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

The best part of this seven-hour boat trip is its mix of swimming, island stops, and easygoing fun. You sail from Kos to Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, with lunch served onboard and plenty of time to cool off in clear Aegean water. The pirate boat gives the day a playful feel, especially when the music starts on the return trip.

I like the good value: at $28.80 per person, you get the boat, three island stops, lunch, and swim stops. I also like the range of activities, from a quiet hour on Pserimos beach to jumping from the boat at Plati. The main drawback is limited time on Kalymnos, often around 45 minutes, and some visitors would prefer to trade part of the Pserimos stop for more time there.

• Pserimos comes first: Spend about an hour on a small golden-sand beach with clear water and calm swimming.
• Lunch is included: Souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread are served onboard, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• Kalymnos offers a short town visit: You can see the port town of Pothia, but the stop is brief.
• Plati is the active finale: Swim from the boat, use the waterslide, and try the diving platform.
• The boat is part of the entertainment: Music, dancing, cocktails, and a playful crew shape the ride home.
• The practical setup is simple: Meet the Pirates of Kos at Kos port at 10am, or pay extra for hotel pickup.

Three islands from Kos in one easy day

This cruise is built for people who want to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging ferries, taxis, and separate beach stops. You leave Kos Town by boat, spend the day moving between nearby islands, and return to the same port at about 5pm.

That makes the outing especially useful during a short stay in Kos. You get a taste of three different island settings, though not enough time to know any of them in depth. Think of it as a sunny sampler with swimming and music, not a serious sightseeing tour.

The boat is called the Pirates of Kos, and the theme is lighthearted rather than historical. You can expect an experienced crew, a lively atmosphere, and commentary in English. George, one of the entertaining guides, is known for keeping the mood relaxed and funny while still explaining what you are seeing.

You should arrive at the port before the 10am departure and show your mobile voucher to the crew. Hotel pickup is optional for an extra charge, and pickup details are provided after booking. If you are staying near Kos Town, meeting at the port may be the simpler and cheaper choice.

Pserimos brings the best beach time

The first stop is Pserimos, a tiny island with a small area of about 15 square meters. The scale is the point. You are not coming here for a long list of sights or a full island tour. You come for a golden sandy beach, clear blue water, and an hour to slow down.

This is likely to be your most traditional beach stop of the day. The water is described as warm and calm, with small fish visible near shore, making it a good place for a quick snorkel if you bring suitable gear. The stop works well for families and anyone who wants a gentle swim rather than an adrenaline rush.

The one-hour limit keeps the schedule moving, but it also means you need to get off the boat promptly and make your choices quickly. You can swim, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the view, but you probably will not have time for a long walk around the island.

While you are on the beach, the crew prepares lunch. Souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread make up the meal. It is straightforward boat-trip food, not a restaurant lunch, but it is useful to have something filling included in the price. Request the vegetarian option before the cruise, since the crew needs advance notice.

What lunch and drinks really include

Lunch is one of the reasons this trip costs so little for a full day at sea. You do not need to find a restaurant between stops, and the meal arrives during the beach portion of the itinerary. The food is simple and practical, which suits a day built around swimming.

Coffee and drinks are not included. You can buy drinks onboard, and prices are described as reasonable. Cocktails and other beverages become part of the party atmosphere later in the day, but keep a little extra money with you if you want more than the included meal.

The food may not satisfy someone looking for a polished Greek dining experience. If lunch is a major reason you book, set expectations properly: this is souvlaki, salad, and bread served on a working excursion boat. For most people, the value comes from having lunch covered while enjoying the sea, not from culinary detail.

Kalymnos offers a quick look at Pothia

After Pserimos, the boat heads to Kalymnos, an island known for its rugged scenery, sea-based life, and climbing. Its capital, Pothia, is also the main port and the island’s central tourist town.

This is the stop where the schedule feels tightest. The time in Kalymnos can be around 45 minutes, giving you a chance to walk around the port area, take photographs, and get a brief feel for the town. You may find cafés, restaurants, and local sights close to the harbor, but there is no time for a full island visit.

I would treat this as a short orientation stop, not as a chance to explore Kalymnos properly. If your main goal is seeing Pothia, the limited time may disappoint. Some people would gladly spend less time on Pserimos for a longer Kalymnos visit.

Still, Kalymnos adds variety to the day. Pserimos is mainly about sand and swimming, while Kalymnos gives you a glimpse of a working island town with a different character. You step off the boat, stretch your legs, and see a little more of the Dodecanese beyond beach water.

Plati turns the boat into a swimming platform

The final stop at Plati is where the cruise shifts from island sightseeing to open-water fun. Instead of spending much time ashore, you stay around the boat and use it as your base for swimming.

There is a waterslide and a diving platform, giving you several ways to enter the sea. The clear water and the views of Plati make this a strong finish for anyone who enjoys jumping, sliding, and swimming. You can also sunbathe onboard if you prefer to watch the action.

The swimming period at Plati may feel short, so move quickly when the crew gives the signal. Some people would like more time in the water here, particularly because this is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. If you are not a confident swimmer, you may prefer the beach at Pserimos, where the setting feels calmer and less active.

As the boat heads back toward Kos, the music gets louder and the crew may dance and encourage people to join the fun. This is not a quiet sunset cruise. It is more like a floating party after a day of island stops, with drinks available for purchase and plenty of room to relax between songs.

The atmosphere depends on your idea of fun

The Pirates of Kos has a social, cheerful mood. Music plays on the middle deck, the crew entertains the group, and the return journey can include dancing. A guide such as George adds jokes and commentary, which helps the long stretches between islands pass quickly.

That atmosphere is a major strength if you want a holiday day with energy and easy company. Families, couples, and groups can all take part without needing to organize their own activities. One family with a 15-year-old found the combination of island stops, lunch, swimming, and the boat slide especially enjoyable.

It may be less suitable if you want silence, private space, or detailed historical guiding. The music can be loud, particularly on the way home, and the boat is designed for shared fun rather than a peaceful escape. You can still sunbathe and enjoy the water, but the party mood is part of the experience.

Is $28.80 good value?

At $28.80 per person, this is one of the easier day trips to justify from Kos. The price covers the cruise, three stops, swim opportunities, lunch, crew, insurance, and legal fees. That is a lot for seven hours, especially when independent island transport would require separate planning and extra fares.

You will need to budget for drinks and, if wanted, hotel pickup. Those additions do not change the basic value much, but they can raise the final cost. Meeting at the port keeps the booking closer to the advertised price.

The strongest value comes from the mix of activities. A beach stop, a town visit, open-water swimming, a meal, and entertainment would be hard to arrange as neatly on your own in one day. The tradeoff is depth: you see three places briefly instead of spending a full day on one island.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed day at sea with a bit of everything. It suits people who enjoy swimming, music, casual food, and short island visits. Families with older children and teenagers may particularly like the slide and platform at Plati.

It also works well for couples who want an inexpensive break from Kos Town. You can spend part of the day on a beach, watch the islands pass by, and join the music when you feel like it.

You may want another type of excursion if you are focused on exploring Kalymnos in detail, visiting historical sites, or finding quiet coves away from a group. The timetable does not leave room for a long town walk or an unhurried island lunch.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Wear shoes that are easy to remove for the beach and boat, and consider bringing snorkeling equipment if you want to look for small fish at Pserimos. If you want a vegetarian meal, tell the operator before departure.

Booking details that matter

The cruise starts and ends at the port of Kos. The stated schedule is 10am to 5pm, though you should check availability for the exact departure time when booking. The host and crew speak English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Hotel pickup is available at an extra charge, with exact instructions sent after booking.

The activity includes insurance and all legal fees. It does not include coffee or drinks, so plan for that small extra expense. The cruise is also subject to the practical limits of a boat day: sun, wind, music, and a fixed timetable all shape the experience.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos?

Book this cruise if you want strong value, clear water, and a playful day on the sea. Pserimos gives you the best beach time, Kalymnos adds a quick town visit, and Plati supplies the most active swimming. The included souvlaki lunch keeps the day simple, while the crew and music make the return trip lively.

Skip it if your priority is a long visit to Kalymnos, quiet sailing, or a refined meal. For everyone else, this is a practical way to fit three Dodecanese islands into one day from Kos, with enough swimming and entertainment to keep the schedule from feeling like a ferry transfer.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at the port of Kos, where you find the Pirates of Kos and show the crew your mobile voucher. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise run?

The stated schedule is from 10am until about 5pm, for a total duration of seven hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian meals are available if you request one in advance.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included, but drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

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