Barco De Pirata Cruise at 3 Islands in Greece

The best thing about the Barco de Pirata is its simple promise: three Greek islands in one day, reached aboard a pirate-style ship that turns a standard boat ride into a full-day outing. I like the efficient route and the chance to swim or snorkel from the boat, especially if you have limited time on Kos. The included Greek barbecue, with five meal choices, also makes the $34.76 price look strong.

The catch is time. You spend many hours at sea, and several stops can feel brief. Music and a party atmosphere are part of the appeal, but loud sound may bother you. If you want quiet beaches, long island walks, or a slow lunch ashore, this is not the right boat trip for you.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in roughly seven and a half hours: Visit Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati from one departure point in Kos.
• A pirate-style ship with a social mood: Expect dancing, music, a bar, and a large boat that can carry up to 200 people.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the day: Equipment is available on board, and stops include time in clear water.
• Lunch is included: Pick chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian Greek barbecue.
• The schedule favors variety over depth: You will see several places, but you may have limited time at each one.
• Good value for an island sampler: At $34.76 per person, the boat ride, lunch, swimming stops, and island visits make this a budget-friendly day out.

Why this pirate cruise works for a short Kos stay

Kos is an easy place to enjoy without a car, but its position in the Dodecanese also makes it tempting to see what lies beyond the island. A normal ferry trip can take you to one destination and leave you to arrange the rest. This cruise removes that planning work and links three nearby islands in one outing.

That efficiency is the main reason I would consider booking it. You meet at the Port of Kos at 9:45 a.m., spend the day on the water, and return to the same meeting point. There is no need to find separate ferries, compare schedules, or organize lunch.

The boat itself is part of the entertainment. The pirate theme gives the day a playful edge, and the atmosphere is more social than a quiet ferry crossing. Music, dancing, a bar, and an enthusiastic crew make this a good match for families, couples, and groups who want their island trip to feel like a party as well as a sightseeing outing.

It is not a small private sailing trip. The maximum group size is 200 people, so you should expect a shared excursion with plenty of company. Arriving early may help if you want a preferred place on deck. One couple reported getting on board around 9:10 a.m. and finding a good upstairs seat, though the official start time is 9:45 a.m.

Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati: what the island route offers

The advertised route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati, giving you a mix of island scenery, harbor time, and swimming. The exact rhythm can change with the day’s timing, so think of this as an island sampler rather than three full visits.

Kalymnos is the largest and most developed stop on this route. The island is known for its harbor setting, and the cruise allows time to look around rather than only passing offshore. Some people use the stop for a walk around the port. A small train excursion has also been available, though you should treat that as an optional extra rather than a central part of the cruise.

The train has drawn mixed reactions. It can be useful on a hot day when you do not want to walk, but one account found the ride too focused on a sponge shop. If you take it, keep your expectations modest. The cruise itself is the main product, not a detailed guided tour of Kalymnos.

Pserimos offers the kind of stop many people want from a Greek boat day: clear water and a chance to swim. Depending on the running order, you may have only about 30 minutes for a swim. That is enough for a quick dip, but not enough for a relaxed beach afternoon, changing slowly, and settling in with a book.

Plati, sometimes written as Plato in tour descriptions, is a small island stop where the boat may anchor for swimming rather than provide a long shore visit. That difference matters. You may see all three names on the itinerary, but the day is not designed around extended time ashore at each island.

I like the variety, but I would not book this cruise expecting three separate island tours. You are buying a moving view of the Dodecanese, several chances to get into the sea, and a taste of three locations. The boat is your base for most of the day.

Swimming and snorkeling from the boat

The cruise gives you more than a view from the rail. At suitable stops, you can swim in clear water, and snorkeling equipment is available on the boat. That makes the day more active than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Bring your own swimsuit, towel, and anything you need to feel comfortable after getting out of the water. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment, but it does not promise a guided snorkeling session or a particular underwater site. You are using the equipment independently.

The swimming periods are one of the schedule’s weak points. Several accounts describe the stops as short, with little time to shop, walk, or swim at leisure. If you are slow getting ready, you may feel rushed. Listen for the crew’s return instructions and do not assume the boat will wait beyond the planned departure.

The water time is best for a quick refresh. It suits you if you want a swim during a sightseeing day, but not if swimming is your main goal. For a beach-focused outing, a smaller boat with fewer stops may offer better value even if it costs more.

There is also the possibility of spotting dolphins during the crossing. That is a pleasant bonus, not a promised sighting. Keep your eyes on the water, but do not book the cruise solely for wildlife.

Greek barbecue lunch and drinks on board

Lunch is included, which helps keep the total cost under control. You choose from five options: chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian. The food is barbecued outside on the boat and is presented as fresh Greek cooking.

The menu is a useful feature for mixed groups. A family or group with different diets can eat from the same service instead of arranging separate meals ashore. The vegan and vegetarian choices are especially helpful, although the supplied details do not list the exact dishes or explain how dietary requests are handled.

Food quality can vary. Some accounts describe the lunch as tasty and a strong part of the day. Others found the meat hard or twice cooked and the vegetable side less Greek than expected. I would set your expectations at solid included excursion food, not a restaurant meal.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. A bar is available on board, and drink prices have been described as reasonable on some departures. One late-season sailing offered cocktails for about five euros during a special happy hour, but that should not be treated as a standard feature. Bring money for drinks if you want them, and remember that alcohol can feel stronger in the sun and on a moving deck.

Music, dancing, and the pirate-ship atmosphere

The crew is a major part of the day. Staff members have been described as friendly, energetic, and willing to help. Spiros received a specific mention for his work on board, and the crew’s dancing and hosting help create the party mood.

That mood is a plus if you want a lively day. Kids and teenagers can find plenty to enjoy, and adults who like music with their sea views may prefer this to a quiet ferry. The ship’s pirate design gives everyone an easy theme for photos and adds some fun to an otherwise ordinary boat crossing.

But the sound level deserves an honest warning. One unhappy account described the music as so loud that it caused a headache. You may be able to move to another part of the vessel, but the cruise does not promise a quiet zone. If you are sensitive to loud music, bring ear protection or choose a calmer sailing option.

The boat can also feel crowded, particularly if the departure is delayed while extra passengers board. A late start can reduce time at the stops and make the island visits feel even shorter. The schedule is already full, so a delay has a real effect on the day.

The value of $34.76 per person

At $34.76, this is one of the easier day trips to justify on price alone. The fee covers the cruise, visits to three islands, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. You return to the Port of Kos, which keeps the transport simple.

The value is strongest if you want an overview rather than a detailed visit. You can see several places without paying for multiple ferry tickets or buying lunch separately. For a family, the included meal and entertainment can make budgeting easier.

The value drops if you want personal space, long stops, or quiet water time. A boat carrying up to 200 people cannot offer the same calm or flexibility as a small charter. You are also paying for the party atmosphere, even if you would rather spend the day in silence.

I would compare this cruise with your priorities, not just the price. If your goal is to fit as much into one day as possible, it is a good deal. If you care more about time on shore than the number of islands visited, pay attention to the short-stop criticism before booking.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you are staying in Kos for only a few days and want to see beyond the main island. It also suits families and mixed-age groups, since the day includes scenery, swimming, food, music, and a bit of optional island time.

It is a good choice for people who like organized outings. The meeting point, route, meal, and return are all handled for you. You do not need to decide where to eat or how to connect separate ferries.

You should think twice if you dislike large groups, loud music, or fixed schedules. The ship may carry up to 200 people, and the itinerary leaves limited room for lingering. People with mobility needs should note that the vessel is described as accessible and offers special services and toilet facilities, though you should confirm your particular requirements before departure.

The cruise requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

My practical booking advice

Arrive early if you care about your seat, especially if you want an upstairs deck position. Wear swim clothes under easy layers so a short swimming stop does not become a rushed changing exercise.

Take sun protection, water-friendly footwear, and money for drinks. The included meal covers lunch, but alcoholic beverages cost extra. If loud music is a concern, choose a spot away from the main party area when possible.

Keep your island expectations realistic. You will not have hours to explore each place. Think of Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati as three scenic chapters in a boat day, with the ship, sea, and crew tying them together.

Should you book the Barco de Pirata?

Book it if you want an affordable, energetic day on the water and like the idea of checking three islands off your Kos list. The pirate ship, included barbecue, swimming stops, and friendly crew give the trip plenty of appeal for the price.

Skip it if your ideal Greek day means quiet coves, long beach stays, or careful exploration of one island. The route covers a lot, but the schedule can feel rushed and the music can be loud. For the right mood, this is a cheerful island sampler. For a slower trip, choose a smaller and less crowded boat.

FAQ

Where does the Barco de Pirata cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Port of Kos, Kos 853 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:45 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati.

Does the cruise return to Kos?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in the Port of Kos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose chicken, pork, fish, vegan, or vegetarian barbecue.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available on the boat.

How many people can join the cruise?

The cruise can carry a maximum of 200 people.

Is the boat accessible?

The vessel is described as accessible for people with special needs and provides special services and toilet facilities. Contact the operator before booking to confirm that the arrangements fit your needs.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted. If bad weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.