REVIEW · GREECE

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory!

★ 4.0 · 18 reviews 2h 30m From $29 Operated by Pulia Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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The best part of this 150-minute boat trip is the old shipwreck near Pserimos. Dory slows so you can gather around the thick glass bottom and look down into the sea, turning a quick island cruise into a small underwater viewing experience. You also get a proper swim stop, not just a rushed photo pause.

I like the choice between the shaded lower deck and the sunny top deck, and I like that the boat has a ladder and slide for getting into the water. The $29 price is fair for a short sea outing that includes the boat ride, island scenery, wreck viewing, and swimming.

The main caution is that this is a speedboat, so the ride can be lively in a headwind. Snorkeling may also feel modest, with limited fish in some conditions, and the wreck viewing itself is brief.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Key Points to Know Before You Go

  • The shipwreck is the unusual feature: Dory’s glass hull gives you a clear look at an old wreck close to Pserimos.
  • Pserimos gets the main stop: You have about 80 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, views, and possibly time on shore.
  • Two decks suit different moods: Sit below in shade or move upstairs for full sun.
  • The ride can be bumpy: Wind against the boat may make the outward journey fast and rough.
  • Bring cash for the bar: Drinks, snacks, and other beverages cost extra onboard.
  • Families have useful options: A ladder and slide make entering the water easier than using a boat ladder alone.

From Kos Port to the Open Aegean

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - From Kos Port to the Open Aegean

Your trip begins at the Port of Kos, with Dory carrying you away from the island for a short tour of the nearby sea. The boat is designed for speed rather than a slow sailing feel, so expect a brisk ride and plenty of wind once you leave the harbor.

That speed is useful. In only two and a half hours, you get a boat outing, island scenery, an underwater viewing stop, and time in the water. It also means the ride can feel active. A headwind made one recent journey notably turbulent, though that can be part of the fun if you enjoy a lively run across the water.

I would choose a seat according to the conditions and your tolerance for sun. The upper deck gives you the clearest open-air views and a strong dose of Greek sunshine. The lower deck provides shade and lets you sit with a drink while watching the sea through the boat’s glass section.

The activity is offered with hosts or greeters who speak English, German, Italian, and French. That language range is helpful at the meeting point and during basic instructions, especially when the boat is preparing for the swim stop.

A few more speedboat trips around Greece worth a look

Dory’s Two Decks and Glass Hull

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Dory’s Two Decks and Glass Hull

Dory’s layout gives this trip more flexibility than a basic open boat. You can spend part of the ride upstairs in the sun, then move below when you want shade. This matters on a bright Greek day, since the top deck may be pleasant at first but tiring if you stay there for the whole crossing.

The glass bottom is the reason to choose this boat over a standard transfer. It is not an aquarium, and you should not expect nonstop sea life. The underwater views depend on the light, water clarity, and where the boat stops. Still, the glass section provides a clear look at the old wreck, which is the strongest sightseeing moment of the outing.

The viewing session is short. You will be asked to gather around the glass bottom at the right moment, so pay attention to the crew rather than staying on the top deck. If you want the best chance of seeing the wreck, be ready to move when the signal is given.

The boat also has a bar. You can buy drinks, snacks, and other beverages onboard, but they are not included in the $29 fare. Bring cash, since the practical information for this trip specifically advises you to do so.

The 80-Minute Stop at Pserimos

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - The 80-Minute Stop at Pserimos

Pserimos is the main event, and the stop lasts about 80 minutes. That is enough time to enjoy the water without turning the day into a full island excursion. You can swim, snorkel, take photos, and enjoy the views around the bay.

The swimming stop receives the strongest praise from the available feedback. The bay can be a refreshing place to get off the boat and cool down, and the water is described as clear. A family with a four-year-old child found the outing easy to enjoy, with the option to enter by ladder or use the boat’s slide.

The slide is a nice touch for children and anyone who prefers a playful entrance. The ladder is better for a careful, steady exit from the water. You will need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is no reason to arrive dressed for a long beach day, since the boat itself is your base.

Some accounts describe time to go ashore at the lagoon, while the main activity details focus on swimming and snorkeling. Treat the stop first as a water break, with shore time depending on the way the visit is operated that day. The important point is that Pserimos gives you a real pause from the boat, rather than only a view from the rail.

The bay may be crowded during the busy summer months. One July outing found the boat very full, even though the swim remained the highlight. If you prefer more room around you, consider the shoulder season, keeping in mind that the sea can be cooler in October.

Snorkeling, Fish, and What You Will Actually See

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Snorkeling, Fish, and What You Will Actually See

You should bring snorkeling gear if you enjoy looking below the surface, but keep your expectations sensible. The stop offers the chance to snorkel, yet the underwater life may be limited. Some conditions provide little fish activity, and one account found the fish watching too brief.

This is not a dedicated marine-life tour. Its appeal comes from the mix of a fast boat ride, a wreck viewed through glass, and a swim in a pleasant bay. If your main goal is coral, abundant fish, or a long guided snorkeling session, this is probably not the right choice.

For a casual look below the water, the setup works well. You can make your own short swim, then return to the boat without spending hours in the sea. The clear water and warm weather do much of the work, even if the snorkeling itself is not spectacular.

The wreck is more reliable as a viewing feature than the fish. Dory’s thick glass bottom lets you see it from above, close to the coast. The sight may last only a short time, but it gives the trip a clear purpose beyond sunbathing.

How the Weather Changes the Experience

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - How the Weather Changes the Experience

This trip depends on the sea. In calm conditions, the fast ride should feel smooth and the open decks will be pleasant. With wind against the boat, the crossing can become rougher and more exciting.

That is worth considering if you are prone to seasickness or dislike a bouncing ride. The trip is not long, but the boat is built to move quickly, not to offer a slow, gentle cruise. Sit in the shaded lower area if you want a little more shelter, and keep your belongings secure.

Water temperature also changes with the season. An October outing found the sea a little cool but refreshing. That timing offers a quieter seasonal feel, but you may not want to stay in the water for as long as you would in July or August.

The supplied information does not give a precise weather policy, so check the forecast and availability when choosing your date. The experience is at its best when the sea is calm enough for comfortable swimming and good visibility through the glass.

Is $29 Good Value?

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Is $29 Good Value?

At $29 per person, Dory offers solid value for a short excursion from Kos. The fare covers the boat trip, the crossing to Pserimos, the swim stop, the wreck viewing, and the return to Kos Port. You do not need to pay separately for the core activity.

You should budget extra for drinks and snacks from the onboard bar. That is a minor addition if you bring your own water, but cash is still useful for purchases. The practical supplies are simple: hat, sunglasses, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

The value depends on what you want from a boat trip. If you want a full day on Pserimos, extensive snorkeling, or a quiet sailing cruise, the short duration may leave you wanting more. If you want a compact sea outing that fits easily into a Kos holiday, the price is attractive.

The tour also works well for families who want several small activities in one package. Children can enjoy the speed, the slide, and the chance to swim, while adults get the wreck viewing and island scenery. The stated age restriction excludes people over 95, but no other age limit is given.

Who Will Enjoy Dory Most

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Who Will Enjoy Dory Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want an easy half-day activity from Kos and like variety. You get movement, sun, a short underwater sight, a swim, and time around Pserimos without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is especially suitable for:

  • Families who appreciate a slide and two ways to enter the water
  • Couples looking for a short sea trip with scenic views
  • Visitors who want to see Pserimos without arranging separate transport
  • People who enjoy speedboats and do not mind some motion
  • Budget-conscious visitors who want more than a basic harbor cruise

I would hesitate if your priority is a quiet, slow ride or serious snorkeling. The fish viewing may be limited, and the glass-bottom stop is brief. You should also think twice if you dislike direct sun, since the top deck is exposed and the lower deck may fill during busy departures.

The overall rating of 4 from 18 recorded ratings fits the experience well. It has clear strengths, particularly the lagoon swim and the wreck, but it is not a perfect match for every sea-day preference.

Practical Tips for a Better Trip

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Practical Tips for a Better Trip

Arrive ready to board in swimwear or clothing that dries quickly. A towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, not optional extras on a sunny boat with an exposed upper deck.

Keep your cash handy for the bar. Drinks and snacks are not included, and the onboard selection is described as suitable for a quick refreshment stop. You may also want a small bag that stays secure while you swim.

When the crew signals the wreck viewing, go to the glass bottom promptly. The viewing period is short, and staying upstairs may mean missing the best underwater sight of the trip.

For families, decide in advance who wants the slide and who prefers the ladder. The slide adds fun, while the ladder offers a more controlled entry. Watch children closely around the boat and water.

If you are choosing between summer and October, think about your priorities. Summer brings warmer water but can mean a fuller boat. October may feel less crowded, but the sea can be cooler.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should You Book This Kos Boat Trip?

An Aegean Sea Adventure on Glass-Bottom Speedboat Dory! - Should You Book This Kos Boat Trip?

Book Dory if you want a reasonably priced, short adventure with a real swimming stop and one unusual feature: an old shipwreck viewed through the glass hull. The 80 minutes at Pserimos gives the trip enough time to feel worthwhile, and the upper and lower decks let you manage sun and shade.

Skip it if you are seeking a dedicated snorkeling expedition, abundant fish, or a quiet sailing experience. The ride can be rough in a headwind, the underwater viewing is brief, and summer departures may feel crowded.

For most visitors with a spare 150 minutes in Kos, I think the balance is good. Bring cash, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the snorkeling as a bonus rather than the main attraction. The swim and shipwreck are the reasons to go.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The trip starts at the Port of Kos.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts 150 minutes, or two and a half hours.

How long is the stop at Pserimos?

The Pserimos stop lasts about 80 minutes.

What can I do at Pserimos?

You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, scenic views, and the chance to spend time near the lagoon or shore.

Is the boat trip included in the price?

Yes. The boat trip is included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Drinks, snacks, and other beverages can be purchased onboard for an additional charge.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Cash is also recommended for purchases at the onboard bar.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English, German, Italian, and French.

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