Review · KOS

3 Island Luxury Cruise with 4 Swimming Stops with Captain Morgan

5.0 · 931 reviews 7 hours (approx.) From $32 Operated by Kos Cruise Experts · Bookable on Viator
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Four swims, three islands, one lively boat. Captain Morgan’s cruise gives you a full day on the Aegean for $32.89, with stops around Pserimos, Vathi, Kalymnos, and Plati. You get swimming time, short island visits, a BBQ lunch, clean toilets, music, and a crew that knows how to keep the boat lively.

I especially like the clear water and four separate swimming stops, which give the day a good rhythm. The crew also gets strong marks for friendliness and entertainment. Ariel, the host known for her mermaid act, helps turn a simple boat ride into a cheerful day at sea.

The main catch is crowding. The vessel can carry up to 200 people, and outside seats may go quickly. If you want a quiet cruise, lots of deck space, or a peaceful family outing, this can feel too much like a party boat, especially on the return trip.

Key points before you book

  • Four swimming stops: You get water time at Pserimos, a second Pserimos location, and Plati, plus swimming time near Vathi.
  • Dolphin watching near Kalymnos: Sightings are possible, but wild dolphins follow their own schedule.
  • Fresh BBQ lunch included: Souvlaki, bread, salad, and vegetarian or vegan food by request.
  • Lively entertainment: Music, singing, dancing, and Ariel’s playful mermaid performance set the mood.
  • Good value at $32.89: The price covers about seven hours, lunch, island stops, and onboard facilities.
  • Arrive early for seating: You must meet the boat at least 30 minutes before the 9:45 am departure.

What this Kos boat trip is really like

This is not a small sailing excursion with soft conversation and long, empty stretches of sea. It is a large, social cruise with music, a friendly crew, and plenty of people sharing the same swimming spots.

That character is central to the experience. Some passengers spend the day sunbathing and chatting. Others join the singing and dancing on deck. You can keep to yourself, but you will hear the entertainment. On the way back to Kos, the mood often becomes more festive.

The boat is described as clean and fairly new, with a proper restroom onboard. Drink prices are considered reasonable, and the bar serves alcoholic drinks to passengers aged 18 and older. Snacks, soda, and alcohol cost extra, so bring a little spending money if you want more than lunch.

The boat can hold up to 200 people. That number explains the mixed reactions about space. You may find plenty of seating, especially if you board early, but the upper deck can fill fast. Some people try to hold seats with towels or bags, which can make finding a good outdoor spot frustrating.

For the best chance at an outside seat, arrive at the port at least 30 minutes early, and treat that time as part of your planning rather than a suggestion. Boarding also gives you time to choose where you want to sit before the cruise gets busy.

More Boat Trips with Swimming in Greece

Pserimos gives you the first taste of island life

The first stop is Pserimos, a small island with a golden-sand beach and a tiny port. You have about 45 minutes here, enough for a short walk, photographs, and your first swim.

This is a gentle start. The port gives you a quick look at a smaller Greek island, while the beach offers an easy place to cool off. You do not have time for a long walk or a detailed visit, so think of Pserimos as a brief coastal stop rather than a full island tour.

The water is one of the main reasons to enjoy this stop. Bring swimwear under your clothes, since the schedule moves quickly. A towel, sunscreen, and water shoes can make the stop easier, especially if you prefer not to walk over rough ground near the shore.

You may find small shops or places selling refreshments near the port. One practical warning comes from the food sold onshore: an ice cream caused stomach trouble for one passenger. That does not make the stop unsafe, but I would use ordinary caution with anything that has been sitting in the heat.

The 45-minute limit is both useful and frustrating. It keeps the day moving, but it also means you should decide quickly whether you want to swim, stroll, or buy something. Trying to do all three may leave you feeling rushed.

Vathi adds a short look at local products

The next stop is Vathi, where you get about an hour. This is more than a swimming break. You can walk into the small town, look at local sponges, and learn about products such as honey and orange juice.

The sponge shops are a nice touch because they connect the stop to Kalymnos and its long association with sponge fishing. You will not get a full museum visit or a lengthy cultural program, but the local products give the port more personality than a simple beach stop.

You can also swim here, have a snack, or wander around. That choice matters because the day does not force every person into the same activity. You might prefer to stay near the water while someone else in your group looks through the shops.

After you return to the boat, lunch is served. The meal includes a BBQ, with souvlaki, bread, and salad among the food served. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested ahead of time, which is important because special meals should not be left to chance on a busy boat.

Some information also indicates ice cream and orange juice are included during the day. Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are otherwise not included, so check what you want before ordering at the bar.

Kalymnos brings the dolphin search

Near Kalymnos, the boat takes about 20 minutes for dolphin watching. This is one of the most exciting parts of the trip, but it is also the least predictable.

Several passengers were lucky enough to see dolphins, sometimes on more than one occasion. Others had a harder time seeing them, especially if they were seated below deck or on the wrong side of the boat when the animals appeared.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a search for wild dolphins, not a guaranteed show. The crew may slow down or change direction while looking, and the viewing time can feel short if the animals do not stay near the vessel.

If dolphin watching matters to you, try to remain in a position with a broad view of the sea. Boarding early helps with seating, but even a good seat cannot guarantee a sighting. A phone or camera with a quick shutter can help, though watching the water with your own eyes is often more rewarding than trying to capture every splash.

The crew’s energy helps during the search. Their announcements and enthusiasm make the wait enjoyable, even when the dolphins are being uncooperative. Still, families with young children should explain beforehand that a sighting is possible, not promised.

The second Pserimos stop is built for swimming

The surprise stop on Pserimos lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on relaxing in a quieter cove or swimming. It is shorter than the first Pserimos visit, but that is part of the appeal. You step off the sightseeing schedule and get straight into the water.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. Have your goggles, towel, and sandals ready before the boat anchors or approaches the stop. If you need a long change of clothes, you may spend most of the break below deck.

The water is the star here. This is a good moment to stop taking photographs and simply enjoy the sea. You can also remain on the boat if you would rather avoid another swim, though the strongest reason to book this excursion is the repeated access to the water.

Plati offers another clear-water pause

The final listed stop is Plati, where you have about 45 minutes to swim in small bays and enjoy the calm setting. This is a satisfying last water stop because it gives you enough time to settle into the pace instead of making a quick jump in and out.

The small bays create a more sheltered feel than open water, although conditions can vary. You should still listen to the crew and follow any instructions about where to swim.

By this point, the day may feel pleasantly full. You have already had several stops, lunch, and a dolphin search. The final swim gives you one more chance to use your mask, float, or goggles before the boat heads back to Kos.

A snorkel kit is not included. One passenger found that local shops sold basic kits for no more than about €10, so buying one before departure may be worthwhile if you want to look beneath the surface. Do not expect a guided snorkeling session, though. The emphasis is on swimming and enjoying the water.

Lunch, drinks, and the boat atmosphere

The included lunch is a real part of the value here. A fresh BBQ with souvlaki, bread, and salad gives you a proper meal rather than just a packaged snack. The food received warm praise, though expectations should remain practical: this is boat catering for a large group, not a restaurant meal.

Ask about vegetarian or vegan food when booking. The tour specifically offers those options on request, but you should make the request in advance.

The bar sells drinks and snacks at prices described as fair. Some passengers liked the happy-hour offers, and payment by card or contactless methods may be available, though you should not rely on one particular payment method without checking onboard.

The atmosphere is a major part of the appeal. Music plays throughout parts of the cruise, and the crew encourages singing and dancing. Ariel’s mermaid character is a memorable feature for many people, especially children and adults who enjoy a bit of theatrical fun.

That same energy will not suit everyone. The horn can be very loud, and the return journey may feel like a party cruise. If you want peace and quiet, sit farther from the main entertainment area when possible, or choose a smaller boat instead.

Is this cruise suitable for families?

It can work well for families, but I would not book it expecting a quiet, child-focused excursion. Families have enjoyed the swimming, island stops, music, gifts for small children, and friendly staff.

The concern is seating and crowd behavior. One family left before departure after finding the boarding area too crowded and unsuitable for their young children. Another family felt uncomfortable because adults were pushing around before the boat even left.

That does not mean every family will have a poor experience. Several families had a good day, and the clean restroom, included lunch, and large vessel are useful advantages. But if your children need calm surroundings, easy access to an outdoor seat, or lots of room to move, a smaller boat may be a better choice.

Older passengers can enjoy the cruise too. The activities do not require a high level of fitness, and most people can take part. You should be comfortable getting on and off the vessel and managing short stops without much spare time.

Price, timing, and practical planning

At $32.89 per person, the cruise offers strong value. You get approximately seven hours at sea, several island and harbor stops, four opportunities to swim, a dolphin search, a BBQ lunch, entertainment, and a restroom.

The price becomes even better if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and lunch. Extra costs come from snacks, soda, alcohol, and any food or souvenirs bought ashore.

The meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts Port in Kos Town. Departure is at 9:45 am, and you should be at the vessel 30 minutes early at the latest. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

Allow extra care if you have another booking later that day. The tour uses most of the day, and the return can be close to 5 pm. One passenger had a later cruise departure and needed a change to a shorter ride, so do not schedule a tight onward connection.

The tour operates only when weather conditions allow. If poor weather cancels it, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before departure. Last-minute changes and cancellations are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book Captain Morgan?

I would choose this cruise if you want a low-cost full day on the water, several chances to swim, and a social atmosphere. It works especially well for friends, couples, and families who enjoy music and do not mind sharing a large boat.

I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to sample several coastal places without arranging separate transport. The schedule gives you a useful introduction to Pserimos, Vathi, Kalymnos, and Plati, even though each stop is brief.

I would think twice if you want silence, privacy, or a slow visit in each port. The stops are short, outdoor seating can be competitive, and the boat may feel crowded. For that kind of day, look for a smaller vessel with fewer passengers.

Final verdict: good value, with a loud personality

Captain Morgan delivers a lot for the money. The water stops are the main prize, the lunch is useful and well liked, the boat is clean, and the crew adds real energy rather than simply transporting you from place to place.

The weaknesses are clear too. You may struggle to find an outside seat, and the music and party mood can become tiring. Dolphin watching is a bonus, not a guarantee.

Book it if you want a cheerful, active day with swimming, scenery, food, and plenty of company. Arrive early, bring swim gear, request a special meal ahead of time, and keep your evening schedule open. With those expectations, this is one of the better-value ways to spend a day around Kos.

FAQ

Where does the Captain Morgan cruise depart from?

It departs from Kos Cruise Experts Port of, Kos 853 00, Greece, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled departure time is 9:45 am. You should meet the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding and seat selection.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours. The return is generally in the late afternoon, close to 5 pm.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Vathi, Kalymnos for dolphin watching, a second Pserimos swimming stop, and Plati.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes four swimming stops, with water time at Pserimos, the second Pserimos location, and Plati, along with swimming available near Vathi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available by request.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Snacks, soda, and alcoholic drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks are served only to passengers aged 18 and above.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

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