Tolo's protected bay is dotted with three small islets — Romvi (Ρόμβη), Daskalio (Δασκαλιό) and Koronisi (Κορωνησί). A morning boat trip to swim off them is the single most asked-about activity at our reception, and one of the few experiences in the Peloponnese that no land-based alternative can match: the water around Romvi drops from one metre to ten in three strokes, the visibility regularly reaches 15 metres, and you have the islets effectively to yourselves outside July and August.
What the standard trip looks like
Wooden caïque-style boats leave Tolo harbour daily in summer between 10:00 and 11:00, returning around 16:00. The route stops at all three islets with two long swimming breaks. Most operators provide drinking water, a sun canopy and a ladder; lunch is not included, so either eat a big breakfast or buy a souvlaki from the kiosks on Aktis street before boarding.
The three islets, briefly
- Daskalio — the closest (1.5 km offshore), with the chapel of Panagia at its highest point and a small pebble beach on the western side. The whole islet is walkable in 15 minutes.
- Romvi — the largest and greenest (about 1.2 km²); a footpath leads to the ruins of an early Christian basilica and a fortified site from the Byzantine period.
- Koronisi — uninhabited, sharper rocks but the most dramatic underwater scenery; popular with snorkellers because of an underwater rock arch on the eastern side.
How to book (2026 prices)
Walk to the small kiosks along the seafront the afternoon before. Expect €15–20 per adult and €8–10 per child for the standard 5-hour trip. Boats only sail if 8+ passengers sign up, so high-season weekends are safer than midweek shoulder season. Our reception can phone ahead if you'd rather skip the walk.
Private alternatives
- Half-day sailing charter from Tolo marina — ~€350 for up to 8 people, skipper included, 4-hour cruise with one long swim stop.
- Self-drive aluminium boats (no licence required, 30 HP max) from €80/day at Tolo Marine — perfect for a slow swim circuit of the three islets at your own pace.
- Sunset cruise (17:30 departure, 2 hours, prosecco on board) — €35 per person, bookable through the hotel.
- Private speedboat transfer to the secluded Iria beaches — €120 one-way for up to 6 people.
What to bring
- Reef shoes — most islet shores are pebble or rock; sharper at Koronisi.
- Mask and snorkel — visibility is regularly 15 metres and you'll see octopus, sea bream and the occasional grouper.
- A dry bag for phones; the wooden boats are open and spray reaches the benches.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied 20 minutes before boarding — the captain will ask you not to reapply on board.
- Cash for tips — €5 per person at the end of the day is standard and appreciated.
Sea conditions and safety
Tolo Bay is rated as 'protected waters' by the Hellenic Coast Guard for almost all the summer season. North-easterly meltemi winds rarely exceed 4 Beaufort inside the bay. Operators monitor the Asini weather station and will refund or reschedule if conditions deteriorate. Children under 12 must wear life-jackets, provided free.
