stops.
• Boat comforts are covered: The Hi-Star has restrooms, a shower, foam pool noodles, and snorkeling equipment.
• A well-liked crew: The highest praise centers on the friendly, professional staff and smooth organization.

Red Rock sets the tone

The first stop is Red Rock, a striking formation known for its deep red color and steep cliff shapes. It gives the day a strong visual start, especially if you enjoy photography. The contrast between the red stone and the bright sea is the sort of view that needs little decoration.

You can use this stop for photos, a look around, and optional cave exploration. The cave option adds a little adventure, but it also means you should bring sturdy confidence in the water and follow the crew’s directions. The available information does not promise a long land visit, so think of Red Rock as a scenic stop rather than a full walking excursion.

Bring your camera, but protect it from spray. A phone with a waterproof case is more useful than a camera you are afraid to take near the water. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear are also essential. There is little value in reaching a beautiful stop and spending the whole time worrying about sunburn or wet gear.

Koutsomiti brings cliffs and clear water

Next comes Koutsomiti, where rugged rock meets clean beach and transparent water. This is one of the main places to swim, snorkel, or simply float near the boat. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including mask, snorkel, and fins, so you do not need to pack a full kit.

The water is the reason to make this trip. You can look below the surface, enjoy the changing colors around the rocks, and use the foam pool noodles if you prefer a relaxed float. The tour is designed for people who want time in the sea, not for those who plan to remain on deck all day.

Still, be honest about your swimming ability. The trip is specifically not suitable for non-swimmers. Even with noodles and snorkeling gear, you need to be comfortable entering open water and following instructions around the boat and rocky shore.

Koutsomiti also gives you a sense of why a boat trip can show you more of Astypalaia than a road tour. The appeal is not a developed beach with rows of facilities. It is the access to coastal spots where the water and rock are the focus.

Kounoupa offers the longest pause

The final major stop is Kounoupa, described as a quiet place with secluded coves and turquoise water. Here you get time to swim, rest, and enjoy the calmer side of the day. After the color and cliffs of Red Rock and Koutsomiti, Kounoupa works as a slower final chapter.

This is where you should resist trying to do everything. You can snorkel again, use a noodle, take photos, or simply sit near the shore. Seven hours can feel long if you treat every stop as an activity checklist. It feels much better when you allow one stop to be mainly about floating and resting.

The beach meal is included in the price and offers meat and vegetarian options. That is a useful feature, since a full day on the water is easier when you do not need to arrange lunch yourself. The food is described as local cuisine served at a beach bar, giving the meal a more island-based setting than a packed lunch eaten on the boat.

Drinks at the boat bar are not included. Budget for those separately, or bring only what the operator permits. The supplied information confirms the bar drinks are extra, but does not specify drink prices or outside drink rules, so ask before departure if that affects your planning.

What the Hi-Star Boat means for your day

The Hi-Star is a 17-meter boat powered by two 480-horsepower GM engines. It can carry up to 60 passengers. The description also presents it as a compact, agile boat with a smooth ride, but the practical point is this: you are joining a sizeable shared outing rather than hiring a small private craft.

That group format helps keep the price at $58 per person. It also gives you a social setting and a professional crew, but you should expect shared boarding, shared facilities, and less control over the schedule than you would have on a private charter.

Onboard facilities are better than the bare minimum. You have restrooms, a shower, snorkeling gear, foam noodles, and a small safe speed boat arrangement noted among the inclusions. Fuel, taxes, and port fees are covered, so the advertised cost does not leave you sorting out the usual marine extras.

The boat has multilingual support in Greek and English, with French and Italian also available. The host or greeter is listed as speaking Greek, English, French, and Italian, while the broader language information also mentions some Italian and French. If you need detailed instructions in a particular language, confirm availability at booking.

The crew is a major part of the value

The strongest pattern in the available feedback is praise for the crew. People describe the staff as friendly, welcoming, professional, and helpful. One Italian participant called the day a beautiful outing through three attractive places with wonderful colors and clear water, and also noted that the trip did not feel tiring.

That last detail matters. Seven hours sounds like a long time in the sun, but the schedule includes several different kinds of stops: sightseeing at Red Rock, optional cave exploration, swimming at Koutsomiti, another swim at Kounoupa, and a meal. The variety can make the day feel less repetitive than a simple boat ride with one swim stop.

You should still plan for the physical demands. Heat, salt water, boat movement, and repeated swimming can wear you down. Use the shower, take breaks, drink enough, and do not feel obliged to swim at every stop. The most enjoyable version of this tour is not the one where you prove your stamina. It is the one where you pace yourself.

No individual guide names are supplied, so I would not expect to select a particular host. What you can expect is a multilingual crew and a team that has received especially strong praise for its manner and professionalism.

Is $58 a fair price?

At $58, this is a good-value full-day boat outing if you plan to use the included features. The fare covers seven hours, the boat ride, fuel, taxes, port fees, snorkeling equipment, foam noodles, the meal, and access to three coastal stops. Those inclusions add up quickly if you tried to arrange a similar day independently.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a complete day with lunch already handled. You are also paying for access to places that are reached by boat, not just transport between ordinary ports. Red Rock, Koutsomiti, and Kounoupa give the trip a clear reason to exist.

The price is less appealing if you dislike group outings or would rather spend most of the day on land. A boat carrying up to 60 people will not offer the privacy, flexibility, or quiet of a private charter. You also need to add money for bar drinks.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later reduce the risk when your plans are not settled. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want rather than assuming a fixed departure hour.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a scenic day away from Astypalaia’s roads and villages. It is especially suited to people who enjoy swimming, simple beach stops, photography, and a relaxed shared atmosphere.

Photographers have plenty to work with: red rock, steep cliffs, coves, sea color, and beach views. Snorkelers benefit from included equipment, though the supplied details do not promise a specific type of marine life or a guided wildlife session. Wildlife watching is listed as an opportunity, not a guaranteed sighting.

Vegetarians can join without arranging a separate meal, since vegetarian food is available. Babies under one year old are not accepted, and people over 135 kilograms, or 297 pounds, should not book this activity because of the stated restriction.

If you are uneasy in open water, this is the wrong choice. You might enjoy the scenery from the deck, but the tour’s main stops are built around swimming and water access.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack lightly, but bring the things that make a long day outside easier:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and sunscreen
• A camera or phone with water protection
• A towel, if the operator does not confirm that one is provided
• Extra money for bar drinks

The boat has a shower and restrooms, but the supplied details do not confirm towels, lockers, or storage arrangements. The meeting point is at the dock, where you should look for the vessel and a host with a stand nearby.

Arrive with enough time to find that stand and identify the boat. Since the vessel can carry up to 60 people, a calm start will help you avoid confusion at the dock. Ask the host about the day’s order, cave conditions, meal timing, and drink arrangements if any of those details matter to you.

A practical look at the seven-hour rhythm

The day begins with the boat ride to Red Rock and a chance to photograph the formation, with cave exploration available as an option. The boat then continues to Koutsomiti for a swim and snorkeling stop among cliffs and clear water.

The schedule moves on to Kounoupa, where you get another chance to swim and rest in a quieter cove setting. The included meal fits into the beach portion of the day, with meat and vegetarian choices available at a beach bar.

Exact stop lengths and departure times are not provided, so you should not build a tight evening plan around a precise return hour. A seven-hour duration gives you a useful guide, but weather, sea conditions, and boarding can affect the day’s pace.

Should you book the Koutsomiti, Kounoupa, and Red Rock tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced day on the water with three scenic stops, swimming, snorkeling gear, and lunch included. The crew’s friendly and professional service is one of the strongest reasons to choose it, and the red cliffs at Red Rock give the route a memorable visual start.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing trip, or an outing suited to non-swimmers. For everyone else, $58 is a sensible price for seven hours of Astypalaia’s coastal scenery, provided you are comfortable sharing the Hi-Star with a larger group and paying extra for drinks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts seven hours.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Red Rock, Koutsomiti, and Kounoupa.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes swim stops at Koutsomiti and Kounoupa.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, and fins are included.

Is the meal included in the price?

Yes. Food is included, with meat and vegetarian options available.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks purchased at the boat bar cost extra.

What languages are available?

The host and crew support Greek and English, with French and Italian also available.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.