3 Island Luxury Cruise with 4 Swimming Stops with Captain Morgan

The best part of Captain Morgan’s cruise is the mix: you get four chances to swim in clear Aegean water, two small-island visits, a dolphin search, and lunch without paying anything close to private-charter prices. The crew keeps the mood upbeat, with music, dancing, singing, and the entertaining Ariel, known on board as the mermaid.

I like the strong value at $32.89, especially with a seven-hour outing and BBQ lunch included. I also like the clean, newer boat, fair drink prices, onboard restroom, and the chance to see dolphins near Kalymnos. The main concern is space. With up to 200 people, outdoor seats can fill early, and the atmosphere can turn into a lively party boat, particularly on the return to Kos.

Key points to know before you book

• Four water stops: You have several chances to swim, not just one quick photo stop.
• Pserimos and Vathi: Walk through tiny island ports, browse local shops, and enjoy a slower break from the boat.
• Dolphin search near Kalymnos: Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
• Fresh BBQ lunch: Souvlaki, bread, and salad are typical parts of the meal, with vegetarian and vegan choices available if requested.
• Big-boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, and crowd participation suit social groups, but the boat may feel full.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: Early boarding gives you a better chance at choosing a preferred seat.

What the $32.89 price really buys you

At $32.89 per person, this is one of the easier ways to spend most of a day on the water from Kos. You are paying for a full cruise, several stops, lunch, crew entertainment, and access to places you would not reach as simply from town.

The price matters because independent island hopping can quickly become more costly once you add separate ferry tickets, food, and drinks. Here, the main cost is clear from the start. Lunch is included, while snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol cost extra.

The onboard bar sells drinks, and the pricing has generally been described as fair. Alcohol is served only to passengers aged 18 and over. You should still bring some spending money if you want drinks, snacks, or something from the island shops.

This is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is a large shared cruise with music and a social crew. If you want a calm boat with space around your towel and a flexible schedule, the low price comes with a tradeoff. If you want a full day out with plenty happening, the deal is strong.

Boarding in Kos and finding your place

The boat leaves from Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos, with departure listed for 9:45 a.m. You need to meet the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding and seat selection.

That early arrival is more important than it may sound. Some people try to reserve outdoor seats with towels or bags, and this can make the upper deck feel scarce once the boat fills. Arrive early, choose your spot, and keep your belongings tidy so other people can use shared seating fairly.

The boat has indoor and outdoor areas. Outdoor seating gives you the best view and makes dolphin watching easier, but the indoor lower deck offers shelter from strong sun and wind. Some people find the lower area less pleasant because of the engine smell, so if you are sensitive to diesel fumes, aim for an outside or upper-deck position.

The vessel has a restroom, which is useful on a seven-hour day. The boat is described as clean and newer, and the crew handles boarding with a friendly pirate-style welcome.

Pserimos first: a small port and your first swim

The first stop is Pserimos, a tiny island with a golden-sand beach and a compact port. You have about 45 minutes here, enough to walk around, see the shoreline, and take your first swim.

Pserimos works well as an opening stop because it gives you a taste of island life without demanding a long walk or a full afternoon ashore. The port is small, and the appeal is simple: beach, bright water, and a short break from the boat.

You should keep an eye on the clock. Forty-five minutes disappears quickly once you walk from the boat, find a place for your things, swim, and return for boarding. This is a swim-and-stroll stop, not a chance to explore the entire island.

Some visitors buy ice cream or small refreshments here, but food choices on shore are separate from the tour. Because the schedule is tight, I would not wander far from the port.

Vathi: local flavors and a fresh lunch

The next island stop is Vathi, where you have about an hour. The port area offers a look at local products, especially sponges, honey, and orange juice. You can take a short walk into town, visit a local shop, swim, or simply enjoy a snack before returning to the boat.

This is one of the more useful stops for seeing something beyond the water. The sponge trade is closely tied to the Dodecanese islands, and the shop visit gives the stop a local connection rather than making it only another beach call.

The hour is enough for a quick look around, but not for a long inland walk. I would choose one main goal: browse the sponge shop, sample a local drink, or swim. Trying to do everything may leave you rushing back to the vessel.

Once everyone is aboard, the crew serves lunch. The BBQ meal is freshly prepared, with souvlaki, bread, and salad among the foods served. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available upon request, so mention your needs when booking rather than waiting until lunchtime.

Lunch is a real benefit at this price. You do not have to search for food at the next port or carry a full picnic. Portions have been described as generous, and extra helpings may be available if food remains.

Kalymnos and the dolphin search

Near Kalymnos, the boat spends about 20 minutes looking for dolphins. This is a safari at sea, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter, so you need to treat a sighting as a lucky bonus rather than a promised part of the day.

Dolphins have been seen during the cruise, sometimes on more than one occasion. The boat may slow down or adjust course while the crew searches, and the short scheduled time can feel longer if the animals appear nearby.

For the best chance of seeing anything, keep your phone ready and make your way to a place with an open view before the search begins. If the boat is crowded, people on lower decks may have trouble seeing over the railings or through windows. This is another reason to board early and pay attention to the crew’s announcements.

The dolphin stop is exciting when it works, but it should not be the sole reason you book. The swimming stops and island visits make up the reliable part of the day.

A second Pserimos stop at a quieter cove

The schedule includes a surprise stop on another part of Pserimos, lasting about 30 minutes. This is meant for relaxing and swimming in a more secluded setting than the main port.

The shorter stop gives you another chance to get into the water without spending the whole day ashore. It also breaks up the return journey and keeps the cruise from becoming one long stretch of sitting on deck.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim, but you will need to be ready when the crew calls everyone back. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel and sandals easy to reach. Changing facilities are not specified, so plan for a simple, practical routine on the boat.

Plati: clear water and small bays

Plati is the final named stop, with about 45 minutes for swimming in clear water and small bays. This is the most focused water stop of the day, with little need to walk through town or shop.

If you prefer scenery and swimming to sightseeing, Plati may be your favorite part. The small bays offer a pleasant setting for floating, snorkeling, or simply cooling off. Snorkel gear is not included, but you can buy an inexpensive kit from shops in Kos before departure. One useful tip is to check that your mask fits properly before you leave the port.

The water stops are a major reason to bring a dry bag or a simple waterproof pouch for your phone. Those items are not listed as provided, so you should organize your own way to protect valuables.

The water may look inviting, but follow the crew’s instructions about where and when to swim. The boat schedule depends on everyone returning promptly.

Music, dancing, and the Captain Morgan mood

Captain Morgan is not trying to be a silent sightseeing vessel. The crew uses music, singing, dancing, jokes, and audience participation to keep the long travel periods lively. Ariel is a memorable part of that entertainment, and the pirate theme continues through the welcome and onboard activities.

This can be a major strength if you enjoy a friendly, social boat. Birthdays and proposals have even become part of the day’s shared celebrations, adding to the sense that the cruise is designed for participation rather than quiet observation.

The same energy will not suit everyone. Music can be loud, and the ride back to Kos may feel more like a party than a peaceful sunset cruise. Families can enjoy it, and older adults have found the atmosphere welcoming, but parents of very young children should think carefully about the crowd and seating.

One poor experience described children being pushed around by adults before departure and families finding it hard to sit together. That does not mean every departure will feel this way, but it shows why early arrival matters, especially if you are traveling with children.

Space, seating, and the 200-person limit

The activity allows up to 200 people. That gives the boat a lively crowd and helps keep the price low, but it also creates the cruise’s biggest weakness: limited prime seating.

Some departures feel spacious enough, with good movement between areas. On fuller sailings, outside seats may disappear quickly, and some people may leave towels or bags to hold places. Staff may not always be able to solve the problem once the boat is underway.

If you want to sit outside, arrive early and board with a clear plan. If you are traveling as a family, go directly to the crew and ask about sitting together. Keep in mind that the outdoor deck is the best place for dolphin watching, while lower indoor areas may limit your view.

A large boat also means more people entering the water at each stop. The islands can feel crowded when several boats arrive at the same beach or cove. The scenery remains attractive, but you should not expect private-island solitude.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend Captain Morgan to couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a full day at sea without spending heavily. It is particularly good for people who like a little entertainment with their swimming and do not mind sharing the experience with a large group.

It also suits visitors who want variety. You can walk through tiny ports, look at sponges and honey, swim four times, eat lunch, watch for dolphins, and listen to music, all in one day.

I would be more cautious for families with very young children, people who need guaranteed quiet, and anyone who dislikes crowded boats. The tour is not described as inaccessible, and most people can participate, but the combination of boarding competition, water access, and loud music may not fit every family.

This is also not the best choice if your main goal is extended time on one island. Each stop is short by design. You get a broad sample of the area rather than a slow, deep visit to one place.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Add a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos in the water.

Bring money or a card for drinks, snacks, and shopping. Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are not included, while lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan meals must be requested in advance.

The cruise starts at 9:45 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point in Kos. The stated duration is about seven hours, with much of the remaining time used for sailing between stops. Do not book a ferry, transfer, or flight immediately after the scheduled return, as delays at sea are possible.

The activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

By joining, you agree that crew or company staff may photograph or record you for promotional and advertising use. If you do not want to appear, tell the crew before departure.

Should you book Captain Morgan?

Book it if you want good-value island hopping with four swims, lunch, dolphins as a possible bonus, and a fun crew. At $32.89, the package gives you a lot of activity for one day, and the clean boat, tasty lunch, fair drink prices, and strong crew energy add real value.

Think twice if you want quiet sailing, generous personal space, or long visits ashore. Arrive early, prepare for a crowd, and accept that the return trip may become a party. With those expectations, Captain Morgan is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a day from Kos.

FAQ

Where does the Captain Morgan cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 9:45 a.m. You should meet the vessel 30 minutes before departure for boarding and seat selection.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about seven hours and returns to the original meeting point in Kos.

Which islands and locations does the cruise visit?

The schedule includes Pserimos, Vathi, Kalymnos for dolphin watching, another stop on Pserimos, and Plati.

How many swimming stops are included?

The experience includes four swimming stops. The listed stops include swimming at Pserimos, Vathi, the second Pserimos location, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks, alcoholic drinks, and soda or pop are not included. Alcohol is served only to passengers aged 18 and over.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a restroom onboard.

Can I cancel the cruise for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.