From Kos: 3-Island Pirate Cruise with Lunch and Waterslide

The best part of this Kos excursion is the mix: you get three island stops, a Greek lunch, swimming, and a boat waterslide in one long day. Plati is the big finale, with jumping from the boat and sliding into the sea, while Pserimos and Kalymnos give you time on land.

I like the friendly, energetic crew, especially the personal touch offered by staff such as Kostas around Kalymnos. I also like the price-to-experience ratio: at about $29, you get the boat ride, lunch, island visits, swim stops, safety gear, and Wi-Fi. The main drawback is pace. The island stops are short, and the music can be loud, so this suits an active day out more than a quiet sightseeing cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different stops: Pserimos for a small island break, Kalymnos for a larger settlement and local atmosphere, and Plati for swimming, snorkeling, and the boat slide.
• The waterslide is the highlight: You can slide from the pirate boat into the sea and, where conditions allow, jump from the boat.
• Lunch is included: Choose chicken, pork, or a vegetarian meal with Greek-style sides.
• The boat feels like a floating party: Music, dancing, and an upbeat crew fill the sailing time between islands.
• Bring serious sun protection: The day lasts 450 minutes, with long stretches in open sun and sea glare.
• Best for active families and groups: Children, adults, and even older family members can enjoy it, but people seeking peace and quiet may prefer another boat trip.

A full day from Kos Harbour

You meet at Kos Harbour, near Jasmine Caffe. Look for the large wooden pirate boat and the Barco de Pirata sign. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the harbour.

The boat leaves Kos for a full-day outing of about seven and a half hours. The schedule includes sailing time, three island visits, lunch, and a final swim stop. That length matters. You are not buying a quick harbour ride, but you are also committing most of your day to the sea.

I would arrive early if you want a good place on the upper deck. The boat has seating and proper toilets, useful details when you are travelling with children. The crew keeps the boat clean during the day, quickly dealing with spills and mess as they appear.

The atmosphere starts early. Music plays during the crossings, and the staff encourage people to join in. This can feel like a party on the water, which is a major part of the appeal. It also means you should not book this trip expecting a silent cruise with only the sound of the waves.

Pserimos: a gentle first island stop

After roughly 55 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Pserimos. The stop lasts about an hour and gives you time to walk, take photographs, shop, order a drink, or sit near the beach.

Pserimos is small and easy to handle in a short visit. You can get off the boat, stretch your legs, and enjoy the simple island setting without trying to cover too much ground. This is a good first stop because it breaks up the sailing and gives you a taste of island life before lunch.

The limitation is time. About an hour goes quickly, particularly if you want to walk, shop, sit down, and swim. Some people would prefer a longer stay here, so keep your plans simple. Take a short walk, find a pleasant spot, and avoid treating the stop like a full island tour.

Lunch is served on board as part of the experience. You choose chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option, with Greek-style sides. The food is generally a decent, filling part of the day, though portions may feel modest for hungry teenagers or adults. One useful tip is to have breakfast before you leave and consider bringing a small snack if you are travelling with children.

The rules say you cannot bring your own drinks on board. Water, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, coffee, and spirits are available to buy. Several people have found the drinks reasonably priced, and one practical detail is that cocktail discounts may apply after lunch. Check the current arrangement with the bar crew rather than assuming a fixed deal.

Kalymnos: more character, less free time

The crossing from Pserimos to Kalymnos takes about 45 minutes. Kalymnos is the most substantial stop and feels different from Pserimos. You have time to walk, browse, take photographs, and get a feel for the island settlement.

This is where the trip has more cultural interest. The island is not presented as a long guided tour, but crew member Kostas may show people around and explain aspects of Kalymnos and its culture. That personal contact adds something useful to a stop that could otherwise feel like a quick port call.

The planned visit is around 55 minutes. That is enough for a short walk and a drink, but not enough for a relaxed exploration of a large area. A few people would trade some time here for a longer swim at Plati, while others would gladly keep the full island visit. Your best approach is to decide in advance what matters most.

If you want photographs, take them early. If you want a drink or ice cream, order soon after arriving. The boat will not wait for a long, unplanned wander. The short schedule is the price of fitting three islands and a swimming stop into one day.

Kalymnos may be your favorite stop if you prefer a little more local life and a chance to walk around. If your main goal is swimming, you may find this part less exciting than Plati.

Plati: the swim stop with the boat slide

After about 40 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Plati for the most active part of the day. The stop lasts about an hour and is built around swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and the waterslide.

The slide runs from the boat into the sea. You can also jump from the boat where it is permitted and safe to do so. This is the moment that gives the cruise its family-fun edge. Children often love it, but adults are encouraged to join in too. One passenger described jumping from a height of about 10 metres, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and use only the designated areas.

You do not need to use the slide. You can swim, sit on board, take photographs, or use snorkeling equipment to look for marine life. The supplied information confirms snorkeling gear as part of the activity, but sightings are never guaranteed. The water is the star here, and conditions can change with wind and sea movement.

An hour can feel short once people line up for the slide, swim, snorkel, and take turns jumping. If Plati is your priority, get ready before the boat stops so you do not spend half the time searching for your towel or belongings. Keep your sunglasses and loose items secure.

Some days may bring dolphins close to the boat. That is a lucky possibility, not a promised part of the program. The same goes for the exact length and order of the stops, since weather can affect the route. In poor conditions, the boat may change the plan or visit fewer islands.

Music, crew, and the pirate-boat mood

The Barco de Pirata is not simply transportation between islands. The crew works hard to keep the boat lively with music, dancing, singing, and interaction. Staff members are described as cheerful and attentive, and the boat is kept clean during the day.

Yanis and the bar staff receive particular praise for their energy and service. Kostas is a useful name to remember if he is working your sailing, since he may offer extra context around Kalymnos. The crew also handles practical matters such as safety equipment, boarding, swim instructions, and keeping the boat in order.

The mood is best described as a floating party with island stops. Families with children, couples, birthday groups, and solo passengers can all fit in, but you need to enjoy a social setting. Loud music is part of the package. If you want a calm boat ride with long stretches of quiet, choose a smaller sailing or a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

The pirate theme is playful rather than historical. You get the look of a wooden pirate boat, a lively crew, and the fun of sailing between islands. It makes the outing feel more memorable than a plain ferry ride, especially for children.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of the price

At around $29 per person, this is unusually good value if you use most of what is included. The price covers the three island visits, a traditional Greek meal, crew service, safety equipment, swim stops, the waterslide, and Wi-Fi. You are also paying for a full day on the sea rather than a short excursion.

The meal is practical rather than gourmet. You choose chicken, pork, or vegetarian food, and the portions are usually adequate. Some people may want more, particularly after swimming and spending hours in the sun. I would eat breakfast, especially if you have active children in your group.

Drinks cost extra, and you cannot bring your own drinks on board. Water and bar purchases can add to the final cost, but prices have been described as reasonable. Carry a payment method that works onboard, and remember that the advertised price may not match every local sales offer. One account reported that buying directly at the harbour was €20 cheaper, but prices and availability can change, so ask before committing.

The value is strongest for people who want many elements in one booking. If you only want a quiet swim, you may pay for entertainment and island visits you do not care about. If you want a full day with food, music, beaches, and water fun, the package is hard to beat.

What to pack for the open Aegean

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a T-shirt. I would also bring a light cover-up for the boat ride and a waterproof pouch for a phone, though the official essentials only list the items above.

Use more sunscreen than you think you need. You spend hours outdoors, and reflected sunlight from the sea can catch you even when the breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable. Reapply after swimming.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove and secure. You will move between the boat, island paths, beaches, and swim areas. Keep valuables together because the boat gets busy around the slide and swim stops.

The boat provides life jackets and other safety equipment. Pay attention when the crew explains the swimming area and slide. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the exact ease of moving between the boat, shore, and swim areas is best confirmed before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to families, groups of friends, couples who like a lively day, and solo visitors who are comfortable joining a social crowd. The staff make an effort to include people, and the format gives you several ways to spend the day: walking on islands, eating, swimming, snorkeling, dancing, or simply sitting on deck.

It also works well for mixed-age groups. A five-year-old and a person in their late sixties can both enjoy the outing, provided everyone is comfortable with the boat, sun, and amount of time outdoors. Children who love water slides and jumping will remember Plati most.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, crowded activity, or a fixed schedule. The island stops are not long enough for slow exploration, and the boat’s social energy continues through much of the day. People wanting detailed island history, long beach time, or serious snorkeling should choose a more specialized trip.

Should you book the Barco de Pirata?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a low price. Three islands, a Greek lunch, a waterslide, swimming, snorkeling, music, and a full day at sea make this a strong Kos excursion for active people and families.

Skip it if quiet sailing is your priority or if you want long, independent time on each island. The best way to enjoy it is to accept the pace, arrive early for an upper-deck spot, eat breakfast, bring strong sun protection, and treat Plati as the main water-play event.

At $29, the cruise offers a lot. The food may not satisfy everyone, and the short stops require sensible expectations, but the friendly crew, clean boat, and playful atmosphere make this one of the better-value ways to see the nearby Dodecanese from Kos.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Kos Harbour, near Jasmine Caffe. Look for the large wooden pirate boat and the Barco de Pirata sign.

How long does the cruise last?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, subject to weather and operating conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Greek meal is served on board, with chicken, pork, or vegetarian choices.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Beverages are available to buy on board, and you cannot bring your own drinks.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. Access to the onboard waterslide is included.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The cruise includes swim stops and snorkeling equipment. The main swimming and snorkeling stop is at Plati.

Is music played on the boat?

Yes. Music, dancing, and an upbeat party atmosphere are part of the cruise.

Are guides available in English?

Yes. Live guidance is available in English and German.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.