Kos: The Yellow Submarine 1:30 hour cruise Glasbottom Boat

Exploring Kos by water offers a fantastic way to see the island’s vibrant coastlines, and the Yellow Submarine cruise provides a lively, family-friendly twist on the usual boat trip. This 1.5-hour adventure features a distinctive glass-bottom vessel, a whimsical mermaid and diver performance, and plenty of chances to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on deck. It’s a tour designed to be fun, engaging, and visually captivating—perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to add a splash of magic to their day in Kos.

What we love most about this experience is the interactive element: watching the mermaid and diver perform, plus the opportunity to snap photos with them. The boat’s glass bottom allows you to gaze beneath the surface without getting wet—an excellent feature for those hesitant about snorkeling or just wanting a unique view of the seabed. One minor consideration is that the trip doesn’t include food or drinks, so you’ll want to bring your own or plan to purchase from the onboard bar.

This tour suits travelers seeking a lighthearted, family-friendly excursion with a mix of entertainment and opportunity for water activities. It’s also a good pick for those wanting a quick, memorable experience that captures the essence of Kos’s coastal beauty without a full-day commitment.

Key Points

• Unique Glass-Bottom Vessel: Offers an engaging view of the seabed without needing to snorkel.
• Whimsical Entertainment: Mermaid and diver performances surprise and delight guests of all ages.
• Multiple Stops: Includes a shipwreck exploration and a sandy coast for swimming and snorkeling.
• Flexible Scheduling: Tour runs for 1.5 hours with various start times to fit your day.
• Onboard Amenities: Fully equipped bar, toilet, and suitable for families.
• Authentic Experience: Popular among reviews for knowledgeable guides and great value.

An In-Depth Look at the Kos Yellow Submarine Experience

The Vessel and Setup

The Yellow Submarine itself is a charming, 20-meter-long boat with a distinctive yellow hue, making it easy to spot in Kos harbor. Its standout feature is the glass-bottom area underneath, giving passengers a peek into the underwater world—an impressive highlight for those who prefer visual over physical water activities or want a quick glimpse of the sea life beneath Kos.

The boat departs from the main port, specifically near the “I Love Kos” sign, opposite the entrance to the old town with white steps. This central location makes it accessible for most travelers staying nearby. The tour lasts approximately 90 to 100 minutes, making it a perfect short adventure if you’re tight on time but still want a meaningful experience.

The Highlights: Surprises and Water Fun

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the performance featuring a mermaid and a certified diver. As highlighted in reviews, guests find these moments especially charming, with kids and adults alike loving the playful interactions. It’s not just a visual stunt; the guides, whose names and expertise aren’t specifically mentioned, are praised for their friendliness and engagement.

The opportunity to swim and snorkel is well-organized. You’ll stop twice: once near a shipwreck and once at a sandy coast. These stops are ideal for those wanting to explore Kos’s underwater life up close. Guests can jump off the boat, adding a splash of adventure, or simply float and observe the marine environment through the snorkel gear provided.

The Shipwreck and Snorkeling

Guests rave about the chance to see a shipwreck close to the coast. This unique feature provides an interesting underwater feature for photography and exploration. Although snorkeling equipment isn’t explicitly included, the reviews imply that many guests enjoyed the water activities, which are part of the tour’s core offering.

The shallow waters near the wreck and sandy coast are suitable for beginners and families, making this experience accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The presence of a full bar on board adds to the relaxed atmosphere, letting you sip a drink while soaking in the views. However, food and towels are not provided, so plan accordingly.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Timing is flexible, with multiple start times available during the day—be sure to check availability ahead of booking. The tour does not include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to make your way to the port. Travelers should bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear to enjoy the water stops comfortably.

The group size tends to be manageable, and the English-speaking guides ensure clear communication and safety instructions. The tour is designed for a broad audience, making it an excellent option for families with children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a fun, short sea adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights

The reviews provide valuable insights into what makes this tour special. For instance, Dan describes it as “absolutely brilliant,” emphasizing the great staff and the overall beautiful trip suitable for families. Nikki Dunford mentions her kids’ delight, especially the diver and mermaid, underscoring the tour’s appeal to children.

Spela appreciated the performance and the value for money, highlighting that the cure is very nice—likely referring to the friendly guide and the good overall experience. These comments suggest that the guides and performers contribute significantly to the tour’s charm, making it memorable beyond just the boat ride itself.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price point, this experience offers great value for what it delivers: a fun, entertaining, and scenic trip with underwater glimpses, performances, and water activities. While it’s not a comprehensive dive or full-day excursion, the short duration makes it ideal for travelers who want a quick taste of Kos’s maritime charm. Plus, the photo opportunities with the mermaid and diver are a real bonus for families and kids.

The lack of included food or towels might be a downside if you’re expecting a luxurious experience, but for many, the focus on entertainment, stunning views, and water fun balances that out nicely.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for families with children, thanks to the playful performances and manageable duration. It also appeals to couples or solo travelers looking for a fun, light-hearted outing. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic experience with a splash of entertainment, this tour ticks those boxes well.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a full-day adventure or extensive underwater exploration. Also, those who prefer to be more independent in their planning may want to bring their own snacks or towels, as these are not included.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age to participate?
The tour is suitable for all ages, especially since there are water stops and entertainment designed to appeal to children and families.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t explicitly included, but the stops are set up for snorkeling, so bringing your own is advisable if you want to explore underwater more thoroughly.

Can I jump off the boat?
Yes, guests have the opportunity to jump off the boat during the stops, adding a bit of adventure and fun.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for details if needed.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear to enjoy the water stops comfortably and protect yourself from the sun.

Are drinks and food available on board?
Yes, there is a fully equipped bar for drinks. Food isn’t included, so consider bringing your own or planning to buy from the bar.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with starting times available at different points during the day.

Where does the tour start and end?
All trips start and end at the main port of Kos, near the “I Love Kos” sign, opposite the old town entrance.

Final Thoughts

The Yellow Submarine cruise on Kos offers a distinctive blend of entertainment, scenic views, and water enjoyment in a short, family-friendly format. Its glass-bottom design provides a peek into the underwater world, while the mermaid and diver performances add a whimsical touch that kids and adults will appreciate. The stops near a shipwreck and sandy coast give a genuine feel for Kos’s coastal beauty, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, jump, or relax.

While it doesn’t include food or towels, the value and entertainment level make it a worthwhile addition to your Kos itinerary, especially if you’re after a fun, memorable, and picture-worthy experience. The friendly guides and engaging performances contribute to a warm, inviting atmosphere, making this tour stand out as a delightful short adventure for families and water lovers alike.

In summary, if you’re looking for a lively, interactive boat ride that combines scenic views, underwater glimpses, and playful surprises, the Yellow Submarine is a fantastic choice. It’s best suited for those seeking a lighthearted, engaging activity that adds a splash of magic to a day on Kos.