Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

Set sail for more than Kos. The Barco de Pirata cruise packs Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati into one long day aboard a pirate-style ship, with swimming, snorkeling, island views, and a Greek barbecue included. I like the unusual boat and the chance to see three different islands without arranging separate ferries.

I also like the price, about $34.76 per person, which is strong value when lunch and snorkeling equipment are included. The main catch is time: you spend much of the roughly seven-and-a-half-hour trip at sea, and some stops can feel short or rushed.

This is a social, energetic boat day rather than a quiet island escape. You may get dancing, loud music, cocktails, and a party mood along with the swimming and scenery. If you want long beach time or serious island exploration, choose a slower trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: Visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati without arranging several boat connections.
• A pirate-style vessel: The ship gives the day a playful character and offers space to sit, sunbathe, eat, and watch the sea.
• Swimming and snorkeling stops: Equipment is available on board, so you can enter the clear water without bringing your own mask and fins.
• Greek barbecue lunch included: Choose chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian food, prepared on the boat.
• A lively atmosphere: Music, dancing, and reasonably priced drinks are part of the experience, though the sound level may not suit everyone.
• A full day at sea: The cruise begins at 9:45 a.m. from the Port of Kos and returns to the same meeting point after about seven and a half hours.

The pirate ship leaves Kos at 9:45 a.m.

Your day begins at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece. The stated departure time is 9:45 a.m., and arriving early is a smart move if you care about seating. One couple arrived around 9:10 and managed to find a good place upstairs on the deck.

That upper deck is likely the best spot for open views, fresh air, and photographs. It can also put you closer to the sun and the music, so bring sun protection and be ready for a lively ride. The ship has a distinctive pirate design, which gives the trip more personality than a plain sightseeing ferry.

The boat can carry up to 200 people. That is a fairly large group, and the atmosphere can feel busy, especially when additional passengers board or when everyone moves toward the swimming areas. One departure was delayed while extra passengers were collected after the scheduled time, so do not build a tight evening plan around the advertised return.

The ship has toilet facilities and is described as accessible to people with special needs, with special services available. Still, if you have specific mobility requirements, confirm the details before booking, since the information provided does not explain how easy it is to move between decks or reach the swimming points.

Kalymnos brings the first island stop

Kalymnos is the first named island on the route. The stop is mainly about getting into the water, so pack your swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel easy to reach.

The clear water is the star here. You can swim from the boat or use the snorkeling equipment provided on board to look for marine life. This is a useful feature for families and casual swimmers who do not want to pack gear, though you should not expect a full guided snorkeling session. The crew provides equipment, but the trip is built around a quick recreational swim rather than a specialist marine excursion.

Time can be tight. Some departures allow roughly 30 minutes for the first swim, and the practical time is shorter once you account for getting ready, waiting your turn, and returning to the ship. I would treat this as a refreshing stop, not a full beach visit.

If you are happiest in the water, head toward the swimming area early. If you prefer staying dry, remain on deck and enjoy the view of the island from the ship. The boat may also encounter dolphins during the crossing, but sightings are not guaranteed, so consider them a lucky bonus rather than a promised part of the program.

Pserimos offers a quick look ashore

The next stop is Pserimos, where the focus shifts from swimming to a short visit around the harbor. You may have time to walk, take photographs, and look around, but the schedule does not allow for a slow island afternoon.

A small tourist train is available here according to the trip feedback. It can be useful on a hot day, especially if you want to sit rather than walk, but be aware that the ride is closely linked to a sponge shop. If browsing and buying are not your interests, walking around the harbor may suit you better.

This is one of the places where the cruise format shapes the experience. Three islands sound generous, but the timetable means you get a sample of each rather than a proper visit. Late departures or delays at the stops can make the time ashore feel even shorter.

I would use Pserimos for a brief wander and a change of scene. Do not expect enough time for a relaxed meal, extended shopping, or a long beach break. The value is in seeing another Aegean harbor as part of a wider day, not in exploring Pserimos in depth.

Plati is mainly a swimming stop

The third stop is Plati, also written as Plato in some tour details. The boat anchors here, and the attraction is the water rather than a long walk around the island.

This is a good setting for another swim, a little snorkeling, or simply relaxing on deck. The stop gives you another chance to cool off after the morning’s sailing and to enjoy the open sea without needing to find a beach.

Do not expect a substantial island visit. The boat may remain at anchor while you swim, so Plati is best understood as a scenic water stop. That arrangement works well for people who enjoy a swim and a party boat, but it may disappoint you if you booked the trip hoping to step ashore on all three islands.

The three-stop structure is therefore both the cruise’s great advantage and its limitation. You cover a lot of ground in one day, but none of the islands receives much time.

Lunch is simple, plentiful, and included

The barbecue lunch is part of the ticket price, which helps explain the strong value at $34.76. You choose from five options: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian. The food is prepared and barbecued outside on the boat, with fresh Greek dishes promised as part of the meal.

The choice of main dishes is a real strength for mixed groups. You do not need to arrange separate food for someone who avoids meat, and the vegan and vegetarian choices make the excursion easier for families and friends with different diets.

Expect practical boat-trip food, not a restaurant meal. Several people found the lunch tasty, while one detailed account described the chicken and pork as hard and twice cooked, with German-style coleslaw rather than a Greek side. Food quality may depend on the day, so I would see lunch as a welcome included meal rather than a reason to book on its own.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. You can buy drinks on board, and some departures have offered happy-hour cocktails for about 5 euros, though that promotion is not guaranteed. The bar and party atmosphere add to the fun for some people, but drink costs can raise your final spending beyond the ticket price.

The crew sets the mood

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. They are described as friendly, helpful, accommodating, and enthusiastic, with particular appreciation for Spiros on one departure. The staff also help create the pirate theme through music, dancing, and an upbeat approach to hosting the day.

This is not a silent cruise. Music can be a major part of the experience, and dancing is encouraged. Families with children and groups of friends may find the energy infectious. It is a good match for you if you want entertainment during the sailing instead of seven quiet hours watching the horizon.

The volume is the main warning. One unhappy account described the music as so loud that it caused a headache, while other people loved the party feel. I would bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise, and I would not book this trip expecting a peaceful escape.

The crew’s friendliness helps make a large boat feel more welcoming, but the group size still matters. With up to 200 people on board, popular seating, swim equipment, and food service can all become busy at peak moments.

How much value do you get for $34.76?

At around $34.76 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to spend a full day on the water from Kos. You receive the cruise, three island stops, a barbecue lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Comparable independent planning would require sorting out boat transport, meals, and timing yourself.

The price is especially appealing if you want variety. In one day, you can swim near Kalymnos, walk around Pserimos, anchor at Plati, eat lunch, and enjoy a themed boat ride. For families, the included meal and on-board toilet facilities also reduce some of the hassle of a long day at sea.

The value weakens if your priority is time ashore. You are paying for a broad snapshot of the islands, not a relaxed visit to any one of them. Extra drinks cost more, and a late departure can make the stops feel compressed.

I would call it good value for entertainment and variety. I would not call it the best value for travelers who want beaches, quiet coves, or detailed island sightseeing.

What to pack for a smoother day

Keep your packing simple but practical:

• Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat
• Comfortable clothing for a full day outdoors
• A waterproof bag for valuables
• Sunglasses and a phone or camera for the island views
• Earplugs if loud music bothers you
• Cash or another payment method for drinks, since alcohol is extra

Wear your swimwear beneath your clothes. With short swimming stops, changing can take away a large part of your water time. It also helps to keep your snorkeling gear location in mind once the crew makes it available.

Arrive early if you want a preferred seat, especially upstairs. The advertised start is 9:45 a.m., but one departure left late while additional passengers boarded. The cruise ends back at the Port of Kos, though the exact return time can shift with sea conditions, loading, and delays.

The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and groups who want a fun, social day at sea and do not mind a packed schedule. Teenagers may particularly enjoy the music, swimming, pirate ship, and chance to move between several islands without a long planning session.

It also suits first-time boat visitors who want an easy introduction to island hopping. The crew, included lunch, on-board facilities, and provided snorkeling equipment make the day straightforward.

I would be more cautious if you want calm surroundings, long beach stops, or serious snorkeling. The noise, large group, and limited time ashore may frustrate you. People with strict food expectations should also keep lunch in perspective: there are useful menu choices, but the quality may be uneven.

The cruise is accessible to people with special needs, but the supplied details are general. Ask the provider about your exact requirements before booking, particularly if you need help between levels of the ship or at the swimming stops.

Should you book the Barco de Pirata cruise?

Book it if your ideal Kos day includes three islands, swimming, barbecue lunch, music, and a little holiday chaos. At the current price, you get a lot of activity for one ticket, and the crew’s energy appears to be a major part of why the day works.

Skip it if you want to linger. The islands are visited quickly, Plati is mainly an anchorage, and the sailing time takes up much of the day. A quieter or more beach-focused boat trip would suit you better.

My practical verdict: this is a lively sightseeing cruise with solid value, not a slow island retreat. Arrive early for a good seat, pack for swimming, keep your evening flexible, and book it for the atmosphere as much as for the islands.

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 start?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. Plati is also written as Plato in some tour information.

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 ticket price and must be purchased separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat for use during the swimming stops.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also result in an alternative date or a full refund.