Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

Three islands, one day, and a pirate ship make this one of Kos’s easiest ways to get beyond the main island. From the port, you spend about seven and a half hours sailing to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a Greek barbecue lunch.

I like the unusual boat and the sheer value: for about $34.76 per person, lunch and three island stops are included. I also like the choice of chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian meals. The catch is simple: this is a long day at sea, and some stops can feel rushed, especially if you want serious beach time or island sightseeing.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one outing: Visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati without arranging separate ferries.
• A pirate-style ship: The boat gives the day a playful feel, with an upper deck, music, dancing, and a lively crew.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Equipment is available on board, and the clear water is a major part of the day.
• Lunch is included: Pick chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian barbecue.
• Allow a full morning and afternoon: The cruise starts at 9:45 a.m. from the Port of Kos and returns there.
• Good value, limited time ashore: You get a lot for the price, but this is not a slow island-exploration trip.

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

The day begins at the Port of Kos, where you board the Barco de Pirata vessel for a full outing on the Aegean. The boat has a distinctive pirate theme, which helps this cruise feel different from a standard ferry or a plain sightseeing boat.

If you want a good seat, arrive early. One passenger got to the port around 9:10 a.m. and found a desirable place upstairs on the deck. That upper level gives you a better view of the coast and open sea, though it also leaves you more exposed to sun and wind.

The planned start time is 9:45 a.m., but the departure may not be perfectly sharp. The crew may still be collecting passengers, and a late departure can compress the time available at the island stops. I would treat the stated time as the start of the day, not a guarantee that the ship will cast off to the minute.

The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this is a sizable group outing rather than a quiet sailing trip. That matters most during boarding, meal service, and the busiest moments on deck. The tradeoff is that a larger boat can offer more seating, toilets, food service, and room for a lively party atmosphere.

Kalymnos brings the first island stop

Kalymnos is one of the three named islands on the route and is often associated with the sea, traditional island life, and sponge fishing. On this cruise, the stop is less about a detailed cultural tour and more about getting off the boat, seeing another Greek island, and enjoying the water.

The first stop is used for a swim in many versions of the day. You might have around 30 minutes, though the exact amount depends on sailing conditions and how promptly the group moves. That is enough time for a quick swim, but not enough for a relaxed beach afternoon.

This is where the snorkeling equipment becomes useful. You can borrow gear from the boat and look beneath the surface rather than simply floating near shore. The water is described as clear, and the cruise also keeps an eye out for dolphins during the crossings, though wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Plan your swim before you step off the boat. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, keep your towel nearby, and do not wait until the last minute to collect your gear. With a large group, every extra delay can reduce your time in the water.

Pserimos offers a short harbor visit

Pserimos is smaller and quieter in feel, and the cruise gives you time to see its harbor area. You can walk around, look at the shoreline, or simply enjoy a drink and the view before returning to the ship.

A small train ride is available as an optional activity at one of the island stops. It can be a useful choice on a hot day, especially if you want to see a little more without walking in full sun. But do not treat it as a major sightseeing tour. The ride is tied to a shop visit focused on sponges, so it may feel more like a sales stop than an independent look at the island.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to explore local streets, spend time at a beach, or shop at your own pace, the schedule may frustrate you. If your goal is simply to step ashore, see another harbor, and return to a fun boat, Pserimos fits the plan well.

Keep an eye on the boarding time. The crew needs to gather a large group, and delays at one stop can make the next stop shorter. The cruise works best when you accept that the ship sets the rhythm, not the other way around.

Plati is mainly a water stop

Plati, also written as Plati or Platy, is the third island named on the route. Here, the focus is usually the water rather than a long walk ashore. The boat may anchor so you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the open setting around the island.

This is a good arrangement for people who prefer sea time to souvenir shops. You can stay on board, take in the views, or get into the water with the supplied equipment. The clear water and warm-weather setting are the point.

It is less satisfying if you expect three full island visits. The cruise title promises three islands, but the third stop may feel like an anchorage near Plati rather than a conventional shore visit. That is not necessarily a flaw, but it is important to understand the kind of itinerary you are buying.

I would think of the day as two island visits plus a third swimming area, not three long land excursions. That expectation makes the schedule feel more honest and helps you decide if this is the right Kos day trip.

Barbecue lunch is served on board

Lunch is included, which makes the $34.76 price especially attractive. The meal is prepared as a barbecue on the boat, and you choose from five main options: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian.

The range is useful for a mixed group. You do not have to arrange a separate meal ashore, and people with different diets can choose an option that suits them. The meal also keeps the day moving because you eat during the cruise rather than losing more island time at a restaurant.

Food quality can vary. Some passengers found the meal tasty and appreciated the Greek-style setting, while others found the chicken and pork hard or reheated and felt the side dish was less Greek than expected. I would rate lunch as a practical inclusion rather than the main culinary reason to book the trip.

If you have strict dietary needs, choose the vegan or vegetarian option when booking or confirming your meal. The listed choices are clear, but the information provided does not promise detailed allergy handling, so you should ask the operator directly if that is important to you.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. Drinks can be purchased on board, and some departures have offered low-priced cocktails or happy-hour deals, but those promotions are not guaranteed. Budget a little extra if you want drinks beyond the included lunch.

Music changes the mood of the cruise

Barco de Pirata is not a quiet boat ride. Music, dancing, and an upbeat crew are part of the appeal. Crew members such as Spiros have been singled out for friendly service, and the staff often help create the party feel that makes the pirate theme work.

Families with children and groups of friends are likely to enjoy this side of the trip. Teenagers can swim, dance, and move between the upper deck and lower areas, while adults can settle in with a drink and watch the islands pass.

The same music can be a problem if you want peace and quiet. One especially negative experience centered on very loud music and a headache. If you are sensitive to noise, choose a seat away from the main speakers when possible, bring ear protection, and know that the party atmosphere is part of the product.

The atmosphere can also shift with the group on board. Some trips feel like a cheerful day at sea, while others may feel crowded or loud. With a maximum of 200 people, you should not expect a private sailing experience.

The real value is in the combination

At about $34.76, this cruise is priced well for a full day that includes lunch, a boat ride, three named island areas, and snorkeling equipment. You would spend more effort and likely more money trying to link several independent boat trips from Kos, especially if you also had to arrange food.

The value is strongest if you want variety. In one outing, you get open water, island scenery, a swim, a harbor visit, a barbecue, and a party atmosphere. You do not need to plan ferry connections or decide where to eat at each stop.

The value is weaker if you measure a trip by time ashore. You may spend much of the day sailing, and the stops can be brief. One stop may offer only about 30 minutes for swimming, while Plati may be an anchorage rather than a walk-around visit.

That is the central choice. Book it for a broad taste of the islands and a social day on the water. Skip it if you want a slow beach day, long walks, quiet scenery, or detailed local guiding.

Who should book this Kos cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors to Kos who want an easy island-hopping day. It is especially useful if you have limited time and want to see beyond Kos without handling the transport yourself.

Children can enjoy the pirate ship, swimming, and music, though parents should be comfortable with a long day and a large group. Teenagers may find this one of the more entertaining ways to spend a day, especially if they like dancing and water activities.

The cruise also suits people who want flexible participation. You can swim, snorkel, sit on deck, walk around a harbor, or stay on board. You are not forced into every activity.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a quiet sailing trip or a serious cultural tour. The boat is lively, the music may be loud, and the island visits are designed as quick tastes rather than extended explorations.

The vessel is described as accessible to people with special needs and has special services and toilet facilities. Since the boat and port can still involve practical boarding details, contact Barco de Pirata Cruises before booking if you need specific assistance.

Practical details that shape the day

Your mobile ticket is accepted for the activity, which ends back at the Port of Kos. The cruise lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes, so do not plan a tight appointment immediately afterward.

Wear swimwear under easy clothing and bring sun protection, a towel, and shoes that are comfortable both on deck and near the water. Snorkeling equipment is available, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if you already have one that fits well.

Arrive before 9:45 a.m., with extra time if you want an upstairs seat. Keep your belongings compact because a large boat with many people can make personal storage less convenient.

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cause a cancellation, you should be offered another date or activity, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book Barco de Pirata?

Book this cruise if your ideal Kos day includes three island names, swimming, a barbecue, and music on a pirate-style ship. The price is strong, the crew’s friendly energy is a real part of the fun, and the range of meal choices makes it easy for a mixed group.

Do not book it expecting three leisurely island tours. You may get only a short swim, a quick harbor visit, and an anchored stop near Plati. For most people who want a lively and affordable day at sea, that is a fair trade. For serious beach time or quiet exploration, choose a slower trip.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

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 boat visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati.

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 tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

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

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a different date or a full refund.