Pirate Cruise from Kos to Kalymnos, Pserimos, Plati & BBQ

A pirate ship day trip is a rare mix of fun and sea time. I like the pirate-boat atmosphere and the real itinerary of three islands, plus a no-fuss Pserimos swim stop. One thing to plan for is seating, especially if you want a sun lounger all day.

The crew tends to keep energy up in a friendly way, and the onboard meal makes the day feel complete. Still, the exact boat and ship setup can vary a bit, based on capacity, so expect small changes to what you see when you arrive.

Key points at a glance

• Three island stops: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, all from Kos in one day
• Golden sand swim hour on Pserimos with crystal-clear water time
• Kalymnos town break in the main center (Pothia/Kalymnos) for wandering and food
• Plati fun time with cocktails, music, and lots of sun-on-deck vibes
• Lunch included: souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian options
• You get multiple decks for shade hunting, music, and dancing

A Pirate Ship Day Trip With Real Swim Stops

This is the kind of day trip that sounds silly at first, then wins you over once you’re on the water. You get the pirate-ship theme, but you also get actual time in the sea, plus structured stops on three islands. It is a solid match for people who want sun, swimming, and a bit of theater without turning it into a full-day hike.

What I like most is how the cruise balances sea time with small chunks of land exploring. Pserimos is short and sweet, Kalymnos gives you a chance to see the town, and Plati is more of a party-and-sun stop. It is a great formula for a first or second visit to the area, when you want variety without planning a whole day yourself.

Price and What You Get for About $31

At around $31 per person for a 7-hour outing, the value comes from what is included, not just the price tag. You’re paying for boat time between islands, a full onboard lunch, and planned swim stops. You also get insurance coverage and the legal fees and taxes are included.

Lunch matters here. It is not a tiny snack, it is Greek souvlaki with salad and bread served onboard. That turns the day into a true “package,” especially if you would otherwise have to budget for food at multiple stops.

Still, drinks are not included. There is an onboard snack bar where you can buy refreshments, so you should set aside some extra cash if cocktails or cold drinks are part of your plan.

Kos Port Meeting: Finding Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos

Your meeting point is straightforward, but you still need to arrive with enough time to find the right ship. Look for the pirate boat named either Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos at the port in Kos.

If you prefer not to deal with the port on your own, optional hotel pickup can be arranged for transfers to Kos, but transfers are not included in the base price. If you’re coming from a hotel away from the harbor, that pickup option can save you hassle, especially in peak-season traffic.

Onboard Vibes: Multiple Decks, Music, Dancing, and Shade

This boat setup is designed for “do what you feel like” cruising. You get multiple decks, so you can choose where to hang out depending on the sun and your mood. There is music during the cruise, and the day can include dancing, which fits the pirate theme more than you might expect.

The practical upside is shade versus sun. One review experience really nails this: there are plenty of shaded seats, but the prime sun lounging spots can fill up early if you want to stay on the top deck. If you’re the kind of person who believes in sunbathing as a lifestyle, arrive early and claim your spot before the crowd settles.

There is also a snack bar onboard. That means non-stop hunger is not your problem, but you will pay for drinks and extras there.

Stop 1: Pserimos Island for a Golden Sand Reset

Pserimos is your first stop, and it is the one most people picture when they think of simple Greek island swimming. The cruise usually leaves Kos around noon, then you reach Pserimos for about an hour. During that time, you can relax on the golden sandy beach and swim in clear, inviting water.

What I like about the Pserimos stop is the pacing. It is long enough to enjoy the sea, without turning the day into a long land excursion. And while you’re there, the crew prepares your onboard meal, which helps keep the day feeling timed and easy.

One practical tip: if you do not want to swim, you do not have to. Non-swimmers can stay onboard during swim stops. So if you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels in the water, this cruise is more flexible than it looks from the outside.

Stop 2: Kalymnos Town and the Feel of the Main Center

Next comes Kalymnos, known for rugged coastline vibes and maritime activity. You head to the island’s main center, often referred to as Kalymnos or Pothia, where you can get your bearings and spend time exploring.

This stop is less about a specific “one landmark” and more about using that town break to wander, snack, and soak up local life. You will find entertainment options and local dining spots, so it works well if you like to walk a bit and then sit down with a drink or a simple bite.

A useful way to think about Kalymnos in this cruise format: it is your change of pace. Pserimos resets you with beach water. Kalymnos gives you a human-scale town moment before you shift again into Plati’s sun and party energy.

Stop 3: Plati Island for Cocktails, Water Time, and Sun Culture

Plati is where the mood shifts. You get the best “stay out on deck and enjoy the day” energy here, with cocktails and drinks available onboard. The water is a key part of this stop, and the plan encourages you to try your comfort with water entry from the boat.

If your travel style is more fun than exploration, Plati is the stop for you. Expect views from the boat, sunbathing time, and an atmosphere that feels more like a relaxed celebration than sightseeing.

Because the day is closing in, this is also a good stop for people who want to avoid rushing. You can keep it simple: hang on the ship, grab a drink from the snack bar, and enjoy the island atmosphere from where you’re most comfortable.

Lunch on Board: Souvlaki, Greek Salad, and Vegetarian Options

The included lunch is one of the strongest reasons this cruise feels like good value. You get souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread served onboard. It is not a fancy meal, but it is filling and genuinely “vacation Greece” food.

Vegetarian options are available, which matters for mixed groups and picky eaters. If you have dietary limits, it helps to check the options on the day, since details beyond vegetarian availability are not specified.

I also like that the meal fits the day’s rhythm. You’re not waiting around until the end for food. The timing supports the overall plan, with meal service and the first stop working together so you can settle into the day rather than constantly thinking about logistics.

Drinks, Snack Bar Prices, and How to Budget Smart

Coffee and other drinks are not included, but there is an onboard snack bar for refreshments. That means you have choices, but it also means your final cost depends on what you order.

The good news is that at least some experiences have described drink prices as reasonable for a boat setting. Still, the safest move is to assume you will spend extra for cocktails or frequent water refills.

If you want to keep costs down, treat the snack bar as a “one or two things” stop. Bring your essentials for hydration and sun protection so you do not feel forced to buy every time you get thirsty.

Who This Cruise Suits Best, and Who Might Want Something Else

This cruise is especially suited to people who want:

• A fun pirate-ship day without complicated planning
• Swim time at multiple locations, with an hour on Pserimos
• An included lunch that keeps the day easy
• A mix of sea time and town time, with Kalymnos in the middle

It is also a solid choice for families. One of the standout themes from the onboard vibe is that the crew tends to keep kids entertained, with games and pirate music. Adults benefit too, because the energy stays social and not overly stressful.

Who might think twice? If you hate sun, you need to be strategic. Shade is available, but the day’s structure is built around deck time and beach time. Also, if you specifically want a guaranteed sun lounger for the entire cruise, you may need to arrive early and be flexible.

Common Gotchas to Know Before You Go

A couple of details can affect your comfort, so I recommend planning around them.

First, seating can be competitive if you want the best sun spots. There are many shaded places, but top-deck lounging tends to fill quickly. If you like sunlight, claim your place early. If you prefer shade, you’ll still have options.

Second, the boat experience aims to stay pirate-themed, but the operator may use another ferry based on capacity needs. That means small differences in how the ship looks or feels can happen, even though the overall pirate-ship idea and cruise style stay intact.

Third, bring the basics for a Greek summer sea day. Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, and proper beachwear. If you forget those, you’ll feel it fast.

Should You Book This Pirate Cruise from Kos?

I’d book it if you want a classic Dodecanese-style day with three islands, beach swimming time, and a lunch that is already handled. The price is hard to beat because so much is included: boat cruise, swim stops, three islands, and onboard souvlaki lunch with vegetarian options.

You might skip it if you are chasing deep, structured sightseeing, or if you need guaranteed seating and shade all day without any competition. The cruise is built for relaxation, deck time, and a few “walk and wander” windows, not for marathon touring.

If your goal is a fun, sun-friendly day that still feels like you saw more than one place, this pirate cruise is a practical yes.

FAQ

How long is the pirate cruise from Kos?

The cruise lasts about 7 hours.

Which islands are included on this trip?

You visit three islands: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Where do I meet the boat in Kos?

Meet at the port and look for the pirate boat named Pirates of the Aegean or Pirates of Kos.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. Lunch onboard is included and includes souvlaki, salad, and bread.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available onboard.

Are drinks included with the lunch?

No. Coffee and other drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments at the onboard snack bar.

Can non-swimmers stay onboard during swim stops?

Yes. Non-swimmers can stay onboard during swim stops.

Are hotel transfers included?

Optional hotel pickup is available, but transfers are not included in the base price.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.