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

The best part of this Kos boat trip is the variety packed into one day. You get a beach stop on tiny Pserimos, time in Kalymnos town, and a final swim from the boat near Plati, where the music turns the return sailing into a party.

I like the three very different stops and the fact that lunch is included, not treated as an extra. I also like the friendly crew, who keep the ride lively with music, jokes, and simple activities such as the boat slide and jumping platform.

The main thing to consider is time. Pserimos gets about an hour, while Kalymnos can feel brief for anyone hoping to see much of the island. Drinks cost extra, and the lunch is tasty and practical rather than a large restaurant-style meal.

Key points before you book

• Pserimos brings the best beach time: Expect a golden sandy beach and clear water for swimming during the first stop.
• Kalymnos offers a change of pace: You leave the boat and get time around Pothia, the island’s main town and port.
• Plati is the playful finale: Swim from the boat, use the water slide, jump from the platform, and enjoy music on deck.
• Lunch is included: The crew serves souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• The crew sets the mood: English is used throughout, and Lui is singled out by name for his entertaining presence.
• The value is strong at $31: For seven hours, three island stops, lunch, swimming, and entertainment, this is one of Kos’s more affordable full-day outings.

What this seven-hour Kos cruise is really like

You meet the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos and board for a 10am departure. The boat has a pirate theme, but the day itself is less about staged sightseeing and more about sun, swimming, music, and a relaxed look at nearby islands.

The schedule runs until about 5pm. That gives you a full day on the water without requiring an overnight stay or a complicated ferry plan. If you want hotel pickup, you can add it for an extra charge. Otherwise, you make your own way to the port and show your mobile voucher to the crew.

The English-speaking host and crew explain the day and keep people involved. The tone is informal and social. You might get music on the middle deck, dancing as the boat returns toward Kos, and plenty of encouragement to join the fun. If you prefer a quiet sightseeing cruise, this may feel lively at times.

The boat also has a bar, but coffee and drinks are not part of the $31 price. Bring money for those extras. The low base fare covers the main parts of the day, but it does not mean everything on board is included.

Pserimos: a golden beach and the first swim

Around midday, the boat reaches Pserimos, a tiny Dodecanese island with a simple, beach-focused appeal. You get about one hour here, enough to walk onto the golden sand, swim in clear blue water, and sit under the Greek sun.

This is the most traditional beach stop of the three. You are not coming for a long village tour or a list of major sights. You are coming to slow down, cool off, and enjoy the small-island setting.

The water is well suited to a quick swim, and small fish may be visible near the shore. If you like snorkeling, this is the place to bring a mask, though snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. The beach is also a good choice if you want to stay dry and simply enjoy the view.

The one-hour limit matters. It keeps the whole itinerary moving, but it also means you should not waste much time getting organized. Have your swimwear ready, carry your towel, and keep your phone or camera protected from water. Some people may wish the boat stayed longer, especially if Pserimos becomes their favorite stop.

While you are on the beach, the crew prepares lunch back on board. The meal is souvlaki with Greek salad and bread. It is a sensible Greek picnic at sea, filling enough to support an active afternoon, but it is not meant to be a long meal with several courses.

Vegetarian food is available if you notify the company in advance. Do not wait until you are sitting down to eat, since the crew needs notice to reserve the correct meal.

Lunch on board: simple, tasty, and included

The included lunch is one of the practical strengths of this trip. A full day on the water can become expensive when you are buying food at every stop, so having souvlaki, salad, and bread covered in the fare helps keep the cost under control.

Expect a basic meal rather than a culinary event. The food is cooked on board and has been described as tasty, but portions may feel modest if you have a large appetite. You can buy drinks separately from the boat bar.

The timing also works well. After swimming at Pserimos, you return to the boat, eat, and continue toward Kalymnos. Lunch is part of the day’s rhythm rather than a long interruption.

If you have dietary needs, the information provided only confirms vegetarian options on request. Ask about any other requirements before booking instead of assuming the crew can accommodate them.

Kalymnos: a short look at Pothia

The second destination is Kalymnos, an island known for its connection to the sea and climbing. The main town, Pothia, is also the island’s principal port and the place you visit during this stop.

This is the most useful stop for anyone who wants more than beach time. You can get off the boat, walk around the town, look for a cafe or local restaurant, and take in the harbor setting. There are also historical sights on Kalymnos, but the cruise does not leave you enough time for a serious island tour.

The schedule can feel short here. Some people have had roughly 45 minutes in Kalymnos, so treat it as a quick introduction rather than a proper visit. You will need to stay aware of the meeting time and avoid wandering too far from the port.

I like this contrast with Pserimos. After a beach and swim, Kalymnos gives you a glimpse of everyday island life, local businesses, and a working port. It also helps you understand that the Dodecanese is not one single type of destination. Some islands are about quiet sand and clear water, while others revolve around boats, shops, food, and town life.

If Kalymnos is your main reason for booking, this trip may leave you wanting more. If you see it as one part of a varied day, the short visit works better.

Plati: the boat becomes the attraction

The final stop is near Plati, where the focus shifts from shore sightseeing to water activities. Rather than spending the last part of the day on land, you stay with the boat and enjoy the open sea around the island.

This is where the water slide and diving platform come into play. Use the slide, jump from the boat, or swim in the clear water. The activity is optional, so you can watch from the deck if you would rather sunbathe and enjoy the views.

The Plati stop is also the most social part of the cruise. Music plays, drinks are available to buy, and the crew encourages dancing and general fun as the boat approaches and leaves the area. Families with older children and teenagers may especially like this section, since it gives them something active to do instead of another short walk ashore.

The tradeoff is swimming time. Some people have found the time in the water near Plati too brief. If swimming from a boat is your top priority, you may wish the schedule gave this stop longer. Still, the slide and platform add something you would not get on a standard beach-and-town boat ride.

The crew, music, and overall atmosphere

The crew is a major part of the day. This is not a silent sightseeing boat where you simply sit and watch the islands pass. The staff use humor, music, and simple entertainment to keep the atmosphere moving.

Lui is praised by name for his energy and ability to entertain. A parrot also appears as one of the boat’s unusual touches, and you may have the chance to take a picture with it. That detail will not matter to everyone, but it adds to the informal, slightly theatrical character of the Pirates of Kos.

The crew also explains the schedule in English and helps make the stops easy to follow. If you are not confident about where to go or when to return, listen carefully before leaving the boat.

Music can be loud, especially on the middle deck. That is a plus if you want dancing and a holiday-party mood. It is less ideal if you want to read quietly or spend the whole journey in silence. You can choose a less central spot on the boat when you want a break from the sound.

Is $31 good value for a full day at sea?

At the advertised price of $31 per person, the package offers a lot for the money. You get a seven-hour cruise, three island stops, swimming opportunities, lunch, an experienced crew, insurance, and the boat’s entertainment. The value becomes even clearer when you compare it with paying separately for transport, food, and island visits.

The price does not include drinks or hotel transfer. Pickup from your hotel can be added, and that may be worthwhile if your accommodation is outside the port area or you prefer not to arrange transport in the morning.

The meal is simple, and the time on each island is limited. Those are the main reasons the price remains low. You are buying a broad taste of the area, not a private yacht day or a slow island tour.

For families, the pricing works especially well because the water slide and jumping platform provide built-in entertainment. Couples who want a peaceful boat ride should note the party atmosphere. Solo visitors can also fit in easily, since the group setting and crew-led activities make it simple to join the day without planning everything yourself.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see several nearby islands without arranging ferries, restaurants, and swimming spots on your own. It suits people who like a full schedule, warm water, music, and a social boat atmosphere.

It is also a good match for families with children and teenagers, especially those who enjoy jumping into the sea more than visiting museums. The beach at Pserimos gives younger children a calmer option, while Plati offers more action for confident swimmers.

You may want a different tour if Kalymnos is your main goal. The visit to Pothia is short, and you will not have time to explore much beyond the port area. You may also prefer another option if you dislike loud music or want long, quiet stretches on the water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and some money for drinks. Keep your belongings secure around the swim stops, and tell the company in advance if you need a vegetarian lunch.

Should you book the Pirates of Kos?

Book this trip if you want maximum variety at a low price. In seven hours, you get a sandy beach, a glimpse of Kalymnos town, a boat swim near Plati, lunch, music, and a crew that takes its entertainment role seriously.

Do not book it expecting a detailed tour of Kalymnos or a quiet luxury cruise. The stops are short, the meal is basic, and the boat can be lively. For most people spending time on Kos, though, this is a practical way to get beyond the main island and enjoy a full day in the Dodecanese without spending heavily.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

You meet the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos. Show your mobile voucher to the crew before boarding.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

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

Which islands does the tour visit?

The cruise stops at Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati. Each stop offers something different, from a sandy beach to town exploration 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, though drinks can be purchased on board.

Can I add hotel pickup?

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