Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

The best thing about the Barco de Pirata cruise is its simple promise: leave Kos in the morning and see three nearby islands before returning in the afternoon. You travel aboard a pirate-style ship, stop for swimming and island visits, and eat a Greek barbecue lunch on board. It is a cheerful, easy way to get beyond Kos without arranging separate ferries.

I like the unusual ship and the friendly, energetic crew. I also like the lunch choices, which include chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian meals. The main drawback is time. You spend a lot of the 7.5-hour day at sea, so stops can feel short, particularly if you want a proper beach visit or time to explore ashore.

Key points to know

• Three islands in one day: Visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati from Kos.
• A pirate-style vessel: The ship gives an ordinary boat trip a playful party atmosphere.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Equipment is available on board for use during the swimming stops.
• Barbecue lunch included: Choose from meat, fish, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.
• Large group setting: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect a social, lively outing.
• Plan for limited shore time: The cruise is best for seeing several places briefly, not for long island visits.

Setting Sail From Kos Port at 9:45

Your day begins at the Port of Kos at 9:45 am. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, and the total outing lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes. You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Arrive early if you care about your seat. One couple arrived around 9:10 am and managed to get a good position on the upper deck. That matters on a full boat, especially if you want open views, a breeze, or a clear place to watch the coast as Kos fades behind you.

The ship is the star of the show. Its pirate styling gives the day a holiday feel, and the upper deck is a natural gathering place for views, music, and dancing. This is not a quiet sailing trip built around a guide explaining every island in detail. It is a social boat day with sightseeing, swimming, food, and entertainment mixed together.

The vessel can carry up to 200 people. That capacity helps explain both sides of the experience. You get a lively atmosphere and plenty of company, but the boat can feel crowded, especially when additional passengers board after the scheduled departure. A delayed start has also been an issue on some departures, so keep your plans after the cruise flexible.

Why Kalymnos Is More Than a First Stop

Kalymnos is the largest and most substantial stop on the route. The island is known for its connection with sponge fishing, and the harbor area gives you a quick taste of local island life. Depending on the day’s schedule, you may have time to walk around, take in the waterfront, or use a small train that tours the area.

The train can be useful on a hot day, particularly if you want to sit back rather than walk. But go in with clear expectations. It is not a long, independent island tour. The stop is organized around the cruise schedule, and the train may include a visit to a sponge shop. If shopping is not your main interest, you may prefer to stay near the harbor and enjoy the views at your own pace.

Time is the real limitation here. A stop on Kalymnos can feel rushed, especially if the ship leaves late or passengers take time to return on board. I would not book this cruise expecting a full introduction to Kalymnos. Instead, think of it as a short sampler, useful for seeing the harbor and deciding if you want to return to the island for a longer visit.

Pserimos, Swimming, and Clear Water

Pserimos brings the beach element that many people want from a Greek island cruise. The water is clear, and the boat provides time for swimming. You can also use the snorkeling equipment on board to look for marine life near the vessel.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel handy. Getting changed can be awkward on a busy boat, and every minute counts when the swimming stop is short. If swimming is important to you, move quickly once the crew announces the stop.

The water is the main attraction, not a long list of sights. You may have around half an hour for a swim on one stop, though the exact timing can change. That is enough for a refreshing dip, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. Families with children often appreciate the direct access to the water, while serious snorkelers may wish for more time and a quieter site.

The ship may also be accompanied by dolphins, though sightings are never guaranteed. Keep your eyes on the water during the crossings, especially when the boat slows or the crew points something out. It is a pleasant bonus, but it should not be the reason you book.

Plati, or Plati as a Water-Level Visit

Plati, also written as Plati or Platy, is the smallest-feeling part of the itinerary. The cruise may anchor near the island rather than offer a substantial walk ashore. For many people, this is still a lovely place to swim and enjoy the sea from the boat.

That distinction matters. The tour description presents three islands, but you should not picture three full island visits. Kalymnos offers the clearest harbor stop, Pserimos provides the strongest beach and swimming feel, and Plati may be mainly an anchorage with time in the water.

The route works well if your goal is to collect several views in one day. It works less well if you want to explore streets, visit a museum, shop, or spend hours on a beach. I would describe Plati as a scenic water stop rather than a conventional island excursion.

Greek Barbecue on the Upper Deck

Lunch is included, which adds real value to the $34.76 price. Food is cooked outside on the boat, and you choose from five main options: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian. That range makes the cruise easier to book for a mixed group, since everyone does not need to eat the same meal.

The setting is part of the pleasure. Eating on deck while the boat moves between islands feels more memorable than buying a hurried snack at a port. The meal is designed for a large group, so keep expectations practical rather than expecting a restaurant-style Greek feast.

Food quality can vary. Some passengers found the meal tasty and satisfying, while others felt the meat was hard or reheated and the side dish was more like coleslaw than a fresh Greek salad. I would treat lunch as a useful included meal, not the main reason to choose the cruise.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, but drinks can be purchased on board. Some departures have offered inexpensive cocktail specials, including happy-hour pricing late in the season. Those offers are not guaranteed, so budget separately if you want drinks during the cruise.

Music, Dancing, and the Pirate Atmosphere

Barco de Pirata is not trying to be a hushed sightseeing boat. Music plays a major part in the day, and the crew helps create a party mood with dancing and interaction. Staff members are often singled out for their warmth and energy, with Spiros receiving particular praise on one departure.

That atmosphere suits families with older children, couples who enjoy a sociable day, and groups looking for something lighthearted. Children can move between the deck, the swimming activity, and the food service, while adults can settle into a drink and enjoy the views.

The same music can be a problem if you want peace. One unhappy passenger found the volume headache-inducing, and that is a fair warning. If you prefer a quiet boat ride, bring realistic expectations. You may be able to find a calmer corner, but the cruise’s personality is lively rather than tranquil.

The upper deck usually offers the best views and more of the entertainment. It can also be sunny and exposed. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. On a boat this size, shade and prime seating are limited resources.

How Much Time Do You Really Get?

The advertised duration is about 7 hours and 30 minutes, but that does not mean seven and a half hours of island time. The ship must travel between Kos and the islands, load and unload passengers, serve lunch, and keep to a schedule.

This is the central tradeoff:

• You see three islands without booking separate transport.
• You get swimming, snorkeling, food, and entertainment in one package.
• You have limited time at each stop.
• Delays can make the later stops feel even shorter.

Some people find the pace just right. They enjoy the movement, the music, and the variety. Others finish the day wishing they had had longer to shop, swim, or walk around. I would choose this cruise for breadth, not depth.

It also helps to board promptly when called. A few late returns can affect everyone’s schedule, particularly at the second stop. You cannot control the ship’s timetable, but you can avoid adding to the delay and make the most of your own time ashore.

Is $34.76 Good Value?

At $34.76 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the cruise, access to three island areas, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. You would spend much of that amount simply arranging boat transport and food on your own, assuming separate connections were even practical in one day.

The low price also comes with limits. This is a large-group excursion, not a private sailing trip. You are paying for an efficient route and a busy program rather than long, quiet stops. The boat may feel full, and the schedule may leave little room for wandering.

For a first visit to Kos, I see the price as especially useful. You get a quick sense of nearby islands and can decide later if Kalymnos or Pserimos deserves a separate trip. For someone who already knows the islands and wants a slow beach day, a smaller boat or single-island outing may offer better value.

The average booking time is 15 days ahead, so popular dates can fill. If you book early, remember that the operator can cancel if bad weather prevents the cruise or if the minimum number of passengers is not reached. In those cases, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend Barco de Pirata to you if you want a social, all-in-one day trip. It is a good fit for:

• Families looking for swimming and simple entertainment
• Couples who enjoy music, drinks, and island views
• People with limited time in Kos
• Groups with different food preferences
• Anyone who wants to see nearby islands without planning several ferry trips

Think twice if you want a quiet sailing experience, detailed cultural touring, or hours on each island. The large capacity, music, and short stops are not minor details. They define the day.

The boat is accessible to people with special needs, and special services and toilet facilities are available. Most people can participate, and the port is near public transportation. If you have particular mobility needs, confirm the arrangements when booking so the crew can prepare the right assistance.

What to Pack for a Better Day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a boat day comfortable:

• Swimsuit, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Mobile ticket and any booking confirmation
• Cash or a payment method for drinks and optional purchases
• Water-resistant protection for your phone
• Comfortable shoes for the port and short island walks

Do not count on having unlimited time to return to your seat, change clothes, or shop. Keep your belongings organized, and carry only what you need onto the swimming stops.

Should You Book Barco de Pirata?

Book it if you want a cheerful, good-value cruise that packs Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati into one day. The pirate ship, friendly crew, included barbecue, snorkeling gear, and clear water make this an easy holiday choice, especially for families and first-time island hoppers.

Skip it if your ideal Greek day means one quiet beach, a long lunch, or several hours exploring a single island. You may find the music too loud and the island stops too brief.

My practical verdict: choose Barco de Pirata for variety, atmosphere, and price. Arrive early for a better seat, accept that Plati may be an anchorage rather than a walk-around stop, and treat the itinerary as a lively sampler of the Dodecanese rather than three full island tours.

FAQ

Where does the 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.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and offers chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian choices cooked as a barbecue on the boat.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but drinks can be purchased separately on board.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming opportunities, and snorkeling equipment is available on the boat.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 200 people.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather prevents the cruise, or the minimum number of participants is not reached, you should be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.