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

The best part of this pirate-ship cruise from Kos is the simple mix of three islands, swimming stops and lunch at sea. You spend the day moving between the quiet beach of Pserimos, the more rugged port island of Kalymnos and lively Plati, without arranging separate ferries.

I like the generous choice of decks, with both shaded seats and open areas for sunbathing. I also like that the $31 price includes a Greek meal of souvlaki, salad and bread, which keeps the basic cost reasonable. The main drawback is that the day can feel long if you do not enjoy sun, music and a busy boat atmosphere, though non-swimmers can stay onboard and find shade.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: Visit Pserimos, Kalymnos and Plati from a single departure point in Kos.
• A proper Greek lunch included: Souvlaki, salad and bread are served onboard, with vegetarian food available.
• Pserimos brings the best beach stop: Expect about an hour on golden sand with clear water.
• Several places to sit: The boat has covered and open areas, useful when the sun gets strong.
• Plati is the liveliest stop: Cocktails, music, sunbathing and swimming shape the final island visit.
• Good value at $31: The price includes the cruise, three island visits, lunch, taxes and insurance, but drinks and hotel transfers cost extra.

Setting Sail from Kos on a Pirate Boat

You meet at the port of Kos and look for the boat called Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos. The operator is Island Spy, and the host language is English. Optional hotel pickup can be added if you want help getting to the port, but the transfer is not part of the base price.

The boat is designed for a full day at sea rather than a quiet ferry crossing. You have several decks, open areas for sun, shaded seating, music and dancing. The pirate theme gives the trip a playful feel, especially for families with children, but the setup also works for adults who simply want an easy day on the water.

The advertised duration is seven hours. The cruise sets off around noon and returns to Kos by about 5:00 pm, so check the exact start time when booking. The schedule combines sailing, island stops and time onboard, with the order and boat used subject to change if the company needs another vessel for capacity reasons.

That small bit of flexibility matters. You are booking the pirate-boat style and route, but not necessarily one exact hull. The company says another ferry may be used while keeping the pirate-boat experience, so do not treat the vessel name as a guarantee.

Pserimos: One Hour on Golden Sand

Pserimos is the first stop and the clearest beach break of the day. You get about an hour to leave the boat, stretch your legs, sit on golden sand and swim in clear blue water. This is the stop to pack your beachwear for, rather than treating the cruise as a sightseeing trip spent entirely on deck.

Pserimos is small and quiet compared with Kos and Kalymnos. Its appeal is not a long list of sights. It is the chance to slow down for a short time, enjoy the water and feel the scale of a small Greek island. If you want a full afternoon at the beach, one hour will feel brief. If you prefer several different stops, the short visit keeps the day moving.

While you are at Pserimos, the crew prepares the included lunch. The meal features souvlaki, Greek salad and bread, with vegetarian options available. It is a practical lunch for a boat trip: familiar, filling and part of the ticket price rather than an extra restaurant bill.

Bring sunscreen, a hat and beachwear. There is no reason to count on buying everything you need at the stop. A towel is not listed among the included items, so bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming.

Kalymnos Adds a More Rugged Island Feel

Kalymnos changes the mood. Instead of a small beach setting, you get an island known for rugged scenery, maritime activity and its main town, Pothia. The town is the island’s center, with historic places, dining and entertainment.

The exact amount of time ashore is not specified, so you should listen carefully to the crew’s instructions. Use the visit for a walk, a look at the port area or a quick taste of the island’s town life. This is not presented as a detailed guided tour of Kalymnos, so you should not expect a long historical explanation or a structured town walk.

That is both a strength and a limitation. I like that Kalymnos gives the day more variety than a string of beach stops. You see a working island with a stronger town identity, not just another place to swim. But if Kalymnos is your main reason for booking, the cruise format may leave you wanting more time and deeper exploration.

The stop works best if you keep your plan modest. Have a look around, take in the harbor setting and return to the boat on time. The day is built around seeing several places, not staying long enough to know one island in detail.

Plati Brings Music, Drinks and Water Time

Plati is the final island stop, and the atmosphere becomes more social. You can sunbathe on the boat, enjoy views of the island, swim in the clear water and take part in the music and party mood. The onboard snack bar sells drinks and refreshments, but coffee and other beverages are not included in the ticket.

Plati suits you if you like a little noise and movement with your sea day. The boat has space for dancing and music, and the crew may organize games for children. Families can enjoy the pirate theme, while couples and groups can simply find a place on deck and let the afternoon pass.

The word party should not make you think the whole trip is a loud nightclub. The boat has covered seating and quieter places to sit, and the overall feel can be relaxed if you choose your spot carefully. Still, this is not the right cruise for someone seeking a silent sail with no organized entertainment.

The swimming time is a strong reason to bring proper beach gear. Non-swimmers can remain onboard during the water stops and use the snack bar, so you do not need to swim to get value from the trip. If you do want water time, keep your belongings organized and avoid leaving valuables loose on the deck.

Lunch, Drinks and the Real Value of $31

At $31 per person, this is a low-cost full-day outing by Greek island cruise standards. The price covers the boat, an experienced crew, visits to three islands, swimming stops, lunch, legal fees, taxes and insurance. That list gives the fare its value, especially because the included meal removes one midday expense.

The lunch is simple rather than fancy. Expect souvlaki, salad and bread, not a long buffet or a restaurant-style meal. Vegetarian food is available, which is useful when booking for a mixed group, though you may want to confirm the exact vegetarian serving if you have strict dietary needs.

Drinks are extra. The boat has a snack bar, and one provided account describes drink prices onboard as reasonable, but you should still budget for water, coffee, soft drinks or cocktails. Plati in particular is the place where you may be tempted to buy a cocktail, so the advertised fare is best viewed as the starting cost rather than the entire day’s spending.

Hotel transfers are also extra. If your accommodation is close to Kos port, meeting there may be simple. If not, adding pickup can make the morning easier, but it raises the final price. Check the pickup option rather than assuming it comes with the cruise.

Finding Shade, Space and a Good Seat

The boat offers both covered and uncovered seating. That matters more than the pirate decorations. A full day in strong Greek sun can become tiring, so the shaded areas are useful during the longer sailing sections and for anyone who wants a break from direct heat.

Some of the best lounging spots may go early. If you want one of the lie-down areas, arrive with enough time to board without rushing. Those spaces are most useful if you plan to spend much of the day on the boat, though they are not ideal for everyone because they invite a full day in the sun.

I would choose a seat with easy access to shade and keep a hat and sunscreen close. You can move between decks, but the boat’s most attractive sunbathing areas may not remain available all day. Families may prefer a place where children can sit comfortably, while couples may want a quieter shaded corner away from the music.

The boat is spacious enough to offer options, but spacious does not mean private. You are sharing the deck with a group, and the atmosphere changes as lunch, music, island stops and swimming all take their turn.

Who Will Enjoy This Kos Island Cruise

This trip suits families, especially those who like boats, swimming and a light pirate theme. Games for children, music and the choice between sun and shade help keep the day varied. The three island visits also prevent the outing from feeling like a single beach transfer.

It works well for couples and groups who want an easy day with scenery but do not need a formal guided tour. You can swim, sit in the sun, order a drink and enjoy the views without planning every hour yourself.

It is also a sensible choice for budget-minded visitors. You get a long boat outing, three stops and lunch for $31, which is strong value if you make use of the included meal and swimming time.

I would be more cautious if your priority is serious sightseeing. Kalymnos is presented as a place with historic sights and a lively main town, but the cruise does not promise a detailed guided visit. You also may not enjoy the trip if you dislike music, group activities or spending many hours on a boat.

People who want a quiet beach day should look closely at the schedule. Pserimos offers the calmest beach setting, but the full outing continues to Kalymnos and Plati, with music and a more social mood later in the day.

Practical Preparation for Seven Hours at Sea

Pack a sun hat, sunscreen and beachwear. I would also bring a towel, a reusable water bottle if allowed by the operator, and a small bag that can stay close to you during swimming stops. Only the first three items are specifically required, but they make the day easier.

Do not forget that the lunch is included but drinks are not. Keep some money available for the snack bar, especially if you want coffee, soft drinks or cocktails. The boat provides food, but there is no promise that every refreshment is covered.

The experience is insured, and all legal fees and taxes are included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. These policies are useful if your Kos plans may change, but always check the final booking terms and the exact meeting time.

At the port, identify the pirate boat by name. Since the operator may use another vessel when capacity requires it, confirm the day’s boat and boarding instructions if anything looks different from the expected pirate design.

Should You Book the Pirate Cruise from Kos?

Book it if you want a good-value day at sea with three island stops, an included Greek lunch and plenty of swimming and sunbathing. The strongest parts are the variety of Pserimos, Kalymnos and Plati, the choice of shaded or open seating, and the cheerful pirate-boat setting.

Think twice if you want long, quiet visits or detailed history. The schedule gives you a taste of several islands rather than a deep look at one, and the final stop can be lively. For families, couples and groups who want a relaxed mix of swimming, food and music, $31 is a fair price. Just budget for drinks, arrive ready for the sun and treat the cruise as a fun island sampler, not a specialist Kalymnos tour.

FAQ

Where does the pirate cruise depart from?

It departs from the port of Kos. Look for the boat named Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos and Plati.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is seven hours. The boat leaves around noon and is expected back in Kos by about 5:00 pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, salad and bread. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Coffee, cocktails and other drinks must be purchased separately from the onboard snack bar.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are optional and can be added to the reservation.

Can non-swimmers join the cruise?

Yes. Non-swimmers can stay onboard during the swimming stops and use the onboard snack bar.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. The boat has covered seating as well as open decks for sunbathing.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen and beachwear. A towel is also useful for the swimming stops.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.