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

The best part of this day is its mix of three very different islands and easygoing time at sea. You get a sandy beach at Pserimos, a quick look at Kalymnos, then swimming, music, and jumps from the boat near Plati. It feels more like a cheerful Greek day out than a formal sightseeing trip.

I like the low price, which includes lunch and three island stops, and I like the boat’s social mood. The crew keeps the music going, dances on the return trip, and helps turn the boat into part of the entertainment. The tradeoff is time: Kalymnos gets a short visit, and the swimming stop at Plati may feel brief.

Key points at a glance

• Pserimos comes first: Spend about an hour on a golden sandy beach with clear water and time for a swim.
• Kalymnos is a quick taste: See the port town of Pothia and get a short look at this rugged island known for sea activities and climbing.
• Plati is the fun stop: Swim from the boat, use the diving platform and waterslide, and enjoy music with the crew.
• Lunch is included: You get souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• The atmosphere is lively: The crew, including a guide named George, keeps the trip light, funny, and social.
• Plan for a full day: Meet at Kos port at 10am and return to the same point around 5pm.

Why this Kos cruise works so well

This is a simple way to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging several ferries or paying for separate beach trips. From Kos Town, you board the Pirates of Kos and spend the day moving between islands that offer very different experiences.

Pserimos is the beach stop. Kalymnos gives you a taste of island life and a chance to walk around a port town. Plati is less about going ashore and more about swimming, sunbathing, drinks, and having fun from the boat.

I would not choose this cruise if your main goal is a serious visit to Kalymnos. The schedule gives you only a short amount of time there, reportedly around 45 minutes on some departures. That is enough to look around Pothia, but not enough for a relaxed meal, a museum, or a trip into the island’s interior.

For a first visit to Kos, though, this cruise offers good variety at a modest price. You get transport by boat, three stops, a meal, an experienced crew, and insurance in one package.

Boarding the Pirates of Kos at 10am

You meet the boat at the port of Kos and show the crew your mobile voucher. The listed start time is 10am, with the full outing lasting about seven hours and returning around 5pm.

An optional hotel pickup is available for an extra charge. If you add it when booking, you receive the pickup details afterward. Otherwise, plan to make your own way to the port.

The pirate theme is part of the charm, but this is not a quiet yacht cruise. Expect a sociable boat with music, drinks for purchase, sunbathing, and crew-led entertainment. The atmosphere suits people who like a little noise and fun during the trip.

If you prefer peace and quiet, sit away from the main music area when possible. If you want to join the party, the middle deck is where the action tends to be, especially on the way back to Kos.

Pserimos: the strongest beach stop

Around midday, the boat reaches Pserimos, one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese. The information provided describes the island as covering only about 15 square meters, clearly emphasizing how tiny it is. Its main appeal here is not sightseeing, but the golden sandy beach and clear blue water.

You get about an hour at Pserimos. That is enough time to walk onto the beach, swim, sunbathe, and look around without feeling rushed from one activity to another. The water is often calm enough for an easy swim, and small fish can make the shallows interesting for basic snorkeling.

Bring footwear that you can manage around a beach and boat landing, plus a towel and sun protection. The Greek sun can be strong, and this is a day with long stretches outdoors.

Pserimos is also where lunch is prepared. While you swim or relax, the crew gets the meal ready on board. You receive souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. It is straightforward food rather than a long restaurant lunch, but that makes sense on a swimming cruise.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it in advance. Do not wait until you are on board to mention it, since the crew needs notice to prepare the right meal.

Lunch on board: simple and useful

The meal helps make the price attractive. You are not buying lunch separately during the day, and the food is served in the middle of an active outing rather than interrupting the schedule.

Souvlaki and salad are a practical Greek combination for a hot day. The food is described as good enough for the day, though not a reason to book the cruise by itself. If you expect a carefully prepared taverna meal, adjust those expectations.

Coffee and drinks are not included. They are available to buy on the boat, and the pricing has been described as reasonable. Still, bring water if you want to control your spending, and consider carrying a small snack if you tend to get hungry between meals.

Kalymnos and the port town of Pothia

After Pserimos, the boat heads to Kalymnos, an island with a stronger sense of place than a simple beach stop. Kalymnos is known for its connection to the sea and for climbing, and its capital, Kalymnos Town, is also called Pothia.

This is your chance to walk around a real island port rather than spend the entire day at beaches. You might find historical sights, local cafés, restaurants, and shops within the town area. The island has a more rugged character, and its traditions are tied closely to the water and outdoor life.

The problem is the short timing. A visit of roughly 45 minutes gives you just enough time to stretch your legs, take photos, and get a quick impression of Pothia. It does not give you a full Kalymnos experience.

I would treat this stop as a preview, not an island tour. If Kalymnos is high on your list, book a dedicated ferry or land excursion on another day. If you simply want to see the port and add another island to your day, the stop works well.

Plati: swimming, slides, and music

Plati is the final island stop, and the tone changes again. Instead of walking around town or settling onto a beach, you stay near the boat and use the surrounding clear water for swimming.

The boat has a diving platform and a waterslide. You can jump into the sea, swim near the boat, sunbathe, or buy a drink while taking in the views. This is the most playful part of the trip, especially for families with older children and teenagers.

The main caution is time. Some schedules allow only a short swim at Plati, so you may feel that you have just got comfortable in the water when it is time to move on. If swimming from the boat is your main reason for booking, check the exact schedule available for your date.

The crew adds plenty of energy here. Music plays, and the return journey can include dancing and jokes. George is singled out as a funny and helpful guide, and the crew’s ability to keep people involved is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

What the boat day feels like

This cruise is built around mood as much as geography. You are not simply being transported to islands. The boat itself becomes a floating social space, with music, drinks, swimming, and crew entertainment between stops.

That can be a major plus. A family with a 15-year-old, for example, can combine beach time, a town visit, swimming, and a waterslide in one day. Couples can choose a quieter place to sit, then join the music when they feel like it.

It is less suitable if you want a small group, a quiet guide, or long independent visits ashore. The word pirate boat sets the tone: expect a cheerful group outing, not a private sailing experience.

The boat’s swimming features also make this more active than a standard island cruise. You should be comfortable getting into the sea from a boat platform or slide if you want the full experience. You can also stay on board and sunbathe, so participation is not required.

What is included for $28.80

At the listed price of $28.80 per person, this is strong value for a seven-hour day. The fare includes:

• The boat cruise from Kos
• Stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati
• Swim stops
• An experienced crew
• Lunch with souvlaki, salad, and bread
• Vegetarian food by advance request
• Legal fees, taxes, and insurance

The value comes from the combination. A beach visit, island transport, lunch, and boat entertainment would usually cost more if arranged separately.

You should budget extra for coffee and drinks, and for hotel pickup if you want that service. Those costs are not included. The listed fare also does not turn the Kalymnos visit into a full island tour, so judge the price against the type of day you want, not against the number of hours alone.

At this price, I would call it a good deal for a relaxed group cruise with swimming. It is less of a bargain for someone focused on seeing Kalymnos in detail.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to:

• Families with children or teenagers who enjoy swimming and music
• Couples looking for an easy day away from Kos Town
• Budget-minded visitors who want several island stops
• People who prefer a social boat atmosphere
• Anyone who wants lunch included and does not want to plan the day themselves

I would think twice if you:

• Want a quiet or private boat trip
• Need a long visit on Kalymnos
• Prefer a proper restaurant lunch
• Do not enjoy loud music or group entertainment
• Want a long, uninterrupted swim at Plati

The cruise is also a good fit for a first island holiday in Kos. You get a quick introduction to nearby islands, then can decide if one deserves a longer visit later.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can make the most of Pserimos and Plati. Pack a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag for your phone and other small items.

Bring cash or another payment method for drinks, since coffee and drinks are extra. If you want vegetarian lunch, request it before the day of the cruise.

Arrive at the Kos port with enough time to find the Pirates of Kos and show your mobile voucher. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes planning your evening easier.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, useful if your Kos plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos?

Book this cruise if you want a cheerful, affordable day with a beach, a little island sightseeing, swimming, lunch, and music. The best moments are the hour at Pserimos and the playful stop at Plati, while the crew helps keep the long boat stretches entertaining.

Do not book it as your main Kalymnos visit. The time in Pothia is too short for that. Choose it instead as a broad taste of the Dodecanese, with plenty of sea time and a friendly party atmosphere. At $28.80, it is hard to beat for variety, as long as you are happy trading depth for fun.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the port of Kos. Find the boat called Pirates of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew.

What time does the cruise start?

The provided schedule lists boarding at 10am. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

What time does the cruise return to Kos?

The boat is scheduled to return to the port of Kos around 5pm.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

How long is the stop at Pserimos?

The stop at Pserimos lasts about one hour.

Is lunch included?

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

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

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

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included in the price and can be purchased separately on the boat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available as an optional extra-charge transfer. Specific pickup details are provided after booking.