It took quite a bit of searching to find this trip, not wanting to join the masses but equally not being able to afford our own charter!
Sail Kos offered a full day sailing, including lunch, drinks, a maximum of 10 other guests and stops for snorkeling and swimming.
The embarkation point was easy to find, situated very close to the 'I ️ Kos' sign. A friendly lady welcomed us aboard and told us to take a seat anywhere as well as helping ourselve to a coffee.
Once all guests were on board we spread out around the boat, on cushions with 'sitting on your towels 'and not sitting on the glass hatches' the only real rules!
Petra the hostess introduced herself and explained the layout of the boat and how to stay safe during our time on-board.
We soon set sail (under engine power due to low winds) quickly making our way out to sea passing between Turkey and the Greek islands.
Petra was chatty and we were conversing when we saw a pod of dolphins a few feet from us! The Captain circled round and we were able to observe the beautiful mammals over the period of a few minutes. Amazing!
We sailed to an island where the anchor was dropped and we were able to jump from the bow platform or, as most of us chose, to dramatically use the stern steps to slowly edge into the cool waters of the Aegean Sea !
Snorkels, masks and flippers were on hand for those that wanted them and we enjoyed the surroundings with only a couple of other smaller boats in the vicinity.
The Sailing boat then took us onto another island bay, passing an active Greek military base complete with a giant hand-painted flag on the rock face.
The waters were even bluer in this bay and partly owing to a small fish farm on the far side, attracted a lot of fish!
Time for swimming and snorkeling again, with the added fish, and maybe a false feeling that the water was warmer !
The Captain then announced lunch was served and the group snugly sat round a table near the bow.
Petra served mouska, Greek salad, stuffed vine leaves, ttatziki, bread, and spiced beans, along with a choice of wine, beer, water or iced tea.
The Captain took the lead in conversation topics and the group, with visitors from England, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy and Belgium found out our varying tastes of Movie stars and backgrounds back home.
More time then for a swim or chillax while the crew cleared away.
The boat then sailed back towards Kos harbour. The Captain managed to get a bit of sailing in before the winds dropped and we resorted back to the quiet engine instead. Most of the group sunbathed or slept for the return leg. We got back bang on time, and agreed it had been a lovely 7 hours at sea!
Petra worked hard to keep us refreshed and happy on the trip and the Captain was good humoured and kept us moving and safe!
If we had to think of anything that could be improved, a 3rd stop somewhere would have been great in the afternoon (possibly a shorter 2nd stop) and slightly more cushioned after lunch, and some more cushioned cushions for our numb bums by the end of the voyage!
Totally recommend this company for a relaxing, authentic sail boat experience where you are most definitely not crammed in like a sardine ! This amazing trip has been the highlight of our first trip to Kos. Thanks!