Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

The best part of this seven-and-a-half-hour pirate-ship cruise is its simple promise: leave Kos in the morning and see three nearby islands before dinner. You get swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and a cheerful crew without arranging separate ferries or beach stops.

I like the unusual boat and the generous lunch choices, which include chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian, and vegan meals. I also like the chance to see Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati in one day, especially if your time on Kos is short.

The main drawback is pace. This is a long day on the water, and stops can feel brief. Some departures have had loud music, delays while collecting passengers, and limited time ashore. Book it for the boat-day atmosphere, not for long, quiet visits on each island.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in one sailing day: Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati are included in the route from Kos.
• Swimming and snorkeling: The boat carries snorkeling equipment, and the schedule includes time in clear water.
• Greek barbecue on board: Choose from chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian, or vegan dishes.
• Pirate-style setting: The ship, crew, music, dancing, and bar create a festive day rather than a quiet ferry ride.
• Large group size: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect a social and lively outing.
• Good value at $34.76: Lunch and a full day at sea make the price attractive, though drinks cost extra.

Leaving Kos Port on the Barco de Pirata

The cruise starts at the Port of Kos at 9:45 am and returns to the same meeting point. You receive a mobile ticket, and the port is close to public transportation, so reaching the departure area is fairly simple.

Arrive early if you care about your seat. One passenger who arrived around 9:10 am was able to get a good place on the upper deck. That is useful advice for a boat with a capacity of up to 200 people. The upper level should give you better views and a stronger breeze, while lower areas may suit you if you want more shade or easier access to facilities.

Do not expect a quiet, small-group sailing. The pirate theme is part of the fun, with a crew that encourages a party mood, dancing, and music. Several passengers singled out the friendly staff, with particular praise for crew members including Spiros, a bartender with a beard, and a crew member known for wearing a bandana. Staff names and roles can change, but the general tone is warm and energetic.

The ship is accessible to people with special needs, and special services and toilet facilities are provided. Since a large boat can still involve movement between decks and crowded boarding areas, contact the operator if you need a specific form of assistance.

Kalymnos, the first island stop

Kalymnos is one of the more substantial stops on the route, but this cruise does not give you a full island tour. The day is built around a quick taste of several places, not a deep visit to one.

Depending on the day’s timing, you may get a short chance to swim at the first stop. Some passengers had about 30 minutes in the water, while others felt the schedule allowed too little time to do much more than get off the boat and get wet. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a quick sea stop, not an afternoon at a beach.

The water is one of the strongest reasons to bring swimwear and a towel. You can relax on board if you prefer, or use the snorkeling equipment supplied by the boat. The description promises marine life in the clear water, and dolphins may sometimes appear during the crossing, but neither dolphins nor a particular snorkeling sighting can be guaranteed.

Kalymnos works best here as part of the route’s variety. You see a different island setting, stretch your legs, and return to the boat for lunch and the next crossing. If your main goal is swimming, make that your priority when the boat stops. Do not spend the whole break searching for a café or browsing shops, because the schedule may move quickly.

Pserimos and the short shore visit

Pserimos offers a different kind of stop. The island is associated with a small harbor visit and a chance to walk around rather than simply swim from the boat.

A small train ride has been available during the visit, giving you an easy way to see more when the heat is strong. It can be useful for families or anyone who does not want to walk in the midday sun. Still, understand what this option is likely to be: a brief organized ride with a commercial shopping element, including a stop connected with sponge sales. If you want independent exploration, the train may feel too programmed.

The heat matters. This is a summer boat outing, and the combination of sun, limited shade, and a crowded harbor can wear you down. Carry water, use sun protection, and keep your shore plans modest. Alcoholic drinks are not included, though drinks can be purchased on board.

The charm of Pserimos is the change of scene. After open water and a swim, a short harbor stop gives you a look at island life from land. The tradeoff is that the stop may not last long enough for a relaxed meal, extended shopping, and a proper beach visit. Pick one activity and enjoy it rather than trying to fit everything in.

Plati, or Plato, and the final swim

The third island appears as Plati in the tour information and as Plato in the description. It is the final island on the three-stop route.

Expect this part of the day to focus more on anchoring and swimming than on a long walk ashore. Some departures have stopped near Plati without giving people a full island visit. That distinction is important. The trip counts three islands, but you may experience one or more of them mainly from the boat.

This can still be one of the prettiest parts of the outing. You have a chance to swim from the ship, snorkel, or stay on deck with a drink while the boat rests offshore. If you are hoping to step onto each island and explore its streets, this cruise may disappoint. If you are happy to count an anchorage and a swim as an island stop, the route makes more sense.

The schedule can also be affected by late boarding, sea conditions, and slow returns to the ship. A departure that starts late may feel rushed at the stops, so treat the published route as a framework rather than a promise of equal time at every island.

Lunch on a boat with a working barbecue

Lunch is included, and it is cooked as a Greek barbecue on board. You can choose from five main options:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

That range is a real strength. Many boat trips offer one fixed meal, so the vegetarian and vegan choices make this outing easier for mixed groups. If you eat meat, the barbecue format fits the casual setting and keeps lunch simple while you are at sea.

Food quality can vary. Some passengers found the meal tasty and suitable for the day, while others found the meat hard or thought the side dish felt less Greek than expected. I would treat lunch as a useful included meal rather than a reason to book a food tour.

The meal is served during a busy day, with people moving around, swimming, and ordering drinks. You will likely appreciate the convenience more than culinary perfection. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but drinks are available to buy on board. Some departures have offered inexpensive happy-hour cocktails, though that is not a standard promise and should not shape your booking decision.

Music, dancing, and the real personality of the cruise

The Barco de Pirata is designed as an entertainment boat. The crew creates a party atmosphere, and music and dancing are a major part of the experience. Families with children, couples, and groups looking for a fun day out may find this exactly right.

The same feature can be a problem if you want peace. One unhappy passenger found the music painfully loud and felt the schedule was stressful. You should not book this expecting a silent sail with only the sound of the sea. Bring ear protection if you are sensitive to loud music, and consider sitting farther from the main entertainment area when possible.

The crew receives some of the most consistent praise. Staff are described as friendly, accommodating, and involved in the fun. That makes a difference on a long boat day. A helpful crew can make boarding, lunch, swimming, and the return trip feel easy, even when the schedule is tight.

The party style also helps explain the value. You are not paying only for transport between islands. You are paying for a full day of entertainment, lunch, swimming stops, and a social setting. If you prefer independent ferry travel, a regular boat may suit you better. If you want the ship itself to be part of the holiday, the pirate theme earns its keep.

How much time do you really get at each stop?

The total duration is about seven hours and 30 minutes, but much of that time is spent sailing. That is not a flaw by itself. Kos, Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati are spread across open water, and the crossings are part of the day.

The important question is how you define an island visit. You are likely to get a mix of:

• A short swimming stop
• A brief harbor visit
• An offshore anchorage for swimming or snorkeling
• Sailing time with music, views, lunch, and drinks

You may not get long, separate blocks for shopping, beach time, and sightseeing on all three islands. Several parts of the schedule can feel rushed, especially if the boat leaves Kos late or takes extra time collecting passengers.

I would use the cruise as a sampler. It gives you a taste of three places and lets you enjoy a day at sea. It does not replace a dedicated Kalymnos excursion, a quiet beach day, or an independent island visit.

Is $34.76 a good price?

At $34.76 per person, this is strong value for a full day that includes lunch. The price covers the cruise, the pirate-style entertainment, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, and a meal with several dietary choices.

You will spend extra on drinks, and optional activities such as the small train ride may not be part of the basic price. Still, the included lunch keeps the day’s costs under control. For a family or group, that matters.

The price becomes less attractive if your priority is time ashore. You may feel that you paid for three islands but only had a short chance to see each one. I would compare it with the cost of arranging separate ferries, meals, and beach visits, then ask what kind of day you want. For a simple, social island sampler, it is good value. For independent exploration, spend more time researching a slower option.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A straightforward day beyond Kos
• A family-friendly boat with activities for different ages
• Swimming and snorkeling without arranging equipment
• A lively atmosphere with music and dancing
• A meal that includes vegetarian and vegan options
• A low-cost way to see more than one nearby island

It may not suit you if you want:

• Quiet sailing
• Long beach stops
• Serious snorkeling time
• A detailed cultural tour of Kalymnos or Pserimos
• Guaranteed punctuality
• A small, intimate boat

The large capacity is worth remembering. With up to 200 people aboard, the ship can feel busy, especially around lunch, boarding, and the popular upper-deck seats. That is part of the tradeoff for a low price and a full-service day.

The cruise also requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum is not met, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund. One reported cancellation occurred the night before departure, so keep your plans flexible if this is a key day of your holiday.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:45 am start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Final advice: book it for the boat day

Book the Barco de Pirata if you want an easy, affordable day of sea, swimming, barbecue food, music, and quick island stops. The crew, pirate ship, meal choices, and cheerful mood are the strongest parts, and the $34.76 price makes the package hard to dismiss.

Skip it if your dream is to spend several peaceful hours on each island. You may leave wishing for more time ashore, especially at Kalymnos and Pserimos. Arrive early for a better seat, bring swimwear and sun protection, and think of Plati as a possible offshore swim rather than a guaranteed walking visit. With those expectations, this is a fun Kos excursion and a practical way to add three island names to your Greek holiday.

FAQ

Where does the Barco de Pirata cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece, at 9:45 am. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, also written as Plato in the tour description.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian, and vegan choices.

Are drinks included in the price?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Drinks can be purchased separately on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat for use during the swimming stops.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you can be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.