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

The best part of this cruise is its variety. In one day, you get a sandy beach, a Greek island town, open-water swimming, a BBQ lunch, music, and a waterslide from the boat. Pserimos is the calm, pretty stop, while Plati supplies the loudest fun.

I like the way the trip mixes time ashore with time on the water, and I like the price: $31 for seven hours, including lunch and three island stops, is strong value. The crew also gets high marks for keeping the mood light, with music, dancing, jokes, and helpful English explanations.

The tradeoff is time. Kalymnos may receive only about 45 minutes on some departures, and the swimming period at Plati can feel short. If you want a serious visit to Kalymnos, choose a dedicated island trip instead. This one is built for easy sightseeing and fun at sea.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Pserimos offers a sandy beach, Kalymnos gives you a short town visit, and Plati focuses on swimming and boat-based entertainment.
• Lunch is included: Expect souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available if you request it in advance.
• The boat is part of the attraction: The Pirates of Kos has music, dancing, a waterslide, a jumping platform, and drinks for sale.
• The day runs from 10am to 5pm: Meet the boat at Kos port and show your mobile voucher to the crew.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: You can add transportation to and from the port when booking.
• Best for a relaxed group day: Families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone wanting a social boat outing will find the format easy to enjoy.

Setting out from Kos on the Pirates of Kos

You meet the boat at the port of Kos and board for a 10am departure. The boat is called the Pirates of Kos, and its pirate theme gives the trip a playful feel before you even reach the first island.

This is not a quiet sailing trip. Music plays on board, the crew keeps people involved, and the return journey can turn into a small dance party. Lui is singled out for making the day entertaining, while the wider crew is often praised for being friendly and helpful.

I would arrive with enough time to find the boat without rushing. The meeting point is the port, and you need to show your mobile voucher to the crew. Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee, but you receive the exact pickup details after booking.

The boat has a bar, so you can buy coffee and other drinks during the day. Those extras are not included in the $31 price, but the cost of drinks has been described as reasonable. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a towel. You will spend much of the day outside, and shade may be in demand.

Pserimos brings the best beach stop

Around midday, the boat reaches Pserimos, the first island stop. You get about one hour here, with time to relax on the golden sandy beach and swim in clear blue water.

Pserimos is tiny, one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese. The supplied information describes it as covering only about 15 square meters, which emphasizes just how small and simple the island is. Do not expect a full sightseeing program. The appeal is the beach, the water, and the chance to slow down.

This is likely to be the most peaceful part of the day. The water is described as calm and full of small fish, making it a pleasant spot for a little casual snorkeling if you bring your own gear. Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions, so do not count on the boat supplying it.

The one-hour stop goes quickly. One practical criticism is that some people would prefer more time at Pserimos, especially because the beach and swimming are the strongest parts of the early itinerary. You have enough time for a swim and a short rest, but not for a long, lazy beach afternoon.

While you enjoy the island, the crew prepares lunch back on the boat. The meal is souvlaki with Greek salad and bread. Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it in advance so the crew can prepare it.

Lunch on board keeps the price down

Lunch is simple rather than elaborate. That is not a complaint, since the whole outing is priced at $31 and includes a full day on the water, three stops, crew, insurance, and legal fees.

The souvlaki and salad provide a useful meal between swimming and sightseeing. Some people find the portion modest, so I would not board expecting a long restaurant-style lunch. It is cooked and tasty, but you may want a substantial breakfast before departure.

The meal also helps the schedule. Instead of losing time looking for food on an island, you eat on board and keep moving. Bread, salad, and souvlaki suit a casual boat trip, and vegetarian options make the lunch workable for more people when arranged ahead.

Coffee and drinks cost extra. You can buy them from the boat bar, and the atmosphere becomes more social as the day continues. If you are watching your spending, bring water if permitted and budget separately for any drinks you want to purchase on board.

Kalymnos offers a quick taste of island life

After Pserimos, the Pirates of Kos heads to Kalymnos. This island is known for its strong connection to the sea and for climbing, and its capital, Kalymnos town, is also called Pothia.

The stop gives you a chance to walk around town, see the port area, and find a cafe or local restaurant if you want something beyond the included lunch. Kalymnos also has historical sights, but the short visit limits how much you can see.

This is the stop where the schedule matters most. Several departures have allowed roughly 45 minutes in Kalymnos, while the advertised plan simply describes time to explore the town. That is enough for a quick look and a drink, but not enough for a serious visit to the island’s sights.

I would treat Kalymnos as an introduction rather than the main event. Take a short walk, enjoy the setting, and keep an eye on the time. If your priority is learning about Kalymnos, visiting museums, or seeing more of the island, arrange a separate trip with longer time ashore.

Still, this brief visit adds useful variety. Without it, the day would be mostly beach and swimming. Kalymnos gives you a glimpse of a working Greek island town and a change from the boat-based fun.

Plati turns the cruise into a floating party

The final stop is Plati, where the mood shifts from quiet beach time to active boat fun. Instead of simply getting off and walking around, you spend much of this part on or beside the boat.

There is a waterslide and a jumping platform, so you can enter the clear water without returning to shore. The crew also plays music and encourages dancing as the boat approaches Plati. This is the most playful section of the itinerary and the part most likely to appeal to teenagers and families with older children.

You can sunbathe, buy a cocktail or other drink, jump from the boat, or use the slide. The exact amount of swimming time can vary, and some people find it too short. That is worth keeping in mind if swimming is your main reason for booking.

The boat setup also means you should be comfortable with a social atmosphere. Music can be loud on the middle deck, and the crew actively entertains the group. If you want a silent, low-key cruise, this may feel busy. If you want music, jokes, and a bit of dancing, it is a good match.

The water around Plati is a highlight, with clear views and a fun way to cool off. You do not need to use the slide or jumping platform, so you can simply watch, sunbathe, or enjoy a drink while others take the more active route.

What the $31 price really includes

At $31 per person, this is one of the easier boat trips to recommend on price alone. The fee includes the cruise, stops at three islands, swim stops, an experienced crew, lunch, insurance, and required fees.

You are not just paying for transport between islands. You are also paying for a full day of organized entertainment. The music, boat activities, meal, and crew interaction make the trip feel more like a day out than a basic ferry ride.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. Families can share the swimming and waterslide activities, couples can enjoy the views and beach stop, and solo visitors can join the social atmosphere without needing to organize island transport themselves.

The price does not include drinks or hotel transfer. Pickup can be added at an extra charge, and it may be useful if your hotel is not close to Kos port. If you can reach the port easily, meeting the boat yourself keeps the total cost low.

The meal is practical, not fancy, and the time in Kalymnos is limited. Those are fair compromises for a low-cost, seven-hour outing. I would not book it for fine dining or detailed sightseeing. I would book it for a full day of simple island stops and boat entertainment.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits you if you want to see more than one island without planning ferries or separate tours. The schedule gives you a quick sample of Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, then returns you to Kos at about 5pm.

Families with children and teenagers have plenty to do, especially at Plati. The waterslide and jumping platform add activity beyond ordinary sightseeing, while younger children can enjoy the music, views, and beach stop without needing to use them.

Couples may like the balance between a sandy beach and a lively boat atmosphere. Solo visitors can also fit in well because the crew encourages a social mood rather than leaving you to sit quietly by yourself.

You should think twice if you want peace and quiet all day. This is an outgoing trip with music, dancing, drinks, and crew-led entertainment. It is also not the best choice for anyone who wants several hours to explore Kalymnos on foot.

The boat is likely to be most enjoyable for people who can handle a long day in the sun and are happy moving between short stops. The itinerary is easy, but it is still seven hours around the water.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the boat. You will have more than one chance to swim, and the water activities at Plati are a major part of the final stop.

Request a vegetarian lunch before the day of the cruise. The crew can provide it, but the information specifically asks you to notify the company in advance.

Use the meeting point carefully. Find the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew. If you book hotel pickup, wait for the separate instructions that arrive after booking.

The activity is offered in English, including the guide and crew explanations. People who want to know more about the islands will get some background during the day, although the short Kalymnos stop limits the amount of formal sightseeing.

The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the standard schedule begins at 10am and returns around 5pm.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book this cruise if you want good value, easy logistics, swimming, and a cheerful boat atmosphere. The strongest parts are the golden beach at Pserimos, the clear water and boat activities at Plati, and the crew’s ability to keep a long day moving.

It is also a good choice for families and mixed-age groups because everyone can choose their own pace. You can explore, swim, listen to music, use the slide, or simply sit with a drink.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a generous amount of time in Kalymnos, or a substantial restaurant meal. The day favors variety over depth, and the island visits are short.

For most people spending several days on Kos, this is a sensible way to add three Dodecanese stops without spending much. Just set your expectations correctly: it is a lively, budget-friendly boat day, not a private cruise or a detailed cultural tour.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

Meet the Pirates of Kos at the port of Kos and show your mobile voucher to the crew.

What time does the boat leave?

The stated departure time is 10am, with a return to the port of Kos at about 5pm.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts seven hours.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The itinerary includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. You need to notify the company in advance so the crew can prepare a vegetarian meal.

Are drinks included?

No. Coffee and drinks are available for purchase on board but are not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.