Pirate Cruise from Kos to Kalymnos, Pserimos, Plati & BBQ

Sea days should feel easy. This seven-hour pirate cruise links Kos with Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, giving you three island stops, swimming time, music, and a Greek lunch without the work of planning separate ferries. I like the roomy boat, with both sunny decks and shaded seats, and I like that souvlaki, salad, and bread are included in the $31 price. The main catch is that the timetable and boat used can vary with capacity, so the day may not run exactly the same way every time.

I also like the mix of stops. Pserimos gives you a simple beach hour, Kalymnos adds a taste of island life and a port town, and Plati brings the liveliest part of the day with drinks and swimming. Still, this is a social boat outing, not a quiet sailing trip. Music, dancing, and a cheerful crowd are part of the package.

Quick points to know before you book

• Three islands in one day: You visit Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati from Kos without arranging separate boat connections.
• Pserimos gets the main beach time: You have about an hour on Golden Sandy Beach, with clear water and time to cool off.
• Lunch is part of the fare: Souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread are served onboard, with vegetarian food available.
• The boat has several ways to sit: Choose open decks for sun or covered areas for shade, though the best lounging spots may go early.
• Plati is the party stop: Expect music, drinks from the snack bar, sunbathing, and swimming in clear water.
• The price is strong value: At $31 per person, the cruise includes transport by boat, three island visits, lunch, taxes, and insurance.

Setting sail from Kos around noon

You meet at the port of Kos and look for the boat marked Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos. Hotel pickup is optional, so you can arrange your own way to the port or add transfers when booking if that service is offered for your reservation.

The cruise usually leaves around noon and returns to Kos by about 5:00 pm. That makes this a useful choice if you want a full sea day without giving up an early morning or late evening. The stated duration is seven hours, so allow for the full day even though the advertised return time is late afternoon.

The ship is dressed in pirate style, which gives the trip a playful tone rather than a formal ferry feel. Multiple decks let you move around, listen to music, and take part in dancing. You might prefer a quiet corner, but you will find more space than on a basic point-to-point boat.

The seating setup matters. Some areas are open to the sun, while others are covered. A German passenger described the boat as spacious, with plenty of choice between shade and sun, while an Italian passenger also praised the friendly crew and active onboard entertainment. If you want one of the more comfortable lounging spots, arrive ready to claim it early. The sunny areas can be especially popular, and you may spend much of the day outside.

A snack bar sells coffee, soft drinks, and other refreshments. These are not part of the $31 fare, but the onboard drink prices have been described as reasonable. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and beachwear. Non-swimmers can remain onboard during the swim stops and use the snack bar.

Pserimos: one hour on Golden Sandy Beach

Pserimos is the first stop, reached after the boat leaves Kos. The planned beach visit lasts about an hour, which is enough for a quick swim, a little sun, and a look at the island, but not enough for a long walk or an unhurried beach afternoon.

Golden Sandy Beach is the simple pleasure of this stop. The water is clear and inviting, and the small scale of Pserimos gives the place a slower feel than a large resort island. You can step off the boat, find a patch of sand, and cool down without needing a long list of activities.

I would treat Pserimos as a swimming break, not a full sightseeing visit. The schedule keeps you moving, so bring only what you need from the boat and keep an eye on the return time. Beachwear, sandals, a towel, and sun protection are more useful here than formal clothes or bulky bags.

While you are ashore, the crew prepares lunch. Souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread are included, and vegetarian food is available. Serving lunch during the beach stop is practical: you get food without losing another island visit, and you can return to the boat ready to eat.

The one-hour stop has a trade-off. It gives you a clear purpose and keeps the day varied, but you will not have time to settle in for long. If your ideal outing means spending most of the day on one quiet beach, this cruise will feel rushed. If you like a short swim followed by a change of scene, the timing works well.

Greek lunch with a view of the Aegean

The included meal adds real value to the fare. Souvlaki, salad, and bread are straightforward Greek food that suits a day on the water, and the vegetarian option means the group does not need to split up at lunchtime.

Do not expect a restaurant meal with a long menu. This is an onboard lunch served during a busy day of swimming and island stops. That is part of its appeal. You pay one low price, eat with the sea around you, and avoid searching for food during a short shore visit.

Drinks are separate. The snack bar is available for coffee and other refreshments, so budget a little extra if you want several drinks through the afternoon. You can also choose a shaded seat during lunch if the sun has become too strong.

The food is one of the reasons the cruise works well for families and groups. Nobody has to negotiate a restaurant, and the meal arrives at the point when you are likely to be hungry after swimming. Just remember that exact service timing can change if the boat schedule changes.

Kalymnos: rugged scenery and a useful island pause

Kalymnos is the most substantial stop on the route. The island is known for its rugged setting, maritime activities, and port capital, Pothia, also called Kalymnos. The town is the main center, with historic sights, places to eat, and local shops.

The supplied schedule does not give a fixed amount of time in Kalymnos, so you should check the day’s instructions from the crew. This stop is less about one single beach and more about seeing a different side of the Dodecanese. Pserimos is the small beach break; Kalymnos gives you an island town and a stronger sense of local life.

You might use the stop for a short walk, a look around the harbor area, or a quick meal or drink if you want something beyond the food onboard. Do not expect enough time for a serious island tour. The cruise is designed as a sampler, and Kalymnos is one part of a larger route.

That short visit can still be worthwhile. Kalymnos has a distinct maritime identity, and its capital gives the day more substance than a schedule made only of swim stops. I would keep your plans modest, note where the boat is waiting, and return with time to spare.

The route also gives you a useful comparison. Pserimos offers sand and clear water. Kalymnos feels more connected to everyday island activity. Plati, the final stop, shifts the mood again toward music, drinks, and relaxed fun.

Plati: music, drinks, and a final swim

Plati is the last island stop, and this is where the social side of the cruise comes forward. You can sunbathe on the boat, order cocktails or other drinks, listen to music, and swim in the clear water.

The description uses a party tone, but the day does not have to become an all-out celebration. You can sit in the shade, enjoy the views, or take a swim without joining the dancing. A family booking from Germany praised the balance of music, games, and fun, noting that the atmosphere stayed suitable for both children and adults.

The crew may organize games for children and keep the mood lively with pirate music. That makes Plati a good match for families, couples, and groups who want entertainment built into the boat ride. It may be less appealing if you want a silent anchorage with only the sound of the water.

Swimming conditions are a key part of the stop, but the time in the water may vary with the day’s schedule. If you are not confident in the water, stay onboard. The crew provides a simple alternative through shaded seating, the snack bar, and the boat’s decks.

After Plati, the boat heads back to Kos. The return is expected around 5:00 pm, bringing the day to a close after roughly seven hours on the water.

What the crew and boat add to the day

The crew is a major part of the experience. The boat is not simply taking you from one port to another. Music, dancing, games, and announcements help fill the longer stretches between islands, and the crew has been praised for being friendly, active, and well coordinated.

The pirate decoration also gives children something to enjoy beyond swimming. Adults may find it a little theatrical, but that is the point. This is a themed day out, not a plain ferry crossing.

The ship is designed for different moods. You can look for an open deck in the sun, find covered seating, or move around during the cruise. The main practical issue is competition for the best lounging spaces. If you want a padded or particularly attractive spot, make that one of your first tasks after boarding.

The company may use another ferry when capacity requires it, while keeping the pirate cruise format. That means you should not assume the exact vessel will always be identical. The experience may still include the same general setup, stops, and entertainment, but the physical layout can change.

One important point is consistency. The advertised plan is clear, but a repeat passenger reported that a later outing was not organized as well as an earlier one. I would book this expecting a fun island route, while accepting that timing and flow can vary slightly with the boat, weather, capacity, and daily operations.

Is $31 good value for a full day?

At $31 per person, the price is unusually reasonable for a seven-hour boat day. You receive the cruise, visits to three islands, swim stops, lunch, taxes, legal fees, and insurance. Even after adding a few drinks, the total remains modest compared with arranging transport and food separately.

The value is strongest if you want variety. One boat ticket gives you Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, plus entertainment and a prepared meal. You do not need to compare ferry timetables, find lunch between short stops, or arrange a separate swim boat.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quiet beach. In that case, much of the cruise time and entertainment may not suit you. You are paying for a broad day with several stops, not for a private boat or a long stay on one island.

Hotel transfers are not included unless you add an optional pickup service. Coffee and other drinks also cost extra. Bring some money for the snack bar, and make sure you know how you will reach the port of Kos.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Kos plans are still taking shape.

Who should book this pirate cruise?

I would recommend it to families who want a full day with simple logistics and built-in entertainment. Children get pirate décor, music, games, swimming, and multiple decks, while adults get island scenery, lunch, and a fairly easy day at sea.

It also suits couples and friend groups who enjoy a relaxed social setting. You can swim, sit in the shade, order drinks, and take photos without needing to plan every hour.

You should think twice if you dislike music, dancing, or a shared group atmosphere. The ship is spacious, but the outing is not private. You should also avoid expecting a detailed guided tour of Kalymnos. The island visits are short samples rather than long cultural excursions.

Non-swimmers can still join because you can stay onboard during the water stops. Strong swimmers should bring beachwear and sun protection, but nobody is required to enter the water.

The activity is offered in English, with an English-speaking host or greeter. Look for Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos at the port.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a low-cost, cheerful day that combines three island stops, swimming, Greek food, and music. The standout strengths are the roomy boat, the choice of sun or shade, the included souvlaki lunch, and the range of stops.

I would not choose it for a quiet, tightly timed sailing experience or a deep visit to Kalymnos. But for $31, the cruise gives you a lot of scenery and activity in one day, with enough flexibility to swim or stay onboard. Keep your expectations practical, claim a good seat early, and bring sunscreen. For many people staying in Kos, this is an easy way to add a full taste of the nearby islands.

FAQ

How long does the pirate cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours and is expected to return to the port of Kos by around 5:00 pm.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

What time does the cruise usually leave?

The boat usually sets sail around noon. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. The onboard meal includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and other drinks are available to purchase from the onboard snack bar.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $31 per person.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the port of Kos and look for the pirate boat named Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. Optional pickup services may be available when you make your reservation.

Can non-swimmers join the cruise?

Yes. Non-swimmers can remain onboard during the swim stops and use the onboard seating and snack bar.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and beachwear. These are useful for the beach stop and the swimming time at Plati.