Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

A pirate-style ship is an entertaining way to leave Kos behind for a day. You sail toward Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a Greek barbecue served on board. I like the unusual boat and the chance to see three islands without arranging separate ferries.

I also like the broad appeal: children can enjoy the pirate theme, adults get a full day on the water, and the lunch price includes several food choices. The catch is time. The sailing takes up much of the 7.5-hour trip, so island stops can feel brief, and the music may be too loud for anyone seeking a quiet cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: The route links Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati from Kos.
• A boat made for atmosphere: The pirate-style vessel gives the day a playful, party-cruise feel rather than a quiet sailing experience.
• Swimming and snorkeling: The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and swimming stops are built into the day.
• Lunch is included: Choose from chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian barbecue meals.
• Expect a large group: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this is a social outing rather than a small-group trip.
• Allow most of the day: Departure is at 9:45 a.m., with the cruise returning to the port after about 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What kind of day is this from Kos?

The Barco de Pirata cruise is best understood as a full day of sea, music, swimming, food, and island views. It is not a traditional island tour with long walks, museums, or generous free time in each port.

You meet at the Port of Kos and return to the same place. The advertised start time is 9:45 a.m., and the total outing lasts about seven and a half hours. That makes it easy to fit into a Kos holiday, especially if you want one organized day beyond the main island.

The central appeal is efficiency. Instead of booking separate boat connections and working out schedules for three islands, you board once and let the crew handle the route. For $34.76 per person, lunch included, the price is attractive if you mainly want a day on the sea with several stops.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is a busy excursion with room for up to 200 people. You may find a lively deck, music, dancing, and a queue for food or drinks. The atmosphere suits families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a little holiday energy. It is less suitable if you want a silent deck, a private swim, or hours of relaxed exploring ashore.

Finding a good place on the pirate ship

The vessel is the star of the outing. Its pirate design gives the cruise a memorable setting and helps turn a standard boat ride into a themed day. You can sit back for the views, join the music, or move around when the ship is underway.

Arriving early is a useful idea if you care about your seat. One passenger who arrived around 9:10 a.m. was able to find a good place upstairs on the deck. That detail matters because upper deck seating can offer better views and more open air, while lower areas may feel busier once the boat fills.

The group size also explains some of the mixed impressions about the pace. The crew must load a large number of people, serve lunch, handle snorkeling equipment, and keep the boat moving on schedule. Extra passengers joining late at the port can delay departure, so do not plan a tight afternoon appointment after the cruise.

Music is part of the product. The atmosphere can include dancing and a party feel, with crew members encouraging the fun. Some people enjoy that from the moment they board. If loud music gives you a headache, choose a seat farther from the speakers if possible and bring whatever helps you stay comfortable.

Kalymnos: an island stop with limited time

Kalymnos is one of the main destinations on the route and gives the cruise its strongest sense of island hopping. The island is known to visitors for its harbor scenery and traditional Greek character, but this excursion does not give you a full day to explore it.

The schedule may use the stop for a swim, a short shore visit, or both. The exact balance can vary with the day’s timing. Some passengers have found that the first stop allows only about 30 minutes for swimming, so you should be ready to get into the water quickly rather than wait until the last few minutes.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Bring a towel, sun protection, and shoes that are easy to remove. With a large group moving from boat to beach and back again, every minute matters.

If you imagine wandering through Kalymnos, shopping slowly, and stopping for coffee, this cruise will feel rushed. If you see the island as one scenic part of a day on the water, the short stop makes more sense. You get a taste of the setting without paying for a separate ferry or spending a full day there.

Pserimos: a short look at island life

Pserimos provides another change of scene. The island is small and offers the kind of harbor atmosphere many people hope to see on a Greek island day trip. The stop can be used for a walk, a drink, or a little time by the water.

A small tourist train may be available during the visit. Be clear about what you want from it. It is designed to show the area quickly, but the experience may include a stop at a sponge shop. If you prefer natural scenery and free time, you may be happier walking around on your own rather than paying for an extra ride.

Heat can affect this part of the day. One family chose the train because the weather was hot, which is a practical choice if walking feels tiring. On the other hand, you should not treat the train as a major sightseeing tour. It is a quick add-on, not a substitute for independent exploration.

Again, watch the clock. Delays at the port or at an earlier stop can shorten the time available here. The trip is designed to cover several places, so the schedule has little spare room.

Plati: the swim stop that may feel like a visit

Plati, also written as Plati or Platy in some travel references, is included as the third island destination. On this cruise, the value of the stop is mainly the sea itself. You may find the boat anchors offshore and gives you time to swim or snorkel rather than offering a long shore visit.

That distinction is important when you book. The phrase three islands can sound like three full island visits. In practice, the third island may be an anchorage with time in the water. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day if you want clear water and a chance to cool off, but it may disappoint you if your main goal is walking ashore.

Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat. Bring patience as well as a sense of timing, since many people may want to use the gear around the same swim stop. You can also simply swim, relax on board, or watch the coast from the deck.

The cruise may include dolphin watching while you travel. Dolphins are wild animals, so there is no guarantee they will appear, but keeping your eyes on the water adds a pleasant bit of anticipation to the longer sailing sections.

Greek barbecue lunch on board

Lunch is included and cooked outdoors on the boat. The menu offers five choices: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian. That range is a real advantage for mixed groups, since you do not have to arrange separate meals on an island.

The meal is part of the day’s value, but keep your expectations practical. You are eating from a large boat kitchen while the crew is serving a full passenger load. The food can be satisfying and convenient, though it may not match a slow meal at a small taverna.

Some people have especially enjoyed the barbecue, while others found the meat hard or the side dishes less Greek than expected. I would treat the lunch as a useful included meal rather than a culinary highlight. The best part is being fed without losing more beach or island time searching for a restaurant.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. Drinks can be bought on board, and some departures have offered discounted cocktails during special periods. Do not count on those prices every time. Bring extra money if you want drinks beyond the included lunch.

The social side of the cruise

This is a day for people who like company. The crew helps create a party atmosphere, and dancing or music may become as important as the scenery. Crew members have been praised for being friendly, energetic, and helpful, with Spiros singled out for warm service on one departure.

That kind of crew matters on a large boat. Staff must help people board, direct passengers during stops, serve lunch, manage drinks, and explain the schedule. A cheerful team can make the busy parts feel much easier.

The same energy will not suit everyone. Loud music has been a serious drawback for some people, especially during long stretches between islands. If you are hoping for a calm sailing lesson or a quiet romantic cruise, choose a different style of boat trip.

For families, the pirate theme is a strong selling point. Children can swim, look for dolphins, watch the crew, and enjoy the sense of adventure. Teenagers may appreciate the music and social setting more than they would a formal historical tour.

Is $34.76 good value?

At $34.76 per person, this is a low-cost way to spend a full day at sea. Lunch is included, snorkeling equipment is available, and the route covers three named island destinations. If you were to arrange several boat connections and meals separately, the price and simplicity would be difficult to match.

The value depends on what you want to count. You are paying for access to a complete day of transport, swimming, food, and entertainment. You are not paying for long, detailed visits to each island. Much of the day is spent sailing, and the stops may be short.

I consider it good value for an active, social day where the boat itself is part of the entertainment. I would be less enthusiastic if your priority is beach time. A cruise with fewer stops might give you more time in the water, while a ferry-based plan might let you explore one island properly.

The maximum group size of 200 is worth keeping in mind when comparing prices. A small private boat will cost more but may offer greater flexibility. This cruise wins on price and variety, not privacy.

Who should book this cruise?

You are a good match for Barco de Pirata if you want to:

• See several islands without managing your own ferry plan
• Spend a day swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy music, dancing, and a playful boat theme
• Travel with children or teenagers
• Have lunch included with meat and plant-based choices
• Keep the cost of a full-day outing low

Think twice if you need:

• Long, unhurried stops on land
• Quiet sailing
• A small group
• A carefully planned food experience
• Guaranteed time at a particular beach
• A dependable departure in a tightly scheduled holiday

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of passengers. If poor weather or low bookings cause cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

My verdict: book it for the boat day, not the island tour

I would book this if I wanted an affordable, easy day out from Kos with swimming, a barbecue, music, and a taste of three nearby islands. The pirate ship, friendly crew, dolphin lookout, and choice of lunch give the day plenty of character.

I would not book it expecting three leisurely island visits. The main tradeoff is simple: you gain variety and convenience, but give up time at each stop. Arrive early for a better deck seat, wear your swimwear under your clothes, carry sun protection, and keep some cash for drinks.

For families, groups, and social couples, this can be one of the most entertaining ways to spend a day around Kos. For quiet-seeking visitors or serious island explorers, choose a slower boat trip with fewer stops.

FAQ

Where does the Barco de Pirata cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:45 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati.

Does the cruise return to Kos?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in the Port of Kos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian choices.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat, and you can also swim during the water stops.

How many people can join the cruise?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 200 passengers.