Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

Three islands fit into one sunny cruise. The Barco De Pirata makes it easy to leave Kos behind for a day, with stops around Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati aboard a large pirate-themed boat. I like the unusual ship and the simple promise: one ticket, one lunch, and three different Greek island settings.

I also like the included barbecue, with chicken, pork, fish, vegan, and vegetarian choices, plus the chance to swim or use the boat’s snorkeling gear. The main drawback is time. You spend much of the 7.5-hour day sailing, and stops can feel short, especially if you want a proper beach break or a relaxed walk through town.

Key Points to Know Before You Sail

• Three islands in one day: The route links Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati from Kos.
• A lively pirate-style boat: The ship gives the day a party-cruise feel rather than a quiet ferry ride.
• Swimming and snorkeling: The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and the boat stops in clear water.
• Freshly barbecued lunch: Choose chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian, or vegan food.
• A long, social day: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect music, activity, and a shared atmosphere.
• Good value at $34.76: Lunch and a full day at sea are included, but drinks cost extra.

Leaving Kos Port at 9:45 a.m.

The cruise begins at the Port of Kos, with a scheduled departure at 9:45 a.m. You should arrive early if you want a better choice of seats, particularly upstairs on the open deck. One useful tip is to arrive around 9:10 a.m., which has been enough for some people to settle into a good upper-deck spot before boarding fills up.

The ship can hold as many as 200 people. That makes this a social outing, not a private sailing trip. You may find music playing, people moving between the decks, and a steady line at the bar or lunch area. The atmosphere suits families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a little noise with their sea view.

The vessel is designed to look like a pirate ship, and that theme is not just a sign on the side. The appearance helps turn an ordinary boat ride into a full-day attraction, especially for children. The crew also keeps the mood light with dancing and lively hosting. Some people have singled out crew members such as Spiros and the friendly bartenders for making the day more enjoyable.

One practical point: the boat may collect additional passengers before fully leaving Kos. A delayed start has occurred, so do not plan a tight afternoon appointment after the cruise. The return is to the same meeting point, but the stated duration is approximate.

Kalymnos: A Quick Taste of Island Life

Kalymnos is usually the first major island stop and gives you a change from the open sea. The island is known for its harbor setting and traditional Greek character, though this cruise offers only a brief taste rather than a full exploration.

The schedule appears to focus on a short swim or stop rather than a long town visit. Some departures allow roughly 30 minutes for swimming, which is enough to cool off but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. You will need to get changed, find your way into the water, swim, and return to the boat without wasting time.

That short stop can be fun if you treat it as a quick sea break. The water is described as clear, and the boat carries snorkeling equipment, so you can look for small marine life close to the ship. Still, I would not choose this cruise if your main goal is to spend hours on a Kalymnos beach.

The schedule also depends on the group. Late boarding, slower returns to the boat, or delays at an earlier stop can reduce time later in the day. Keep your belongings organized and listen for the crew’s return instructions. A relaxed beach habit can turn into a rushed climb back aboard.

Pserimos: Harbor Views and Optional Exploring

Pserimos offers a different kind of stop. Instead of only swimming, you may have time to look around the harbor area and take in the small-island setting. The cruise gives you a short break from the boat, though the available time varies enough that you should avoid planning a detailed walk.

A small tourist train has been part of the island experience for some departures. It can be useful on a hot day if you prefer not to walk, but it is not included in the cruise price. Be aware that the train may include a stop connected with sponge shopping, so it is more of a short island outing than a simple scenic transfer.

This is one of the places where expectations matter. If you want a quiet hour at a seaside café, browse local shops, and wander without watching the clock, the stop may feel too brief. If you like seeing several places in one day and do not mind a compact schedule, Pserimos adds variety to the route.

The island stops are best understood as snapshots. You get a harbor, a swim, and a little local atmosphere, but not the time needed to know each island well.

Plati: Anchored in Clear Water

Plati, also written as Plato in some descriptions, is the most water-focused part of the day. Rather than treating it as a long shore excursion, the boat may anchor offshore so you can swim and snorkel from the vessel.

That is a major advantage for anyone who prefers the sea to shopping. You can stay on board, watch the views, or get into the water with the available snorkeling equipment. The clear conditions make this a good chance to see marine life without arranging a separate snorkeling trip.

It is also the part most likely to disappoint someone expecting three full island visits. In some departures, Plati feels like a scenic anchorage instead of a walk-on-the-island stop. You may not have time or opportunity to explore on land.

I would pack swimwear under your clothes and keep a towel easy to reach. The schedule moves quickly, and you will get more from the stop if you are ready to swim rather than searching through a large beach bag.

Barbecue Lunch on the Upper Deck

Lunch is included, which helps make the price attractive. The food is prepared on board at an outdoor barbecue, and you can choose from five main options:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

The menu gives mixed groups a practical choice, especially when one person does not eat meat or fish. The meal is part of the experience rather than a restaurant-style service, so keep expectations sensible. Some people have found the food tasty and satisfying, while others have found certain meat portions hard or reheated and the side dish less Greek than expected.

I would choose lunch based on convenience, not culinary ambition. You are at sea, feeding a large group, and the meal needs to be served efficiently. The big value is having food included during a long day, not receiving a carefully plated island lunch.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, but drinks can be purchased on board. Prices have sometimes been described as reasonable, with occasional happy-hour promotions late in the season. Those offers are not guaranteed, so budget for drinks separately rather than counting on a discount.

Music, Dancing, and the Pirate Atmosphere

The Barco De Pirata is not designed as a quiet sightseeing boat. Music and dancing are an important part of the day, and the crew works to keep the mood upbeat. Families with children often find this adds fun, while couples looking for peace and quiet may find it tiring.

The upper deck is the best place for open views and fresh air, though it may also be the liveliest area. If you are sensitive to loud music, consider choosing a spot farther from the speakers or moving around during the sailing sections. One particularly negative experience described the music as loud enough to cause a headache, so this is a real consideration, not a minor detail.

The atmosphere can also depend on the date. Late-season trips have included happy-hour cocktails and a strong party mood, but those extras are occasional. You should book the cruise for the islands, swimming, and pirate ship first. Treat special drink deals as a bonus.

Is $34.76 Good Value?

At $34.76 per person, this is a strong price for a full day that includes the boat trip, three island locations, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. You would spend more arranging separate ferry tickets and meals, even before adding the convenience of having the route organized for you.

The value is strongest if you want a broad introduction to the islands around Kos. You can see several places without researching ferry schedules or deciding where to eat. The pirate ship also gives the day a clear identity, which helps keep children entertained during the longer sailing stretches.

The value is weaker if you want depth. You are not getting a full day on Kalymnos, a leisurely beach visit on Pserimos, or a proper land tour of Plati. Much of the experience takes place on the boat, and the stops are compact.

For me, the key question is not simply the price. It is how you prefer to travel. Pay $34.76 for variety, convenience, lunch, and a social boat atmosphere. Look elsewhere if you would rather spend the same day slowly exploring one island.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The boat is described as accessible to people with special needs, with special services and toilet facilities available. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is close to public transportation. If you need specific assistance, confirm the details at booking because the day includes boarding, moving around a large boat, and getting on and off for stops.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience uses a mobile ticket. The cruise requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers force a cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. After that point, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted within the final 24 hours.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend it to families who want an easy day at sea without arranging several separate activities. Children get the pirate ship, music, swimming, and the excitement of visiting different islands. The included lunch also removes one decision from a busy day.

It suits couples and friends who enjoy a social outing. The crew creates a friendly party mood, and the ship gives you plenty of chances to sit together, take photographs, swim, and buy drinks.

It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes crowds, loud music, or fixed schedules. It also may frustrate serious island explorers. The itinerary is designed to show you three places quickly, not give you enough time to understand each one.

You should also allow flexibility around the day. Delays at the port or slow returns from a stop can make the schedule feel rushed. Do not book an important evening activity too close to the expected return.

Should You Book the Barco De Pirata?

Book it if you want a cheerful, affordable day on the water and like the idea of seeing three Greek islands without managing the details yourself. The pirate ship, friendly crew, included barbecue, and swimming stops create a lot of entertainment for the price.

Skip it if your ideal island day means silence, long beach time, or a careful visit to one place. The cruise can feel crowded, loud, and rushed, especially when the boat runs late or stops are shortened.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value party cruise with real sightseeing mixed in. Arrive early for a better seat, bring swimwear and sun protection, keep your expectations focused on variety rather than depth, and you are likely to have a memorable day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The cruise begins at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:45 a.m., and the experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, also written as Plato in some descriptions.

Is lunch included?

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

Are alcoholic drinks included?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.