From Kos: Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise with Lunch

Three islands, one cheerful boat day. This cruise packs Pserimos beach, Kalymnos town, and Plati’s open-water swim stop into seven hours from Kos. I like the mix of easy sightseeing and water time, and I like that lunch, boat transport, and swim stops are included for about $28.80 per person. The main drawback is limited time at Kalymnos, which can feel rushed if you want to explore more than the port area.

The mood is social rather than quiet. Music plays, the crew keeps people laughing, and the boat has a slide and platform for jumping into the sea near Plati. Drinks cost extra, and the souvlaki lunch is simple rather than memorable, but the low price makes this a strong choice for a fun day on the water.

Key points at a glance

• Pserimos comes first: Spend about an hour on a small island with a golden sandy beach and clear water.
• Kalymnos is the sightseeing stop: See the port town of Pothia, but expect only a short visit, often around 45 minutes.
• Plati is the playful finale: Swim from the boat, use the waterslide, and jump from the platform.
• Lunch is served onboard: The meal includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• The atmosphere is lively: Music, dancing, cocktails, and comic crew commentary make this more party boat than quiet sailing.
• The price is hard to beat: At $28.80, the fare covers the cruise, three island stops, lunch, insurance, and legal fees, while drinks and hotel pickup cost extra.

What this seven-hour Kos cruise is really like

You meet the Pirates of Kos boat at the port of Kos and show the crew your mobile voucher. The scheduled departure is 10am, with a return to the same port around 5pm.

That timing gives you a full day without requiring an early morning start. You also avoid the hassle of arranging separate ferries between the islands. An optional hotel transfer is available for an extra charge, but if you are already staying near Kos Town, walking to the port may be the better-value choice.

The boat itself sets the tone. This is a pirate-themed vessel with a cheerful, informal feel. It is designed for a crowd that wants music, sunshine, swimming, and a little silliness. If you want a silent deck and a book, you may find the music and dancing too much. If you like an easy holiday day with plenty happening around you, the energy works well.

The crew is central to the experience. George is praised for being funny and helpful, and the staff keep the trip moving with commentary, music, and a good deal of entertainment. The crew speaks English, so basic information and instructions should be easy to follow.

Pserimos: the best beach stop of the day

The first island stop is Pserimos, reached around noon. You have about one hour here, which is enough to get off the boat, walk onto the golden sandy beach, and swim in the clear blue water.

Pserimos is very small, covering only about 15 square meters according to the supplied information. That figure appears unusually small, but the important point is clear: this is a tiny island, and the stop is centered on the beach rather than sightseeing through a large settlement.

I would make Pserimos your main swimming and beach break. The water is described as warm and calm, with small fish visible near the shore, making it a good place for simple snorkeling. Bring your own mask if you have one, since snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions.

The one-hour stop passes quickly. You will not have time for a long walk or an extended beach stay, so treat it as a compact swim break. Get off the boat promptly, choose a place on the sand, and keep an eye on the departure time.

While you enjoy the water and sun, the crew prepares lunch back onboard. The meal consists of souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. It is practical food for a day at sea, not a restaurant meal. Some people find it perfectly adequate, while others may want more flavor or variety.

Vegetarian meals are available, but you must request one in advance. Do not wait until you board. Coffee and other drinks are not included, so bring some spending money for the bar.

Kalymnos and Pothia: a short taste of island life

After Pserimos, the boat heads to Kalymnos, an island known for its connection to the sea and climbing. The main town, Pothia, is also the island’s principal port and tourist center.

This stop gives you a change of pace. Pserimos is about beach and swimming. Kalymnos offers a chance to step ashore and see a working island port, local cafes, restaurants, and historic sights.

The catch is time. Plan on roughly 45 minutes at Kalymnos, though the exact schedule can change. That is enough to stretch your legs, take photographs, look around the port, and perhaps stop for a quick coffee if service is fast. It is not enough for a serious exploration of the island.

I would not book this cruise mainly to see Kalymnos. The boat makes a short introduction rather than providing a full island visit. If Kalymnos is a priority, you will get more from a dedicated ferry trip or a longer island excursion.

Still, the brief stop has value. You get a look at a second island with a different character, and you can break up the time spent at sea. Just keep your expectations modest. This is a three-island sampler, not a detailed Kalymnos tour.

Plati: the party stop with a slide and jumping platform

The final stop is Plati, where the boat itself becomes the main attraction. Rather than spending much time walking on the island, you stay near the boat to swim, sunbathe, listen to music, and use the waterslide and jumping platform.

This is the most playful section of the day. The water is clear, and the platform gives confident swimmers a chance to jump in from above the sea. The slide adds another easy bit of fun, especially for families with older children and teenagers.

The supplied feedback includes a family with a 15-year-old who enjoyed the swimming and slide, which gives you a useful sense of the age range. The activity is not aimed only at young adults. Parents should still judge the water activities for themselves, since swimming ability matters and no detailed safety guidance is provided in the tour information.

One practical point: the swimming time at Plati may feel short. The stop is designed as a lively final splash rather than a long, quiet swim. If you want extended time in the water, Pserimos may suit you better because it offers a beach break.

Music and dancing continue as the boat heads back toward Kos. The crew uses the return journey to keep the mood going, with drinks available for purchase. This is where the cruise earns its party boat label. You can sit back and watch, or join in if that is your style.

Lunch, drinks, and what is actually included

At this price, the inclusions are generous. Your $28.80 fare covers:

• The boat cruise
• Stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati
• Swimming stops
• Lunch onboard
• Souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread
• An experienced crew
• Insurance and legal fees

Vegetarian food is available by prior request. That detail matters because the standard meal is meat-based. Make the request when you book rather than assuming the crew can change the meal at the last minute.

Drinks and coffee cost extra. The bar prices are described as reasonable, but they still add to the total. If you are watching your budget, decide in advance how much you want to spend onboard.

The meal is best viewed as fuel. You are paying for a boat day with three island stops, not for a carefully prepared Greek lunch. The food should help you get through the afternoon, while the sea, music, and scenery provide the main pleasure.

Is $28.80 good value?

Yes, provided you want an active and social day rather than a private or refined sailing trip.

A single boat excursion at this price includes transport between four Dodecanese ports, three stops, a meal, swimming access, crew entertainment, and insurance. You also avoid paying separate ferry fares to reach Pserimos and Kalymnos.

The value becomes even better for families and groups. A parent can pay one modest fare and get beach time, swimming, sightseeing, lunch, and entertainment in one package. The optional hotel pickup costs extra, so the cheapest version is meeting the boat directly at Kos port.

The low price also explains the compromises. The group is likely to be large, the schedule is fixed, Kalymnos receives limited time, and lunch is basic. You are buying a lively shared outing, not a personal guide or a small yacht charter.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A low-cost day away from Kos
• Several island stops without arranging ferries
• Beach swimming and clear water
• Music, dancing, and a friendly crew
• A family activity that suits older children and teenagers
• A relaxed social outing with simple food and drinks available

You may want another type of trip if you prefer:

• Quiet sailing
• Long, unhurried time on Kalymnos
• A high-end meal
• A small group
• Extended snorkeling or swimming
• A fully guided cultural tour

The cruise also works well for people who want variety. You are not spending seven hours in one place. Instead, the day shifts from sandy beach to port town to open-water swimming. That variety keeps the outing from feeling repetitive.

Practical advice before you book

Arrive at the port with enough time to find the Pirates of Kos boat. Show your mobile voucher to the crew at boarding.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, and pack sun protection. The tour information confirms swimming and sunbathing, but it does not list towels or snorkeling gear as included. Bring a mask if seeing small fish is important to you.

Keep your belongings compact. You will move between the boat, beach, and town, and a large bag will be awkward. A small waterproof pouch can help protect your phone while you are near the water.

Bring cash or another way to pay for drinks. Coffee and beverages are not included. If you want a vegetarian meal, arrange it before departure.

The boat returns to the same Kos port around 5pm. That makes it easy to plan an evening meal in Kos Town afterward, though you should allow for possible timing changes at sea rather than booking something immediately after arrival.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans are still shifting.

The good and the less-good parts

The strongest part of the cruise is the balance of price and entertainment. You get three islands, a meal, swimming, and a lively crew for less than many single-day boat trips cost.

Pserimos is likely to be the favorite stop for people who want a beach. The calm water and small fish make it pleasant for a simple swim, while Plati provides the most fun for anyone eager to jump from the boat.

The crew also receives high praise for keeping the day enjoyable. George is described as funny and helpful, and the music and dancing add energy on the return trip.

The weaker parts are the short Kalymnos stop, basic lunch, and limited Plati swimming time. The experience can also be noisy. That is part of its appeal for some people, but not for everyone.

Should you book the Kos pirate boat cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, social day at sea with swimming, music, and a quick look at three nearby islands. It is especially well suited to families with older children, couples who enjoy a lively setting, and anyone staying in Kos who wants more than a standard beach day.

Skip it if Kalymnos is your main goal, or if you want peace, long island visits, or a polished meal. For most people seeking affordable holiday fun, though, the combination of Pserimos beach, Kalymnos port, Plati swimming, and onboard entertainment makes this a sensible Kos day trip.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the port of Kos, where you find the Pirates of Kos boat and show the crew your mobile voucher. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The scheduled departure is at 10am, with a return to the port of Kos around 5pm.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. You must notify the provider in advance so the crew can prepare a vegetarian meal.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included in the price, but they can be purchased onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is optional and costs extra. Specific pickup details are provided after booking.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swim stops at Pserimos and Plati. At Plati, the boat has a waterslide and diving platform for entering the water.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.