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

The best part of this seven-hour pirate boat cruise is its easy mix of island scenery, swimming, food, and music. You leave Kos Town, spend time on Pserimos beach, stop at Kalymnos, then finish with jumps from the boat near Plati Island. It is a full day at sea without the cost or planning burden of a private charter.

I like the clear water and simple island-hopping route, which gives you three different settings in one day. I also like the cheerful crew, the onboard souvlaki lunch, and the waterslide and jumping platform that turn the ride back to Kos into a party. The main drawback is time: Kalymnos can feel rushed, and the Plati swim may be shorter than you hope.

Key points to know before booking

• Pserimos comes first for beach time: You get about an hour on a small golden-sand beach with calm, clear water.
• Kalymnos is a short town stop: You can see the port town of Pothia, but do not expect enough time for a full island tour.
• Plati is the most playful stop: Swim from the boat, use the waterslide, and jump from the platform.
• Lunch is Greek and uncomplicated: Souvlaki, salad, and bread are included, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead.
• The boat has a social mood: Music, dancing, cocktails, and comic crew announcements make this more lively than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• The price is unusually low: At $28.80 per person, lunch and three island stops make this strong value, though drinks and hotel transfers cost extra.

What this Kos boat day is really like

This is a group cruise for people who want a carefree day on the water, not a slow cultural study of the Dodecanese. The pirate-style boat gives the outing a playful theme, while the route packs in beach time, a port visit, a meal, and swimming from the stern.

You meet the boat Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. The listed departure is 10 a.m., with return to the same port around 5 p.m. Optional hotel pickup can be added for an extra charge, which is useful if you are staying away from Kos Town.

I would arrive with enough time to find the boat without hurrying. The port is the fixed meeting point, and the activity is conducted in English. Once underway, the day follows a simple rhythm: cruise, stop, swim, eat, cruise again.

The cruise has earned a 4.5 rating from 233 reviews, and that fits the kind of day being offered. The strongest appeal is not luxury or detailed guiding. It is the combination of a low price, a friendly crew, attractive water, and plenty to do.

Pserimos: one hour on a tiny island

Pserimos is the first major stop, usually reached around noon. The island is tiny, covering only about 15 square meters according to the supplied tour information, and its small settlement and beach give it a much quieter feel than Kos.

You get about an hour here. That is enough time to walk onto the golden sandy beach, swim in the clear blue water, and relax under the Greek sun. The water is described as warm and calm, with small fish that make the stop suitable for simple snorkeling.

This is the most restful part of the day. You are not trying to visit several sights or squeeze through narrow streets. You step off the boat, find a patch of sand, and enjoy the sea.

The timing also works well for lunch. While you swim and relax, the crew prepares souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread onboard. The meal is basic rather than elaborate, but it gives you a proper break from the sun and is included in the fare.

If you are vegetarian, tell the operator in advance. A vegetarian meal is available on request, but you should not wait until you are already on the boat.

Pserimos is also where the cruise may feel most like a traditional Greek island escape. Its appeal is the beach and the setting, not a long list of attractions. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and footwear that can handle a beach landing.

Lunch on deck: simple food, useful value

The included lunch is one of the reasons the price works so well. You receive souvlaki, salad, and bread, rather than a restaurant-style meal with several courses. Think of it as filling boat food that keeps the day moving.

The quality can vary with expectations. Some people will find it perfectly good for a $28.80 cruise, while anyone hoping for a special culinary experience may be disappointed. I would judge it as a practical inclusion, not the reason to book.

Drinks and coffee are not included. The onboard drinks are sold separately, and prices have been described as reasonable. Still, budget for them if you want water, soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, or other refreshments beyond lunch.

The sun and sea can make you hungrier than expected, so it is sensible to bring extra water if permitted and to keep track of your own needs. The supplied details do not specify drink restrictions or menu substitutions, so ask the crew if you have an allergy or a dietary concern beyond vegetarian food.

Kalymnos and Pothia: a quick look at island life

After Pserimos, the boat heads to Kalymnos, an island known for its rugged scenery, sea-based activities, and climbing culture. Its capital, Kalymnos Town, is also called Pothia, and it serves as the island’s main port and visitor center.

This stop gives the day a useful change of pace. Pserimos is mainly about sand and swimming. Kalymnos gives you a chance to walk through a real island town, look around the harbor area, and find a café or local restaurant if time allows.

The catch is the short stay. On some departures, the stop is around 45 minutes. That is enough to stretch your legs and get a quick impression of Pothia, but not enough for the island’s historical sights, climbing areas, or wider scenery.

I would treat Kalymnos as a sampler, not a full visit. If Kalymnos is high on your list, book a separate day or overnight stay. This cruise is designed to show you several places, and that means each stop receives only a portion of your day.

The short stop may disappoint people who prefer cultural sightseeing. On the other hand, it suits anyone who wants variety and would rather not spend the whole afternoon in one port. You can take a few photos, enjoy the change from the beach, and return to the boat without losing the final swim stop.

Plati Island: where the boat becomes the attraction

The final stop is Plati Island, but the main attraction is not necessarily going ashore. The boat becomes the base for swimming, sunbathing, drinks, music, and jumps into the clear water.

There is a jumping platform and a waterslide, giving you several ways to get into the sea. You can also simply sit on deck and watch the action. That makes this stop more flexible than it may first appear.

The atmosphere becomes livelier here. Music plays on the middle deck, the crew dances, and the return journey includes plenty of entertainment. George is named as a particularly funny and helpful member of the crew on some departures, although the exact crew lineup can vary.

This is the most fun part of the cruise for families with older children, teenagers, couples, and anyone who enjoys a social boat outing. A 15-year-old, for example, is likely to find the platform and slide more exciting than a quiet beach stop.

There is a small but important limitation: swim time at Plati may be brief. The boat has to keep to its return schedule, and the day already includes two earlier island stops. If your main goal is long open-water swimming, a dedicated swim cruise may suit you better.

The pirate boat atmosphere and crew

The boat theme is cheerful rather than formal. You are not signing up for polished luxury or a quiet yacht ride. You are joining a shared outing with music, announcements, dancing, drinks, and a crew that works hard to keep the mood light.

That energy is a major part of the value. A plain ferry could take you toward the same islands, but it would not give you a waterslide, a jumping platform, onboard entertainment, or a hosted lunch.

The crew speaks English and handles the practical side of the day. The guide style is described as informative and funny, which helps during the longer stretches between stops. You should expect entertainment and general commentary, not a detailed archaeological lecture about each island.

The boat is likely to feel busiest around the swim areas and food service. If you want a quiet seat, look for one away from the central music area. If you want to meet people and join the dancing, the middle deck is where the action is.

Is $28.80 good value?

At $28.80 per person, this is a very strong budget option. The price includes the cruise, three island stops, swim stops, crew service, lunch, insurance, and legal fees. Few low-cost boat days include that much without adding a separate lunch charge.

You still need to allow extra money for drinks and optional hotel pickup. Those costs do not undermine the value, but they mean the advertised fare is not your final spending if you want refreshments or transport from your hotel.

The value is strongest when you want a full day out and do not need much free time on Kalymnos. You receive beach access, a port visit, open-water swimming, a meal, and entertainment for less than many short boat excursions.

It is less suitable if you want a private experience, a quiet deck, long visits on each island, or a serious tour of Kalymnos. The low fare comes from sharing the boat and keeping the itinerary moving.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to families with older children, couples who like a lively day at sea, groups of friends, and first-time visitors to Kos who want to see more than one island. The route offers enough variety to keep the day from feeling repetitive.

It also suits budget-conscious visitors. You can sample Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati without arranging several ferries or paying for separate meals and activities.

You may want to skip it if you dislike loud music, group outings, or short port visits. The day is social and upbeat, especially around Plati. It is not the right choice for someone seeking solitude or a carefully paced cultural tour.

Swimmers should get the most from it, since the best moments involve the sea. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the beach, views, food, and boat ride, but the platform, slide, and open-water stops are central to the fun.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You will spend much of the day exposed to sun, and the water stops are a major part of the schedule.

Wear something easy to move in for boarding and beach time. Keep your phone protected from splashes, especially near the platform and waterslide.

Tell the operator about vegetarian needs before departure. The standard meal is souvlaki, salad, and bread, and a vegetarian option can be prepared when requested in advance.

Expect the trip to return around 5 p.m. Since the boat leaves Kos in the morning and ends back at the same port, it fits neatly into a day based in Kos Town. If you add hotel pickup, wait for the specific pickup details after booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some useful flexibility when your Kos plans are still taking shape.

Should you book the Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati cruise?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a low price. Pserimos gives you the prettiest beach time, Kalymnos offers a quick taste of island-town life, and Plati supplies the swimming, slide, and party mood.

Go in with the right expectations. You will not explore Kalymnos in depth, lunch is simple, drinks cost extra, and Plati swim time may be short. But for a cheerful day on the Aegean with three stops, a Greek meal, and an entertaining crew, this is one of the better-value ways to spend a day from Kos.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at the port of Kos. Find the boat named Pirates of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew.

What time does the cruise depart?

The stated boarding time is 10 a.m. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts seven hours and is scheduled to return to the port of Kos around 5 p.m.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. You must notify the operator in advance so the crew can prepare a vegetarian meal.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included in the tour price and can be purchased separately onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Can I cancel the reservation?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.