This is a full-on pirate-boat day with swim breaks, music, and real island time. I like the mix of three different stops—Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati—so the day doesn’t blur into one long cruise. I also love that the highlight isn’t just sightseeing: you get a waterslide plus onboard swimming and snorkeling gear.

The main drawback to keep in mind is simple: the vibe can get loud. If you’re the type who wants a quiet, sit-and-look tour, this one may feel more like a floating party than a calm day on the sea.

Why the Barco de Pirata Works So Well

A big reason this cruise gets such strong marks is how it’s run. The crew keeps things lively with music and an upbeat approach, and you can even hear specific praise for staff like Kostas (who showed people around Kalymnos) and Yanis at the bar.

For a value price, you’re getting a complete day package: island visits, lunch on board, and multiple chances to swim. Still, plan your expectations for lunch portion size and drinks costs, because both come with a few mixed notes.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Waterslide + jump-offs at Plati: the last stop is built for big splash moments, with snorkeling gear available too.
• Greek BBQ lunch on board: three choices (chicken, pork, vegetarian), served while you’re cruising.
• Short, efficient island stays: plan for about an hour at each stop, so you’ll focus on the highlights.
• Lively crew and music: great for families and groups, but not ideal if you want quiet.
• Dolphins are possible: you might spot them on the route, and people have reported seeing them.
• Easy meeting point in Kos: look for the big wooden pirate boat near Jasmine caffe in Kos Harbour.

Pirate-Ship Day Trip from Kos: The Vibe and the Value

This isn’t a stiff, timed “bus tour” feeling. It’s a wooden pirate-style boat that turns travel time into entertainment. You’ll be on the water for most of the day—about 450 minutes (7.5 hours)—and the schedule is designed so you get three different islands plus swimming breaks.

The value side is what stands out first. For around $29 per person, you’re paying for transport, island stops, lunch, and waterslide access, all in one package. That’s the kind of deal that works especially well if you don’t want to spend your time figuring out ferry schedules and local transport.

Where it can miss for some people: if you’re picky about lunch quality or you hate loud music, you might want to balance this with a quieter day elsewhere on Kos. One review even called out that lunch could be better for some tastes, while others said it was tasty and filling enough for the price.

Price and Value: What You’re Actually Getting for $29

Let’s break down the “what you get” without marketing fluff. You’re getting:

• Three islands: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati
• Lunch on board with choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian
• Waterslide access at the Plati stop
• Swim stops plus snorkeling gear for seeing marine life
• Crew and safety equipment like life jackets
• Free Wi-Fi onboard

So even if you’re mostly interested in the water fun, you’re still covered with lunch and stops. And if you’re more into islands and wandering, you’ll get enough time to walk around, shop a bit, and take photos—just not enough time to do long hikes or deep museum-style sightseeing.

A fair note from real feedback: drinks are not included, and some people feel like the drinks could be cheaper. On the positive side, several reviews say bar prices are reasonable and that water can be about €1, with cocktails discounted after lunch. In other words, there’s flexibility, but you should expect to pay for beverages.

Timing and Route: How the Day Flows Between Islands

The cruise is built around travel + short island “windows.” After departing Kos Harbour, you’ll spend some time sailing between stops—enough to relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the music on board.

Here’s how the rhythm feels in real life:

• You get one island stop with time for photos and a walk.
• Then you get another island stop focused on a quick browse and free time.
• Then you finish with Plati, where the water fun ramps up the most.

This structure is ideal if you like variety and don’t want to sit on the boat for hours without a plan. If you want long island stays—like two to three hours of serious wandering—you may feel the time is short. People have asked for longer time at the first stop and for more time at some swimming moments, especially since the slide and jump-off activity is the main event.

Kos to Pserimos: Photos, Break Time, and a First Taste of the Dodecanese

Pserimos is your first island stop, and it works as a warm-up. You’ll get break time, photo stops, a visit guided/organized by the crew, plus free time and even shopping and a walk. If you like the classic island routine—look around, take pictures, find a snack or drink—you’ll probably enjoy this stop.

The practical idea here is to use Pserimos for orientation. You’ll get a feel for the coastline and how the islands look from land after traveling by sea. And since the rest of the day is more action-focused, this first stop gives you a breather.

A possible consideration: you’ll be on a schedule. You won’t have hours to do everything. So if your goal is beach-hopping, aim for a few key moments rather than trying to cover the whole island.

Kalymnos Stop: About an Hour to Shop, Walk, and Get a Local Story

Next comes Kalymnos, and this stop is the one people often describe as small, quaint, and worth stepping into. You’ll get break time, photo opportunities, a visit, and then free time for shopping and walking for about roughly an hour.

What makes Kalymnos feel different is the human factor. One review specifically praised Kostas, who not only showed people around but also shared cultural info. That kind of crew-led context can turn a quick stop into something more meaningful, even when time is limited.

Drawback to plan around: if you’re hoping for a deep exploration—big landmarks, long beach lounges, or a slow-paced meal—this might feel rushed. But it’s a good fit if you want to see another island town without committing a full day.

Plati Island: Waterslide, Snorkeling Gear, and the Best Splash Stop

Plati is where this cruise usually wins hearts. The stop includes free time, swimming, snorkeling gear, and it’s also where you’ll find the waterslide fun plus the classic jump-off excitement from the boat.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is the moment they’ll remember later. Reviews mention jumping off the boat (people even estimate the height as around 10 meters) and using inflatable slides at the water stop. Even adults who don’t normally swim much seem to light up here.

For the water part, plan smart:

• Wear your swimwear under clothes so you’re ready fast.
• Bring a towel because you’ll want to dry off after the slide and swimming.
• Use sunscreen early, not right before the slide.

Snorkeling is included via provided gear, and the day’s theme is easy-going exploration of marine life. Some guests have also reported seeing dolphins around the cruise route, which adds extra “wow” even before Plati.

One fair warning from feedback: a couple people felt the Plati waterslide and swimming window could feel a bit short. If the slide is your #1 priority, go early during the water stop so you don’t miss the best time slots.

Onboard Lunch: Greek BBQ Choices and Portion Reality

Lunch is a major part of the pitch, and it’s a helpful one. You get a traditional Greek meal onboard with three choices: chicken, pork, or vegetarian. You eat while you’re sailing and hanging out on the boat, which means you’re not burning extra time hunting for food on islands.

How good is it? The feedback is mixed, but not bleak. Many reviews call lunch tasty and a decent portion for the price. At the same time, a few people noticed smaller-than-expected portions, especially for picky kids who want plain food.

So my practical take is this: treat the lunch as fuel, not a food-tour highlight. If you have kids (or picky eaters), pack a small backup snack if you know they get hungry fast—just remember you’re not allowed to bring your own drinks onboard, and the rules in your booking may be enforced.

Also note the lunch choice matters. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll have an option, but you still may want to be flexible about what “Greek BBQ” looks like in onboard form.

Drinks and Music: The Fun Part With One Big Caveat

Music and entertainment are part of the experience. The crew tends to keep the atmosphere upbeat, with a party-like feel between islands. Reviews repeatedly mention a lively vibe and even dancing or singing energy on board.

This is great if you want your day trip to feel social and energetic. It’s not great if you want quiet conversation the whole way. One review even explicitly advised that you might not want this trip if you don’t like loud music.

As for drinks: beverages are available for purchase and not included. Several reviews say bar prices are reasonable, with examples like water at €1 and cocktails discounted after lunch. There’s also feedback that some people wish drinks were cheaper, so budget a little extra if you plan to have cocktails or multiple drinks.

Dolphins, Sun, and Safety Gear: Little Extras That Matter

A cruise like this lives or dies on how comfortable people feel in the water. The good news is safety is built in: you’ll have life jackets and safety equipment onboard.

And the sea can deliver surprises. The cruise description notes that on some days you may see dolphins near the boat, and at least one review specifically says dolphins were spotted playing in the water. Not guaranteed, but it’s the kind of bonus that makes a day feel special without planning.

Weather matters too. If conditions are rough, you might not get all stops. One review described a day where they did two of the three islands instead of all three, without letting the experience fall apart. If you book, keep your mindset flexible.

What to Pack for a Pirate Cruise That Includes Swimming

The packing list is straightforward, and you’ll use most of it:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A T-shirt if you want sun coverage between swims

Then add your common-sense comfort items:

• Water shoes or sandals you can handle around boat steps
• A dry bag for phone and keys if you’re planning to snorkel or slide
• Backup snacks if you’re traveling with kids who may not love onboard lunch

Also remember this rule: don’t plan to bring your own drinks onboard. If you need specific beverages, buy them on the boat.

Is This Cruise Worth It? Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip)

This is a strong match for:

• Families who want one easy trip with multiple “activity moments”
• Groups that enjoy music and social energy
• People who want a waterslide and water time without planning ferries or transport
• Travelers who like variety: quick island browsing plus a big water finale

You might want to skip or pair it with a calmer plan if:

• You want quiet sightseeing and long stops on land
• You’re very sensitive to loud music
• You care most about exceptional food quality rather than value

The time format is also a tell. This cruise is built for fast island highlights, not slow wandering.

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

If your ideal day includes one boat ride, three islands, a Greek BBQ lunch, and an ending at Plati with a waterslide and swimming, then yes—I think this is a smart booking. The main “trade” is noise and the shorter island time windows, but the overall package feels like it’s priced to deliver fun.

Book it if you want energy and water time. Consider something else if you’d rather keep your trip calm, quiet, and tightly sightseeing-focused. Either way, with this cruise you’ll come away with more than photos—you’ll come away with splash memories.

FAQ

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

The duration is 450 minutes, which is about 7.5 hours.

Which islands are included on the cruise?

You’ll visit Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Is lunch included, and what choices are available?

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

Is the waterslide part of the experience?

Yes. Waterslide access is included, and the water stop at Plati is where the slide fun happens.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the swim/snorkeling stop at Plati.

Can I bring my own drinks on board?

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

Where do I meet the pirate boat in Kos?

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

Is free Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks German and English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.