3 Island Luxury Cruise with 4 Swimming Stops with Captain Morgan

The most appealing part of this seven-hour cruise is the mix of small-island stops and open-water swimming. You get sandy beaches, tiny ports, clear bays, a BBQ lunch, and a chance to watch dolphins near Kalymnos, all for $32.89.

I like the strong value and the crew’s fun approach, especially the lively host Ariel, who has been known to dress and perform as a mermaid. I also like that lunch is included, the boat has clean restrooms, and drinks are sold onboard at reasonable prices.

The main thing to consider is crowding. The vessel can carry up to 200 people, and outdoor seats may fill quickly. If you want a quiet cruise or guaranteed room on the upper deck, this may not be your best choice.

Key points to know before you book

• Four water stops: Swim at Pserimos, Vathi, a second Pserimos location, and Plati.
• Dolphin search near Kalymnos: Sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.
• BBQ lunch included: Souvlaki, bread, salad, and vegetarian or vegan food by request.
• Lively rather than peaceful: Music, singing, dancing, and a party mood build during the return trip.
• Crowding matters: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to board and choose a seat.
• Bring swim gear: Snorkeling is not listed as included, so bring your own equipment or buy an inexpensive kit locally.

A full day at sea for $32.89

At this price, Captain Morgan offers one of the easier ways to see several nearby islands without arranging separate ferries, taxis, meals, and beach stops. The cruise lasts about seven hours, with the time divided between island visits, swimming, lunch, dolphin watching, and the journeys between stops.

That division matters. You are not getting long, thoughtful visits to each place. You are getting a broad taste of the area, with enough time to swim, stroll, take photos, and return to the boat before the group moves on.

The price includes a BBQ lunch and use of the onboard restroom. It does not include snacks, soft drinks, or alcohol, though the boat sells drinks and snacks. Alcohol is served only to passengers aged 18 and older.

For a budget-conscious day out, I think the cost is strong. You see several coastal spots and spend much of the day on the water for less than many shorter excursions. The tradeoff is the large group and the fixed schedule.

Boarding in Kos and finding your place

The meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos. The listed departure time is 9:45 am, but you should meet the crew at the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not just a formality. It gives you time to complete boarding and choose a seat before the boat fills.

Seat choice can shape your day. The upper deck and outside areas offer the best views, fresh air, and a clear look at dolphins if the crew spots them. Some passengers have found these places claimed early with towels and bags, even though the crew says seats are not reserved.

If you arrive later, you may spend more time inside or on the lower deck. That is not necessarily a problem on a hot day, but one complaint involved diesel smells and poor views during the dolphin search. If the outdoor setting matters to you, arrive early and speak with the crew at boarding.

The boat itself is described as clean and modern, with plenty of indoor seating and a restroom. It is a large vessel, not an intimate sailing trip. The size helps keep the price down, but it also creates the main weakness: busy seating areas during a popular departure.

Pserimos: sand, port, and your first swim

The first stop is Pserimos, a small island with a golden-sand beach and a modest port. You have about 45 minutes here, enough to walk around, look at the shoreline, and take your first swim.

This is a good opening stop because it lets you get off the boat quickly and settle into the rhythm of the day. The water is the main attraction. You can swim from the beach, enjoy the view, or take a short walk through the tiny settlement.

Do not expect a long island visit. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you walk from the boat, find a place for your things, and get into the water. If you want to swim, make that your first priority. A slow stroll and a snack may leave little time for the beach.

One practical note: a soft-serve ice cream purchase at this stop caused stomach trouble for one person. That is not a reason to avoid Pserimos, but I would be cautious with food left sitting in the heat. The boat’s included lunch is the safer part of the day’s meal plan.

Vathi: local tastes and a fresh lunch

The next stop is Vathi, where you have about an hour. This port gives you a little more to do on land. You can walk into the small town, look at local sponges, and learn about products linked with the area, including honey and orange juice.

Vathi works well for people who want more than a beach stop. The short walk offers a glimpse of local trade and island life, while the port provides a place to sit, snack, or swim. You can choose your pace instead of being pushed into one activity.

The boat serves lunch after you return. The meal is freshly prepared and has been described as including souvlaki, bread, and salad. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if requested in advance, so make that request when booking rather than waiting until lunchtime.

Lunch is one of the cruise’s biggest value points. You do not need to find a restaurant during a short port stop, and you can eat while the boat is ready for the next part of the route. Drinks are extra, but onboard prices have been described as fair, including occasional happy-hour offers.

Kalymnos and the dolphin search

Near Kalymnos, the boat spends about 20 minutes looking for dolphins. This is a highlight when it works, and several people have been lucky enough to see dolphins on one or even two occasions.

Still, treat this as a chance, not a promise. Wild dolphins do not appear on a timetable, and the boat may need to slow down or change direction while searching. That can make this part exciting from the upper deck but frustrating if you are inside or cannot see through the windows.

If dolphin watching matters to you, get outside early and keep your camera ready. The crew may point out activity, but sightings can be brief. You may see splashes and fins rather than a long performance.

This stop also shows the limits of a big boat. The crew needs to search for dolphins while keeping a large group safe and together. People sitting downstairs may have a poor view. Again, early boarding and a place on deck are worth the effort.

The second Pserimos stop and Plati’s clear bays

The second Pserimos stop is presented as a quieter place to relax or swim. You have about 30 minutes, so it is best treated as a short water break rather than another full island visit.

The final listed stop is Plati, where the boat pauses for about 45 minutes in clear water and small bays. This is the most natural part of the day for a proper swim. The setting is calm and scenic, with the boat anchored near water meant for floating, swimming, and taking in the surrounding coast.

The schedule advertises four swimming stops. In practice, swimming opportunities are connected with Pserimos, Vathi, the second Pserimos stop, and Plati. Times are fixed, so you should be ready to get back aboard when the crew calls. A delay at one stop could reduce time later in the day.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag for your phone. Snorkeling equipment is not included. A snorkeling kit from a local shop may cost no more than about €10, according to one useful tip from the day’s feedback. If you already own a mask, pack it.

Music, Ariel, and the party-boat question

Captain Morgan is not a silent sightseeing cruise. Music plays onboard, and the crew gets people singing and dancing. Ariel, the host often described as the boat’s mermaid, is a key part of the entertainment. The crew also joins in, talks with people, and helps create a social mood.

The return trip tends to be the liveliest part. Some people will love that energy, especially groups of friends and young adults. Others may prefer to sit quietly after swimming and lunch.

The word party boat can mean different things to different people. This cruise is not presented as an adults-only drinking trip, and families, older couples, and children can take part. But the music and alcohol sales do create a more animated atmosphere than you would find on a quiet nature boat.

One family left before departure after finding the boarding area too crowded and rowdy for young children. That is a serious point for parents with very small children. Families who enjoy music and a busy group setting may have a fine day, but anyone seeking a calm family outing should look at smaller boats.

How the large group changes the experience

A maximum capacity of 200 people is a useful fact to take seriously. A boat this size gives you stability, a restroom, more seating, and a lower price. It also means busy boarding, crowded outdoor areas, and less personal space at popular stops.

Several people have found the boat comfortable and spacious enough, while others have felt packed in. Both impressions can be true depending on how early you board, how full the departure is, and where you sit.

I would not book this expecting a private-feeling excursion. You will share every swim stop, meal service, and dolphin search with a large group. The upside is a lively social atmosphere and plenty of people to meet. The downside is that the best outside seats may be hard to secure.

The crew’s organization makes a difference. The boat has received strong praise for friendly staff, clean facilities, good music, and a welcoming approach. Even so, staff cannot create extra deck space when all seats are taken.

Who should choose this Kos cruise?

I think this tour suits you if you want a low-cost full day on the water with several stops and built-in entertainment. It works especially well for friends, couples, older adults who enjoy music, and families comfortable with a large group.

It is also a good choice if you want variety. You can walk through small ports, swim from beaches and bays, eat lunch onboard, and possibly see dolphins without planning each part yourself.

You may want a different boat if you value quiet, personal service, long stops, or guaranteed outdoor seating. Parents with very young children should think carefully about the lively boarding period and crowded deck areas.

The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate. It is near public transportation, but no hotel pickup is listed, so plan to reach the port on your own. Confirmation is provided at booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

My verdict on the Captain Morgan day

I would book this cruise if I wanted to see several small islands, swim often, and enjoy a good-value day with music. The included lunch, clean boat, friendly crew, and possible dolphin sighting add real value at $32.89.

I would not book it for a quiet escape. Arrive early, claim a sensible seat, bring swim gear, request special meals ahead of time, and accept that the cruise may feel crowded. If that sounds like a fair trade for four water stops and a full day at sea, Captain Morgan is a sound pick from Kos.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours. It departs at 9:45 am and returns to the original meeting point in Kos.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

You meet the boat at Kos Cruise Experts at the port of Kos. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should meet the crew directly at the vessel at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding and seat selection.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are not included, but drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard. Alcohol is served only to passengers aged 18 and older.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise includes a dolphin-watching search near Kalymnos, but sightings depend on conditions and the animals’ movements.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.