From Kos: Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this cruise is the mix of three very different island stops in one easy day. You get a sandy beach at Pserimos, a short look at Kalymnos, and open-water swimming from the boat near Plati, all with lunch and a lively crew.

I like the excellent value at $28.80, especially since souvlaki, salad, bread, boat transport, and swim stops are included. I also like the relaxed party mood, with music, dancing, a waterslide, and a diving platform. The main drawback is time: Kalymnos can feel rushed, and the Plati swim stop may seem too short if you came mainly for the water.

The day at a glance

• Pserimos comes first, with about one hour for its golden beach and calm, clear water.
• Lunch is served onboard, usually souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with a vegetarian option available if you request it ahead.
• Kalymnos offers a quick taste of island life, centered on Pothia, the island capital and main port.
• Plati is the fun stop, with boat jumping, a waterslide, sunbathing, cocktails, and music.
• George and the crew keep the boat lively, mixing information with jokes and dancing.
• The $28.80 price includes the cruise and meal, but coffee, drinks, and hotel pickup cost extra.

Leaving Kos at 10am on the Pirates of Kos

You meet the boat at the port of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. The scheduled sailing starts at 10am and returns around 5pm, giving you a full seven hours on the water.

The boat is called the Pirates of Kos, and the pirate theme sets the tone. This is not a quiet sailing trip built around formal commentary. It is a cheerful group outing, with music, jokes, drinks, and plenty of activity on deck. George, one of the crew members named in the trip details, is known for keeping people entertained and helping the day move along.

You can arrange hotel pickup for an extra charge, but the standard meeting point is the port. That keeps the price low and gives you control over getting there. If you are staying in Kos Town, check your route and leave enough time to find the boat without rushing.

I would bring swimwear under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and some cash or a card for drinks. The boat provides the main meal, but coffee and drinks are not included. A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful around the swim stops.

Pserimos gives you the best beach time

Around noon, the boat reaches Pserimos, a tiny island in the Dodecanese. The stop lasts about one hour, which is long enough to get onto the golden sandy beach, swim, and sit in the sun, though it is not enough for a long walk or a slow island visit.

This is likely to be your most peaceful stop. The water is described as clear and calm, and small fish can make the area appealing for simple snorkeling. You do not need elaborate equipment to enjoy it. Even a mask will help you see more, but snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you have it.

Pserimos covers only about 15 square meters according to the supplied details, an unusually tiny footprint for an island stop. The point here is not sightseeing in the usual sense. You come for sand, swimming, and a short break from the boat.

While you enjoy the beach, the crew prepares lunch. The meal includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. It is simple food rather than a special restaurant meal, but it fits the setting and gives you something filling during a long day in the sun.

The lunch has one important planning detail. You must request a vegetarian meal in advance. Do not wait until you board, since the crew needs notice to prepare it.

Pserimos is also where the schedule can feel most generous. About an hour gives you a real chance to swim, unlike the shorter stops later in the day. If your priority is beach time, this will probably be your favorite part of the route.

Kalymnos is more than a quick photo stop

After Pserimos, the boat continues to Kalymnos, an island known for its connection to the sea and climbing. The main town, Kalymnos, is also called Pothia. It serves as the island capital, main port, and principal tourist center.

The stop gives you a chance to step ashore and get a taste of the town. You can look around, find a cafe or local restaurant, and take in the harbor setting. Kalymnos also has historical sights, although this cruise does not allow enough time for a full island tour.

This is the stop where expectations matter most. The time on Kalymnos can be around 45 minutes, which is enough to stretch your legs and see a little of the port area. It is not enough for a serious visit to the island, a climbing outing, or a long meal.

I would treat Kalymnos as a brief introduction, not the main reason to book the cruise. If you want to explore its history, villages, climbing sites, or food scene, plan a separate visit. If you simply want to say you set foot on Kalymnos and see its main port, the stop does the job.

The short visit also creates a practical choice. You may prefer to stay near the port rather than spend your limited minutes searching for a distant sight. Keep an eye on the time and follow the crew’s return instructions. Missing the boat is not a sensible way to extend your island visit.

Plati turns the boat into a floating water park

The final stop is Plati, where the pace changes. Here the boat becomes the main attraction. You can sunbathe, listen to music, try a cocktail, and jump into the open sea from the boat.

A waterslide and diving platform add a playful edge. You can test your nerve with a jump, or simply watch other people take the plunge. The crew encourages dancing and keeps the return trip lively, so Plati is less about walking ashore and more about swimming, music, and group fun.

The water is clear, and the views of the small island make a good setting for a final swim. Still, the time in the water can feel limited. If you are hoping for a long swim, the first stop at Pserimos may satisfy you more. Plati works best if you enjoy a quick burst of activity rather than a slow afternoon at sea.

You should also consider the boat’s atmosphere. Music can be loud on the middle deck, and the mood is deliberately social. That suits families with older children, couples who enjoy a party, and groups of friends. If you want a quiet sail with long stretches of silence, this is not the right fit.

The reviews include a family with a 15-year-old who enjoyed the swim features, and that makes sense. The slide and jumping platform give teenagers something to do beyond sitting on a beach. Younger children should be watched closely around the water, though no specific age guidance is provided.

What lunch and drinks really add to the value

At $28.80 per person, the cruise is priced as a budget-friendly full-day outing. The fare includes the boat, the three island stops, swim stops, an experienced crew, lunch, insurance, and legal fees and taxes.

That matters because a comparable self-planned day would require separate boat transport and food costs. You also avoid the work of finding a route between Kos, Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati. The cruise gives you a fixed plan and a meal at a low price.

The lunch is basic. Expect souvlaki, salad, and bread, not a long Greek feast with many courses. Some people may find it only average, but it is included in a very inexpensive day and does its main job: keeping you fed while you are swimming and moving between islands.

Drinks and coffee cost extra. Prices are described as reasonable onboard, but you should still budget for them. Bring water as well, especially if you plan to spend much of the day in direct sun.

The value is strongest if you want variety. You get a beach, a town, an open-water swim, music, and food without paying for separate excursions. The value is weaker if you want a detailed visit to Kalymnos or a long, quiet stay at each destination.

How the cruise feels from the deck

The crew is a major part of the day. Information about the islands is mixed with humor, and the mood grows more animated as the cruise continues. Music and dancing are especially noticeable on the return to Kos.

You can make the day as active or relaxed as you like. At Pserimos, swim or sit on the beach. At Kalymnos, walk around the port area or find a cafe. At Plati, use the slide and platform, sunbathe, or stay seated with a drink.

The boat setup also lets different people in the same group choose different activities. One person can swim while another stays dry. A teenager can enjoy the slide while a parent watches from the deck. That flexibility is one reason the trip works well for mixed-age groups.

Still, do not confuse flexibility with quiet. The atmosphere is lively, and the crew aims to keep people involved. Loud music and dancing are part of the package, especially near Plati and on the return to Kos.

Who will enjoy this Kos boat trip

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a low-cost day on the water with several stops and very little planning. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want an easy day away from Kos Town
• Families with older children and teenagers
• Friends looking for swimming, music, and drinks
• First-time visitors who want a quick look at nearby islands
• Budget-conscious visitors who want lunch included

You may want another option if you prefer a small boat, silence, long swimming sessions, or detailed sightseeing. The route covers three islands, but the time is divided among them. Kalymnos receives only a short visit, and Plati may not provide as much swimming time as you hope.

This is also not a dedicated snorkeling trip. You can swim among small fish at Pserimos, but snorkeling gear and instruction are not listed. Bring your own equipment if that is important to you.

Booking details that matter

The trip is offered in English, and the host or greeter speaks English. Starting times can vary, so check availability before booking, although the stated schedule begins at 10am and returns around 5pm.

Hotel pickup is optional and costs extra. The standard meeting point is the Pirates of Kos boat at the port of Kos. Show the crew your mobile voucher when you arrive.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. These terms make it easier to book early while keeping some flexibility.

Remember to request a vegetarian lunch in advance. The standard meal is souvlaki, salad, and bread.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos?

Book this cruise if you want maximum variety for a low price. The strongest parts are the sandy beach and swimming at Pserimos, the playful water activities near Plati, the entertaining crew, and the fact that lunch is included.

Go in with realistic expectations. Kalymnos is a short port visit, lunch is simple, drinks cost extra, and the music can be loud. If that sounds like a fair trade for a full day at sea and three island stops, this is an easy choice at $28.80.

I would choose it for a fun, social day rather than for serious sightseeing. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a willingness to join the boat’s upbeat mood, and you should get good value from the outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the port of Kos. Find the boat called Pirates of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts seven hours. The stated schedule runs from about 10am until 5pm, though you should check the available starting time when booking.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati. The cruise includes stops at all three islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian meals are available if you request one in advance.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included. They are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is optional and costs extra. Specific pickup details are provided after booking.