From Kos Port, this pirate-style cruise takes you out for a full day of island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, and sea views. You visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, with lunch cooked on board and the chance of spotting dolphins along the way.

I like the easy all-in-one plan and the lively crew, with staff such as Spiros helping create the friendly mood. I also like the food choice: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian barbecue meals are included. The main drawback is time. Three islands in about seven and a half hours means the stops can feel rushed, and Plati may be more of an anchorage and swim stop than a proper island visit.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: See Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati without arranging separate boats or ferries.
• A boat with personality: The pirate theme gives the day a festive feel, with music, dancing, and an enthusiastic crew.
• Swimming and snorkeling: The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and the clear water is a major part of the outing.
• Barbecue included: Choose from meat, fish, vegan, or vegetarian options cooked outside on the boat.
• Plan for a long day at sea: Sailing takes up a good part of the seven-and-a-half-hour schedule, leaving limited time ashore.
• Good value at $34.76: The price includes lunch and three island stops, though drinks and alcohol cost extra.

A pirate ship departure from Kos Port

The day begins at 9:45 am at Kos Port, Kos 853 00. You return to the same meeting point at the end, so there is no need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from another harbor.

The boat is the main attraction before the islands even appear. Its pirate styling gives the trip a playful identity, and the upper deck is the place to aim for if you want wide views and a more open-air ride. One useful tip is to arrive early. Getting to the port around 9:10 am has helped some passengers secure a good upstairs seat.

The vessel can hold up to 200 people, so this is not a small, quiet sailing trip. You should expect a proper day boat with plenty of company, music, food service, and movement between decks. That suits families, couples, and groups looking for fun at sea. It is less suitable if you want a calm boat ride with long, quiet stretches on an empty beach.

Departure timing may not always be exact. The boat can collect additional passengers after the stated start time, and a late departure can squeeze the stops later in the day. If you have a firm evening plan in Kos, leave plenty of room after the advertised return.

Kalymnos brings the first island stop

Kalymnos is usually the first major island experience on the route. The island is well known for its sea setting and traditional Greek character, but this cruise does not give you a full day to explore it. The schedule focuses on getting into the water, taking in the views, and enjoying a short stop rather than a detailed island tour.

The first swim can be one of the best parts of the day. The water is described as clear, and the boat carries snorkeling equipment for you to use. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something to protect your phone from splashes. You may spend only about 30 minutes in the water, so have your swimming gear ready before the boat anchors.

This is where the schedule becomes important. Boarding a boat, finding your equipment, climbing down to the water, swimming, and getting dry all take time. If you want a long beach session, the stop will feel short. If you see it as a refreshing swim between longer sailing sections, it works much better.

The sea passage also gives you a chance to watch for dolphins. There is no guarantee they will appear, but keeping your eyes on the water adds a little excitement to the journey between islands.

Pserimos offers a short walk and harbor stop

Pserimos is the more traditional stop for getting off the boat and looking around. You can walk near the harbor, take photographs, and enjoy the small-island setting before returning to the ship.

The stop can also include a short train ride around the island. This may appeal to families or anyone who wants to stay seated in the heat, but it is not a major sightseeing tour. The ride has a commercial element, including a stop connected with sponge sales, so do not book this cruise expecting a long, independent exploration of Pserimos.

The heat matters here. The island stops are exposed, and a hat, water, and sunscreen will make the day easier. You may prefer to use the time for a quick walk and a swim rather than trying to see every corner.

Pserimos is also where delays can become more noticeable. If people take longer to return to the boat, the later schedule can feel compressed. Keep an eye on the announced boarding time and do not wander far from the harbor.

Plati is mainly about the water

Plati, also spelled Plati or referred to as Plato in some descriptions, is the third island on the route. This part of the day is best understood as a sea stop rather than a long island visit.

The boat may anchor near Plati, allowing you to swim, snorkel, relax on deck, and look across the water. You may not spend much time walking ashore, and some departures may not include a conventional landing at all. That distinction is important. If your main goal is to collect three island walks, this cruise may disappoint. If you want three different settings for swimming and photographs, Plati adds variety.

The water activities are simple and self-directed. You can swim from the boat or use the available snorkeling equipment to look for marine life. There is no promise of a particular fish sighting or dolphin encounter, so think of the wildlife as a welcome possibility rather than a scheduled part of the program.

Greek barbecue is part of the ticket

Lunch is included, which makes the $34.76 price easier to judge. A full day on a boat can become expensive once you add a meal, and having food served on board saves you from packing a large lunch or searching for a restaurant during the short island stops.

The menu includes five choices:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Vegan
• Vegetarian

The food is barbecued outside on the boat and is intended to be made in a Greek style. Several meals are described as tasty and satisfying, while other feedback points to meat that can be hard or cooked twice and side dishes that do not always feel especially Greek. I would treat lunch as a useful included meal rather than a reason to expect a top restaurant experience.

Drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks cost extra, and prices can vary by sailing. Some departures have offered inexpensive cocktail promotions, but that should not be assumed when you book. If you plan to buy drinks, bring a payment method and remember that the total cost can rise beyond the advertised fare.

The barbecue also adds to the social feel of the cruise. You eat on board, surrounded by sea views, rather than stopping at a formal taverna. That is practical on a tight schedule, though it means meal service may feel busy when many people are eating at once.

Music, dancing, and the right atmosphere

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Staff members are described as friendly, helpful, and energetic, with Spiros singled out for making a positive impression. The atmosphere can include dancing, party music, and crew members joining in the fun.

Families with children and teenagers tend to get the most from this style of outing. The pirate ship, swimming stops, music, and informal meal keep the day moving. Couples who enjoy a social boat trip should also find plenty to like.

The same atmosphere is not right for everyone. Music can be loud enough to cause discomfort, especially if you sit close to the speakers or prefer a peaceful day. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, but you may also want earplugs if you are sensitive to noise. The boat offers a party mood, not a silent cruise through the Dodecanese.

What the $34.76 price really covers

At $34.76 per person, this is a strong value if you want to combine transport, swimming, lunch, and island views in one day. You would otherwise need to arrange your own boat outing and pay separately for food. The included snorkeling equipment is another useful saving.

The price is less compelling if your priority is time ashore. You are paying for the whole sea experience, not three leisurely island visits. Much of the day is spent sailing between stops, and the schedule may allow only brief swims or walks.

A good comparison is to ask yourself what you would rather buy: three short tastes of nearby islands, or one island with several hours to explore. This cruise favors variety, convenience, and atmosphere. It does not favor depth.

The group size can reach 200 people, so the low fare comes with a busy public-boat setting. Finding a good seat, getting food, and entering the water may take patience. Arrive early if you care about an upper-deck position, and listen carefully for instructions when it is time to return aboard.

Accessibility and practical details

The boat is described as accessible for people with special needs, with special services and toilet facilities available. Still, the exact level of assistance is not explained, so you should confirm your personal requirements with Barco de Pirata Cruises before booking.

Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transportation. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book.

This is a weather-dependent cruise. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason comes with the choice of another date or activity, or a refund.

For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A simple way to see several islands from Kos
• A social, music-filled day on the water
• Swimming and snorkeling without arranging equipment
• A family-friendly activity with plenty of variety
• An inexpensive day that includes lunch
• A pirate theme that feels more fun than a standard ferry ride

I would think twice if you want:

• Long stretches on quiet beaches
• Detailed guided sightseeing on each island
• A small boat with personal service
• A reliable, peaceful schedule
• A gourmet lunch
• Plenty of time for shopping or walking ashore

The cruise works best when you set the right expectation. You are not taking three separate island tours. You are taking one lively boat day with three brief island encounters, two or more chances to swim, a barbecue, and a lot of time looking out over the Aegean.

Should you book Barco De Pirata?

Book it if you have one day in Kos and want an easy, good-value taste of Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. The crew, pirate ship, included lunch, and swim stops give the outing plenty of appeal, especially for families and anyone who likes a little music with their sea views.

Skip it if your dream is slow island travel. The stops can be short, Plati may be an anchorage rather than a walk ashore, and loud music is possible. Arrive early for a better seat, pack for swimming, keep your expectations focused on fun at sea, and you will make a more informed choice.

FAQ

Where does the Barco De Pirata cruise start?

The cruise starts at Kos Port, Kos 853 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:45 am.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Kos Port.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, also referred to as Plato in the tour information.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian barbecue meals.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a different date or a full refund.