A pirate ship in the Aegean is never a normal day. This Kos cruise mixes island time, onboard fun, and serious sea time with a waterslide.

I love that the trip actually does three different things for three different moods, from wandering Pserimos to swimming at Plati. I also like the Greek BBQ lunch onboard with chicken, pork, or vegetarian choices.

One possible drawback: the day is timed tightly, so the best swimming stop can feel a bit short, especially if you want lots of slide runs.

Key points to know before you go

• Pirate-ship energy on the deck: music, crew interaction, and a party-like vibe between islands
• Three islands with different pacing: Pserimos and Kalymnos for looking around, Plati for water play
• Waterslide plus jump-offs: the last stop is built for swimming and repeated splash time
• Onboard Greek BBQ lunch: three menu choices, included in your ticket
• Snorkeling gear and swim stops: you get time to go underwater and search for colorful marine life
• Helpful crew, named highlights: Kostas guides the Kalymnos portion, and Yanis is called out for the bar area

Finding the Barco de Pirata in Kos Harbour

You start at Kos Harbour, and the easy way in is to look for the big wooden pirate boat near Jasmine caffe. There’s signage that says Barco de Pirata Cruise.

This matters more than it sounds. The boat is the experience, and it helps to be early enough to find a good spot, especially if you want to hang out on deck during the sailing time. One review also praised the fact that the boat stays clean and well managed, which makes the whole day feel more comfortable.

Before you arrive, get your essentials in one place: sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. The sun off the water can be intense, and you’ll likely be in and out of the sea during the cruise.

Price and value for a full day at sea

The published price is $29 per person, and on paper it’s a low number for a 7.5-hour day that includes sailing, three islands, lunch, swim time, and a waterslide.

Where the value really shows is that you are not just sitting on a boat and looking at shorelines. You are given structured island time, then built-in swimming time at Plati, with snorkeling gear available at the last stop. You’re also not left scrambling for food, since the BBQ lunch is included.

A quick reality check though: lunch is included, but beverages are not. Water and drinks are for sale onboard, and while many people found the prices reasonable, it’s still smart to budget for a few drinks if you want the full pirate-ship experience.

Timeline on the water: how the day actually moves

This cruise is built around transfers between the three islands, with shorter breaks for photos and guided elements and longer free time where you can actually act like a vacationer. Expect a full day pace, not a slow sightseeing stroll.

From Kos, the day flows like this: you transfer to Pserimos, then continue to Kalymnos, and finish at Plati, where the water fun ramps up. There’s also a chance of spotting dolphins on some days, so if you care about that, keep your eyes on the wake as you sail.

The good news is that the day is designed so you’ll have “something happening” even when you’re not on a beach. Music plays onboard, and the crew keeps the atmosphere going between stops.

Pserimos: the first island stop for photos, a guided visit, and a chance to reset

Pserimos is your first island and it’s where the cruise starts shifting from sailing into island exploring. The stop includes photo time, a visit, a cocktail, lunch, free time, shopping, and time for a walk.

Why this works: early in the day you’re still fresh from the morning, and Pserimos is a chance to get your bearings. You can take photos, wander at an easy pace, and get back onboard ready for the next transfer without feeling rushed.

One practical tip: if you’re picky about food, decide early what you’ll order at lunch. You get a choice between chicken, pork, and vegetarian, so you’ll want to match your choice to what you feel like eating in the middle of heat and sea air.

Potential drawback: because the day is structured, you don’t get hours and hours to sink into one place. If you’re the type who wants a slow, detailed island walk, plan on treating Pserimos as a “taste” stop.

Kalymnos: time to explore, plus a cultural steer from Kostas

Kalymnos is your second stop, and it’s often where people slow down a little because you get a photo stop, a visit, plus free time, shopping, and time to walk around.

One name that pops up in the onboard experience is Kostas, who was credited for showing guests around Kalymnos and sharing cultural context. If you get a chance to listen in during that portion, take it. A short cultural steer can turn a brief stop into something you remember beyond the photos.

The overall Kalymnos vibe can depend on the season and what you personally like. Some people said the second island stop could have more to do, which is a polite way of saying the schedule may leave you wanting either more time or a more focused activity.

If you want more action than shopping and walking, make sure you’re mentally ready for the transition back to sea time later. Plati is where the water fun peaks.

Plati Island: the waterslide payoff, swimming time, and snorkeling gear

Plati is the climax, and the cruise makes that very clear. This final island stop includes beer, cocktail, coffee, and spirits, plus free time, swimming, and snorkeling, and it’s built around about an hour in the water.

This is the part you should plan for even if you think you’re not a “waterslide person.” People consistently call out the slide and jump-offs as the highlight. The water time is also where you can rinse off salt, cool down, and actually feel like you’re on a sea excursion instead of a sightseeing boat.

For snorkeling: you’ll have gear available, and the idea is simple. You go underwater and look for colorful marine life. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is a good low-stress introduction because it’s an organized activity tied to the stop, not an independent free-for-all.

Important caution: slide and swim time are weather-dependent in real life, even if the schedule looks fixed. If there are waves or rough conditions, your water play may be adjusted. So treat Plati as your “win condition,” but be flexible.

Lunch onboard: Greek BBQ choices and the portion question

Lunch is included on the boat, and you have three choices: chicken, pork, or vegetarian. It’s described as a traditional Greek BBQ style meal, and multiple people liked the flavor and found it tasty.

What I’d watch for is portion expectations. A few comments pointed out that lunch can be on the lighter side, and one person noted that kids may get hungry and might benefit from snacks brought along. The key limitation is that you can’t bring your own drinks onboard, but the tour data does not say you cannot bring snacks. Still, I’d keep it simple and follow whatever rules are stated by staff when you board.

Also, meat cooked for BBQ can look different depending on the style. One guest mentioned a piece looked pink and they skipped it, while their partner was fine with theirs. If you’re sensitive about food appearance, choose what works for you from the options and plan for the possibility that it’s not a fine-dining portion or finish.

Drinks, bar prices, and the party feel at sea

This is not a silent cruise. It’s lively, and music is part of the onboard experience. Many people highlighted that the crew keeps things fun and interactive, like the boat is hosting a moving seaside party between islands.

Drinks are available to purchase, and the included food does not magically make the bar free. Still, several guests found prices reasonable, and one practical tip was that cocktails may be discounted after the first hour. Another tip mentioned water priced at €1. If you’re doing the math, this can matter because you might otherwise overbuy early in the day.

If you’re sensitive to loud music, treat this as a heads-up. Some people loved the upbeat atmosphere. Others might find it a lot, especially if you want quiet time while sailing.

Snorkeling gear and swim safety in plain terms

You get safety equipment, like life jackets, and there are swim stops with a chance to get into the sea at the right times. The key here is to assume you’ll be moving between boat and water multiple times, so keep your towel ready and your sunscreen accessible.

Also, know that swimming time is real time. If you want to snorkel, be ready quickly when the boat makes the stop. The crew is energetic, which is great for fun, but it means you shouldn’t plan to stroll slowly into the water at the last minute.

What to bring, what to wear, and what to skip

I’d pack with the assumption you’ll be sun-facing and salt-exposed for hours.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• T-shirt
• Maybe a spare top you can dry off quickly in

Skip:

• Your own drinks, because the rules say it’s not permitted to bring drinks onboard.

One small but useful move: bring a simple bag you can keep with you on deck so you’re not hunting for items between swimming and walking stops.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• Beach time and water play without planning a car or a boat yourself
• A day that mixes exploring with a built-in fun activity at the end
• Families, especially because the waterslide and jump-off time is a big kid-magnet
• Solo travelers who like social energy, since the boat vibe tends to keep you from feeling alone

It might be less ideal if you want:

• Long, slow island exploring with deep immersion
• Quiet sailing and minimal noise
• Heavy historical touring, because the emphasis is on sea fun plus short guided elements

Should you book the Barco de Pirata 3-Island Cruise from Kos?

If you’re weighing this against quieter sightseeing day trips, I think this one wins on value and energy. For the cost, you get three islands, lunch onboard, snorkeling gear, and the Plati waterslide as a real payoff moment. It’s the kind of trip that makes your holiday feel active even if you did not plan it to the minute.

My decision rule: book it if waterslide time and swimming are on your must-do list. If those are not your priorities, consider whether you would rather spend the whole day on one island instead.

One final practical tip I’d follow: before you lock in your ticket, check if you can buy in person at the harbour. Some guests reported it can be around €20 cheaper with leaflets near the boat area, and cocktail discounts may kick in after the first hour. That’s how you squeeze the most fun per dollar out of the pirate-ship day.

FAQ

How long is the 3-Island Pirate Cruise from Kos?

The duration is listed as 450 minutes, which is about 7.5 hours.

Where do I meet the pirate boat?

Meet in Kos Harbour, near Jasmine caffe, by the big wooden pirate boat with a sign that says Barco de Pirata Cruise.

What islands are included?

The cruise includes stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes lunch onboard (with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options), waterslide access, swim stops, crew, safety equipment such as life jackets, and free Wi-Fi.

Are drinks included?

No. Beverages are available to purchase, and it’s also stated that you cannot bring your own drinks onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.