Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

Kos is a good base for seeing more of the Dodecanese, and the Barco De Pirata cruise packs three nearby islands into one long day. You sail on a dramatic pirate-style ship, stop for swimming and island visits, and eat a barbecue lunch on board. At about $34.76 per person, it is an inexpensive way to get beyond Kos without arranging several ferries.

I especially like the simple island-hopping plan and the lively crew, who turn a basic boat trip into a full day out. The included menu is also useful: you can choose chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian food rather than being stuck with one meal. The main drawback is time. With three islands on the schedule, sailing takes up much of the day, and some stops can feel rushed.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands from one Kos departure: Visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati without booking separate ferries.
• A pirate ship with a party mood: Expect music, dancing, a bar, and an energetic crew rather than a quiet sightseeing boat.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in: The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and the itinerary includes time in clear water.
• Lunch covers several diets: Choose from chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian barbecue options.
• Arrive early for an upper-deck seat: One passenger arrived around 9:10 a.m. and got a good place upstairs before the 9:45 a.m. departure.
• Allow for a long day at sea: The advertised duration is about 7 hours and 30 minutes, but island time can be brief.

A pirate ship departure from Kos Port

The day begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Port of Kos, with the boat returning to the same meeting point. The mobile ticket makes entry easy, but I would still arrive early. The ship can fill up, and an early arrival improves your chance of finding a preferred seat, especially on the upper deck.

The boat itself is a major part of the appeal. This is not a plain ferry where you sit indoors and watch the hours pass. The pirate styling gives the day a playful theme, and the open decks make it easy to move between sun, shade, views, and the bar.

The atmosphere leans toward fun rather than calm. Music can be loud, and the crew may encourage dancing and participation. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all enjoy it, but you should not book this trip expecting a quiet meditation at sea. If loud music gives you headaches, bring that concern into your decision.

The maximum group size is 200 people, so this is a substantial boat outing, not a small private sailing. That helps explain the lively feel and the occasional sense of crowding. It also means the crew has to keep a large group moving on and off the boat during swimming and island stops.

Sailing toward Kalymnos

Kalymnos is the first major island on the route. It is known for its rocky scenery, traditional island settlements, and long connection with sponge fishing. From the water, you get a quick introduction to its character without spending a full day ashore.

The first stop is often used for swimming. The water is clear, and snorkeling equipment is available on board, so you can make the most of the stop without packing your own mask and fins. You might see marine life close to the boat, and there is always the chance of dolphins appearing during the crossing, although wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Here is where the schedule becomes important. Some passengers have found the first swim to be around 30 minutes or less. That is enough for a quick plunge, but not enough for a relaxed beach morning. Getting changed, finding equipment, waiting for access to the water, and returning to the boat all take time.

I recommend wearing your swimwear under your clothes and keeping a towel easy to reach. You will enjoy the water more if you do not spend the entire stop searching through a day bag. Also keep in mind that a boat swim is not the same as an afternoon at a beach. You may be entering directly from the ship, with limited time and many people sharing the same opportunity.

Pserimos, harbor views, and limited free time

Pserimos is smaller and offers a change of pace from the open-water swim. The stop gives you a chance to walk around the harbor area, take photographs, and get a taste of a very small Greek island community.

Some people choose a short mini-train ride here. It can be a convenient way to see more in hot weather, especially if you are traveling with children or do not want a long walk. But the experience may be tied closely to a sponge shop, so do not treat the train as a serious sightseeing tour. If your priority is independent exploring, walking around on your own may suit you better.

The timing at Pserimos can be affected by late boarding or passengers returning slowly to the ship. A delayed departure from Kos has also been reported, with extra passengers joining after the scheduled start. On a tightly planned day, even a short delay can reduce the time available at each stop.

That is the trade-off built into this cruise. You get a broad look at three islands, but you do not get the freedom to settle into one place. I would see Pserimos as a short scenic pause, not a chance to browse shops at leisure or spend hours on the beach.

Plati and the final swim

Plati, also written as Plati or Platy, is the third island named in the route. It is mainly associated with a stop for swimming and anchoring in clear water rather than a long shore visit.

This distinction matters. The cruise is marketed as visiting three islands, but the third stop may involve anchoring nearby instead of letting you walk around on land. That is still worthwhile if you want another swim and a view of a quiet island from the boat, but it will disappoint you if you expect three separate island walks.

The boat’s snorkeling gear gives you another way to use this stop. You can swim, float, or look for marine life below the surface. If you prefer staying dry, the upper deck and open areas provide a pleasant place to watch the coast pass by.

The schedule can feel tight here as well. Some passengers would prefer more time at each stop, particularly for swimming, shopping, and having a drink ashore. If you want long, unhurried beach time, a single-island boat trip would likely be a better match.

Greek barbecue lunch on the open deck

Lunch is included, which makes the price easier to justify. The meal is prepared as a barbecue on board, with five listed choices: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian. That range is helpful for mixed groups, since everyone does not have to order the same type of food.

The meal is served during the cruise rather than at a restaurant on one of the islands. This saves time and keeps the schedule moving. You can eat while enjoying the sea views, then return to the deck for swimming or music.

Food quality appears to be less consistent than the crew and atmosphere. Some passengers found the meal tasty and enjoyed the fresh Greek-style cooking. Others found the meat hard or twice cooked and felt the vegetable side was more like coleslaw than a Greek dish.

I would treat lunch as a convenient included meal, not the main reason to book. The choices are practical, and the barbecue fits the setting, but serious food lovers should keep expectations modest. Alcoholic drinks are not included, though drinks are available to buy on board. Some late-season passengers found cocktail prices reasonable, but prices and promotions can change.

Music, dancing, and the crew

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The staff are described as friendly, helpful, and energetic, with people such as Spiros receiving special praise. The bar staff and entertainers help create a party atmosphere that lasts through the return voyage.

You may see dancing, music, and plenty of good-natured noise. That works particularly well for families with older children, teenagers, couples who want a social day, and groups of friends. Children can enjoy the pirate theme, swimming, and movement around the boat, while adults have the option of a drink and sea views.

Still, the atmosphere is not for everyone. Music has been loud enough to cause discomfort for some people, and the boat can feel crowded when everyone gathers on deck. I would bring ear protection if you are sensitive to sound and choose a quieter corner when you need a break.

The crew’s enthusiasm is a real asset, but it also shapes the entire trip. This is an entertainment cruise with island stops, not a naturalist-led boat trip or a private sailing charter. You are buying a shared social experience.

What the $34.76 price really covers

At roughly $34.76 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water and would otherwise need to arrange transport, meals, and activities separately. The cost includes the cruise, access to the three-island route, snorkeling equipment, and lunch.

You also get the convenience of returning to Kos Port after the outing. There is no need to coordinate separate ferry departures or find a restaurant during a short island stop. For a first visit to Kos, that broad reach can be useful.

The price does not buy deep exploration. You are not getting a full day on Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. You are getting short introductions, swimming opportunities, food, and a lively boat ride. That is a good bargain for a sampler and a weaker bargain if your goal is meaningful time ashore.

The large capacity is part of the low price. A boat carrying up to 200 people can offer an affordable shared trip, but personal space and flexibility will be limited. If you compare this with a small-group charter, the pirate cruise will usually win on cost and lose on quiet, privacy, and control of the schedule.

Who will enjoy this Kos cruise most

I would recommend the Barco De Pirata cruise to you if you want to see more of the Greek islands without spending several days changing hotels or arranging ferries. It suits first-time visitors to Kos, families, younger groups, and anyone who likes music and a social setting.

It is also a good choice if swimming matters more to you than shopping or sightseeing. The boat gives you more than one chance to get into the water, and the snorkeling equipment adds an activity without another fee.

You may want a different tour if you value long beach stops, quiet travel, or detailed visits to island villages. The sailing time is substantial, and the itinerary can feel rushed when departures run late. People with limited mobility should note that the vessel is described as accessible and offers special services and toilet facilities, though the practical ease of boarding and moving around a busy boat can still depend on individual needs.

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for weather or insufficient bookings, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. A separate cancellation by the operator has also occurred close to departure, so I would avoid placing an important birthday or final-day plan entirely in its hands.

For your own cancellation, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive before 9:45 a.m., especially if you want an upper-deck seat. One early arrival around 9:10 a.m. was enough to secure a good position upstairs.

Wear swimwear beneath light clothing, carry sun protection, and keep a towel and dry clothes handy. You will have little time to waste during the swimming stops.

Bring a small waterproof bag for your phone and wallet. The boat has toilets, but your personal space may be limited when the full group is on deck.

If you dislike loud music, sit away from the main entertainment area when possible. You can still enjoy the scenery without being in the center of the dancing.

Do not count on a long shopping visit. Pserimos may offer a short walk or mini-train option, but this is primarily a sea-and-swimming day.

Check your food preference at the start of the trip so you know which of the chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian choices applies to you. Alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Should you book the Barco De Pirata cruise?

Book it if your ideal day includes a pirate ship, three island views, swimming, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, music, and a friendly crew for about $35. The combination is hard to beat on price, and it gives you a memorable taste of the islands beyond Kos.

Skip it if you need generous time ashore or a calm boat. The biggest weakness is not the route itself, but the limited time at each stop. You will see more places, but you will not fully explore them.

My advice is simple: choose this as a fun island sampler, not as a deep visit to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. Arrive early, accept the party atmosphere, and treat the swimming stops as highlights. If that sounds like your kind of Greek day, this cruise offers a lot for the money.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece, at 9:45 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati. The third stop may involve anchoring near the island rather than a long walk ashore.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian choices listed.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. If bad weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.