Fasten your life jacket. This pirate ship turns a sea day into a mini party.

I like the format: three islands (Pserimos, Kalymnos, Plati) without the stress of renting a car or stitching together ferries. I also really enjoy the mix of “see a bit” plus “do a lot,” especially the last stop with the waterslide and jumping off the boat. One thing to keep in mind is the vibe runs louder and more energetic than a quiet sightseeing cruise, so it may not suit if you want hushed, low-key travel.

Logistics are straightforward from Kos Harbour, and the crew keeps things moving with music, swim stops, and onboard service. The only real drawback I’d plan around is timing: island stays are short, and the slide time at Plati can feel brief if you’re hoping for a long, repeated session.

Key things to know before you go

• Pirate-ship atmosphere all day: music on board and a crew that keeps energy up between islands
• Three island stops: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, with time for photos, walks, and shopping
• Lunch included on board: Greek-style BBQ lunch with 3 choices (chicken, pork, vegetarian)
• Plati is the action stop: swimming plus waterslide and snorkeling gear
• Bring swim basics: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat make this much more comfortable

What a 3-Island Pirate Cruise from Kos Feels Like

This is not a “sit and stare at the coast” cruise. It’s a short-island, long-sun, do-stuff kind of day. You’ll start on a wooden pirate-style boat at Kos Harbour and spend the afternoon moving between three small island settings in the South Aegean.

The biggest appeal is the balance. You get enough island time to feel where you are (walk a bit, snap photos, grab a drink or snack), but the schedule also leaves room for what you actually came for: swimming, snorkeling, and the waterslide at Plati. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the type of outing that can turn “is there anything to do?” into “can we go again?”

That energy does come with tradeoffs. Expect music on board and a party-like atmosphere. One family-friendly plus: guests specifically noted the boat has proper toilets, which matters when you’re out in the sun for hours.

Price and Value: Why $29 Makes Sense for This Day

At around $29 per person (prices vary by date and booking method), this cruise stacks a lot into one ticket. You’re paying for:

• a boat trip with transfers between islands
• an onboard Greek meal with multiple choices
• waterslide access and swim time
• snorkel gear at the swim/snorkel stop
• safety equipment like life jackets
• free Wi-Fi on board

The math is why people keep booking it. A day out with boat + lunch + a major paid activity (the slide) is hard to replicate on your own without spending more. If you’re comparison-shopping, think in terms of cost per “activity block,” not just transportation.

That said, the onboard bar is extra. Drinks are available to purchase, and you can’t bring your own drinks. If you plan to drink alcohol or lots of sodas, set aside budget for that. Some guests noted water prices can be very low and cocktails can have discounts after lunch, which can help if you’re strategic.

Finding the Meeting Point at Kos Harbour (So You Don’t Waste Time)

Your starting point is Kos Harbour, near Jasmine caffe. Look for a big wooden pirate boat and the sign that says Barco de Pirata Cruise.

This is one of those excursions where arriving early pays off. The boat has spaces for lounging, and if you want the best deck time for photos and sun, you’ll have an easier time claiming a spot if you’re not sprinting at the last second.

A simple tip: keep your swimwear accessible. You’ll be hopping between land and sea, and you don’t want to spend the best hour digging in your bag.

The Boat Ride Part: Music, Clean Spaces, and Crew Energy

Once you’re on board, the day feels structured like a moving festival. There’s music, and the crew stays active—checking in, helping with the atmosphere, and keeping things flowing between stops.

What I’d watch for in the real world:

• If you’re sensitive to loud audio, this may feel like a party boat rather than a museum cruise.
• If you like upbeat staff who keep people smiling, you’ll probably love it. Several guests gave specific praise to the crew’s energy and their ability to handle lively group dynamics.

On comfort, people reported the ship is kept clean and well maintained and that there are practical onboard facilities (including toilets that work for families). That’s not glamorous, but it’s a genuine quality-of-life issue for a long day on the water.

Pserimos Island: Your First Taste of Island Life (and Lunch On Board)

Pserimos is your first island stop, and it’s built to give you a quick sense of the place without eating the whole day. Your time includes a break, photo stop, and a visit, plus shopping and some walking. Guests also mention cocktail time as part of the stop.

Here’s how I’d treat Pserimos if you want the best day:

• Use it for orientation. Grab a couple of photos, take a short stroll, and decide where you’d return if you had more time on your trip.
• Keep an eye on your energy levels. You’re going to want to be ready for swimming later, and the middle of the day on a cruise can sneak up on you.

Lunch often lines up with this part of the experience, so plan to fuel up rather than snack only. The meal is included and served onboard, and it’s Greek-style BBQ with three choices: chicken, pork, or vegetarian.

Pserimos drawback to plan around

Time can feel short if you love wandering slowly. One person suggested that the first island stop could be longer, which is a fair complaint. If you want deeper exploration rather than quick glimpses, you’ll need to balance expectations before you book.

Kalymnos Island: Short Look, Good Shopping, and Local Storytelling

Kalymnos is where the day adds more variety. Your stop includes another break, photo stop, and a visit, plus free time, shopping, and walking.

A practical highlight here is the guide-style storytelling. One guest gave a shout-out to Kostas, noting he walked people around and shared cultural context. Even if your time is limited, a good local explanation can turn a quick stop into something more memorable than just grabbing a coffee.

I recommend using Kalymnos for:

• light browsing and shopping
• photos where boats and hills frame the views
• a short wander that doesn’t exhaust you before Plati

Kalymnos drawback to plan around

This part is still time-limited. If you’re hoping for a full day in Kalymnos, the cruise format won’t match that. But if you want a “taste” and you’re mainly there for sun-and-sea time, Kalymnos works well as the second act.

Plati Island: Where the Waterslide and Snorkeling Take Over

Plati is the star stop. This is where the cruise pivots from island sampling to swim-play mode.

You’ll get a swim-focused session with:

• swimming time
• snorkeling gear for looking underwater for marine life
• time for refreshments (there can be beer, cocktails, coffee, and spirits available onboard/at the stop)
• and, most importantly, waterslide fun plus jumping off the boat

This stop is also where people consistently mention dolphins as a possible sighting. It’s not guaranteed, but if you’re lucky, it turns the whole session into a story you’ll be telling later.

How to make Plati work best for you

If you want slide time and water time, act early in the stop. The slide session can feel a bit short, so if you wait too long, you might only catch one round. Also:

• have your towel ready
• keep your sunscreen easy to reach
• bring a calm mindset if the boat is busy during peak moments

Plati drawback to plan around

The waterslide and jumping are highlights, and that also means they can become the main bottleneck. One guest felt the slide time was too short. If repeat tries are your priority, you’ll want to plan your timing during the stop so you don’t miss your chance.

Lunch on Board: Greek BBQ Choices and What to Expect About Portions

Lunch is included onboard, and you’ll have three choices: chicken, pork, or vegetarian. It’s described as a traditional Greek BBQ style meal, and many guests said it tasted good.

But let’s be honest about expectations. Some guests called out that portions can feel modest, especially if you have kids who eat a lot or if you’re the type who expects a big “full meal” on excursions. If you’re worried about that, the safest move is to bring a small extra snack for yourself or your kids. (You can’t bring outside drinks, but food/snack guidance isn’t stated here—so stick to only what you know is allowed by the operator at check-in and boarding.)

Lunch value takeaway

For the price, the lunch is part of the value. It gives you fuel without paying extra every meal. Just don’t treat it like a sit-down restaurant lunch.

Snorkeling and Swim Stops: Getting the Most Out of the Water Time

This cruise includes swim stops and snorkeling gear. In plain terms: this is a good day if you want to spend time in the sea and see whatever fish show up near the snorkeling spots.

You don’t need to be a scuba expert. Snorkeling gear is provided for a casual swim-and-look experience. Your success will depend mostly on water conditions and how comfortable you are around open water, steps, and changing surfaces.

A smart approach:

• Start with a relaxed snorkel session before you go full-speed into the slide and jumping.
• Pay attention to where crew members are positioned, since they’re monitoring safety with the provided equipment.

Drinks On Board: What’s Included vs What You Pay For

Lunch is included. Drinks are not.

You can buy beverages onboard, and you’re not allowed to bring your own drinks. Pricing is not listed here, but multiple guests said drink prices were reasonable, and some noted discounts around happy hour later in the day.

My practical advice: decide early whether you want to treat this like a casual water-day with a beer or two, or like a full bar plan. That choice determines whether the drinks add up or feel like pocket change.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a strong fit for:

• families with kids who want slides and swimming
• groups who like music and an energetic crew
• travelers who want a low-effort day that combines boat time + islands + lunch
• people who don’t want to mess with transportation planning beyond Kos Harbour

It may be less ideal for:

• anyone who wants quiet, minimalist sightseeing
• travelers expecting long, in-depth island exploration at each stop
• anyone who hates crowds during peak swim/slide moments

Weather and Route Flexibility: The One Thing You Can’t Control

The islands are the plan, but weather can change how things run. One guest noted that the cruise did two of the three islands due to weather instead of all three.

So, keep your mindset flexible. If you end up with fewer stops, you’ll still likely get the best part—especially Plati’s swimming and slide time—because the cruise is built around that activity.

Should You Book the Barco de Pirata 3-Island Cruise from Kos?

Yes, if your idea of a great day is boat + islands + swimming, and you’re happy with short stops rather than a slow, deep exploration.

I’d book it when:

• you want a high-value day around lunch + waterslide + sea time
• you travel with kids or you love active excursions
• you like upbeat crew energy and don’t mind music

I’d think twice if:

• you need silence and long walks as your main activity
• you’re counting on a big, restaurant-style lunch
• you really dislike the idea of limited time at each island stop

If you’re in Kos and you want one excursion that maximizes fun for the money, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the 3-Island Pirate Cruise from Kos?

The duration listed is 450 minutes (about 7.5 hours). It includes transfers between stops and the return to Kos Harbour.

Which islands are included in the cruise?

The cruise visits three islands: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Is lunch included, and what options are there?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, with three choices: chicken, pork, or vegetarian.

Does the cruise include snorkeling and a waterslide?

Yes. You’ll have snorkeling gear at the sea stops, and you’ll have access to the waterslide at the Plati stop.

Where do I meet the boat in Kos?

Meet in Kos Harbour near Jasmine caffe. Look for the big wooden pirate boat with a sign that says Barco de Pirata Cruise.

Are drinks included?

No. Beverages are not included, though they can be purchased on board.

Can I bring my own drinks?

No. It is not permitted to bring your own drinks on board.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. You should bring swimwear and a towel, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

What languages is the live guide offered in?

The live tour guide is available in German and English.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.