From Kos: 3-Island Pirate Cruise with Lunch and Waterslide

The best part of this three-island cruise from Kos is its mix of easy sightseeing and pure boat-day fun. You visit Pserimos and Kalymnos, then finish at Plati with swimming, snorkeling, jumping from the boat, and a waterslide into the sea. Some days even bring dolphins alongside the vessel.

I like the friendly, energetic crew, who keep the long sailing stretches lively with music, dancing, and jokes. I also like the value: for $29, you get a full 7.5-hour outing, lunch, crew, safety equipment, and three island stops. The main drawback is that this is a party-style cruise, not a quiet sailing trip, and some stops can feel short.

Quick reasons to consider the Barco de Pirata cruise

• A real boat waterslide: The final stop at Plati is the main thrill, with swimming, snorkeling, and jumps from the boat.
• Three very different stops: Pserimos offers a small-island break, Kalymnos gives you time to walk and shop, and Plati is mainly for sea fun.
• Lunch is included: Choose chicken, pork, or a vegetarian meal served aboard with Greek-style accompaniments.
• A lively onboard mood: Music, dancing, and an attentive crew make the sailing time part of the activity.
• Good family appeal: Children and adults can enjoy the slide and swimming, while proper toilets and safety equipment help on a long day out.
• Bring serious sun protection: You spend many hours in open sun, so pack a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a T-shirt.

A full day from Kos Harbour to the South Aegean

You meet the crew at Kos Harbour, near Jasmine Caffe, where you will find the large wooden pirate-style boat and a Barco de Pirata sign. The boat gives the outing a playful character from the start, but the day itself is fairly simple: sail, stop, eat, swim, and sail again.

The total duration is about 450 minutes, or 7.5 hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel like a proper day at sea rather than a quick boat ride, but you should know what kind of day you are choosing. You will spend a good amount of time seated or standing aboard while the boat moves between islands.

The crew uses English and German, and safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided. The boat has free Wi-Fi, although the real attraction is the sea around you, not staying connected to shore.

Sailing out on a pirate-style boat

The Barco de Pirata is designed for atmosphere. Music plays during the sailing sections, and the crew works hard to keep people involved rather than simply waiting for the next stop. Several staff members are singled out in the feedback for their energy and care, including Yanis and a bar team member. Kostas is also noted for helping explain Kalymnos and its culture.

That lively approach is a major reason this cruise feels good value. A quiet boat ride might make the long transfers feel slow, but here the sailing becomes part of the entertainment. You can relax, chat, listen to music, enjoy a drink, or find a place on deck for the views.

There is one practical point: arrive early if you want a preferred place on the upper deck. Once the boat fills, the best sunny or shaded spots may go quickly. Bring a T-shirt even on a hot day, since it gives you some protection from the sun and wind.

The onboard bar sells drinks, but beverages are not included in the price and you cannot bring your own drinks aboard. Water and other drinks are available to purchase, and some feedback describes the prices as reasonable. Still, if you are keeping the day strictly within the advertised $29, allow extra money for refreshments.

Pserimos, the first island stop

After roughly 55 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Pserimos. The stop lasts about an hour and is meant for a gentle introduction to the island. You can walk, take photos, browse small shops, sit with a coffee or ice cream, or simply enjoy the shore.

Pserimos is a good first pause because it breaks up the journey before lunch and gives you a chance to get off the boat. It has a small, relaxed feel rather than the scale of a major resort. You should think of this as a short island visit, not a full cultural tour.

The one limitation is time. An hour passes quickly if you want to walk, eat, shop, and take photos. Some people would prefer a longer stay here, especially because the island has a calm, quaint character that rewards slowing down.

Lunch is served aboard the boat as part of the day. You choose chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option, with Greek-style sides such as pita and salad or coleslaw. The portion is generally suitable for a normal lunch, though bigger eaters and children with narrow food preferences may want more.

Food quality can vary by expectation. I would treat the meal as a useful included lunch rather than the main reason to book the cruise. Many people find it tasty and satisfying, while some describe it as basic or small. If your children are likely to reject salad or coleslaw, check what is offered before eating and plan accordingly. You cannot bring your own drinks, but the supplied information does not prohibit bringing snacks. Still, confirm this with the operator if food rules matter to you.

Kalymnos brings a longer island break

The next sailing takes about 45 minutes, followed by a stop in Kalymnos. The timing supplied for this stop is roughly 55 minutes, despite one itinerary line displaying an obvious longer duration. In practical terms, plan on less than an hour ashore.

Kalymnos gives you a chance to walk, shop, take photos, and see a little more island life. It is the stop with the strongest sense of place, and Kostas has been praised for explaining local culture to people who want more than a quick wander.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is not enough time for an extensive visit to Kalymnos, and you will not see the whole island. It is a compact shore stop within a busy route, not a dedicated Kalymnos sightseeing tour.

Some people find this stop less exciting than Pserimos or Plati, especially if they hoped to swim there. The supplied itinerary focuses on walking, shopping, and free time at Kalymnos rather than a beach or swim stop. If your priority is time in the water, you may wish this section were shorter. If you enjoy seeing another island town and getting a taste of local life, it gives the day useful variety.

Plati is the payoff for swimmers and families

After about 40 minutes at sea, the cruise reaches Plati for its main water stop. Here you can swim, use the boat’s waterslide, jump from the vessel, and snorkel with the provided equipment. Drinks such as beer, cocktails, coffee, and spirits are available to buy while you enjoy the stop.

For many people, this is the highlight. The waterslide turns a standard swim stop into something more playful, and the boat gives confident swimmers the chance to jump into the clear sea. Children can enjoy the slide, while adults can choose a calmer swim or watch from the deck.

The water activities are not only for thrill-seekers. You can skip the slide and simply sit aboard, take photos, or swim near the boat. Life jackets and other safety equipment are included, but you should still be comfortable with the conditions and follow crew instructions.

The main criticism is the length of the Plati stop. One hour is enough for several turns on the slide and a swim, but it can feel brief when everyone wants a chance to use it. If the sea is your main reason for booking, the schedule may leave you wishing for more time here.

Snorkeling is included, but the experience depends on conditions and how much time you spend in the water. You should think of it as casual equipment for looking beneath the surface, not a specialist snorkeling excursion with a long reef session.

The return sailing and the onboard mood

The final transfer takes about 70 minutes back to Kos Harbour. By this point, you may be sun-worn and ready for a shower, but the music and social atmosphere continue to make the ride home part of the day.

This cruise works especially well for groups who enjoy shared entertainment. The staff dance, sing, and interact with people, and birthdays may receive a special announcement and song. That personal touch can make the boat feel cheerful and welcoming.

It also means the cruise is not the best match for someone seeking silence. The music can be loud, and the atmosphere is closer to a daytime party boat than a quiet Greek sailing excursion. You can find calmer moments, but you should not book this expecting peaceful meditation at sea.

The crew’s attention to cleaning is another practical strength. The boat is described as clean and well maintained, with staff quickly dealing with spills and mess. On a long trip involving food, drinks, swimming, and children, that matters more than a polished first impression.

Is $29 good value?

At the stated price of $29 per person, this is a strong value for a 7.5-hour day. You receive transport by boat, visits to three islands, lunch, swim stops, waterslide access, crew support, safety equipment, and Wi-Fi. Comparable days can become expensive once you add a meal, several drinks, and water activities, so the included features make the basic fare appealing.

The value depends on what you want from the islands. If you want long walks, museums, beaches, or detailed guided sightseeing, the short stops may frustrate you. If you want to sample three places while enjoying music and sea time, the format gives you a lot for the money.

Some feedback refers to lower prices purchased directly at the harbour, including prices around €20 or €25. Those local offers may vary by date, season, and sales channel, so do not assume they will be available. Compare the final price, cancellation terms, and departure details before paying.

Drinks cost extra. Bar prices have been described as reasonable, and some days include cocktail discounts after lunch, but this is not guaranteed in the supplied information. Budget for drinks separately, especially if you are bringing children or spending the full day in the sun.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility. The advertised activity is wheelchair accessible, though anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm how boarding and access to individual decks or water activities work.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families with children who like music, swimming, and slides. It also suits couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who want an easy social day, and anyone looking to see several Dodecanese islands without arranging separate ferries.

It is especially good for you if the boat itself matters as much as the destinations. The crew creates a sense of occasion, and the transitions between stops do not feel like dead time.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, want a small-group experience, or care most about extended island exploration. The schedule gives you a taste of each place, not a thorough visit. It is also not ideal if you need a substantial or highly customized lunch.

Pack sunscreen with a high factor, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a T-shirt. Wear something comfortable for walking on shore, and arrive early if you want a good upper-deck position. If dolphins appear near the boat, consider that a lucky extra, not a promised part of the route.

Should you book the Barco de Pirata?

Book it if you want a cheerful, affordable day combining island stops with swimming and a waterslide. The strongest parts are the attentive crew, the clean boat, the simple Greek lunch, and the lively Plati swim stop.

Skip it if you want quiet sailing or enough time to properly explore each island. For most visitors who see the cruise as a fun day at sea rather than a serious sightseeing tour, the $29 price offers a lot, and the three-island route gives you a pleasant taste of the South Aegean.

FAQ

Where does the Barco de Pirata cruise depart from?

It departs from Kos Harbour. Look near Jasmine Caffe for the large wooden pirate boat and the Barco de Pirata Cruise sign.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or about 7.5 hours. The route returns to Barco de Pirata Cruises at Kos Harbour.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Greek meal is served aboard the boat, with chicken, pork, and vegetarian choices.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase aboard, and you are not permitted to bring your own drinks.

Can I use the waterslide and swim?

Yes. Waterslide access and swim stops are included. Plati is the main stop for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping from the boat.

What languages are available, and is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The live tour is available in English and German, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.