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

The best part of this seven-hour pirate-boat cruise is the variety. You get a sandy beach, a short taste of Kalymnos, and a final swim from the boat near Plati, all in one easy day from Kos. I especially like the warm, clear water at Pserimos and the cheerful crew, who keep the mood light with music, dancing, jokes, and a waterslide.

I also like the price. At $28.80 per person, the cruise includes the boat, three island stops, lunch, insurance, and the required fees. The trade-off is time: Kalymnos gets only a short visit, and the Plati swim can feel brief if you want a long, quiet snorkel.

Key points to know

• Pserimos comes first: Spend about an hour on a golden sandy beach with clear water and time for a swim.
• Kalymnos is a short stop: You can see the port town of Pothia, but you will not have time for a full island tour.
• Plati is the party stop: Expect music, drinks, sunbathing, a boat platform, and a waterslide rather than a beach visit.
• Lunch is simple Greek fare: Souvlaki, salad, and bread are included. Request a vegetarian meal ahead of time.
• The boat provides the entertainment: The crew keeps the return trip lively, with dancing and music on the middle deck.
• Plan for extra costs: Hotel pickup, coffee, and drinks are not included.

This is a classic full day on the Aegean: sun, salt water, simple food, and a boat full of people ready to have fun. You board the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos Town at 10am, then sail toward Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati before returning around 5pm.

I would choose this trip for an easy island sampler rather than a serious sightseeing tour. The boat does the hard work. You do not need to arrange separate ferries, beach transport, or a restaurant booking. The day has a clear rhythm: beach first, island town second, swimming and music last.

The vessel is styled as a pirate boat, which gives the outing a playful tone. This is not a quiet sailing trip or a small private yacht. The atmosphere is social and animated, with music, drinks for purchase, and crew members who help keep people involved.

A guide named George receives particular praise for being funny, helpful, and informative. The crew also joins in with dancing on the way back to Kos, so the boat itself becomes part of the entertainment.

Pserimos: the best beach stop of the day

Around noon, the boat reaches Pserimos for about one hour. This tiny Dodecanese island is known for its golden sandy beach and clear blue water. For many people, this will be the most peaceful part of the trip.

You can leave the boat, settle on the sand, and swim in relatively calm water. Small fish may be visible near the shore, making this the most suitable stop for a little casual snorkeling. Bring your own mask if you have one, since snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items.

The one-hour limit matters. You have enough time for a swim and a little sun, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. I suggest getting ready to leave the boat before arrival, carrying only what you need, and keeping an eye on the return time.

Pserimos is tiny, and the appeal is its simplicity. You are not coming here for museums or a long walk through town. You come for sand, sea, and a short break from the boat.

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch. The included meal is souvlaki with Greek salad and bread. It is practical food for a day at sea, not a long restaurant meal. Some people find it perfectly adequate, while others may want something more substantial or more carefully prepared.

Vegetarian meals are available, but you must request one in advance. Do not wait until you are already on the boat. Coffee and other drinks cost extra, so bring some spending money if you want more than the included food.

Kalymnos and Pothia: a quick taste of island life

After Pserimos, the Pirates of Kos continues to Kalymnos. The island is known for its close connection to the sea and for climbing, with a more rugged character than the small beach stop at Pserimos.

The main port and capital, Pothia, is the island’s center. Here you can get a brief look at a working Greek island town, with cafes, restaurants, local life, and historical sights. The stop gives you a change of pace: instead of simply swimming, you can walk around and see how the island functions beyond the beach.

The catch is the length of the visit. The stated itinerary allows roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and some departures may leave you with closer to 45 minutes. That is enough for a quick walk near the port and perhaps a drink, but not enough to explore Kalymnos properly.

I would not book this cruise if Kalymnos is your main goal. You will not have time to visit the island’s wider sights, go climbing, or understand its culture in much depth. For that, plan a separate day on Kalymnos.

Still, the short stop has value. It gives you a glimpse of a second island without the cost and planning involved in arranging another ferry trip. If you treat it as a port visit rather than a full tour, you are less likely to feel rushed.

Plati: swimming, music, and boat jumps

The final stop is Plati, where the tone changes completely. This is the most playful part of the day, with swimming from the boat, sunbathing, cocktails and other drinks for purchase, music, and crew-led fun.

A diving platform and waterslide provide the main attractions. You can jump from the side of the boat or use the slide into the clear open water. The crew also creates a party atmosphere as the boat approaches and leaves Plati, with music and dancing on the middle deck.

This stop suits confident swimmers and people who like an active group setting. It is less suitable if you want a quiet cove, a long snorkel, or a calm hour on an empty beach. Plati is presented as a boat-based swim stop, not a long shore visit.

Time can be tight here, too. Several comments about the outing praise the fun but wish there had been longer in the water. If swimming is your top priority, be ready to get in as soon as the crew allows it.

You can choose your own level of participation. Jump from the platform, use the slide, swim near the boat, or stay on deck with a drink. The trip does not require you to join the dancing or water activities, though the music can be loud on the middle deck.

What lunch and drinks are really like

Lunch is included, which helps make the low price work. You receive souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread while the boat is stopped at Pserimos. This is the sort of meal designed to keep the day moving, not to showcase fine Greek cooking.

I would call it useful rather than memorable. It gives you something to eat without needing to search for a restaurant during a short island visit. If you have a large appetite, dietary needs, or strong food preferences, plan accordingly and notify the crew about vegetarian food before departure.

Drinks are separate. Coffee and drinks are not included, and the boat sells beverages at what one account describes as reasonable prices. The exact menu and prices are not provided, so carry money for anything you want beyond lunch.

The timing also affects the meal. You are eating during a beach stop, with sun, salt, and the movement of a boat around you. That is part of the charm, but it is not the setting for a slow, polished meal.

The pirate-boat atmosphere and group size

The boat is the experience as much as the islands are. The crew supplies commentary, jokes, music, and a sense of occasion. A guide called George is described as both entertaining and informative, which is useful on a day where the sailing time could otherwise feel long.

The atmosphere is best described as friendly and lively. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all fit in, and a 15-year-old participant was able to enjoy the swimming and boat activities. The waterslide and platform give older children and teenagers something active to do, while adults can stay on deck with a drink.

This is not the right choice for someone seeking silence. Music is part of the program, and the return trip may include dancing by the crew and passengers. If you prefer a small boat with fewer people and no organized entertainment, look for a private charter instead.

The upside of a lively boat is that the day rarely feels flat. When you are between islands, there is still music, scenery, and crew interaction. The downside is that you have less control over the pace and atmosphere.

Is $28.80 good value?

At $28.80, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price covers the cruise, stops at three islands, lunch, an experienced crew, insurance, and legal fees and taxes. A comparable day arranged independently would require separate transport and more planning.

The value is especially clear for families and groups. You receive transport, food, swimming opportunities, and entertainment in one booking. Optional hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, which may help if you are staying away from the Kos port, but it is not part of the base fare.

The price does not cover drinks, coffee, or hotel transfer. Those costs will not ruin the value, but you should include them in your day budget. The meal is basic, so do not book this expecting a high-end food experience.

The real question is how you value time. You get a broad sample of three islands, but only a short visit to Kalymnos and limited swim time at Plati. If your aim is to see many places in one day, the arrangement works well. If your aim is to know one island slowly, it does not.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Meet the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos and show the crew your mobile voucher. The boat leaves at 10am according to the supplied schedule, though you should check the confirmed starting time when booking.

I would bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. Comfortable sandals or shoes will help when moving between the boat, beach, and port. A small bag is easier to manage than a large suitcase.

Keep your valuables simple. You will be swimming from the beach and the boat, and there may be a lot of movement between deck, water, and shore. Bring cash for drinks and any extra purchases, since those are not included.

If you want the vegetarian lunch, request it before the day of departure. The crew needs advance notice. Also, if you are traveling with someone who does not swim, make sure they are comfortable with a day centered on sun, sea, music, and boat activity.

The cruise ends back at the same Kos port around 5pm. Optional hotel pickup can be added to the reservation, and the specific pickup details arrive after booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-cost, easygoing day at sea with several different activities. It is especially suitable for families with older children, couples who enjoy a social setting, and friends who want music, swimming, and a little island sightseeing without complicated transport planning.

You should also consider it if you are staying in Kos for only a few days. The trip gives you a quick look at nearby islands and breaks up a beach holiday with a full day on the water.

I would hesitate if you want extensive time in Kalymnos, a quiet boat, or a long snorkeling session. The itinerary favors variety and entertainment over depth. Pserimos is the strongest beach stop, Kalymnos is a brief port visit, and Plati is a lively swim stop with limited time.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos?

Book this cruise if you want good value, clear water, and a fun boat day more than a detailed cultural tour. The three-stop route packs plenty into seven hours, and the included lunch makes the $28.80 price hard to dispute.

Skip it if you dislike loud music, group activities, or a fixed schedule. Also skip it if Kalymnos is the reason you are leaving Kos, since the short stop will only give you a taste of Pothia.

For most visitors wanting an uncomplicated day away from Kos Town, I would book it. Just set the right expectations: this is a cheerful island sampler with a simple lunch and a party-style finish, not a slow exploration of the Dodecanese.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the port of Kos. Look for the Pirates of Kos boat and show the crew your mobile voucher.

What time does the cruise leave?

The stated departure time is 10am, with the full activity lasting about seven hours. Check availability for the confirmed starting time.

What time does the cruise return to Kos?

The boat is scheduled to return to the port of Kos around 5pm.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, with stops at all three islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian food is available if you request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are not included in the tour price and cost extra.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup can be added for an extra charge. Specific pickup details are provided after booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.