From Kos: 3-Island Boat Trip with BBQ & Water Slide

Three islands, one boat, seven sunny hours. This Kos cruise gives you three very different stops in one day, from Pserimos beach to Kalymnos town and a swim from the boat near Plati. I especially like the included souvlaki lunch and the lively crew, who keep the long sailing stretches cheerful with music, dancing, and jokes. The main trade-off is time: Kalymnos gets roughly 45 minutes on some departures, so you will only get a quick taste of the island.

The $31 price is hard to argue with when it covers the boat, three stops, lunch, insurance, and the water slide. Drinks cost extra, and the boat can be loud and social, so this suits families, couples, and solo visitors who want an active day more than a quiet sailing trip.

Five things to know before you book

• Pserimos is the beach stop: You get about an hour for golden sand, swimming, and lunch prepared by the crew.
• Kalymnos offers a short town visit: You can walk around Pothia, browse cafés, or look for local history, but do not expect a full island tour.
• Plati is the fun-on-the-boat stop: The platform and slide turn open-water swimming into the day’s big finale.
• The atmosphere is part of the product: Music, dancing, drinks, and crew-led entertainment continue between stops.
• Lunch is simple Greek fare: Souvlaki, salad, and bread are included, with a vegetarian meal available if requested ahead of time.

What this Kos boat trip is really like

You meet the Pirates of Kos boat at the port of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. Departure is scheduled for 10am, with a return to Kos at about 5pm, giving you a full seven hours on the water.

The boat is styled as a pirate ship, but this is not a quiet sightseeing vessel. The personality is casual, playful, and social. Music plays on board, the crew joins in with dancing, and the ride is designed to feel like a day at sea with entertainment built in.

I would choose this trip if I wanted to see several islands without arranging separate ferries. You get swimming, a beach, a town visit, food, and plenty of time simply sitting in the sun. You should not choose it if your main goal is serious sightseeing on Kalymnos or long, peaceful stretches without music.

Optional hotel pickup is available for an extra charge. If you add it, the pickup details arrive after booking. Otherwise, plan to reach the port of Kos yourself before the 10am departure.

Pserimos gives you the best beach hour

The first stop is Pserimos, a tiny Dodecanese island with a golden sandy beach and clear blue water. The boat stays for about one hour, so you have enough time to get off, find a patch of sand, swim, and dry off before returning to the boat.

This is the most classic Greek-island part of the day. Pserimos is small, low-key, and focused on the beach rather than attractions. The short stop works well because you can get a clear taste of the island without needing a full day there.

The water is often the main attraction. Several people have enjoyed swimming among small fish, and the calm conditions can be good for a quick snorkel. Bring your own mask if that matters to you, since snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

Lunch is prepared while you enjoy Pserimos. The standard meal is souvlaki with Greek salad and bread. It is simple, filling food rather than a restaurant meal, and vegetarian options are available if you notify the company before the trip.

One practical point matters here: an hour passes quickly. You may have to choose between a proper swim, time on the sand, and a relaxed lunch. If you want a long beach session, Pserimos alone would be a better choice than this multi-stop cruise.

Kalymnos offers a quick look at island life

After Pserimos, the boat continues to Kalymnos, the largest and most varied stop on this route. The main town, Pothia, is also the island’s port and central hub. Here you can walk through town, stop at a café, look for local restaurants, or take in some of the island’s historical sights.

Kalymnos has a different feel from Pserimos. It is known for its close connection to the sea and for climbing, with a more lived-in character than a small beach island. This is your chance to see a working island town rather than only a swimming spot.

The weakness is the short stay. Some departures allow around 45 minutes, while the published schedule describes a visit without promising a long period ashore. That is enough to stretch your legs, take photographs, and get a first impression of Pothia. It is not enough for a serious look around Kalymnos.

I would use this stop wisely. Walk close to the port, keep an eye on the meeting time, and do not set off in search of a distant sight. If you prefer cafés and town streets to sand and swimming, you may wish this stop were longer.

Still, the brief visit adds useful variety. Without Kalymnos, the day would be mostly sea and beach. The town gives you a glimpse of ordinary island life and a sense that the Dodecanese are more than postcard water and sunbeds.

Plati turns the final stop into a party

The last stop near Plati is less about going ashore and more about enjoying the boat. This is where the water slide and jump platform come into play. You can sunbathe on deck, swim in open water, try the slide, or jump from the platform if you feel comfortable.

The crew builds the mood as you approach Plati. Music gets louder, people dance, and the return journey becomes part of the entertainment rather than dead time between destinations. Drinks and cocktails are available for purchase, though they are not included in the ticket.

This stop is especially appealing to families with older children and teenagers. One family enjoyed the trip with children aged 9, 14, and 16, while another parent and a 14-year-old had a particularly good time. The activity level is flexible: you can join the action or remain on deck with a drink.

Do keep expectations realistic about swimming time. Some departures have offered only a short period in the water at Plati. The slide and platform are great additions, but this is not a dedicated swim excursion with hours in the sea.

If you dislike loud music or organized fun, Plati may be the least appealing part of the day. For most people choosing this boat, though, the lively finish is exactly why the cruise feels different from a standard ferry ride.

The crew makes a budget cruise feel personal

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They explain the stops in English, help people understand the schedule, and keep the mood light during the sailing sections. A crew member called Lui has been singled out for his energy, and the main host is known for a strong sense of humor.

That entertainment matters on a seven-hour trip. The distances between Kos, Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati mean you spend plenty of time aboard. Music and crew interaction prevent the day from becoming a series of silent transfers.

There may also be a parrot on board and opportunities for a photograph with it, although this is not listed as a formal feature and should not be your reason for booking. Think of it as one of the amusing extras that can appear on the boat.

The English-language operation is useful for visitors who want clear instructions. The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity is offered in English. If your group includes people who are not confident swimmers, listen carefully to the crew before entering the water and follow their instructions.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $31

At $31 per person, this is strong value for a full day around the Dodecanese. The fare includes the cruise, stops at three islands, swim opportunities, an experienced crew, lunch, insurance, and legal fees and taxes.

The included meal is practical rather than elaborate. Souvlaki, salad, and bread give you something substantial during a long day outside. Some people find the portion modest, so I would not arrive expecting a large buffet. It is best viewed as a simple onboard lunch that keeps the day moving.

Coffee and drinks cost extra. That is normal for this type of boat trip, but your final spend will rise if you buy several cocktails, soft drinks, or coffees. The onboard drinks have been described as reasonably priced, which helps, but bring this extra cost into your holiday budget.

Hotel transfer is also an add-on. If your accommodation is far from Kos port or you prefer not to deal with local transport, the extra fee may be worthwhile. If you are already near town, meeting the boat at the port is the cheaper option.

The value comes from combining several paid-style experiences into one fare. A beach visit, open-water swim, island port, lunch, and entertainment would cost more if arranged separately. The compromise is that none of the stops gets the time or depth of a dedicated excursion.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly boat atmosphere. Solo passengers can join the music and activities without needing to arrange their own group, and the crew does a good job of keeping the energy up.

Teenagers should enjoy the slide, jump platform, swimming, and music. Younger children may also have fun, but parents need to supervise them around the water and boat deck. The information provided does not specify age restrictions, so check directly if that matters for your family.

This is also a good choice for a first visit to Kos. You get a quick introduction to nearby islands without changing hotels or planning ferry connections. The route gives you three distinct experiences: beach, town, and open-water fun.

I would be more cautious if you want cultural depth. Kalymnos has historical sights and a distinctive identity, but the short port visit only scratches the surface. You will see more by booking a dedicated Kalymnos excursion or staying overnight on the island.

The same applies to serious swimmers. The trip includes swim stops, but the time in the water can be limited, especially at Plati. It is best for mixed groups where some people want to swim and others are happy to sit in the sun.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive at the port in good time for the 10am departure. Find the Pirates of Kos boat and show your mobile voucher to the crew. If you have paid for hotel pickup, wait for the separate pickup instructions rather than assuming the boat transfer is included.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes. You will move between beach time, swimming from the boat, and dry time on deck. A waterproof pouch can help protect your phone, especially if you want photos near the slide or platform.

Tell the company in advance if you need a vegetarian meal. The crew can prepare one, but this request needs to be made before the trip.

Keep some cash or another payment method available for drinks. The food is included, but coffee and other beverages are not. You may also want to bring a small snack if you tend to eat more than a modest lunch.

Listen for announcements before leaving each stop. Pserimos and Plati are short visits, and the boat will not wait for someone who wanders too far from the meeting point. On Kalymnos, stay close to the port unless the crew gives you clear extra time.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That makes it easier to fit the cruise into a changing Kos itinerary.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos trip?

Book it if you want a good-value day with swimming, music, simple food, and three different island settings. The crew, slide, jump platform, and friendly atmosphere give the trip more personality than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Skip it if you want long hours on Kalymnos, a quiet sail, or a gourmet lunch. The schedule is broad rather than deep, and the day works best when you treat each stop as a short taste.

For $31, the balance is impressive. You get a full day on the water, lunch, three destinations, and plenty of fun without paying for separate excursions. Bring your swimsuit, request a vegetarian meal early if needed, and accept that the loud pirate-boat spirit is part of the deal.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The boat departs from the port of Kos. Look for the Pirates of Kos boat and show the crew your mobile voucher.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The boat leaves at about 10am and returns to the port of Kos at about 5pm. The total duration is approximately seven hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati. Each stop offers something different, including a beach, a town visit, and swimming from the boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian meals are available if you notify the company in advance.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Coffee and other drinks are not included and can be purchased separately on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and return transfer are available for an additional charge. Specific pickup details are provided after booking.