Review · IOS, THASSOS & SMALLER ISLAND TOURS
From Kos: Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise with Lunch
A pirate boat day feels like summer camp. I love the pirate boat atmosphere and the swim stops in clear water, plus a simple Greek lunch onboard that keeps things easy.
Just be ready for a quick island-visit format. If you’re hoping for lots of time in Kalymnos, the schedule can feel a bit rushed.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Prioritize
- Pirate-Boat Day Cruise: Kos to Three Islands With a Swim Focus
- Meeting the Boat in Kos Town and the Morning Flow
- Pserimos Golden Beach Stop: One Hour in Clear Water
- Kalymnos (Pothia): Port Town Views and a Quick Taste of Island Life
- Plati Island: Party Energy, Water Slide Fun, and Jump-In Platform Time
- Lunch on Board: Souvlaki, Greek Salad, and Vegetarian Options
- Drinks, Coffee, and the Onboard Bar Reality
- What Makes the Crew and Pirate Theme Work
- Price and Value: Is It Worth $28.80?
- Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)
- Quick Tips That Make the Day Easier
- Should You Book the Kos to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati Pirate Cruise?
- FAQ
- What is included in the cruise?
- Is lunch included, and can I get a vegetarian meal?
- Are drinks included with lunch?
- How long is the cruise, and when do you return to Kos?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Is hotel pickup available from my accommodation?
Key Things I’d Prioritize

- Pirate-boat energy with deck entertainment: music is part of the vibe, and the crew keeps the day moving.
- Pserimos is small, swimmable, and beachy: the stop centers on golden sand and crystal-clear water.
- Kalymnos time is for seeing, not soaking: you get a taste of the port town (Pothia) and local life.
- Plati is the fun swim stop: water-slide style thrills and a jump-in platform make the last part memorable.
- Lunch is included, and it’s not complicated: souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian options if you request.
More of Kos, coast and inland
Pirate-Boat Day Cruise: Kos to Three Islands With a Swim Focus

This is the kind of day trip that works when you want sun, water time, and a plan that doesn’t require research. You board the Pirates of Kos in Kos Town and spend 7 hours hopping between islands, with onboard food and breaks to jump in.
The selling point is the mix. You’re not just sightseeing from a distance, you’re getting real time in the sea. And because it’s a pirate-themed boat, the whole trip has a playful feel that makes the hours fly.
The one thing to go in with eyes open is pacing. You’ll have stops on three islands, which means town time can be shorter than you imagine, especially if you’re excited to explore Kalymnos.
Meeting the Boat in Kos Town and the Morning Flow

Your day starts at the port of Kos. Find the boat Pirates of Kos, show your mobile voucher to the crew, and you’re set.
You board at 10:00, and the cruise runs toward the first stop around midday. The schedule is simple: get on board, settle in, then the boat starts working its way through the island loop, with swimming breaks built in.
If you’re staying a bit out of town, you can add optional hotel pickup to your reservation for transport to the port of Kos. If you’re comfortable walking or taking local transport, you can also just make your own way to the port.
Pserimos Golden Beach Stop: One Hour in Clear Water

The first island stop is Pserimos, and the timing is tight enough to keep it focused. You get about 1 hour there, centered on the beach and the water.
Pserimos is described as tiny, one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese, and it’s all about that quick beach fix. The stop includes time to relax on the golden sandy beach and swim in crystal-clear water.
One practical upside of this format: you don’t feel like you’re dragging your day along. You swim, cool off, and reset without a long wait.
There’s also a nice touch to how the crew feeds you. At this stage of the day, the team prepares your meal onboard, and you can settle in with souvlaki and Greek salad when it’s your turn.
Kalymnos (Pothia): Port Town Views and a Quick Taste of Island Life

After Pserimos, the boat heads to Kalymnos, known for a mix of wild beauty and sea-linked life. The island is often connected to the sea and climbing, and the main town is the port area called Pothia.
In Kalymnos, you’re aiming for a stroll and a look around rather than a long, deep exploration. It’s a good stop if you want the feel of a real working Greek island town, plus the chance to grab a snack or simply watch the day go by.
A key consideration here is time. Even though Kalymnos is the second stop, it’s still a day cruise with multiple islands, so you may feel like you only scratched the surface. If your priority is Kalymnos culture and walking, plan your expectations around a short window.
The upside is that the boat experience still feels like a cruise, not a bus tour. You get a sense of the town and then you’re back to sea time.
Plati Island: Party Energy, Water Slide Fun, and Jump-In Platform Time

Plati is where the mood shifts. As you approach the island, the day turns more playful, with music and a bigger party feel on deck.
This stop is the one most people associate with the most physical fun. You can sunbathe on board and spend time in the water, and the boat has a water-slide plus a platform where you can jump in.
If you like active breaks rather than just sitting, Plati delivers. It’s also the best stop for people who want to spend the afternoon in the water without committing to a long boat ride after.
One more thing to know: because Plati is a swim-and-sun stop, some people want more time in the water than the schedule allows. If you’re the kind of traveler who counts swim minutes, keep that in mind when you choose this cruise.
Lunch on Board: Souvlaki, Greek Salad, and Vegetarian Options

Lunch is included on the cruise. You’ll be served souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread as your onboard meal.
This is not a gourmet sit-down. It’s a practical boat lunch that keeps you fueled for the afternoon swims and island stops. The plus is that it removes decision fatigue, you eat, you keep going, and you don’t have to hunt for a meal in the port towns.
Vegetarians should request a vegetarian meal in advance. That matters here, because the meal is prepared for the day and the crew needs notice.
A balanced note from the experience vibe: the lunch is generally fine for a day outing. If you’re picky about food, approach it like an included meal that’s meant to be easy, not a restaurant standard.
Drinks, Coffee, and the Onboard Bar Reality

Coffee and drinks are not included. You’ll have the option to buy beverages onboard, including the kind of cocktails people often associate with the more party-like Plati stretch of the day.
One bright spot is the feeling that prices are reasonable for a boat setting. You’re not stuck with only water. If you want a cold drink during the sun time, this setup lets you do it without planning ahead.
What Makes the Crew and Pirate Theme Work

The crew is part of why this feels like more than a basic island hop. The pirate-boat theme adds a layer of humor and play, and the day stays upbeat.
In at least one trip, the guide George was specifically mentioned as informative and funny, and as someone who made the journey more enjoyable. That matches what you should look for in a boat day trip: not just navigation, but energy and keeping everyone on the same page.
Even if the guide style varies by day, the core is consistent. You’re on a moving boat, you have set swim stops, and you’re getting entertainment while you’re waiting for the next island moment.
Price and Value: Is It Worth $28.80?

At $28.80 per person, this cruise can feel like strong value if your top goals are sea time, included lunch, and a low-stress day. You’re paying for a 7-hour experience that bundles boat transport, three island stops, and onboard food, with insurance included.
In practice, the math comes down to what you would otherwise spend for:
- a boat ride between islands
- an included meal
- time in the water with a water-slide and jump-in platform
You’ll also notice that the lower cost version still includes the key fun elements, which is why this itinerary works for budget-conscious travelers.
The possible drawback is that value can depend on how you use your time ashore. If you love long town exploring, you might feel like Kalymnos gets too short a visit. If you’re happiest when you’re swimming and relaxing, you’re in the right lane.
Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)
This is a great fit for:
- families who want a fun day with a clear plan and included lunch
- couples who want sun and water without strict itineraries
- active travelers who want a water-slide experience and a jump-in platform
- people who like a lively boat atmosphere and don’t mind short island windows
You might want to skip or choose a different format if:
- you mainly want to explore Kalymnos in depth on foot
- you prefer quiet, low-music travel and dislike deck entertainment
- you’re very sensitive to tight timing between stops
Quick Tips That Make the Day Easier
Because the cruise is built around swimming stops, pack like you’re going to use them. Bring swimwear and water-ready shoes if you have them, plus sunscreen since you’ll be out in strong sun for hours.
If you get seasick easily, it may help to sit where you feel the least movement, and keep your hydration up through the day. And if you’re counting on lunch, plan to eat when it’s served so you’re not tempted to look for food mid-swim.
Should You Book the Kos to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati Pirate Cruise?
Yes, if your idea of a perfect day is boat fun plus real water time. The Pserimos beach stop gives you a classic swim break, Kalymnos adds island-town flavor, and Plati is the lively finish with slide-and-jump style fun. Add an included onboard lunch and the price feels reasonable for what you’re getting.
Skip it if you want slow travel and lots of time on land. This is a moving, water-focused day trip, and the island exploration is meant to be a taste, not a full visit.
If you’re the type who wants to swim, eat something simple, and enjoy a playful boat vibe, this one is an easy yes.
FAQ
What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes the boat ride, stops at three islands, swimming stops, an experienced crew, and lunch onboard (souvlaki, salad, and bread). Insurance is included, and vegetarian options are available on request.
Is lunch included, and can I get a vegetarian meal?
Yes, lunch is included onboard. The meal includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, and you can request a vegetarian option if you notify the operator in advance.
Are drinks included with lunch?
Coffee and drinks are not included. You can buy drinks onboard, and the cruise includes a fun onboard atmosphere where cocktails and drinks are available for purchase, especially during the Plati portion.
How long is the cruise, and when do you return to Kos?
The activity is 7 hours long. You return to the port of Kos at 17:00.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at the port of Kos. Find the boat Pirates of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Is hotel pickup available from my accommodation?
Hotel pickup is optional. If you want pickup, you can add transfer to your reservation, and you will receive specific pickup details after booking.
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