New boat, big island fun. You get Captain Morgan, a 2024-built day cruiser with three decks and comfy sun areas, plus four water-time stops around the Kos region. I also like the included Greek BBQ lunch and the live onboard guide, and my one caution is that this can feel like a party cruise, with loud music and a more upbeat vibe than a quiet sightseeing boat.

The route mixes classic postcard stops with a couple of shorter port moments, so you spend your day in the water, then jump back onboard for sailing and quick sightseeing. I love that the crew leans into the day, including entertainment led by Ariel, and that the overall experience is built for fun, not just photo time.

It is priced like a budget day out at $35 per person, which is the real draw here. Still, drinks are not included, so if you plan to drink cocktails all day, budget extra and consider boarding early to grab a good chair on the deck.

Key things to know before you go

• Captain Morgan is brand new (2024) and built for big days, with a 300-passenger capacity and three decks.
• You get four swimming and relaxation stops, including Plati Island and a swim window at Vathy.
• Live guide support is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.
• Greek BBQ lunch is included, which matters for value on a day cruise.
• The vibe is energetic, and you should expect music and bar energy onboard.
• Ariel (mermaid-style entertainment) shows up as part of the fun, based on what people remember from the day.

Stepping onto Captain Morgan, the 2024 day cruiser

If you care about the boat itself, this trip starts strong. Captain Morgan is a Greece-built day cruiser from 2024, and it is a serious chunk of ship for a regional island day. You are looking at a length of 33 meters, three decks, and capacity for up to 300 people. Translation: there is space to move around, but the ship can also get busy, especially around seating and swim transitions.

Onboard, the setup is practical. There are sundecks where you can work on your tan, shaded relaxation areas to cool down, and tables that make it easier to sit with a drink and watch the water. The bar is up to date, and while drinks are not included in the price, the experience is set up so you can order cocktails and keep the energy going while you sail.

A few reviews also mention a kind of “pirate ship” look for the meeting point, and the meeting spot is clearly branded as Captain Morgan. That matters if you are arriving from Kos town and want to avoid wandering around hunting for the right boat.

My practical take

This is a day cruise where comfort is built into the design. If you like a sun-and-shade day with frequent stops, you will feel like you are on the right vessel. If you want a quiet, hushed boat with minimal noise, you should read the vibe carefully before you book.

Your 7-hour rhythm: sailing time, ports, and water breaks

This is not a “long voyage with one big island stop” kind of day. It is structured as a 7-hour island circuit with several short sailing segments and multiple stop windows. You start in Kos, cruise out for around 40 minutes, then move through islands with quick sightseeing and free time blocks, finishing back in Kos.

The itinerary pattern helps you understand what the day feels like:

• You get repeated sailing segments, usually around 20 to 40 minutes.
• You get time on the islands that is long enough to swim, stroll, and grab photos, but not so long that you lose the fun momentum.
• You also get a couple of moments that are more about sightseeing and a quick taste of the place.

Most importantly, the day is designed around four swimming and fun stops. Two of those are very clearly tied to Platy Island and the Vathy area, and the other two are built into the Pserimos and surprise-stop portions of the day. So even if one stop is more about wandering than swimming, the overall schedule keeps the water time coming.

Why this schedule can be great value

Short port windows can sound rushed, but for a sea-day on the Greek islands, they often work better. You reduce “dead time” spent traveling between distant points on a smaller boat, and you increase the time you are actually in the water. For a first-timer trip out of Kos, it is a smart format.

Plati Island: your main swim-and-beach block

Plati is the kind of stop that makes a day cruise worth it. The plan gives you about 45 minutes of free time here, and it is explicitly framed as swimming time in crystal-clear water with serene beach vibes.

What you should expect in real terms:

• You likely get a straightforward swim break, where you can jump in and float around.
• The water conditions are the headline, since the stop is chosen for that pure blue look.
• You will have enough time to find a spot to relax and then re-board without the day dragging.

The tradeoff

Plati is a popular type of stop. That can mean your swim window feels lively rather than quiet. Also, because the day is built for repeated stops, you will want to keep your routine simple: swim, reapply sunscreen, grab a drink, and get back onboard fast when they call.

If you hate crowds, aim for an early landing at each stop and move off the busiest edge of the beach or water access.

Pserimos Island: quick island time with classic Greek coastline

Pserimos gets a shorter, friendlier stop window, around 45 minutes for free time and sightseeing. The overall vibe for this island portion is about beaches and charming ports, more than it is about structured activities.

Here is how I’d use this time if I were traveling with you:

• Plan on a simple walk for photos, then head straight to the water.
• Keep an eye on your re-boarding time. With multiple swim stops in one day, the boat does not wait around for long.
• If you want to buy anything local, do it fast. This is not a long-market stop.

The practical downside

Forty-five minutes is enough to enjoy, but not enough to do anything like a deep dive into local life. If you want a full land experience, you will need separate shore excursions later. For this cruise, the win is the water and scenery.

Vathy Port on Kalymnos: honey, sponges, and a swim window

The Kalymnos portion of the day is where you get more of the “culture plus a break” feeling. You have a stop at Vathy Port, sometimes described as Vathy, Rina, or the Vathy area, with about one hour on the ground. That hour includes:

• A photo stop
• Shopping and sightseeing
• Swimming time

This is also where you learn the “what these islands are known for” story. The day frames Vathy as a place tied to sponges, honey, and local orange juice. That trio matters because it gives you something concrete to connect with while you walk through town. You are not just passing by, you are getting a quick sense of the local economy.

What this stop is best for

If you like small-port wandering, this is your moment. You can snack, browse, take photos, and still keep your day’s main goal intact, swimming.

A small caution

Because this is a cruise that includes multiple swim stops, you should expect that the Vathy swim time may be busy. If you want a quieter water break, try to time your swim a bit earlier in the stop window.

Dolphin spotting moments on the route

The day includes a dolphin-watching moment tied to Kalymnos, scheduled as a short observation window. Not every boat can guarantee dolphins, but when the day works, this is one of the easiest “wow” moments because you do not have to hike for it.

How to make it count

Position matters. If you care about spotting, get to a good viewing spot on the moving boat early in the dolphin-watching segment. Also, keep your phone handy, because you will be tempted to take photos the moment you see movement.

The surprise stop: one more relax or swim moment

One of the best parts of this kind of cruise is that final unknown element. This day includes a surprise stop, described as one more hidden-feeling place where you can relax or swim.

Because the location is not spelled out in your basic plan, you should treat it like a flexible bonus:

• It is another chunk of time that can turn into your best swim session.
• It also gives you something unexpected, which helps the day feel less like a checklist.

The only thing to plan for

Time management. Keep towels, swimwear, and your re-board routine consistent through the afternoon so the surprise stop stays fun instead of stressful.

Lunch on board: Greek BBQ included, drinks are extra

Let’s talk value, because the included lunch is a real reason the price works. You get a Greek BBQ lunch as part of the day.

On day cruises, you can often end up with a basic meal that is there to fill time. Here, the meal is described as included Greek BBQ lunch, and in the reviews you can see that most people see it as a solid part of the deal. Still, one caution from a less enthusiastic review is that food quality can be average for this style of cruise. So think of it as practical fuel, not a gourmet dining experience.

Drinks: what to budget

Drinks are not included. The bar runs during the day, and some reviews call the cocktails unreal or enjoyable. One review also says the cocktail quality was not great, which tells me the drink experience can vary by taste and what you order.

If you plan to drink, you will probably enjoy the bar atmosphere more if you pick a drink style you know you like. If cocktails are your thing, consider trying one, then decide if you want to keep ordering.

Getting the best chair: timing, towels, and deck strategy

A day like this is won or lost on small logistics. People recommend boarding early if you want to keep seats after each stop. The logic is simple. With up to 300 passengers and repeated arrivals, you do not want to be scrambling every time the boat docks.

Here is a smart rhythm:

• Board early and claim a workable spot on the deck.
• Keep your towels and essentials where you can grab them quickly.
• When possible, leave towels on your chairs so you do not lose your seating each time.

Also, use the shaded areas. Sun on a Greek day feels great until it does not. The boat is set up with shade, and that is one of the reasons it can stay comfortable through repeated stop cycles.

Vibe check: party energy vs. relaxed sightseeing

This is the piece I want you to get straight. Captain Morgan is not a silent, sit-and-read cruise. One review describes it as a party cruise with loud, fast, energetic boat energy. Another review praises the fun and calls it great for all ages, including families.

So here is the balanced takeaway:

• If you like music and a bar atmosphere while you cruise, you will probably have a blast.
• If you want a calmer boat day, the loud music and upbeat pace could wear on you, especially during the longer sailing segments.

You can still enjoy the ports and swimming, but you may spend more time in shade or quieter deck corners to avoid the volume.

Who should book this cruise

This trip fits best if you:

• Want a value-packed 7-hour day cruise from Kos
• Care about swimming multiple times rather than one long shore day
• Like boats with energy and entertainment
• Want lunch included so you are not hunting for food between swims and ports

It is a good fit for couples who want a fun day, groups of friends, and travelers who want to see a handful of island highlights without committing to a multi-day sailing plan.

It may not be ideal if you:

• Need quiet conversation and low music
• Prefer long guided sightseeing on shore
• Are very sensitive to crowding, since popular swim locations can feel full during stops

Quick checklist before you go

• Bring swimwear. You will use it more than once.
• Plan to sunscreen before you get too warm, then top up during the day.
• If you want good seating, board early.
• Bring a simple plan for the day, swim, re-board, relax, repeat.

Should you book Captain Morgan out of Kos?

If your goal is a fun, energetic island day with real water time, I think this cruise is an easy yes. The ship is modern, the seating and shade are designed for comfort, and the schedule gives you multiple swim chances without turning the day into travel fatigue. Add in the included Greek BBQ lunch, and the price starts to look like a smart deal rather than a gimmick.

If you are expecting a quiet, romantic cruise, you might feel annoyed by the party-style vibe and loud music. In that case, look for a calmer sailing option. But if you want a lively day in the Dodecanese, with Plati and Kalymnos highlights and a surprise stop that can add one more great swim, Captain Morgan is exactly the kind of trip that works.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise from Kos?

It lasts about 7 hours.

What is the price for this cruise?

The price listed is $35 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Kos Cruise Experts, and you should look for the pirate ship, Captain Morgan.

What islands and stops are included?

The day includes stops connected with Pserimos Island, Kalymnos (Vathy area), Plati Island, and one surprise stop.

Are there swimming stops during the cruise?

Yes. The experience is described as having four stops for swimming, fun, and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?

Greek BBQ lunch is included, along with the planned swimming and sunbathing time.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, though there is an onboard bar.

What should I bring?

You should bring swimwear.

What languages is the live tour guide offered in?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.

Is there flexibility with booking and cancellation?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is also reserve now and pay later availability.